That Day

by Karen Deen

A day, like no other.They happen once in a lifetime, they say.So why am I 'lucky' enough to have more than one? Here I am living life, minding my own business.Until the man I'd been fantasizing over for a year.Ends up in my bed. The sensual words he whispers late at night.His touch on my skin, ignites my inner vixen.Making me want things I've only ever written in words.And when our bodies unite,the electricity is more powerful than lightning. Kurt Dolan is fast becoming the calm of my storms.The man who will be my foreverWell so I stupidly thought ...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Slow Burn, Mystery, Suspense, Ebooks

518 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2021

About the author

Karen Deen is an international bestselling author who loves to write love stories that will stay with you long after you’ve finished. Stories filled with spice and witty banter, while being full of emotion, comedy, suspense and twists and turns that you never see coming. All the time steering her characters to their happily ever after. Everything you need in a good love story.

Writing from her picturesque hometown near Sydney, Australia, Karen is enjoying life with her childhood sweetheart husband, three adult children and their ever-growing family. And can also be found out for a sneaky lunch or coffee date with friends that involves laughter until their sides hurt.

Follow Karen on Amazon for all her releases.

Reviews

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited for a new book by this author, as I loved her books before. And it was nothing liked I was expecting.

First of all, if the summary and the beginning of the book don’t give it away, know that the book has some suspense and mystery. It’s barely hinted quite early, and it becomes more and more important, until it’s full spy action by the end. But the pace is slow, and the romance is at the center of the story.

I thought the writing was a bit clumsy at times–a lot of ‘tell’ instead of ‘show’, and some sentences sounded weird to me. With a slow pace and a stretched out story, it was even more obvious. It didn’t distract me from the plot though.

I quite liked the characters–though I’m getting tired of instalove. I’d have enjoyed a few more conversations and platonic moments between them before they start their forever relationship. At least, the quick way they end up in bed wasn’t out of place and was original.

Family–the one you lose, the one you win, the one you choose, the one your build, the one you protect–was an underlying theme. It was interesting and generally well treated.

This was not the book I was expecting, nor my favorite, but I still enjoyed it quite a lot, even though it deserved a faster pace.

Quickie

- Series: standalone
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #instalove #alpha male
- Triggers: some violence and death, at least mentioned, nothing explicit
- Main couple: Asha Elders & Kurt Dolan
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + a solid suspensful plot…
- – until a rushed and frustrating ending

[Camila Matuella]

DNF 34%

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Day is a story that has secrets, suspense, drama and chaos. Asher is craving to be touched and Kurt is the man that will calm the storm surrounding her. As you are taken on an angsty ride, you will at times find yourself holding your breath and questioning who to trust. The chemistry between these two sparks off the pages leading to a fire that burns bright. Their story is not all suspense and drama but also has passion, witty banter and some lighter moments. A story that draws you into the mayhem and leaves you with a heart overflowing with love.

[Amy Dolan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dude, I couldn't even get past the storm.

I've lived in North Carolina all my life, and I've ridden out plenty of hurricanes. If you cannot write accurately about something so simple to research, I can't read the rest of the story. The very first scene is so far fetched, I have to wonder if the rest of the book will be as stupid as the first few chapters. Hurricanes last a LOT longer than a few hours, and they don't come up like a thunder storm in the time it takes you to walk from the beach to your truck. Whole houses get washed away by storm surge, and even if the house is raised up a little you'll get tons of debris in the yard, and damage to a house that's not boarded up. She's scared shitless, and somehow doing the dirty deed with dinnertime she just met is going to make her forget everything that's crashing up against her house outside, and don't forget the waves that would be coming up outside her door. And his truck below her house, would just be gone. GONE!!
Please, if you're going to write about something, just ASK to make sure your details are spot on, especially if you live in Australia and you're writing about hurricanes in North Carolina.

[Hart's Reader Group · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited when I heard about an upcoming Karen Deen book--I loved her other books. This book, however, was a huge letdown. As with her other books, Karen puts NO effort into describing what her characters look like outside of height and occasionally what their hair is doing. So, I went into this story with little to help build the characters in my brain as I read. And because the story became boring and predictable, I lost interest in it completely. Also, the fact that Jenna/Asha threw herself at Kurt made me lose respect for her right off the bat. Have some f**king self-respect--especially if you "think" you're going to die, which was absurd anyway because she was safe and just overreacting.

All in all, this was a hugely disappointing, boring, blah-fest.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / UNIVERSAL

Asha and the hot surfer guy's meet cute is adorable thanks to a storm creating close confines and a hot af attraction. But, don't go thinking that initial cuteness means Asha and Kurt's story will be the fluffy rom-com type, because it's in fact, filled with suspense and action, and yes, serious heat.



Asha's been fascinated with Kurt for a long while now, never realizing he's been watching her just as long. There are things she's not aware of, though, things like who he is, what his previous job was. Just as she's been through it, and needs to keep her identity hidden, Kurt has things in his past, too. But it's those very things that will make him the perfect man to protect her from those out to do her harm. Those things, and the quickly developing feelings between them.



As romantic suspense goes, That Day is great. It's got lots of action, tons of chemistry between Kurt and Asha, and great secondary characters like Ghost and Cassie and Bessy and Hawk.



ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Favourite Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* Sexy Suspenseful Stars

I always look forward to reading the latest release by Karen Deen as her stories are real and heartfelt and of course super sexy.

The story of Kurt and Asha is so much more than them eyeing each other out from afar at the beach and having one night of lustful sex. Their chemistry was undeniable but their love for one another was so fierce and true. Kurt was the perfect alpha male who protected Asha with respect and the most tender of deep love.

When lives are threatened, secrets are revealed and chaos abounds. The suspense was riveting and exciting. I enjoyed the incorporation of some of the side characters who were interesting and very likeable (especially Ghost).

I enjoyed the ride the author took me on. The story was a wonderful balance of romance, suspense and intrigue.

One thing you are always guaranteed with Karen Dean’s books is a hot sexy cover ❤️

[Laurel Nilsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Day had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Asha and Kurt’s story is one of mystery and danger but is full of heat and you won’t be able to put the book down. The chemistry between these two is electric and the connection between them is unmistakable. There are witty moments and high emotions. A thoroughly engaging storyline that grips you.

[Phyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of this author. I’m happy to report I can make sense of your jumble. The sexual attraction between Asha and Kurt is off the charts. They are drawn together by lust and sexual energy. Their backstory is something I didn’t expect. Full of drama and suspense. Things are not as they seem. The plot thickens and trust becomes pertinent. I love his protectiveness of Asha, it’s something she desperately needs.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me way longer to read this book and it shouldn’t have because this book totally deserved to be devoured in a sitting or 2. While life circumstances made this impossible for me, it didn’t detract from how fabulous and nail biting this story actually was!

Asha is an Author in WITSEC spying on a great looking surfer as she walks her dog Coco each day. Kurt is that sexy surfer who runs his own building company by day and runs his eyes over Asha from afar. He’s an ex WITSEC agent and finds himself drawn to Asha despite not knowing her circumstances. An extremely HOT relationship is built that will leave you drooling for more and turning pages faster than your eyes can read but the more we read, the further even us readers fall for Asha and Kurt.

But all is not a fairy tale and people out there want Asha dead, and we learn very quickly that not everyone close to us can be trusted. Karen makes us fall in love with her characters, from Coco the dog to parents, protectors and kids, this book is such a feel good heart stopper that one simply should not put down!

An easy 5⭐️ from me ❤️‍🔥

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it !

Great story . Should have been 5 stars! Drags a little in the middle but picks up in the end

[Tina Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible! Started well, but I was skimming pages!

Oh I had such high hopes with this book!!! Now I feel like screaming!
Asha is in witness protection, and every morning while walking her dog she eyes up the sexy surfer. Kurt who just happens to be an ex witness protection officer lives a few houses down from her. Yawn! Yeah that would happen!!!
So they meet and fall in love and although she says she trusts him she obviously doesn’t!!! After over hearing him on the phone to someone saying he doesn’t trust her, instead of asking him what’s going on, she shuts off from him and starts thinking he’s out to kill her!!!!
What a waste of time reading this!!!
One other thing. Writers please, please, please after someone has sex without a condom get them to go to the bathroom and clean up! It’s so gross when they’re laid cuddling afterwards!

[shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had potential but it was way slow for me

The beginning had me hooked but then the book start to drag there where too many sex scenes the speed of things happening in the book where slow. So Asha is in hiding from bad men when she meets sexy surfer Kurt the builder. Asha knows she can't get attached or build relationships because she might have to leave in a moments notice but she can't help it she's lonely. Kurt's not looking for a relationship either so they think one night will fix there attraction to each other but circumstances change the one night into many. Love blossoms then danger comes for Asha and Kurt must help protect her from the bad guys. I loved the cover and the epilogue's.

[Anna Valsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5🌟🌟🌟⭐👌🐶🏄

[Jaleel Webster-Abrahams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought a book could make me so emotional. I am not a crier, but for Asha and Kurt I cried my heart out. It was so good that I had to read it twice to wrap my head around this kind of love. It is a love so overbearing and powerful that I felt myself craving what Asha has with Kurt. Love in one of the most purest forms. From afar, always at a distance he looked (she looked), but never touched (on both their ends). Not until That Day.

The titleof this book resonates with me. Karen, I don't think you know it. But you have created a longing for a man as loving and kind as Kurt is many young women, myself included. To be loved the way he loved that woman (fictional world or not) is the most breath-taking thing in this world. I could go on and on.

Thunderstorms are supposed to be scary, but not scary enough to warrant a stranger into your bed. But was he really a stranger? I guess we could blame it all on Coco right? Lord knows that dog gave Asha the hardest time ever. But we should be thanking her. Because had it not been for her silly antics, Kurt would have never said a word to the love of his life. And Asha would have never know that knights in shinny armor truly existed. She would have never know that they kept their promises. To be loved is one thing. To be cherished another. But to be so loved and cherished that a man would sacrifice himself for you is above all else. We call that unconditional love. That is exactly what this book is about. Testing the limits and finding yourself amidst the storm that is plaguing your life.

I was so pleased to meet new characters and thrilled to hear from old ones. How I missed Mason, and how I long to see if Asher gets his own story. Thank you for blending our FF into this. Even if it was just one of them. Also, Ghost? I'm so intrigued Karen. You had me hanging onto your every word from here on out.

Now, as I patiently wait for my knight to rescue me... *sigh*

[Cheryl O'Harney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, suspense, drama and passion, this story has it all, prepare to be drawn in from the very beginning as we get to know Asha and Kurt. Sparks fly when the pair collide on a stormy evening, Asha had noticed the sexy surfer before and now the opportunity to get to know him that little bit better has presented itself she’s going to make him an offer he can't refuse, one night, that’s all she want, one night to let go, feel free and release her inhibitions. For Kurt it’s an offer he can’t refuse, he’d also noticed her watching him and can’t deny the attraction he feels toward her, so the offer is one he can't refuse but he’s also adamant that it will only be the one night and that friendship is all he has to offer. The pair spend the night together sharing some intense chemistry that has them both questioning whether or not one night is enough.

That day of the storm was just the beginning, Asha and Kurt keep finding themselves being brought together time and time again, crossing the lines of friendship not that either of them is really complaining, however there’s trouble ahead. Secrets are being kept on both sides and with the past nipping at their heels there’s only so much longer they can hide their pasts from one another and that’s when the wild, angst filled ride really begins as the pair fight with everything they have for the chance of a future together.

This was another fantastic read by Karen Deen with the perfect amount of suspense and passion, brilliantly written with a whole host of great characters, That Day is one book you’ll struggle to put down, don't delay one-click today. 

𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.

[reader_dreamer_4life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I absolutely devoured That Day, a romantic with a dash of suspense story by Karen Deen.

Asha, Kurt and the adorable Mastiff Coco are characters you will instantly fall in love with.
They will pull at your heart strings, have you swooning, make you laugh out loud, have you a little hot and bothered, and simply have you rooting for them from the very beginning.
For months both have noticed each other from afar. Asha is the beautiful petit blonde on the beach forever chasing her larger than life Mastiff, and Kurt is the sexy man who surfs daily near Asha's home.
They have not shared a single conversation, until That Day, a day a wild storm brings them together.
While the chemistry between these two is sizzling, and the connection is instantaneous and beautiful, both are harbouring secrets and demons of their own.
When pasts resurface, secrets are revealed, and Asha's nightmares become a reality will it tear them apart? Or will Kurt be there to fight off her demons?
The suspense, the angst, the humour, the steam, the intrigue, the romance, the wonderful secondary characters, and the what in the heck twists and turns Karen Deen wove into the story put my heart and emotions through the wringer, and yet I loved every minute and each and every word.

That Day by Karen Deen has the perfect blend of every thing you want in a book, steam, suspense, romance, intrigue, and humour.
A Must Read!!!
I need more of this world and pray some of the secondary characters will get a story!!

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Day
Written by: Karen Deen

Wow! Absolutely WOW!

Karen Deen has given readers two characters that make you fall in love with them from the beginning.

From Asha chasing her dog along the beach to Kurt watching her from his surfboard, readers learn their fears, some of their truths and watch him rescue her time and again!

There is such a connection between these two, Asha whose nightmares continually play over in her mind to Kurt who is there to slay those dragons. As much as Asha and Kurt love spending time laughing and doing things the biggest part of their relationship is the sexual push and pull between them. There is smoke, there is heat and there is plenty of combustion.

We learn why Asha is loath to share information with Kurt and hope that he will finally make her demons go away.

The intrigue and suspense that Karen Deen wove into the story was fantastic! She brings readers into the story by giving us characters to dislike, to like and to love and when you think you might know who not to trust she pulls that rug out and as a reader, you shake your head and say, “I never would have thought that.”

I can’t say enough positive things about That Day; it is everything you want in a book, full of suspense, intrigue and romance. Deen’s characters grow as their relationship solidifies and at the end we can celebrate yet another well-written book from Karen Deen.

[Linda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Kurt, you are my secret. In this world full of deceptions, you are my only escape to normalcy. A breath of fresh air in a world I don’t feel like I can breathe in. Just for a moment. Can I just feel free?”

That Day is one to remember and chat about over a coffee. I was riveted to the story, fell in love with the characters and hope to read some of their stories in the near future. A beautiful love story about two people who decide to take a chance into the forbidden. I highly recommend this book if you like your books with some action, suspense, romance, humour and steam.

Kurt watched the girl who walked her dog, whilst he rode the waves. Actually the dog was in control and she followed along. Asha watched the sex god on his surfboard everyday, but “That Day” changed everything. Coco ran off into a storm and refused to budge, Kurt came to the rescue and got them both home safely. All restraint was gone and he became her shelter during the storm. She was irresistible and Kurt couldn’t stay away if he tried. Moments in time impact on our lives, whether fleetingly or permanently. On “That Day” Kurt and Asha took a moment and created something worth cherishing. However they both have secrets and this was never meant to be, but they agreed on a time limit.

[GuiltyPleasures · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asha and Kurt—she’s in the WITSEC program and lives within sight distance from his house. Her dog is almost as big as she is, so when the dog gets spooked and won’t leave the beach when a huge storm blows in, he comes to the rescue and drags her dog back to her house for her. And then the power goes out. When he goes to find her, she’s curled up in a ball on the floor and scared out of her mind. This begins the relationship between these two soul mates. He’s a local builder, but he was a WITSEC agent for 15 years, so he knows a little about what she’s going through, though he never fully understood what it was like for their people they protected until he was around Asha all the time. And just when everything was going smoothly between them, complications arose with compromised agents, misunderstandings, and lots of transport between safe houses. In the end, she gets her freedom, becomes reunited with her parents, and Asha and Kurt get their HEA. Although there are some glaring editing issues from time to time, this book is too well-written to not give it 5 stars. The anticipation and emotions that the author evoked are excellent. Just needs more editing. And maybe a few less profane exclamations.

[Dawnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the beginning and had me questioning and wondering the whole way through. The incredible twists and turns, push and pull and so many secrets kept me wanting more. The story was plotted beautifully and flowed without any inconsistency. Kurts protective nature drew me to him form the beginning. The way he would do anything to ensure Asha was safe and cared for made me want to read faster. Asha seemed so lost and yearning for something she seemed she couldn’t have straight from the beginning. The way she put on a strong thought exterior was definitely a show for anyone who really knew her. She didn’t trust and shied away from everyone. As this story unfolds the depth of love these two share is remarkable. The sexual chemistry is off the damn charts. Kurt exudes alpha sexy male in so many ways and Asha is his perfect match. The way these two navigate this unusual relationship built on incredible circumstances sure pulls together at the end of their journey to love. I love the angst, the twists, the unpredictability and most of all the deep feels this story had. A definite must read!

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read of this author. I’m happy to report I can make sense of your jumble.

The sexual attraction between Asha and Kurt is off the charts. They are drawn together by lust and sexual energy.
Their backstory is something I didn’t expect.

Full of drama and suspense. Things are not as they seem. The plot thickens and trust becomes pertinent. I love his protectiveness of Asha, it’s something she desperately needs.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Day is a deeply captivating, engrossing gripping read. A story that once started cannot be put down until the last page is turned. That Day has a brilliant plot, full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Asha and Kurt's story is so much more than just a romance, it is full of depth, emotion, and intrigue.

"No matter what happens now, I will know in this lifetime I've been loved."

Asha is a woman with secrets big secrets, she keeps to herself in her house by the beach, with just Coco her mad dog for company. Asha's highlight is watching the lone surfer as the sun comes up. Kurt's life wasn't always this laid back, surfing before work and as the sunsets. Kurt was happy to leave that piece of his life behind. Every morning he notices the lone woman on the beach trying to control her dog. When these two worlds collide, it will be even more explosive than the storm that brought them together.

High recommend a great read.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Karen Deen, so I'm always excited when she releases a new book, and That Day was no different. Oh, and I also don't pay attention to the description anymore so I tend to go in blind which was totally the best way to go. In this story, romance isn't the whole order of the day, nope (though there was plenty), there was a suspense factor that put me firmly in my happy place because it wasn't apparent which way things were going to go. It's a tad lengthy which is something else that I love in my books because when I have an author I dearly love, I never want their stories to end plus it gives the readers the chance to really imprint on our MCs. It follows Asha Elders & Kurt Dolan, and you really don't want to miss out. Not only was the suspense ramping up throughout, there was heat, a family element to it all, and the fact that these two had quite the backstories knocked the angst out of the park. I know this is vague, but why bother with reviews when you can just hit those one click buttons to decide for yourselves?! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[Julie Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a great fan of Karen's books and as expected this one didn't disappoint.

This is the story of Asha, an author who is be protected within the WITSEC program, and Kurt, a local builder and hot surfer who catches her eye every day as he strips out of his wetsuit within view of her home. And of course not forgetting Coco, the untrainable dog what is Asha's constant companion. It is at times a nail biting story as it takes us through why Asha is being protected and her pending court appearance, but also at it's heart is the romance and electric chemistry between her and Kurt.

They both have secrets which they feel they can't initially share, but this doesn't prevent their attraction and budding relationship. However, with Asha's life in danger and Kurt's protective instinct they soon find that those around them can't always be trusted.

This book is difficult to put down and at times is heart stopping but also reaches all the emotions and we journey with Kurt and Asha to their forever after.

Highly recommended.

[Patricia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read everything Karen Deen, but "That Day" was nothing I had expected. It has everything, mystery, suspense, hot steamy sex scenes and of course eventually an amazing HEA. I am not usually a fan of this type of book. My usual go to for an escape is the romcom or a sexy romantic story with the usual obstacle eventually needing to be overcome to reach the predictable HEA, but I found myself unable to put it down, anxious to see what was going to happen next. Just when I thought I had it figured out I was thrown another curve. I'm not going to summarize the plot. That's not the point of a review. Just do yourself a favour and lose yourself in Kurt and Asha's story. Their chemistry is off the charts. Just when you think it can't end any better there is a link to a very satisfying bonus epilogue.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Thank you Karen. I am hoping this is the first in a new series. I really hope Seth and Jodie speak to you so you can share their stories.

[Sylvie Rochon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding story that will pull at your heartstrings, make you believe in true love, in the strength of the human spirit in the worst circumstances and be exhilarated by the experience. Karen Deen delivered an epic romance. Two lives seeming separated that were intertwined. Asha lives in the beach. She is an author, a loner, not necessarily by choice. She's been eyeing the hot surfer that she sees every day while walking her dog Coco. When a hurricane storm gets her in dire straits she is helped by Kurt, her surfer crush. Things escalate quickly, there is undeniable chemistry between these two. But there are bigger things at play. There are secrets, betrayals and danger that threatens everything, even their lives. You must read this!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kid you not, I mark down the days until the next Karen Reed book comes out. Karen, you are one talented author. This book is exceptional, and something so different to your other series. I'm always kept guessing by what plot you'll think of next. This book had me entranced and gripping the edge of my Kindle the whole way through. I'm always awed by the way you inject so much depth in your characters, and often find myself wishing these characters were real! I think you have an extraordinary talent of making your readers feel like they're witnessing the story rather than just reading words on a page. I also really love how you write, like whatever you're thinking or what you'd actually say in real life is put down on the page. Another superb book by you, with Asha and Kurt among some of your best characters! Thanks for always a great read.

[books.tea.happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. Full of heat, romance and suspense. My favourite type of book. Asha & Kurt have watched each other from a distance for a year, until one stormy night that all changes. What is meant to be just one night changes both their lives forever. Kurt was over protective, sexy and loving being around his family & friends. Asha was scared, alone, but so strong and finally got to let her inner vixen out to play. There were some nice twists along the way that I didn’t see coming and a couple that I did (but that didn’t take away from the story). The supporting characters all added something to the story and I would like to read more about some of them. I received an ARC copy of this book and will definitely be recommending it!

[Karen Mcguiness · Rating 2 out of 5]

confession time

I have to confess I didn’t finish this book . I read the first four chapters but I couldn’t get into it . It just felt like I’d read it before. Geeky girl has the hots for sexy surfer. The girl is hiding the surfer has been watching her for over a year. They meet in a storm have sex then decide they can only be friends. Both keeping their secrets . So fast forward and they have more sex and fall for each other.The people who she’s hiding from find out where she is and the sexy surfer who is actually there to protect her takes care of the bad guys . She’s unhappy that he kept his job a secret but forgives him . They live happily ever after. Did I miss anything ? .