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Living in Cincy #1
In Too Deep
What happens in the dark, stays in the dark…
When Rose DuLoe is forced to leave her comfortable city life for a mansion in the middle of nowhere, she feels out of control. Worse, the estate is owned by the man who drives her crazy – but when tensions boil over and they have the hottest hate-sex of her life, she’s left feeling more confused than ever.
Blake is controlling, arrogant and a player but being stuck together for their own protection means Rose can’t help but see what’s been staring her in the face all along.
With a gala to plan and a stalker to catch, can Rose and Blake make it through without wanting to kiss – or kill – each other?
When Rose DuLoe is forced to leave her comfortable city life for a mansion in the middle of nowhere, she feels out of control. Worse, the estate is owned by the man who drives her crazy – but when tensions boil over and they have the hottest hate-sex of her life, she’s left feeling more confused than ever.
Blake is controlling, arrogant and a player but being stuck together for their own protection means Rose can’t help but see what’s been staring her in the face all along.
With a gala to plan and a stalker to catch, can Rose and Blake make it through without wanting to kiss – or kill – each other?
260 pages, ebook
Published July 22, 2022
626 people are currently reading
4794 people want to read
About the author
Jade Church
21 books318 followersJade Church is putting the ‘O’ in romance with her high-heat and swoony romance books. Jade currently lives in the U.K. and when she’s not cuddling her cats or writing, she spends the majority of her time reading and binge re-watching The Vampire Diaries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
September 19, 2022
I only read half of this book and couldn't continue, mainly because the FMC was insufferable.
everything the heroin did was so annoying and self-centered, i did not like her at all lol.
everything the heroin did was so annoying and self-centered, i did not like her at all lol.
June 12, 2023
In Too Deep was my first book by Jade Chruch. I got approved for ‘Tempt my heart’ by the same author, the second book in the ‘Living in Cincy’ series according to Goodreads. And personally I can’t read a second book in a series, without picking up the first one, even if they can be read as standalones.
I realized from the first few pages that the writing style and my reading preferences aren’t compatible at all. This book is written in 3rd person and that alone made it hard to read for me. The writing felt so off and it didn’t work for me at all.
My main problem with this book though was the FMC. I didn’t like her in the beginning and it only got worse from there. She was such a self centered bitch and honestly, Blake deserved so much better. I didn’t even see a glimpse of chemistry between these two and after a while I only wanted to be done with it.
I realized from the first few pages that the writing style and my reading preferences aren’t compatible at all. This book is written in 3rd person and that alone made it hard to read for me. The writing felt so off and it didn’t work for me at all.
My main problem with this book though was the FMC. I didn’t like her in the beginning and it only got worse from there. She was such a self centered bitch and honestly, Blake deserved so much better. I didn’t even see a glimpse of chemistry between these two and after a while I only wanted to be done with it.
June 12, 2022
I received this complimentary ARC, courtesy of Jade Church, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun, contemporary read, centred around a number of socialites in Cincinnati! Rose was fab and stubborn, while Blake was so swoon-worthy and hottt 🔥 and I absolutely adored the romance! 🥰 (Plus there’s a lil element of danger in there, too 😉) If you enjoy childhood rivals to lovers with a touch of romantic suspense, this is one for you!
This was such a fun, contemporary read, centred around a number of socialites in Cincinnati! Rose was fab and stubborn, while Blake was so swoon-worthy and hottt 🔥 and I absolutely adored the romance! 🥰 (Plus there’s a lil element of danger in there, too 😉) If you enjoy childhood rivals to lovers with a touch of romantic suspense, this is one for you!
July 25, 2022
“Keep it in your pants, Blake.”
“With sincere regret, DuLoe.”
Jade, you brilliant woman! I’m in too deep with this book. 👀 My favorite of yours and a new favorite thriller/romance 👏🏼
I was not expecting Rose. I love how unapologetically she is. She knows she is difficult - a brat, and that is a direct quote 😂 - but she knows that’s not all she is. She deals with anxiety but she knows that doesn’t make her weak. Ahhh… She’s amazing!
I was definitely not expecting Blake. Damn, he blew me away. And let me just say this: his crazy really fits her crazy 😂
I was not expecting Bailey, the cutest Labrador ever. I’m keeping him.
I was not expecting the stalker to be *that* person. What?! I’m woman enough to admit I thought it could be a million different characters and still got it wrong. Only to then think, “ah of course!!!! Makes so much sense” 🤦🏻♀️
I was, however, expecting to love this book. But while I was right, per usual 😏, I was not expecting to be sitting here thinking I want to hug these characters just once.. just once and I promise I will then let them go 😭
This book is perfect for people who love:
🖤 hate to love
🖤 childhood friends to frenemies to lovers
🖤 stalker plot with lots of suspense
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 dogs 🐶😁
Adult. 5 stars ⭐️
“With sincere regret, DuLoe.”
Jade, you brilliant woman! I’m in too deep with this book. 👀 My favorite of yours and a new favorite thriller/romance 👏🏼
I was not expecting Rose. I love how unapologetically she is. She knows she is difficult - a brat, and that is a direct quote 😂 - but she knows that’s not all she is. She deals with anxiety but she knows that doesn’t make her weak. Ahhh… She’s amazing!
I was definitely not expecting Blake. Damn, he blew me away. And let me just say this: his crazy really fits her crazy 😂
I was not expecting Bailey, the cutest Labrador ever. I’m keeping him.
I was not expecting the stalker to be *that* person. What?! I’m woman enough to admit I thought it could be a million different characters and still got it wrong. Only to then think, “ah of course!!!! Makes so much sense” 🤦🏻♀️
I was, however, expecting to love this book. But while I was right, per usual 😏, I was not expecting to be sitting here thinking I want to hug these characters just once.. just once and I promise I will then let them go 😭
This book is perfect for people who love:
🖤 hate to love
🖤 childhood friends to frenemies to lovers
🖤 stalker plot with lots of suspense
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 dogs 🐶😁
Adult. 5 stars ⭐️
October 8, 2022
Okay. There we have it. The first book I ever DNF-ed. Thanks for nothing, booktok. Again.
I read 60% of this before deciding I’d have no regrets putting this back and erasing it from my memory. It’s probably because of my long streak of fails today - I usually treat books much more nicely. It’s just… is there a point to this book other than smut every 5 pages and the continuous « he’s my enemy » nonsense? I love enemies to lovers, but this one wasn’t it. I didn’t even like either of the main characters.
I read 60% of this before deciding I’d have no regrets putting this back and erasing it from my memory. It’s probably because of my long streak of fails today - I usually treat books much more nicely. It’s just… is there a point to this book other than smut every 5 pages and the continuous « he’s my enemy » nonsense? I love enemies to lovers, but this one wasn’t it. I didn’t even like either of the main characters.
August 2, 2022
This book had so much potential. Unfortunately it was let down by an insufferable FMC.
First it was hard to suspend disbelief that the paparazzi/world give a shit about the lives of Cincinnati based socialites.
Then the FMC was rude to everyone, hit on her employees, was demanding and entitled and embodies most of the traits that are widely disliked in “rich people”.
Honestly not sure why the MMC even wants the FMC. She sounds kind of awful.
The MMC was swoon worthy and it was clear to the reader that he had been pining for the FMC for years, which I loved. And yet the FMC is constantly rude and ungrateful despite his generosity and care. Her antagonism towards him isn't sufficiently explained or dealt with at the end.
With some character development for the FMC and tweaks to the mystery I think this could be an excellent read.
First it was hard to suspend disbelief that the paparazzi/world give a shit about the lives of Cincinnati based socialites.
Then the FMC was rude to everyone, hit on her employees, was demanding and entitled and embodies most of the traits that are widely disliked in “rich people”.
Honestly not sure why the MMC even wants the FMC. She sounds kind of awful.
The MMC was swoon worthy and it was clear to the reader that he had been pining for the FMC for years, which I loved. And yet the FMC is constantly rude and ungrateful despite his generosity and care. Her antagonism towards him isn't sufficiently explained or dealt with at the end.
With some character development for the FMC and tweaks to the mystery I think this could be an excellent read.
August 6, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rate: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: he falls first/he falls harder, forced proximity, boss babe FMC, billionaire, stalker
TW: being stalked, anxiety
Review:
OKAY. I loved this.
This book was sooo fast-paced, due to the stalking our FMC endures.
I must say, it made me feel uneasy a few times, especially when I was home alone.
But I just loved the overall plot of the book and the writing style.
I do wish the FMC would be a little less stubborn sometimes, since I loved the MMC.
Also, this book was HOT, so I warned you. 🌶️
But this book got me hooked on Jade Church, so I plan to read more books from her soon.
This book is ideal if you loved: King of Wrath by Ana Huang.
I would recommend.
Spice rate: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: he falls first/he falls harder, forced proximity, boss babe FMC, billionaire, stalker
TW: being stalked, anxiety
Review:
OKAY. I loved this.
This book was sooo fast-paced, due to the stalking our FMC endures.
I must say, it made me feel uneasy a few times, especially when I was home alone.
But I just loved the overall plot of the book and the writing style.
I do wish the FMC would be a little less stubborn sometimes, since I loved the MMC.
Also, this book was HOT, so I warned you. 🌶️
But this book got me hooked on Jade Church, so I plan to read more books from her soon.
This book is ideal if you loved: King of Wrath by Ana Huang.
I would recommend.
August 16, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. Great characters, interesting setting and great chemistry.
The only complaint I have is that it's only 1 book. I would've loved for this story to be longer, and not having to say goodbye to the characters so fast.
The only complaint I have is that it's only 1 book. I would've loved for this story to be longer, and not having to say goodbye to the characters so fast.
September 6, 2022
The one star I'm giving this is only for the lovely MMC. That means:
1) The FMC was insufferable.
2) The sex scenes felt unnatural.
3) The plot was childish and terrible.
4) The resolution was not good enough.
5) The villain was not convincing enough.
And last but not least, 6) The writing was off.
Way to waste time.
1) The FMC was insufferable.
2) The sex scenes felt unnatural.
3) The plot was childish and terrible.
4) The resolution was not good enough.
5) The villain was not convincing enough.
And last but not least, 6) The writing was off.
Way to waste time.
March 26, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
Tiktok got me with this one but I stayed for the spice bc it was 🔥 as long as we ignore the fact that David is blonde 🫠 literally just ignored that completely
Tiktok got me with this one but I stayed for the spice bc it was 🔥 as long as we ignore the fact that David is blonde 🫠 literally just ignored that completely
August 6, 2022
Rating: 4.5 stars
Being in a mega reading slump lately, and it's becoming a common occurrence that my dear friend's writing seems to drag me out of them—she's like a smut-writing romance wizard, I'm telling you! 😎💗
But to the book... This one was one I was so looking forward to and to know I fell headfirst into it at work is telling just how good it it. Screw responsibility!
Rose was a character that I had a love/hate relationship with, purely because I kept wanting to whack her with a cushion or upside the head for things she does and things she thinks—but by god did she grow on me! I loved how much she depicts how women should be; strong, independent and going after what they want—even casual, hot as balls, desk sex with someone you 'hate'... 😏🔥
Blake, well, he was just lovely. He wasn't perfect by any means, but he was totally human and genuine to knowing who he was both to himself and to others. And I loved that he just didn't take any of Rose's shit—their sniping and bantering gave me life!
The story and it's pace was something I loved and took me back to my days of reading Fall with Me by J. Lynn—the suspense, romance and wanting to know what was happening at all costs... This has just that! 😍🖤
Have to say, Bailey has my whole heart though! The bathtub scene is everything and I just want to squeeze him to death! 🥺💗
Being in a mega reading slump lately, and it's becoming a common occurrence that my dear friend's writing seems to drag me out of them—she's like a smut-writing romance wizard, I'm telling you! 😎💗
But to the book... This one was one I was so looking forward to and to know I fell headfirst into it at work is telling just how good it it. Screw responsibility!
Rose was a character that I had a love/hate relationship with, purely because I kept wanting to whack her with a cushion or upside the head for things she does and things she thinks—but by god did she grow on me! I loved how much she depicts how women should be; strong, independent and going after what they want—even casual, hot as balls, desk sex with someone you 'hate'... 😏🔥
Blake, well, he was just lovely. He wasn't perfect by any means, but he was totally human and genuine to knowing who he was both to himself and to others. And I loved that he just didn't take any of Rose's shit—their sniping and bantering gave me life!
The story and it's pace was something I loved and took me back to my days of reading Fall with Me by J. Lynn—the suspense, romance and wanting to know what was happening at all costs... This has just that! 😍🖤
Have to say, Bailey has my whole heart though! The bathtub scene is everything and I just want to squeeze him to death! 🥺💗
August 12, 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶
•
In Too Deep is @jadechurchauthor latest steamy romance novel and I think it might be my favourite so far 🔥
Jade does an amazing job with writing really sassy MC characters and Rose is no different! I love the wit and banter that she comes out with and I love her enemies to lovers, love/hate relationship with our sexy leading male, Blake 😏
The spice as always is a pleasure to read 😏 and I loved the different locations in this one 👀🔥
This is a very fast-paced, forced proximity, she needs to trust her enemy, romance novel that will have you devouring this book in one sitting…so what are you waiting for?! 😍
Thank you so much to @jadechurchauthor for having me as part of your ARC team once again for this book! 💗
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶
•
In Too Deep is @jadechurchauthor latest steamy romance novel and I think it might be my favourite so far 🔥
Jade does an amazing job with writing really sassy MC characters and Rose is no different! I love the wit and banter that she comes out with and I love her enemies to lovers, love/hate relationship with our sexy leading male, Blake 😏
The spice as always is a pleasure to read 😏 and I loved the different locations in this one 👀🔥
This is a very fast-paced, forced proximity, she needs to trust her enemy, romance novel that will have you devouring this book in one sitting…so what are you waiting for?! 😍
Thank you so much to @jadechurchauthor for having me as part of your ARC team once again for this book! 💗
August 20, 2022
3,5 stars
okay wow, first I have to realize everything. The plot twist totally shocked me.
Rose is a strong, wealthy and business-minded young woman.
Her job is very important to her and because of this her job takes up a large part of her life.
Although paparazzi and gossip play a big role in her life, it was still all the more shocking for her when she suddenly gots a stalker and has to move in with her enemy which she kinda hates but also kinda finds hot and attractive.
Blake known as Rose's enemy is funny, charming and also known as a playboy.
He also loves to tease and provoke Rose, as he finds her very fascinating.
He's always had a crush on her, but sadly Rose didn't feel the same way, which is why he went on the hate track to get at least some attention from her.
Rose and Blake are THE power couple, not only do they go through a horrific event together which brings them even closer , but also learn over time that they both have deep feelings for each other except just hate.
okay wow, first I have to realize everything. The plot twist totally shocked me.
Rose is a strong, wealthy and business-minded young woman.
Her job is very important to her and because of this her job takes up a large part of her life.
Although paparazzi and gossip play a big role in her life, it was still all the more shocking for her when she suddenly gots a stalker and has to move in with her enemy which she kinda hates but also kinda finds hot and attractive.
Blake known as Rose's enemy is funny, charming and also known as a playboy.
He also loves to tease and provoke Rose, as he finds her very fascinating.
He's always had a crush on her, but sadly Rose didn't feel the same way, which is why he went on the hate track to get at least some attention from her.
Rose and Blake are THE power couple, not only do they go through a horrific event together which brings them even closer , but also learn over time that they both have deep feelings for each other except just hate.
June 2, 2023
DAVID MF BLAKE
this man can sweet talk me to do anything
i love and relate to Rose so much, i will protect her with my life. she’s so strong and driven, but also so lonely and lost, she’s a badass and i aspire to be her
the chemistry and dynamic between Blake & Rose ohmygod the freaking TENSION AND BANTER !! i am living for it, theirs is one of the best i’ve read
THE SPICE YALL INCREDIBLE AND SO HOT
there’s a mystery/suspense element in this and i love it so much, i didn’t see the plot twist coming at all
i will be eternally grateful to the universe for having Jade Church find me and send me an ARC
(4⭐️ | 2🌶)
this man can sweet talk me to do anything
i love and relate to Rose so much, i will protect her with my life. she’s so strong and driven, but also so lonely and lost, she’s a badass and i aspire to be her
the chemistry and dynamic between Blake & Rose ohmygod the freaking TENSION AND BANTER !! i am living for it, theirs is one of the best i’ve read
THE SPICE YALL INCREDIBLE AND SO HOT
there’s a mystery/suspense element in this and i love it so much, i didn’t see the plot twist coming at all
i will be eternally grateful to the universe for having Jade Church find me and send me an ARC
(4⭐️ | 2🌶)
July 9, 2022
Wow, this book had me hooked from the start to the very end! The whole vibe of this book was amazing and I love a good I love you, I hate you relationship!
Rose and David have known each other most of their lives and when they start to work together the tension is in full swing! Holy moly, the sexual tension between David and Rose was insane!
When it turns out Rose has a stalker she turns to David to keep her safe! I mean they kinda have a little no strings attached hate fuck and boy was that HOT!
"No, right, sorry. We're just two people who occasionally fuck, is that it? God, Rose. Give me a break here. I'm trying to keep you safe." "I never asked you to." "Oh sorry, I guess I got mixed signals when you turned up at my house in the middle of the night and passed out in my driveway."
The way Rose and David start to develop an actual relationship is perfect and add in Bailey and it’s *chefs kiss*
I loved how vulnerable Rose with David after everything happened and that she finally realised how much he was there for her!
Rose and David have known each other most of their lives and when they start to work together the tension is in full swing! Holy moly, the sexual tension between David and Rose was insane!
When it turns out Rose has a stalker she turns to David to keep her safe! I mean they kinda have a little no strings attached hate fuck and boy was that HOT!
"No, right, sorry. We're just two people who occasionally fuck, is that it? God, Rose. Give me a break here. I'm trying to keep you safe." "I never asked you to." "Oh sorry, I guess I got mixed signals when you turned up at my house in the middle of the night and passed out in my driveway."
The way Rose and David start to develop an actual relationship is perfect and add in Bailey and it’s *chefs kiss*
I loved how vulnerable Rose with David after everything happened and that she finally realised how much he was there for her!
July 20, 2022
First I want to give a huge Thank you to the author for gifting me a eArc exchange for an honest review 🤍
Okay I’m just going to say, me and 3rd POV don’t get along whatsoever! Its just that I can’t get attached to these characters easily and it takes me a while to get into the book.
However, I did enjoy the book once I started to get a feel of the story and the dynamic between the two MCs. Blake & Rose’s relationship was amazing to read the “I hate you, but love you” trope always gets me. I just wish we got to see more of the characters development for each character.
Also, I wish this book was a little longer because I felt like the couple relationship was a little rush bc there was only 18 chapters. I would have loved more of Blake & Rose
I would recommend if you are looking for something very fast paced w/ little bit of spice 😏
Okay I’m just going to say, me and 3rd POV don’t get along whatsoever! Its just that I can’t get attached to these characters easily and it takes me a while to get into the book.
However, I did enjoy the book once I started to get a feel of the story and the dynamic between the two MCs. Blake & Rose’s relationship was amazing to read the “I hate you, but love you” trope always gets me. I just wish we got to see more of the characters development for each character.
Also, I wish this book was a little longer because I felt like the couple relationship was a little rush bc there was only 18 chapters. I would have loved more of Blake & Rose
I would recommend if you are looking for something very fast paced w/ little bit of spice 😏
August 15, 2022
As soon as I started this book I didn’t want to put it down, Jade Church knows how to keep you hooked, and every time I think she’s created my new favourite story she surprises me with a new one and this was no exception!
It had everything you could want in a romance, from the very beginning you get thrown straight to the story and get taken on a ride filled with, childhood enemies to lovers, forced proximity, the spiciest of spices, one bed and characters you love even when they’re being stubborn!
This one kept you guessing up until the very end, and even then I didn’t want it to be over ! I enjoyed every page, and can’t wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to jade for an E-Arc of this book, I think I need to get my hands on a physical copy because I already can’t wait to re read this one.
It had everything you could want in a romance, from the very beginning you get thrown straight to the story and get taken on a ride filled with, childhood enemies to lovers, forced proximity, the spiciest of spices, one bed and characters you love even when they’re being stubborn!
This one kept you guessing up until the very end, and even then I didn’t want it to be over ! I enjoyed every page, and can’t wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to jade for an E-Arc of this book, I think I need to get my hands on a physical copy because I already can’t wait to re read this one.
July 17, 2022
When you start this book, you don't want to put it down. This author has an amazing writing style, this story read so smoothly the only thing I wanted to do was keep reading.
When you start this book you are immediately thrown into the story, you want to get to know these characters and what will happen to them.
Rose is a strong independent woman, who doesn't like to not have control. She is stubborn and is not ashamed for asking for help when needed and that is one of her strength
This story did me thinking about one of my favorites books and maybe that is also a reason why I liked it so much. I have enjoyed every page of this book.
This was a book that got me seated on the edge of my chair. The tension kept building up until the end, to end with a plottwist you didn't see coming.
I would truly recommend it, if you like enemies to lovers, spice, forced proximity.
Mystery,...
Last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me with an earc.
When you start this book you are immediately thrown into the story, you want to get to know these characters and what will happen to them.
Rose is a strong independent woman, who doesn't like to not have control. She is stubborn and is not ashamed for asking for help when needed and that is one of her strength
This story did me thinking about one of my favorites books and maybe that is also a reason why I liked it so much. I have enjoyed every page of this book.
This was a book that got me seated on the edge of my chair. The tension kept building up until the end, to end with a plottwist you didn't see coming.
I would truly recommend it, if you like enemies to lovers, spice, forced proximity.
Mystery,...
Last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me with an earc.
October 5, 2023
I read this book in one sitting. It was spicy, fast paced, had interesting characters and a great storyline.
Rose and Blake are the most amazing power couple.. even if Rose doesn't realise it!!!
I really enjoyed the stalker plot. It definitely added to the suspense and mystery within the story alongside the hot suspense within the characters.
I actually think this may be one of my new faves of @authorjadechurch.
Thank you for having me on your ARC team 😍
Rose and Blake are the most amazing power couple.. even if Rose doesn't realise it!!!
I really enjoyed the stalker plot. It definitely added to the suspense and mystery within the story alongside the hot suspense within the characters.
I actually think this may be one of my new faves of @authorjadechurch.
Thank you for having me on your ARC team 😍
did-not-finish
December 6, 2022I can tell the author is a good writer, even though the cadence and sense of humor feels very British when it’s based in Cincinnati, but I was four chapters in when I DNF’d. The plot moves along in a way I don’t care for, the main characters seem childish, and I just don’t care to see how this ends.
August 1, 2022
I loved this! A perfect mix of thrilling (my heart was actually going) and steamy. I couldn’t put it down and read it in a single sitting. I love Blake and Rose and really didn’t want it to end. I cannot recommend enough if you’re looking for something short and unputdownable
August 13, 2022
I absolutely devoured this book in one day + I’m so glad my friend recommended it to me. Perfect enemies to lovers vibes and really well written, couldn’t put it down!
September 22, 2022
3.5 stars
September 4, 2023
My first DNF. Rose was annoying as all fuck. Plus it’s 3rd person writing and I don’t like that. 🤷
December 2, 2023
Started it. Didn’t like it. DNFed it. There ya go
June 19, 2024
Loved parts, hated others. David Blake didn't deserve her in the end..
December 20, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ | 3.75 🌶️ - it was just ok. Spice was great but I couldn’t see a connection between the two main characters besides sexual attraction.
July 5, 2023
Ok mjög spicy og með meiri spennu en ég hélt. Skemmtileg twists. Hló nokkrum sinnum upphátt og nokkur *gasp* og eeek*
July 17, 2023
2.5, rounded to 3. This book was a great binge read, and I liked the mystery element of the book! Both characters and the plot did leave something to be desired. The characters didn’t grow and were simply stereotypical tropes and their relationship just went 0 to 100.
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