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Sweetwater #5
Undertow
As an emergency room physician, Chloe Rutledge has encountered more than her share of bizarre professional circumstances. However, one seemingly benign encounter with a nervous patient may turn out to be the most dangerous case of Chloe’s life.
After both the patient and her boyfriend flee the hospital before Chloe can begin treatment, she writes it off as just another unfortunate part of working in the ER. However, when the boyfriend turns up dead, Chloe finds herself navigating a sea of intrigue and deceit that threatens to drag her under. Relying on the help of charter boat captain Noah Barnwell, with whom she has a rather embarrassing history, Chloe must somehow chart a course to help her survive multiple unexplained attempts on her life, as well as her tempestuous relationship with Noah.
See how she weathers the storm in UNDERTOW, the latest installment of the Sweetwater series by Lisa Clark O’Neill.
After both the patient and her boyfriend flee the hospital before Chloe can begin treatment, she writes it off as just another unfortunate part of working in the ER. However, when the boyfriend turns up dead, Chloe finds herself navigating a sea of intrigue and deceit that threatens to drag her under. Relying on the help of charter boat captain Noah Barnwell, with whom she has a rather embarrassing history, Chloe must somehow chart a course to help her survive multiple unexplained attempts on her life, as well as her tempestuous relationship with Noah.
See how she weathers the storm in UNDERTOW, the latest installment of the Sweetwater series by Lisa Clark O’Neill.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2019
138 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Clark O'Neill
23 books247 followersOne fine day in the not-too-distant past, Lisa Clark O’Neill left Wittenberg University with a BA in English, which she promptly neglected. After working as an interior designer, decorative artist, and Montessori art teacher (there may have been a BA in art as well,) she finally settled into the role of mother to two very fine children. However, two years of doing the stay-at-home-mom brain cell melt drove her to pull out a pen and one of her old college notebooks. That turned into six manuscripts. Lisa spent subsequent years avoiding housework by burying her nose in just about every romance novel she could get her hands on, after completely falling in love with the genre. Her own work falls into the romantic suspense sub-genre, with strong comedic undertones. Two of Lisa's recent novels, Circumstantial Evidence and Malice, were chosen as Best Reads of 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 11, 2019
I know...everyone else really enjoyed this book and I wished that I did too. But I didn't. I liked the characters of Chloe and Noah. I liked them together. I liked them as a couple. I wasn't enamored with their "meet not so cute".
The book seemed to be pages and pages of filler which I found myself skimming. Instead of really trying to solve a murder and missing person case, it seemed everyone was spending all their time and thought about coming up with tons of illogical options.
In the end, the reason behind the murder(s)/murder attempts is explained in a paragraph in the epilogue.
I like my romantic suspense to have a really solid suspense plot and this felt more like an outline with potential. But instead of developing the potential it was filled with pages of filler that, for me, was basically boring.
I like this author's writing voice and have enjoyed a number of her prior books. I think my personal preference for suspense has really impacted my rating and feel that those who want more romance and less suspense will enjoy this more.
The book seemed to be pages and pages of filler which I found myself skimming. Instead of really trying to solve a murder and missing person case, it seemed everyone was spending all their time and thought about coming up with tons of illogical options.
In the end, the reason behind the murder(s)/murder attempts is explained in a paragraph in the epilogue.
I like my romantic suspense to have a really solid suspense plot and this felt more like an outline with potential. But instead of developing the potential it was filled with pages of filler that, for me, was basically boring.
I like this author's writing voice and have enjoyed a number of her prior books. I think my personal preference for suspense has really impacted my rating and feel that those who want more romance and less suspense will enjoy this more.
June 6, 2019
Lisa Clark O'Neill masters visually-descriptive phrases, perfectly-timed humor, and a hot romance creating a visceral punch as well as delicious pleasure reading with Undertow, another spell-binding tale of suspense set in the low country town of Sweetwater.
Chloe and Noah are the perfect match. O'Neill brings so much humor to their first meeting it carries you through the novel, the suspense, and the absolute desire to want these two together as well as to survive, making it the best kind of glue.
Note: Undertow can easily be read as a stand-alone but is enhanced by reading the prior Sweetwater books as favorite older characters are portrayed in this novel.
Chloe and Noah are the perfect match. O'Neill brings so much humor to their first meeting it carries you through the novel, the suspense, and the absolute desire to want these two together as well as to survive, making it the best kind of glue.
Note: Undertow can easily be read as a stand-alone but is enhanced by reading the prior Sweetwater books as favorite older characters are portrayed in this novel.
June 14, 2019
Excellent!
Ms. O'Neill has a way with words that just sucks you in so that you can't put down the book until you've finished. Her latest does not disappoint and will keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book, as well as any other in her Sweetwater, Dahlonega, or Southern Comfort series.
Ms. O'Neill has a way with words that just sucks you in so that you can't put down the book until you've finished. Her latest does not disappoint and will keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book, as well as any other in her Sweetwater, Dahlonega, or Southern Comfort series.
November 29, 2020
I love love the banter and meet-cutes in Lisa Clark O'Neill's books, and she never disappoints with the small-town gothic atmosphere. Chloe is an emergency department doctor and new addition to the Sweetwater community, connecting with Noah, the charter boat captain and carpenter who has popped in and out of the series. The heroes in this series are such an appealing combination of creativity and handiness, appreciating the history and charm of their home, yet managing to not seem provincial. The mystery takes a bit of a backseat, bringing me from a 5-star to 4-star read, and Chloe's quirks occasionally straddle the annoying boundary, but still extremely enjoyable book. I read everything by this author.
June 3, 2019
Book 5 in the Sweetwater series, but you can read this as a standalone.
I loved this book. Once I started reading I kept flipping the pages until I was done and I knew what and why.
Chloe was a wonderful characters and so recognisable in many ways. We all feel like that or blurt things out. It made her realistic. Noah was amazing. Can I have one of those?
The story was fast paced and it kept me wondering until the very last page. I didn’t guess it, so i was pleasantly surprised.
Another great addition to this series.
I loved this book. Once I started reading I kept flipping the pages until I was done and I knew what and why.
Chloe was a wonderful characters and so recognisable in many ways. We all feel like that or blurt things out. It made her realistic. Noah was amazing. Can I have one of those?
The story was fast paced and it kept me wondering until the very last page. I didn’t guess it, so i was pleasantly surprised.
Another great addition to this series.
June 3, 2019
Love Sweetwater!
Finally we get a book that fills in the picture of Noah! I never would have imagined an ER D as a love match for Noah, but Chloe is just the perfect match for him. Great story, great plot, great characters - both new and old! I loved this book.
Finally we get a book that fills in the picture of Noah! I never would have imagined an ER D as a love match for Noah, but Chloe is just the perfect match for him. Great story, great plot, great characters - both new and old! I loved this book.
May 31, 2019
Great book, just the way I like my romantic suspense. Love this series and the author is one of my top favorites. Recommend.
July 18, 2023
I have really enjoyed this author. I have literally read all of her books now. The characters she creates are just so real and relatable. Case in point- Chloe and Noah. I fortunately (maybe unfortunately?) related a lot to Chloe. I'm awkward, tend to conduct a lot of research on very specific topics, and ended up with someone who makes me take a step back and enjoy the moments. I loved them together.
June 2, 2019
Homerun
Highly recommend this summer read. Excellent storytelling and some steamy scenes keep the pace moving. Love the whole series but this one especially!
Highly recommend this summer read. Excellent storytelling and some steamy scenes keep the pace moving. Love the whole series but this one especially!
June 8, 2019
Lisa Clark O’Neill
I truly enjoy Lisa Clark O’Neill’s books and this was an excellent addition to the series. I highly recommend her work.
I truly enjoy Lisa Clark O’Neill’s books and this was an excellent addition to the series. I highly recommend her work.
September 16, 2019
“And so many yet to come.”
Noah and Chloe are the typical, not typical duo. Chloe is an ER doctor who has always been on the straight and narrow road for her career. Noah is a fisherman who owns his own boat and plays handyman from time to time. When an accidental run in with a strange couple puts Chloe in danger, Noah steps up. Another great read in a series of great reads! Super series! Enjoy!!!
Noah and Chloe are the typical, not typical duo. Chloe is an ER doctor who has always been on the straight and narrow road for her career. Noah is a fisherman who owns his own boat and plays handyman from time to time. When an accidental run in with a strange couple puts Chloe in danger, Noah steps up. Another great read in a series of great reads! Super series! Enjoy!!!
June 2, 2019
Loved this!
Loved everything about this book - the banter between the H and h was priceless, and the "guy talk" between Noah, Will, and Tucker was hilarious!! The twists to the mystery just kept unraveling, and I never saw the bad guy coming. This author just gets better and better with each book!
Loved everything about this book - the banter between the H and h was priceless, and the "guy talk" between Noah, Will, and Tucker was hilarious!! The twists to the mystery just kept unraveling, and I never saw the bad guy coming. This author just gets better and better with each book!
June 29, 2019
How do I move to Sweetwater?
Undertow is another great installment in the Sweetwater series. I didn't realize I needed Chloe or Noah's story in my life until I had it in my hands. I love Lisa Clark O'Neill 's writing style, she keeps the plot moving while setting a vivid scene. Absolutely recommend this book!
Undertow is another great installment in the Sweetwater series. I didn't realize I needed Chloe or Noah's story in my life until I had it in my hands. I love Lisa Clark O'Neill 's writing style, she keeps the plot moving while setting a vivid scene. Absolutely recommend this book!
February 12, 2021
So good, but this is another book of this author’s that ends abruptly. There was a short epilogue to soften that a little but still. Some of her books wrap up nicely and and a few end like a brick to the face almost like she was just ready to be done writing already.
But the story was good, the romance was good. I do love this author.
But the story was good, the romance was good. I do love this author.
June 8, 2019
A gripping read!
I fall in love with every character in Lisa's books, carried away by their stories. When I pick them up I have trouble putting them down until I am finished and immediately wish I had read slower. This book was as delicious as the other stories in the series.
I fall in love with every character in Lisa's books, carried away by their stories. When I pick them up I have trouble putting them down until I am finished and immediately wish I had read slower. This book was as delicious as the other stories in the series.
June 16, 2019
Spectacular
What terrific writing! Normally you might be able to figure out The Who or the why when it comes to suspense and what not. But I kid you not, I had no clue about anything until the end! I was just enjoying the story and I want more of Chloe and Noah!
What terrific writing! Normally you might be able to figure out The Who or the why when it comes to suspense and what not. But I kid you not, I had no clue about anything until the end! I was just enjoying the story and I want more of Chloe and Noah!
June 28, 2019
I won this book through the Goodreads raffles. I would have read it anyway because I just love, Love, LOVE Lisa Clark O'Neill's books and this one did not disappoint! You want a fast paced, thrill ride of a read? Well, here it is. Enjoy!
August 30, 2019
Another good book 👍
I liked getting to know Noah more in this book. He and Cloe are so different, but as usual it works. Love seeing all the people/family/friends and their continuing lives.
I liked getting to know Noah more in this book. He and Cloe are so different, but as usual it works. Love seeing all the people/family/friends and their continuing lives.
September 13, 2019
Love this series.
Great stories and cool connections. Noah and the Doctor were amazing. She is so high stress and he is so relaxed and fun loving. It was fun to watch them find each other.
Great stories and cool connections. Noah and the Doctor were amazing. She is so high stress and he is so relaxed and fun loving. It was fun to watch them find each other.
October 3, 2019
Funny and engaging
Funny, romantic, and mysterious are how I would characterize this installment of the Sweetwater series. A bit less crime and spookiness than the last book, this book is no less addictive or entertaining. Five stars for a well researched, fast paced read.
Funny, romantic, and mysterious are how I would characterize this installment of the Sweetwater series. A bit less crime and spookiness than the last book, this book is no less addictive or entertaining. Five stars for a well researched, fast paced read.
January 11, 2020
Wonderful romantic suspense
Terrific story about a doctor who becomes a victim of a killer without knowing why. The "why" isn't revealed until the epilogue. The underlying romance is fun to read about as it happens.
Terrific story about a doctor who becomes a victim of a killer without knowing why. The "why" isn't revealed until the epilogue. The underlying romance is fun to read about as it happens.
June 28, 2019
Undertow review
Undertow is the fifth very funny romantic suspense book in The Sweetwater series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill. I highly recommend this series.
Undertow is the fifth very funny romantic suspense book in The Sweetwater series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill. I highly recommend this series.
July 7, 2019
Kept my attention from the first page to the last
July 29, 2019
Fun read!
I enjoyed this book very much! Good characters, good storyline! Fun, sexy, danger and a mystery all rolled into one great read!
I enjoyed this book very much! Good characters, good storyline! Fun, sexy, danger and a mystery all rolled into one great read!
July 29, 2019
It was a fun and enjoyable book. Great pacing and fun character's.
January 3, 2021
A hurried ending that wasn’t explained until the epilogue.
March 31, 2021
Great story, Ms. Clark never disappoints.
May 2, 2021
4.5★
August 7, 2019
Undertow
Best book in the series so far. A furious page turner that once again kept me on the edge of my seat!!!
Best book in the series so far. A furious page turner that once again kept me on the edge of my seat!!!
books-mine-asap
November 3, 2025~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noah Barnwell
Chloe Rutledge
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews