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The Blackhart Brothers #2
In Deep
I'll do anything to protect what's mine... The last thing I needed was a call from my old precinct letting me know my knucklehead nephew had been picked up for skipping class. Still, I figured it would be an in-and-out visit. Quick. Simple. But the moment I heard her voice, I should've known it would be anything but easy. I wasn't expecting the feelings that came roaring back the moment I laid eyes on the saucy detective with the gorgeous smile, but I probably should've seen it coming. Our history is one for the books, and it's a page-scorcher. And now here she is, standing in my way, and I can't seem to remember why I ever let her leave my side. It looks like the sparks between me and Detective Danita Moralez are as intense as ever, but she's also more guarded than before. Two years ago, she walked out of my life because she wasn't willing to reveal the dangerous truth about her undercover work. This time, she's not going to get away so easily. "Unputdownable romance...Thrilling action and plenty of heat are sure to have readers hooked."— Publishers Weekly starred review for Calling on Quinn
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2020
175 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Blue Saffire
83 books996 followersNEW YORK CITY – In just over a year since romance author Blue Saffire began writing and releasing books, she has trailblazed a path to success that many indie writers can only dream of. A multi-Swirl Award winner and a perennial Amazon bestseller, Saffire is the woman behind the popular interracial romance series “Legally Bound,” “Hush,” “Ballers,”“Brothers Black,” “Perfect For Me” and “Yours.”
Always the overachiever, Saffire typically releases a new book every four to six weeks, quenching the thirst of her dedicated fans with spicy storylines and dynamic writing. Saffire has seven releases slated between October 2016 and January 2017 including three new “Brothers Black” books and four new “Legally Bound” books.
One of Saffire’s keys to success is her talent for connecting with readers on a personal level. In 2017, she’s throwing Blue’s March Madness from March 23 to March 25 at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC. Not only does each reader get a chance to meet and hang out with Saffire, she’s inviting her bestselling author friends to join in on the fun. Included in the price of tickets are the events, new books exclusive to March Madness attendees and an extra-special secret surprise. For more information, visit http://bluesaffire.com/leads/march-ma....
BLUE SAFFIRE is a woman on a mission to share her words and thoughts with the world. She has found her passion in her pen and steams up the pages with her humor, honesty, love and voice. Saffire represents the secret author inside that some of us are too scared to let out.
She also writes under the pen name Royal Blue.
Saffire and her family all enjoy life in the suburbs. However, life throws her challenges daily and since her diary is no longer enough, she has decided it is time for new outlets for the words she would never say face to face to her friends, family and definitely not her husband. For more about Blue Saffire and her books, visit http://bluesaffire.com/.
Always the overachiever, Saffire typically releases a new book every four to six weeks, quenching the thirst of her dedicated fans with spicy storylines and dynamic writing. Saffire has seven releases slated between October 2016 and January 2017 including three new “Brothers Black” books and four new “Legally Bound” books.
One of Saffire’s keys to success is her talent for connecting with readers on a personal level. In 2017, she’s throwing Blue’s March Madness from March 23 to March 25 at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC. Not only does each reader get a chance to meet and hang out with Saffire, she’s inviting her bestselling author friends to join in on the fun. Included in the price of tickets are the events, new books exclusive to March Madness attendees and an extra-special secret surprise. For more information, visit http://bluesaffire.com/leads/march-ma....
BLUE SAFFIRE is a woman on a mission to share her words and thoughts with the world. She has found her passion in her pen and steams up the pages with her humor, honesty, love and voice. Saffire represents the secret author inside that some of us are too scared to let out.
She also writes under the pen name Royal Blue.
Saffire and her family all enjoy life in the suburbs. However, life throws her challenges daily and since her diary is no longer enough, she has decided it is time for new outlets for the words she would never say face to face to her friends, family and definitely not her husband. For more about Blue Saffire and her books, visit http://bluesaffire.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
August 4, 2020
Underwhelmed
As much as I liked Kevin, I disliked Danita/Dem. I understand that she’s been undercover for 5 years so probably paranoid, however it seemed unrealistic to me that she would ask him for trust but not reciprocate. The idea that he would go with the flow while she’s trying to get info from his nephew about his sister attempted murder was weird to me. She also kept hiding things that were not part of her case so I really questioned her commitment to him. Love is an action word. She also was too stubborn/egotistical for my liking. To wait 2 extra years to contact her family, people who could help her? Crazy. Same thing had she been honest with Kevin this whole thing would have been solved before. The idea that the less you know the better is nonsense. By just being with Kevin, she put him in danger so she might as well have gone all the way. I also didn’t like Kevin lying to his brothers for her. All these secrets brew disloyalties and betrayal which is the opposite of what we like with this family. I also couldn’t understand why they didn’t press Conley before. If they were convinced he had the key, why waste time? Overall, what I really didn’t like with the book is the feeling that it was all superficial. Nothing was resolved, no cases or the main case was discussed in depth. It was frustrating. At the end she was making a big deal out of nonsense. Why not introduce Kevin to her brothers? The nonsense about “they don’t know me” irked me. People are more that their names. So unless she was actively lying to Kevin’s family, they knew her by just interacting with her. They also were too many unresolved issues. At the end of the whole book we are still no further forward in the investigation about the ring and about who attacked Cal. Loosing Eric was just silly. Somehow Kevin doesn’t have zip ties? The whole reconnection with her parents was glossed over. I hope the next one will be more thorough and detailed and that things will get resolved. If we need a full book to find out 1 person at the top in a whitewashed investigation it will get boring.
As much as I liked Kevin, I disliked Danita/Dem. I understand that she’s been undercover for 5 years so probably paranoid, however it seemed unrealistic to me that she would ask him for trust but not reciprocate. The idea that he would go with the flow while she’s trying to get info from his nephew about his sister attempted murder was weird to me. She also kept hiding things that were not part of her case so I really questioned her commitment to him. Love is an action word. She also was too stubborn/egotistical for my liking. To wait 2 extra years to contact her family, people who could help her? Crazy. Same thing had she been honest with Kevin this whole thing would have been solved before. The idea that the less you know the better is nonsense. By just being with Kevin, she put him in danger so she might as well have gone all the way. I also didn’t like Kevin lying to his brothers for her. All these secrets brew disloyalties and betrayal which is the opposite of what we like with this family. I also couldn’t understand why they didn’t press Conley before. If they were convinced he had the key, why waste time? Overall, what I really didn’t like with the book is the feeling that it was all superficial. Nothing was resolved, no cases or the main case was discussed in depth. It was frustrating. At the end she was making a big deal out of nonsense. Why not introduce Kevin to her brothers? The nonsense about “they don’t know me” irked me. People are more that their names. So unless she was actively lying to Kevin’s family, they knew her by just interacting with her. They also were too many unresolved issues. At the end of the whole book we are still no further forward in the investigation about the ring and about who attacked Cal. Loosing Eric was just silly. Somehow Kevin doesn’t have zip ties? The whole reconnection with her parents was glossed over. I hope the next one will be more thorough and detailed and that things will get resolved. If we need a full book to find out 1 person at the top in a whitewashed investigation it will get boring.
August 16, 2020
Once again, I chose to jump into a series with book #2, not the smartest idea with a new-to-me author, and while this book is supposed to work as a standalone, for this reader it simply didn't. Clearly, the main characters, Kevin Blackhart, a former police detective now working in the family security/private intestigation firm, and Danita/Demaris Moralez, an FBI agent working undercover to expose police corruption, first met in the novel that preceded this one, but not knowing what came before was a huge stumbling block for this reader, and, as a result of extreme character confusion, and the fact that very little investigating actually occurred until near the end of the novel, yet far too much of this novel was little more than a rehashing of Kevin's graphic oral sex skills, and Danita/Demaris' refusal to trust him, even though she claims to love him, left me with no other choice than to give this novel a 2-star rating.
It was difficult not to like Kevin, a big, handsome hunk of an Irishman who would do anything to protect Danita/Demaris and his family, so it was easy to understand his appeal, but Danita/Demaris spends most of the novel lying to him because she's been undercover for 5 years, and refuses to divulge even her name to this loving, caring, protective man, which made little sense. The fact that her handler disappeared 2 years earlier without a word, and the fact that she didn't notify anyone at the FBI of that fact, not even on an untraceable burner phone, seemed utterly ridiculous, totally foolhardy, and utterly unprofessional. Additionally, far too much of this novel was spent on her inner dialogue about who she is, why she's there, the fact that in 5 years she's accomplished little of her mission, and her waffling about her feelings for Kevin, which slowed the pace of this novel to a crawl and became incredibly redundant.
Furthermore, it's clear from the outset that Kevin is white and Danita/Demaris is a person of color/mixed heritage, and I have no problem whatsoever with interracial relationships, but how many times did this fact need to be discussed in this novel? It seemed to pop-up in every chapter, and it seemed as if this fact was more of a problem for the author, whose race I do not know, than it was for me.
This novel certainly didn't work for me as a standalone, and I'd recommend reading the first book in the series before this one. Ms. Saffire isn't a bad writer, but this novel suffered from far too much inner dialogue, too little action outside of the bedroom, far too many extraneous characters, and a confusing plot, which is why I cannot recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
It was difficult not to like Kevin, a big, handsome hunk of an Irishman who would do anything to protect Danita/Demaris and his family, so it was easy to understand his appeal, but Danita/Demaris spends most of the novel lying to him because she's been undercover for 5 years, and refuses to divulge even her name to this loving, caring, protective man, which made little sense. The fact that her handler disappeared 2 years earlier without a word, and the fact that she didn't notify anyone at the FBI of that fact, not even on an untraceable burner phone, seemed utterly ridiculous, totally foolhardy, and utterly unprofessional. Additionally, far too much of this novel was spent on her inner dialogue about who she is, why she's there, the fact that in 5 years she's accomplished little of her mission, and her waffling about her feelings for Kevin, which slowed the pace of this novel to a crawl and became incredibly redundant.
Furthermore, it's clear from the outset that Kevin is white and Danita/Demaris is a person of color/mixed heritage, and I have no problem whatsoever with interracial relationships, but how many times did this fact need to be discussed in this novel? It seemed to pop-up in every chapter, and it seemed as if this fact was more of a problem for the author, whose race I do not know, than it was for me.
This novel certainly didn't work for me as a standalone, and I'd recommend reading the first book in the series before this one. Ms. Saffire isn't a bad writer, but this novel suffered from far too much inner dialogue, too little action outside of the bedroom, far too many extraneous characters, and a confusing plot, which is why I cannot recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 8, 2021
I enjoyed the book as I always do with blue saffire but it was a little slow but I am willing to read the next one in the series.
August 7, 2020
My thoughts
Rating: 5
Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I read more of this series? Yes , because at this moment I need book 3.
Would I read more by this author? Yes
First I want to thank the publisher SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca as well as NetGalley for letting me read and review it,because as soon as I saw this I had to have it, because last year I read the first book Calling on Quinn and loved it and I knew that I was going to love it this one just as much. As for the characters themselves I loved Kevin ( but I still love Quinn more ) and his loyalty to his family and what he believed in, as for Danita/Dem I just couldn't like her as much as I wanted to.
Rating: 5
Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I read more of this series? Yes , because at this moment I need book 3.
Would I read more by this author? Yes
First I want to thank the publisher SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca as well as NetGalley for letting me read and review it,because as soon as I saw this I had to have it, because last year I read the first book Calling on Quinn and loved it and I knew that I was going to love it this one just as much. As for the characters themselves I loved Kevin ( but I still love Quinn more ) and his loyalty to his family and what he believed in, as for Danita/Dem I just couldn't like her as much as I wanted to.
August 22, 2020
Again for me, a good read but, too slow and going over the same issues of trust and insecurities. The story was too long and it lacked something for me. I like it better than Quinn's story but not really enjoying this series as much as the Black Brother series.
August 30, 2020
The second book in The Blackhart Brothers, In Deep is Kevin and Danita’s story. I like Kevin but did struggle with Danita at time however I did enjoy the story and interactions and look forward to book 3
August 10, 2020
In Deep is the second book in the Blackhart Brothers series. When I read book 1, the hero Quinn, was easily at the top of my book boyfriend list. Now that I have met his brother Kevin, they are truly fighting for the top spot now. In book 2 Kevin and Danita/Demaris struggle to build a relationship while trying to figure out not only who is after Kevin's family but also who wants Danita dead.
Blue does a wonderful job of weaving a story that gets you so invested in these characters, you can't help but fall in love with them. Kevin and Danita are fighting so hard to not let the trouble coming their way rip them apart and with the connection between them being so strong it will not be an easy one to break and those after them soon find that out. In Deep is full of action and plenty of hot as heck love scenes and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to see who's up next in the Blackhart family and hopefully getting one step closer to figuring out who's trying to bring this family down.
Blue does a wonderful job of weaving a story that gets you so invested in these characters, you can't help but fall in love with them. Kevin and Danita are fighting so hard to not let the trouble coming their way rip them apart and with the connection between them being so strong it will not be an easy one to break and those after them soon find that out. In Deep is full of action and plenty of hot as heck love scenes and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to see who's up next in the Blackhart family and hopefully getting one step closer to figuring out who's trying to bring this family down.
August 16, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series, and you really do need to read book 1 - Calling on Quinn - to really understand the Blackhart family dynamics, and the tragedy which struck at the end of the last book. We travel about a bit in time, but mainly so that it ties in the previous storyline, and so that we can understand when Kevin and Danita/Dem first met.
It was good to catch up with the family, and be reminded of how they pulled together after the shooting. It was really helpful to get us back up to speed, as for me there have been quite a few books in between - but I was straight back in there worrying along with them, and trying to work out the why. Danita adds significantly to that side of the story, although I found it difficult to believe that she could be undercover for so long - and more importantly that she would think that not hearing anything from her handler for so long could be normal. Let along not doing any kind of google search ... at a library if she was so worried about being found out. But allowing for the need to suspend disbelief on a few matters, I found the plot to be suitably complicated and convoluted.
I wasn't entirely surprised we were left on another cliffhanger, although not exactly for this books pairing, (phew!), but now I just need the next book on my Kindle very soon!
This is the second book in the series, and you really do need to read book 1 - Calling on Quinn - to really understand the Blackhart family dynamics, and the tragedy which struck at the end of the last book. We travel about a bit in time, but mainly so that it ties in the previous storyline, and so that we can understand when Kevin and Danita/Dem first met.
It was good to catch up with the family, and be reminded of how they pulled together after the shooting. It was really helpful to get us back up to speed, as for me there have been quite a few books in between - but I was straight back in there worrying along with them, and trying to work out the why. Danita adds significantly to that side of the story, although I found it difficult to believe that she could be undercover for so long - and more importantly that she would think that not hearing anything from her handler for so long could be normal. Let along not doing any kind of google search ... at a library if she was so worried about being found out. But allowing for the need to suspend disbelief on a few matters, I found the plot to be suitably complicated and convoluted.
I wasn't entirely surprised we were left on another cliffhanger, although not exactly for this books pairing, (phew!), but now I just need the next book on my Kindle very soon!
August 12, 2020
In Deep (The Blackhart Brothers #2) by Blue Saffire
4 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Stalking, Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Kevin is protective of his family. It's just that simple. When his brother in law and sister are gunned down in front of their house, it'll take all of the Blackhart brothers to figure out what was going on. Cal was in over his head, which isn't anything new, but now everyone is scrambling to figure out what he knew, who was behind the shooting and who is going to pay.
Dem is an enigma. She is tough, but also vulnerable. She knows that she's closing in on the department issues, but can't seem to find the smoking gun. With Cal out of commission, nobody to trust and a department who can't seem to figure out how to not be corrupt, she's running on fumes.
Kevin never forgot Dem and vice versa. However, with both of their lives up in the air, family to worry about and a mystery to solve, can Kevin convince Dem that he can protect her and her secrets?
This is a fast paced story that leaves you with questions even after some have been answered. I hope to see more of the loose ends wrapped up in the next book.
4 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Stalking, Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Kevin is protective of his family. It's just that simple. When his brother in law and sister are gunned down in front of their house, it'll take all of the Blackhart brothers to figure out what was going on. Cal was in over his head, which isn't anything new, but now everyone is scrambling to figure out what he knew, who was behind the shooting and who is going to pay.
Dem is an enigma. She is tough, but also vulnerable. She knows that she's closing in on the department issues, but can't seem to find the smoking gun. With Cal out of commission, nobody to trust and a department who can't seem to figure out how to not be corrupt, she's running on fumes.
Kevin never forgot Dem and vice versa. However, with both of their lives up in the air, family to worry about and a mystery to solve, can Kevin convince Dem that he can protect her and her secrets?
This is a fast paced story that leaves you with questions even after some have been answered. I hope to see more of the loose ends wrapped up in the next book.
Read
August 10, 2020Love the author and was pining for one of her books. Tbh though, I had to muster through this one. I almost didnt finish it.
August 31, 2020
This was insta-blurb love. I hadn't read the author before, but I do like a good tension-wrought crime-solving duo who have history to stop the far-reaching rot that has made it dangerous to uphold the law in the local police precinct. The sensual romance was a bonus. So in I jumped.
In Deep is book two of the Blackhart Brothers series. I didn't notice I'd grabbed the second book. Some series of books can be read standalone or out of order no problem. This one leaves the reader on the wrong foot for quite a bit when read out of order because it not only ties in to the first book, Calling on Quinn, but I think some of it must have been running parallel to certain events in that book. So, best to get them in order
A female FBI agent has been deeply embedded in a police force for years to discover just what has gone wrong at a specific precinct. Cops can go bad, but this precinct has way too many bad cops for it to be incidental. Danita Morales (her cover name) can't seem to break through and get the organization behind the corruption to deal her in even after three years. A one night stand with a hot Irish ex-cop jolts her, but then a struggling case goes dead in the water when her handler disappears though not before warning her that the corruption is more wide-spread and goes higher than she thought and she can trust no one except for him. Two years later, Kevin Blackhart is back in her life and this time he's not letting her ghost him. He's going to take on her dark assignment with her and she can only hope that her secrets don't destroy what they have building between them.
Kevin Blackhart took his career as a cop seriously and hates that corruption and threats drove him and his brothers out to start their own investigation and security agency. He has never forgotten the one night with Danita Morales and when his brother in law and sister are shot, she is right back in his sphere when she suspects his teen nephew of knowing something that could break the case she and Cal had been working on. But, people he loves were hurt and he's going to have her back whether she wants it or not. He knows she's got secrets, but he just needs to prove that he will stick it out no matter what.
In Deep is a book that I enjoyed somewhat, but I had some major issues. It will seem I hated this book with a purple passion by the time you're done with my issues, but the truth is that I was captivated by the author's writing style and the Blackhart family. I want more of the author and more of the family. Two big things submarined the book for me and at least one isn't likely to be an issue in other books. I'll get to those in a bit.
This romantic suspense had a solid set up and I loved the first meet up of Danita and Kevin when he walks into the bar and dares her to dance with him. The Latina music and their dance brings out the sizzling attraction and they have a memorable one time encounter that leaves them both wanting when she ducks back into her case leaving him with nothing for another two years. Danita's case and the connection to Kevin's family brings them together once again and I felt the excitement begin that finally things were going to get started now the intro was out of the way.
But, here's where those two big things I mentioned come into play.
I'll start with what I'll call several small, but significant unlikely bits. First, I really was confused how an FBI agent ends up embedded in an investigation which is picture perfect Internal Affairs responsibility- digging out trouble within the cop world is IA's job. Second, how was it that Danita ended up staying on a case for two years after her handler disappears and how is it that she believes that she can't contact her agency because there is one- ONE- rotten apple there (according to her handler) so she has to go dark? And, how is it that she goes for five years with no break through with things getting worse and they aren't trying something else? The FBI just isn't that incompetent, slow, or hands off. The whole agency would have to be in on the plot from her handler's boss, her boss, her fellow agents, the finance office who pays her checks on down. No one missed an agent for five years or her handler who must have been another agent? I had so many niggles like this and they just kept coming.
But there's more.
Danita herself both as an undercover agent and as the romance heroine didn't work for me. Her 'I am an island' attitude was fine when she had a handler and things were kosher. It stopped working when she reaches out to a gutsy, risk-taking cop for help, but she won't take the help of a licensed investigating team and security experts even if they are already investigating since that cop is their brother in law. Kevin pretty much has it figured out that she's investigating something in the department and is more than she seems which, again, makes her tedious insistence on her secrets ridiculous. I really hated that she forced him to hide this from his brothers because secrets at this point are just dangerous and only hurt Kevin because it makes the onesidedness of the relationship glaringly obvious. She keeps spouting that she'll put them in danger when everyone and their dog knows she's with Kevin and has been seen with Kevin's family. She keeps saying that he doesn't know her and she's afraid it will destroy what they have (she's playing a cop a role pretty much like her real life not a drug kingpin so what she thinks he's going to freak about, I have no idea). She spends an awful lot of time in her own head and did little actual investigative work including following up on the biggest piece of the puzzle which she learned about early. She expects full trust, but gives him very little. I really wanted him to put her in the rear view until she figured out her life.
So, I found In Deep a mixed bag. But, like I said earlier, I enjoyed the author's writing and the overarching series plot, the big Blackhart family, and want to know what comes next. I want to keep going and see if a different book would appeal more. For those who see something of interest, don't forget to start with Calling on Quinn so you get the best experience.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
In Deep is book two of the Blackhart Brothers series. I didn't notice I'd grabbed the second book. Some series of books can be read standalone or out of order no problem. This one leaves the reader on the wrong foot for quite a bit when read out of order because it not only ties in to the first book, Calling on Quinn, but I think some of it must have been running parallel to certain events in that book. So, best to get them in order
A female FBI agent has been deeply embedded in a police force for years to discover just what has gone wrong at a specific precinct. Cops can go bad, but this precinct has way too many bad cops for it to be incidental. Danita Morales (her cover name) can't seem to break through and get the organization behind the corruption to deal her in even after three years. A one night stand with a hot Irish ex-cop jolts her, but then a struggling case goes dead in the water when her handler disappears though not before warning her that the corruption is more wide-spread and goes higher than she thought and she can trust no one except for him. Two years later, Kevin Blackhart is back in her life and this time he's not letting her ghost him. He's going to take on her dark assignment with her and she can only hope that her secrets don't destroy what they have building between them.
Kevin Blackhart took his career as a cop seriously and hates that corruption and threats drove him and his brothers out to start their own investigation and security agency. He has never forgotten the one night with Danita Morales and when his brother in law and sister are shot, she is right back in his sphere when she suspects his teen nephew of knowing something that could break the case she and Cal had been working on. But, people he loves were hurt and he's going to have her back whether she wants it or not. He knows she's got secrets, but he just needs to prove that he will stick it out no matter what.
In Deep is a book that I enjoyed somewhat, but I had some major issues. It will seem I hated this book with a purple passion by the time you're done with my issues, but the truth is that I was captivated by the author's writing style and the Blackhart family. I want more of the author and more of the family. Two big things submarined the book for me and at least one isn't likely to be an issue in other books. I'll get to those in a bit.
This romantic suspense had a solid set up and I loved the first meet up of Danita and Kevin when he walks into the bar and dares her to dance with him. The Latina music and their dance brings out the sizzling attraction and they have a memorable one time encounter that leaves them both wanting when she ducks back into her case leaving him with nothing for another two years. Danita's case and the connection to Kevin's family brings them together once again and I felt the excitement begin that finally things were going to get started now the intro was out of the way.
But, here's where those two big things I mentioned come into play.
I'll start with what I'll call several small, but significant unlikely bits. First, I really was confused how an FBI agent ends up embedded in an investigation which is picture perfect Internal Affairs responsibility- digging out trouble within the cop world is IA's job. Second, how was it that Danita ended up staying on a case for two years after her handler disappears and how is it that she believes that she can't contact her agency because there is one- ONE- rotten apple there (according to her handler) so she has to go dark? And, how is it that she goes for five years with no break through with things getting worse and they aren't trying something else? The FBI just isn't that incompetent, slow, or hands off. The whole agency would have to be in on the plot from her handler's boss, her boss, her fellow agents, the finance office who pays her checks on down. No one missed an agent for five years or her handler who must have been another agent? I had so many niggles like this and they just kept coming.
But there's more.
Danita herself both as an undercover agent and as the romance heroine didn't work for me. Her 'I am an island' attitude was fine when she had a handler and things were kosher. It stopped working when she reaches out to a gutsy, risk-taking cop for help, but she won't take the help of a licensed investigating team and security experts even if they are already investigating since that cop is their brother in law. Kevin pretty much has it figured out that she's investigating something in the department and is more than she seems which, again, makes her tedious insistence on her secrets ridiculous. I really hated that she forced him to hide this from his brothers because secrets at this point are just dangerous and only hurt Kevin because it makes the onesidedness of the relationship glaringly obvious. She keeps spouting that she'll put them in danger when everyone and their dog knows she's with Kevin and has been seen with Kevin's family. She keeps saying that he doesn't know her and she's afraid it will destroy what they have (she's playing a cop a role pretty much like her real life not a drug kingpin so what she thinks he's going to freak about, I have no idea). She spends an awful lot of time in her own head and did little actual investigative work including following up on the biggest piece of the puzzle which she learned about early. She expects full trust, but gives him very little. I really wanted him to put her in the rear view until she figured out her life.
So, I found In Deep a mixed bag. But, like I said earlier, I enjoyed the author's writing and the overarching series plot, the big Blackhart family, and want to know what comes next. I want to keep going and see if a different book would appeal more. For those who see something of interest, don't forget to start with Calling on Quinn so you get the best experience.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2020
Check out our full post for IN DEEP on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Kevin is protective of his family. It's just that simple. When his brother-in-law and sister are gunned down in front of their house, it'll take all of the Blackhart brothers to figure out what was going on. Cal was in over his head, which isn't anything new, but now everyone is scrambling to figure out what he knew, who was behind the shooting, and who is going to pay.
Dem is an enigma. She is tough, but also vulnerable. She knows that she's closing in on the department issues, but can't seem to find the smoking gun. With Cal out of commission, nobody to trust, and a department who can't seem to figure out how to not be corrupt, she's running on fumes.
Kevin never forgot Dem and vice versa. However, with both of their lives up in the air, family to worry about, and a mystery to solve, can Kevin convince Dem that he can protect her and her secrets?
This is a fast-paced story that leaves you with questions even after some have been answered. I hope to see more of the loose ends wrapped up in the next book.
Triggers: Stalking, Murder.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and you really do need to read book one, Calling on Quinn, to really understand the Blackhart family dynamics, and the tragedy which struck at the end of the last book. We travel about a bit in time, but mainly so that it ties in the previous storyline, and so that we can understand when Kevin and Danita/Dem first met.
It was good to catch up with the family, and be reminded of how they pulled together after the shooting. It was really helpful to get us back up to speed, as for me there have been quite a few books in between – but I was straight back in there, worrying along with them and trying to work out the why. Danita adds significantly to that side of the story, although I found it difficult to believe that she could be undercover for so long – and more importantly, that she would think that not hearing anything from her handler for so long could be normal. Let alone not doing any kind of Google search... at a library if she was so worried about being found out. But allowing for the need to suspend disbelief on a few matters, I found the plot to be suitably complicated and convoluted.
I wasn't entirely surprised we were left on another cliffhanger, although not exactly for this book’s pairing, (phew!), but now I just need the next book on my Kindle very soon!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
August 12, 2020
I started reading this book and was not able to put it down until I got to the end. This police story was a little different in that the undercover officer is a female. She has been undercover for a few years when she meets Kevin Blackhart who along with his brother owns a security company and who at one time worked for the police force that she is investigating. After they meet and have a good night, she disappears at least from Kevin’s point of view, then a few years later they meet again but this time he will not let her go.
Detective Danita Morales has been on her own now for a few years since her handler has gone missing and she figures he is dead. Now being undercover for five years and her last partner shot along with his wife she fears anyone who gets close to her. Kevin does not care and the more he pushes the more she fights him until she realizes she needs help and that he and his brother have found out who she is.
She fights with her self and with Kevin for she feels she has lost part of herself being undercover for so long. When they begin to get close to the end the two of them fight and as much passion as they have in the bedroom they have argued.
The author does a good job with the characters and with a few surprises and twists as you get to the end which turns out to help the story. She also sets you up for the next book at the end. Overall I liked this book and the characters very much. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Detective Danita Morales has been on her own now for a few years since her handler has gone missing and she figures he is dead. Now being undercover for five years and her last partner shot along with his wife she fears anyone who gets close to her. Kevin does not care and the more he pushes the more she fights him until she realizes she needs help and that he and his brother have found out who she is.
She fights with her self and with Kevin for she feels she has lost part of herself being undercover for so long. When they begin to get close to the end the two of them fight and as much passion as they have in the bedroom they have argued.
The author does a good job with the characters and with a few surprises and twists as you get to the end which turns out to help the story. She also sets you up for the next book at the end. Overall I liked this book and the characters very much. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
August 7, 2020
In Deep tells the story of Demaris and Kevin. Demaris is an undercover FBI agent, working as a detective and trying to get to the bottom of the corruption in the police force. She's reluctant to get involved with anyone, as she has been living a fake life for years and has begun to forget where she ends and her undercover identity of Danita starts. When Kevin comes into her life for the second time, she soon realises that there's no way that she can continue to keep him at arms distance. No matter how hard she tries to not get involved, he has different ideas.
I really liked the chemistry between Demaris and Kevin. He's willing to accept who she really is, even when she's keeping much of her real-life secret from her. I thought it was quite interesting to see a relationship where he was willing to accept her as she was and not push too hard against the secrets that she was keeping.
The only thing that I wasn't totally on board with was Kevin's accent. I'm not keen on lots of dialogue written with an accent, which is probably just a 'me' thing. I also wasn't sure why he even had an accent, his parents might be from Ireland, but he seemed to be American unless I was missing something.
Overall, this was a gripping romantic suspense and I'd certainly be keen to read more from the Blackhart Brothers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really liked the chemistry between Demaris and Kevin. He's willing to accept who she really is, even when she's keeping much of her real-life secret from her. I thought it was quite interesting to see a relationship where he was willing to accept her as she was and not push too hard against the secrets that she was keeping.
The only thing that I wasn't totally on board with was Kevin's accent. I'm not keen on lots of dialogue written with an accent, which is probably just a 'me' thing. I also wasn't sure why he even had an accent, his parents might be from Ireland, but he seemed to be American unless I was missing something.
Overall, this was a gripping romantic suspense and I'd certainly be keen to read more from the Blackhart Brothers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 10, 2020
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
This is the second book in this series and is Danita/Demaris and Kevin's story. Danita is undercover investigating the people she is working with. The problem she has run into is that her handler has gone missing, she can not reach them and has no exit out of the situation she is in.
Kevin Blackhart is a former police officer and works with his brothers doing security. He meets Danita several years ago and they have what he thought was an amazing night. But she disappears from his life. Now she is back and he wants to pick up where they left off.
Can Danita share her secrets with Kevin and him and his brothers help her? Will Kevin understand when the truth comes out? What will her family think when she finally contacts them?
I really enjoyed this story but did find that it seemed to drag along at times. Other than that it was a good suspenseful story. I would highly recommend reading the first book, just so you will know who all the Blackhart family members are. If this is a new author for you, I recommend her too.
This is the second book in this series and is Danita/Demaris and Kevin's story. Danita is undercover investigating the people she is working with. The problem she has run into is that her handler has gone missing, she can not reach them and has no exit out of the situation she is in.
Kevin Blackhart is a former police officer and works with his brothers doing security. He meets Danita several years ago and they have what he thought was an amazing night. But she disappears from his life. Now she is back and he wants to pick up where they left off.
Can Danita share her secrets with Kevin and him and his brothers help her? Will Kevin understand when the truth comes out? What will her family think when she finally contacts them?
I really enjoyed this story but did find that it seemed to drag along at times. Other than that it was a good suspenseful story. I would highly recommend reading the first book, just so you will know who all the Blackhart family members are. If this is a new author for you, I recommend her too.
August 5, 2020
In Deep is unforgettable and filled with thrilling suspense. Action that jumps off the pages, leaving you dangling on the edge. Eagerly turning the page for more. Kevin Blackhart has not seen Danita Moralez in over two years. Their intense attraction is as strong as ever. Kevin has no intention of letting Danita get away again. Danita has corruption, unknown enemies and danger surrounding her daily. Kevin is working with his brothers to discover who targeted his sister and brother in law. Added to that, working to find out what secrets his nephew is hiding. All the while building a relationship
with Danita. He will protect Danita and his family at any cost. Blue Saffire's word imagery paints a vivid picture. It captures the story for your visual imagination. Astonishing surprises, secrets, and aha moments is just a part of why this story is a fantastic read. This storyline has a detailed moving plot and so much more. Kevin Blackhart takes possession of your senses. You don't want to miss this romantic, sexy, stirring and exceptional book. This is a must add to your library.
with Danita. He will protect Danita and his family at any cost. Blue Saffire's word imagery paints a vivid picture. It captures the story for your visual imagination. Astonishing surprises, secrets, and aha moments is just a part of why this story is a fantastic read. This storyline has a detailed moving plot and so much more. Kevin Blackhart takes possession of your senses. You don't want to miss this romantic, sexy, stirring and exceptional book. This is a must add to your library.
August 12, 2020
In Deep by Blue Saffire
Going undercover out on the streets and into that unknown with the complete backup of your fellow brethren is all good. But, it’s another thing when you are doing undercover work in the police force and nobody in house knows your cover and you are an agent from another government source.
Danita has been 5 years undercover and has nobody but her handler and she meets Kevin an Ex-cop and fireworks go off.
The only problems are can she trust him. He has the same issue. He has been tracking the same case as her, but neither know it.
The author does a remarkable job weaving the threads of intrigue throughout, but I just wish it could have been a little more tighter. It seemed to lag and I had to put the book down and come back. I couldn’t keep to it because I was becoming let’s move forward. Overall the premise is great.
I would recommend this book definitely. It has action, drama, and spice, and a plot!
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
Going undercover out on the streets and into that unknown with the complete backup of your fellow brethren is all good. But, it’s another thing when you are doing undercover work in the police force and nobody in house knows your cover and you are an agent from another government source.
Danita has been 5 years undercover and has nobody but her handler and she meets Kevin an Ex-cop and fireworks go off.
The only problems are can she trust him. He has the same issue. He has been tracking the same case as her, but neither know it.
The author does a remarkable job weaving the threads of intrigue throughout, but I just wish it could have been a little more tighter. It seemed to lag and I had to put the book down and come back. I couldn’t keep to it because I was becoming let’s move forward. Overall the premise is great.
I would recommend this book definitely. It has action, drama, and spice, and a plot!
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
August 20, 2020
This was my first experience reading this author's work and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Kevin and Dem. I understand this is the second book in the Blackhart Brothers Series, and having said that, I do think I would have enjoyed In Deep more had I read Calling on Quinn first even though this book is considered a standalone. The blurb caught my attention right away and I couldn't wait to dig into their story. There are many characters in this read that are interconnected and at times, I did have to go back and re-read a chapter just to keep the characters straight in my head. Maybe if I would have read the first book, it would have been easier, but this book still had all the traits that I love in a romantic suspense -- intrigue, mystery, captivating storyline, edge of your seat anticipation and these two had chemistry for days! I would definitely recommend trying Ms. Saffire's books if you enjoy reading romantic suspense. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
August 24, 2020
Good series
This book was not my typical “Blue experience “. The good news is this series is absolutely mind-blowing, because you want to know who the bad guys are. But Blue has cleverly, slipped by us in book 2. Can not wait for book 3!
However, I really hate reading the same situation over and over again. Much of Danita and Kevin story is a repeat of there situation. My hiccup with this book is... it just took too long to get somewhere! Chapter 20 and we are just getting to a relationship. Danita trying to get Kevins’ nephew, Con to talk to her and give her information needed to help her, took over thirty chapters. So really the last three chapter is when the excitement really happens and the drama starts to unfold. It would have also been nice to get to know her family.
This book was not my typical “Blue experience “. The good news is this series is absolutely mind-blowing, because you want to know who the bad guys are. But Blue has cleverly, slipped by us in book 2. Can not wait for book 3!
However, I really hate reading the same situation over and over again. Much of Danita and Kevin story is a repeat of there situation. My hiccup with this book is... it just took too long to get somewhere! Chapter 20 and we are just getting to a relationship. Danita trying to get Kevins’ nephew, Con to talk to her and give her information needed to help her, took over thirty chapters. So really the last three chapter is when the excitement really happens and the drama starts to unfold. It would have also been nice to get to know her family.
September 1, 2020
So far this series is not a page-turner. It's interesting but nothing I can tell my friends to pick up and read.
In this 2nd book, I found the content repetitive. Each chapter was saying the same thing in different ways. Even up to chapter 30, we still only vaguely know why the parents were shot, why the son won’t talk, or why the cop with the fake name won’t confess to her lover why she is undercover, even though he knows she's undercover. DUH, he's a former cop and PI.
Each chapter offers very little excitement about wanting to read more. I'm guessing that there are more books to come as each brother will have their own story, but this is where I jump off. I have found myself no longer caring if they find out the who, did what, and why. If the ending is epic I will pick up the series again. As for now, I will find another one of Blue Saffir books to read.
In this 2nd book, I found the content repetitive. Each chapter was saying the same thing in different ways. Even up to chapter 30, we still only vaguely know why the parents were shot, why the son won’t talk, or why the cop with the fake name won’t confess to her lover why she is undercover, even though he knows she's undercover. DUH, he's a former cop and PI.
Each chapter offers very little excitement about wanting to read more. I'm guessing that there are more books to come as each brother will have their own story, but this is where I jump off. I have found myself no longer caring if they find out the who, did what, and why. If the ending is epic I will pick up the series again. As for now, I will find another one of Blue Saffir books to read.
January 15, 2021
This book had every potential of being great, but the main female protagonist (Danita), repeatedly, and I mean REPEATEDLY continued to not only drop the ball but underwhelm as well. I really loved the lead male protagonist (Kevin). I love a good book with amazing plot twist, suspense, and love but this book just kind of kept going on and on and the most frustrating part is that Danita will take three steps forward and 10,000 back. I get her job this and that but you found someone to give you what you thought you could never have and that your heart and soul yearn for and kept slapping him in the face with your sheer animosity for yourself and the thought of you being happy. She wasn’t very strong, she was more annoying and deceitful, maybe with another female lead this would have been better, but she really just sucked the joy out of this book
August 10, 2020
Mystery, hot sex and love 😊
I love Blue Saffire 💙 I enjoy her writing style and her books. I've enjoyed Kevin and Dem's love story it's definitely full of your usual mystery, 🔥 love scenes. I really like these two together. I wish that there was more talk of the sister and brother-in-law who were hurt and I like to know how the mother and father was doing. I know Blue will weave everyone in though. I'm really dying to find out who these corrupt people are and why they're doing what they're doing. I must admit I'm not fully engage like I am with the Black Brothers I'm still waiting for them (Blackheart's) to find their own lane in my mind I guess. I'm looking forward to Trent's book next hoping that will help me turn the corner on these sexy men.
I love Blue Saffire 💙 I enjoy her writing style and her books. I've enjoyed Kevin and Dem's love story it's definitely full of your usual mystery, 🔥 love scenes. I really like these two together. I wish that there was more talk of the sister and brother-in-law who were hurt and I like to know how the mother and father was doing. I know Blue will weave everyone in though. I'm really dying to find out who these corrupt people are and why they're doing what they're doing. I must admit I'm not fully engage like I am with the Black Brothers I'm still waiting for them (Blackheart's) to find their own lane in my mind I guess. I'm looking forward to Trent's book next hoping that will help me turn the corner on these sexy men.
August 17, 2020
This novel was a good fun time!
I found our characters to be realistically flawed, while also being likeable enough that you root for them to win. Not only in their relationship, but in their work spaces and every facet of their life. The high-stakes feel of the novel was established early, and kept the plot moving at a steady pace.
The on page chemistry that Danita and Kevin have is electric, and I couldn't stop reading about them. The sex scenes were steamy, and drew lines very clearly for our characters in their inter-racial relationship. Everything was well handled, and I appreciated the respect show to our character of color.
Please check out these books! I really enjoyed this one, and look forward into digging into more!
I found our characters to be realistically flawed, while also being likeable enough that you root for them to win. Not only in their relationship, but in their work spaces and every facet of their life. The high-stakes feel of the novel was established early, and kept the plot moving at a steady pace.
The on page chemistry that Danita and Kevin have is electric, and I couldn't stop reading about them. The sex scenes were steamy, and drew lines very clearly for our characters in their inter-racial relationship. Everything was well handled, and I appreciated the respect show to our character of color.
Please check out these books! I really enjoyed this one, and look forward into digging into more!
August 8, 2020
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
The second in the Blackheart Brothers series carries on where the first left off...
The brothers are looking after their sister's children after she and her husband were shot, at the same time they are trying to find the shooter and of course find themselves falling...
Kevin met Danita a couple of years back in the cop bar in town.. they hit it off but then out of nowhere she disappeared... now she is back and like the brothers trying to figure out who shot Erin and Cal
Lots of twists and turns... this was an enjoyable read
The second in the Blackheart Brothers series carries on where the first left off...
The brothers are looking after their sister's children after she and her husband were shot, at the same time they are trying to find the shooter and of course find themselves falling...
Kevin met Danita a couple of years back in the cop bar in town.. they hit it off but then out of nowhere she disappeared... now she is back and like the brothers trying to figure out who shot Erin and Cal
Lots of twists and turns... this was an enjoyable read
August 10, 2020
When Irish Eyes are Smiling..
Danita/Demaris and Kevin's story is action packed...Quinn and Alicia is here and the whole Blackhart clan....this time they have to save Danita from imminent danger...except she not a damsel in distress.....girl got serious creds...she is also between a rock and a hard place....deep secrets if exposed will get people hurt...or worse killed...Erin and Cal has already been badly hurt...now the good stuff....the Irish boy blew her back out....made Dem speak in tongues...not to mention Kevin using his tongue for nefarious reasons....hothothot..waiting for Trent and Shayla...worth every penny
Danita/Demaris and Kevin's story is action packed...Quinn and Alicia is here and the whole Blackhart clan....this time they have to save Danita from imminent danger...except she not a damsel in distress.....girl got serious creds...she is also between a rock and a hard place....deep secrets if exposed will get people hurt...or worse killed...Erin and Cal has already been badly hurt...now the good stuff....the Irish boy blew her back out....made Dem speak in tongues...not to mention Kevin using his tongue for nefarious reasons....hothothot..waiting for Trent and Shayla...worth every penny
August 12, 2020
While this is the second book in this series I had no problem following the story line though after saying that I enjoyed this one so much that I will probably buy the first book in this series eventually.
Kevin Blackhart is called into his old precinct to pick up his nephew who has skipped school, While he is there he runs into an old work mate Danita (Demi) Moralez these two have history together but he hasn't seen her for a while as she has been deep undercover. Soon he is starting a relationship with her again and discovers that there is links between who is targeting his family and her undercover past Can he solve it before someone is hurt You will have to read to see
Kevin Blackhart is called into his old precinct to pick up his nephew who has skipped school, While he is there he runs into an old work mate Danita (Demi) Moralez these two have history together but he hasn't seen her for a while as she has been deep undercover. Soon he is starting a relationship with her again and discovers that there is links between who is targeting his family and her undercover past Can he solve it before someone is hurt You will have to read to see
September 6, 2020
Yes!!
As always this book was everything, kev and dem had this chemistry that burned through the pages and embedded itself into your soul .Kevin never loved Danita i think from the moment he was her and everything he did showed you that.There were a lot of plot twist and turns and a lot of unexpected thing to happen on this journey with kev and dem. I'm hoping that in the 3rd book a lot of unanswered questions will be answered.I think the blackheart series is going to be a phenomenal series and I can't wait to take this ride with blue .Until the next book comes I will be patiently waiting
As always this book was everything, kev and dem had this chemistry that burned through the pages and embedded itself into your soul .Kevin never loved Danita i think from the moment he was her and everything he did showed you that.There were a lot of plot twist and turns and a lot of unexpected thing to happen on this journey with kev and dem. I'm hoping that in the 3rd book a lot of unanswered questions will be answered.I think the blackheart series is going to be a phenomenal series and I can't wait to take this ride with blue .Until the next book comes I will be patiently waiting
September 30, 2020
Ending about Eric a little Confusing, but the read was worth it!
The chemistry of love and care of Kevin and Dem was just as great as Quinn in Book 1. That's the key to the success, at least for me, to the long drawn out story this book turned out to be. Book 1 got to the point of the story better. The ending didn't clear up why Dem couldn't from the beginning not just confide the whole story of what was going on to Kevin. And I was still confused about who the bad people were by the end of the book. But like I said Blue Saffire has that Blackhart sexy chemistry down pact, so the book was well worth it. And I'm not even crazy about red-heads!
The chemistry of love and care of Kevin and Dem was just as great as Quinn in Book 1. That's the key to the success, at least for me, to the long drawn out story this book turned out to be. Book 1 got to the point of the story better. The ending didn't clear up why Dem couldn't from the beginning not just confide the whole story of what was going on to Kevin. And I was still confused about who the bad people were by the end of the book. But like I said Blue Saffire has that Blackhart sexy chemistry down pact, so the book was well worth it. And I'm not even crazy about red-heads!
August 31, 2020
This was an intriguing story with lots of juicy characters and an action-packed plot. That being said, some things made me confused and took away from my enjoyment. At first, when I started reading, I felt some things were missing and I didn't understand what was going on. A little backstory was needed. Then, after a couple of chapters, the plotline jumped two years. And, finally, the ending wasn't really satisfying. No one caught the bad guys. It just continues, which isn't a conclusion. I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2020
Love this Storyline
I truly enjoyed this storyline, even though Danita really sore on my nerves.
You knew there was all sorts of corruption in the PD. We also knew, since we've spreadsheet Calling on Quinn, that Danita was undercover. What I didn't get why she was so stubborn in not allowing the relationship she actually wanted with Kevin.
The story was Sexy, funny, intriguing and suspenseful. I'm still interested in seeing what's going on with Trent and Shayla. Who is this Vivian and how does she got into the Mercado Family story.
I truly enjoyed this storyline, even though Danita really sore on my nerves.
You knew there was all sorts of corruption in the PD. We also knew, since we've spreadsheet Calling on Quinn, that Danita was undercover. What I didn't get why she was so stubborn in not allowing the relationship she actually wanted with Kevin.
The story was Sexy, funny, intriguing and suspenseful. I'm still interested in seeing what's going on with Trent and Shayla. Who is this Vivian and how does she got into the Mercado Family story.
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