Ripple Effect

Undercurrents #2

by Traci Hunter Abramson

Kylie Ramsey is supposed to be invisible. In fact, to keep her unnoticed, the FBI has changed the world-class swimmer's identity and moved her twice in the last year. However, there are still a few people who would quickly recognize her. One of them is Matt Whitman, the man Kylie could have easily spent eternity with. The other is Judge Rush — the man who wants Kylie dead.

Now the former rising-star athlete is forced to live a life in the shadows. Worst of all, Kylie believes she will never see Matt again — especially now that she lives two thousand miles from his home. But through a twist of fate, or perhaps a fatal FBI clerical error, they both arrive in the same town, and Kylie now struggles between feelings of elation and dread. What was supposed to be a safe haven could become the most dangerous place on earth.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Romance, Lds, Suspense, Mystery, Christian Fiction, Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson

Reviews

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable story in this trilogy. I love Matt so much. I feel for Kylie, but I did get irritated with how she kept being hot and cold with him and jerking him around emotionally. But it finally resolved itself, though the story is obviously not over yet.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picks up where Undercurrents left off, so you have to read that one first. I love the new cover and the fresh content!

Shaye now has new name, Kylie Ramsey and is living in Texas. It's the second time in a year she's had to take on a new name and place. To keep her and Matt safe he has no idea where she's living but as luck would have it Matt, who's graduated from college, goes to Texas because of his baseball career and they run into each other at church. The spark is still there, as well as the love they have for each other. How long can Kylie and Matt pretend they've just met? Will they find a way to be together?

This book was more suspenseful than the previous one as Kylie (previously Shaye) has to testify against Chris Rush, the man who wants her dead. I loved how much Kyle and Matt wanted to be together and how they were willing to work for it and that she hadn't given up on her dream of competing in the Olympics. I also loved seeing so much of Doug Valdez, our favorite FBI agent!!

All the suspense had me quickly turning the pages and I finished this one in a day! In the story, Matt and Shaye are both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mentions of faith and service related to the church, are shared in a natural way and not forced. I feel inspirational or Christian romantic suspense fan would enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wild ride continues in book 2! Kylie’s life has been turned upside down—again—and has to try to fit in with a new swim team. Sparks start to fly when her old love—whom she never got to say goodbye to when everything upended—serendipitously shows up at church. Will she be able to make her Olympic dreams a reality? More importantly, will she be able to stay with the man she loves this time?
Doug and Jill were such a fun addition to this book. I love those two!
The intensity ramped up in this book, and I was completely hooked from the very beginning. I didn’t want to put it down. With a villain you love to hate, and a love story you desperately want to work out, this book kept me on the edge of my seat from page one to The End. It’s another wild ending, but will also leave you with a smile on your face.

CW/TW: murder and attempted murder; minor details about wounds or injuries; car chase; being followed by someone who wants another dead; heavy religious themes, particularly represented is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kylie Ramsey is Christal Jones' new identity as a member of the Witness Protection Program. In the previous book, Undercurrents, she met and fell in love with Matt Whitmore but had to be relocated when her cover identity was blown. Now, it's been over a year since she's seen Matt, and she's living in Texas and wondering if she'll ever be able to see him again. Matt shows up in town, not knowing Kylie is there, as a new member of the local minor league baseball team.
The only reason to read this is because it's between the other two books in the series. It's short, and most of it is a rehash of stuff that went on before. It's really just a bridge book between the first and the third. Read it so that you know the few details in between.

[the girl who reads a lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt hasn’t seen or heard from Shaye in a year, and he had no idea when he will or even what her name is now. She is the key witness in the trial of a major criminal who wants her dead, and no one wants Matt to inadvertently lead anyone to her. When Matt moves to Texas, he is shocked to discover Shaye, now Kylie, is in the same area.

The second book the in Undercurrents trilogy is so good! I loved seeing more of Kylie’s and Matt’s relationship develop as they got to know each other again. While I don’t think this one is quite as suspenseful as the first, there are still plenty of moments that make it so you can’t stop reading until you find out what happens next.

[Kacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haha okay. So I liked the first one a lot better, but I still enjoyed Ripple Effect. I will say though that this one seemed waaaay more cheesy and unrealistic. It also was a bit bland. Like the characters just weren't as....vibrant? Anyways I enjoyed it as a quick read and will definitely read the next. Hopefully I like it better :)

[Paige Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. I’m pretty sure I would have enjoyed this a lot more when I was a teenager.

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I don't want you to think I expect you to come to all of my games or anything. I just want you to know that you're the only person I look for int he stands."

Swoon.

These two characters. Their romance is so fun reading about-and fighting all odds to be able to be together.

Ripple Effect is book 2 in the Undercurrents trilogy and moving from book 1 to book 2 leaves you not missing a beat. I don't want to give anything away, but know the romance and suspense are just as excellent as they were in book 1!

I highly recommend every book in this trilogy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content: Mild suspense and violence, witness protection program, sports, romance-kisses only.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FBI has had to change Kylie's name and she had to go into hiding, it is hard for her to hide because she is a swimmer hoping to join the olympic team.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 2nd time through this book, although, I didn't remember any of it. Had you asked me before I reread these books, I would have said the first one was the best one, but this time through I found that I enjoyed this one more. Maybe it was more character development, I don't know. I was listening this time through, and in spite of the fact that the narrator isn't fabulous, I got lost in the book, and was completely surprised when it ended. I'm looking forward to finishing this series.

[Lydia Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this is honestly the best book that I have ever and will ever read!!! I loved everything that the author wrote, I love the fact that even though Matt thought that his old girlfriend, Shaye, was dead she really wasn't. The person was still alive, just going by Kylie, but the Shaye that he knew about a year ago has changed a lot. Her life is so hard, and I enjoyed and love the fact that both Matt and Kylie turned to god for all of the hard things. That was very motivational to me, and a great example. The way that Traci portrayed swimming ws phenomunal. As a swimmer myself, not as amazing as Kylie, I could connect to the way that swimming gets out all of those extra bad feelings. How the two lovebirds reconnect was so romantic, they were so shocked to see one another again. And I agree with them that the Lord had a massive hand on getting Kylie and her lover Matt back to one another. They kept there love a secert was a uge step, I don't think I could do that. Ever since the first book when Shaye was jealous of Chealsy, I love it when Kylie gets jealous of the other girls that flirt with Matt cause than I feel like the romantic feelings are really there. And how they fell in love with the"newer" version of each other just proves that true love wins out in the end. And their argument after the dance makes it feel more real to me. Like yes chase was murdered but so far everything seems s though it's working perfectly, so this just made their love strong. And I love books where they fall in love with the persons multple personalities. And when Matt decided that he was going to seal the deal and purpose to her, EEEK, it made me dance around my room. How intense/romantic can you get. The fact that they are always running so that Christal is killed and than still want to get married is beyond perfect. And when they tell Doug that they were getting married was priceless and then when Matt says It gets worse, we are getting married in the temple. Doug responds with Mormon, yass! She still swims even through everything! And can I say that MAtt is perfect! Like he is such a gentleman and he is understanding (in this kind of situation you kind of have to be), and he is HOT! I love the part hen Kylie runs into his arms and tells us that that is the only place that she feels like she is home. HOW ROMANTIC!!And when they get married is exactly how they should end up after everything. It has also tught me other than that I am so lucky of the life that I have, that if I have to wait until college to find my true love I will. And I am glad that in the book Matt has some insecurities about what Chase and Crystal used to have, and when Kylie reassures him that she loved Chase as a friend and that she loves Matt to the end of eternity is amazing!! I am in love!! It is such an intense, lovable, romantic book! I have reread the book and each time finished in less than a day apart! The series is my fav ever, but this book is my all time fav!!!

[Sadie Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! But start with book one which is Undercurrents and after you read this one read the last one which is The Deep End! I love it!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book from the Undercurrent series, Ripple Effect caught my attention so quickly. After having to change her identity again, Shaye, who is now Kylie, is having to start her life over. After a year of separation and not seeing each other, Matt and Kylie are reunited again by divine intervention.

One of my favorite parts was the growth that Kylie had gone through in the year since she and Matt separated. She did not want to live in fear and she gained some confidence. She grew up a bit.
Matt, at first, had a hard time comprehending it in the beginning of their reunion. But he quickly realizes that they had both changed in the year that they were separated. Throughout the book they relearn who they are again and fight to be together forever.

The suspense is almost even more in this book, because Judge Rush is using all of his powers behind bars to figure out where Kylie is. These characters really risked it all to be together.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great LDS romance/suspense novel from Traci Hunter Abramson, the best out there in the genre. Continues the story of Christal Jones and Matt Whitmore and their trials with the federal Witness Protection Program--because some very bad guys are trying to kill Christal/Kylie before she can testify against them. The protagonist is an Olympic-caliber swimmer and her sweetheart is a professional baseball player, so it's hard to keep a low profile. Terrific to see them and their friends as they grow in faith.

On rereading, this was just as suspenseful and enjoyable as the first time around.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance: Clean, just right
Language: None
Characters: Well developed
Plot: Fast paced and well defined.
Religious: LDS, Christian (non-pushy)

I was captivated with this story. It had just the right amount of suspense and romance. The religion was a part of their lives and not preached so it was not a distraction to the story. It was real and not cheesy. The storyline of a young girl in the witness protection program was well defined and felt real as we experience her struggle to blend who she was with who she has to become. Even the ending left enough hope though there were still obstacles to overcome.

[MadelynL7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I chose to read was Ripple Effect by Traci Hunter Abramson. This book is awesome and tells of a girl who is under protective custody because she witnessed the death of her boyfriend and now the killer wants her dead, too. Ironically, this killer is a court judge named Christopher Rush, a man who swore to uphold and defend the law. Every time he gets close or finds her, she has to be relocated to another place and get a new identity. Matt Whitmore, the man she fatefully met and fell in love with during her previous identity change, unintentionally moves with his baseball team to the same place that she is living. He sees her during a swimming party among other single adults. Being both happy and scared that she found him again, she avoids him during the party and tries to figure out why he is here. She is also scared for her life, that if they are found together, Judge Rush will also find her. Doug, the man who protected Kylie during her previous identity change, finds out that they are together again and he is angry. He sees the danger of them being together and knows finding her will be easier for her killers. Matt and Kylie also want to get married so they don’t have to be separated again, but every time they try, Judge Rush’s men are not far away. They are constantly on the run and feel pressure of imminent death if they relax. Assassins make an attempt on her life immediately after she testifies against the judge, but she survives. Ultimately, they finally get married but realize they must separate and live separate lives for a time until the trouble has passed. Matt returns to playing baseball with his team, and Kylie is moved to another location by the FBI. In a desperate play to kill her, Judge Rush’s men find her a final time, but the FBI is waiting to defend her and eliminate all the bad men in an epic shootout during a July 4th firework barrage. Once safe, Matt and Kylie can be together safely and start a happy life together.

My favorite character in the book is Kylie, the main character. Throughout the book, she always finds the courage and positive attitude she needs during the most difficult situations. She is mentally strong and keeps a good attitude until the final day when Judge Rush will be in jail. I admire her mental and emotional stamina, and want to do the same. She and her fiance, Matt, are trying to find a place where they can get married, but are continually kept from reaching that goal. Through this experience, I admire her determination that they will get through this tough situation. I love books like this. It taught me how to fight for what I want and let nothing stop me.

Matt was the hero in this story. He was determined to support Kylie and did everything in his power to make sure she was safe. At one point, he was willing to take a bullet intended for Kylie. He put his life in danger multiple times because he love her and did not want to lose her again. Despite this frightening situation that probably would have scared away other men, Matt showed courage and strength by staying by her side. He was obviously someone who couldn’t be brought down very easily and showed little weakness.


Tracy Hunter Abramson is an intelligent writer. She has a broad vocabulary, but writes with clarity so the common person can understand and enjoy the story. That said, there were several words I learned while reading that expanded my vocabulary. Of the many words, I leaned what criteria means; a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided. I also learned the world implement, which means to put a decision, plan or agreement into effect. I learned that eloquent means to speak in a fluent or persuasive manner. I’ll remember these words for later use.

I would recommend this book to anyone. I don’t usually read mystery books that often, but this story was so awesome, I couldn’t put it down. I loved it. I enjoyed the suspense and action that had my attention from the start. I loved the hero, Matt, who helped protect Kylie from Judge Rush and his men. I loved the sweetness how Kylie and Matt were finally able to marry and enjoy their relationship. Overall, this story made me really happy. I give this book five stars out of five, especially if you love action and suspense.

This book made me think of another book called For Elise. This is a story of a girl who ran away five years earlier to escape a murderous thug who killed her father. Her best friend, Miles, has been looking for her ever since, but she cleverly disguises herself among the lower class of people. Miles finally finds her but notices how different she is since they were last together. They both work together as Miles supports her efforts to regain her usual disposition and return to the life they knew together. Just like Ripple Effect, this story tells about a girl who goes through a situation where murderous thugs try to kill her, but she came through in the end. I admire Kylie and her display of courage similar to Elise. I also like comparable mystery of the stories. Both Matt and Miles have to figure out if these two women are the girls they once knew, and do everything they can to help them figure that out. This story is an entertaining read.

Ripple Effect pulled me in from the beginning. I felt like I was actually experiencing what the characters were experiencing. It was awesome. I connected with the story, but more importantly, learned valuable lessons on character strength and stamina in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to "Undercurrents." I think I like Abramson's Mormon fiction better than any I have previously read. Maybe it is because she worked for the CIA for 6 years before retiring to be a Mormon mom and writer of fiction. I would recommend her novels to anyone wanting to read Mormon fiction that doesn't make the reader feel that they are in grade school and can't quite handle the real world yet.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Love Abramson's books! I think one of the things I thought about most while reading this book was prayer, recognition of blessings and help when needed. Miracles can and do happen all the time. Prayer can change of lot of things.

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Undercurrent series and I enjoyed it more than the first. Maybe it’s because I feel the characters were more mature. Where I felt the first book had an abrupt ending I felt that Ripple Effect was flowed a little better. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Brooke -Brooke's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite LDS fiction books.

http://brooke-brookesbooks.blogspot.c...

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fast paced, nailbiter in the Undercurrents series! Ripple Effect begins right where Undercurrents left off and doesn’t miss a beat. Now with a gorgeous new cover and updated content, it’s a must read after reading Undercurrents and then you’ll need to pick up The Deep End!

This book begins with Shaye changing her name to Kylie and now living in a small Texas town. She’s still in the witness protection program and must testify against those involved in the dangerous smuggling ring that killed her friend. She’s still hoping to qualify for the Olympics, but has to continue keeping a low profile.

Matt Whitmore whom she fell in love with in Virginia has no idea where she is now, to keep them both safe. When he inadvertently shows up in the same Texas town, they’re both shocked. He’s there to further his baseball career and had no idea she’d be there. Now they have to pretend like they just met. As their relationship deepens, they have to decide if it’s worth all the risks.

This book was just as exciting for me as the first book. While the suspense definitely had me quickly turning the pages, this book focuses more on the growth of the characters and their relationship. The experiences Kylie’s gone through have made her more mature, more focused, and self-assured. I enjoyed having her and Matt meet again and seeing them renew their relationship. I also loved getting to know Doug & Jill.

I loved the way faith played a role in the story. As with all the books in this series, the main characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and there are references to faith and the practices of the church naturally woven into the story. Anyone who enjoys inspirational romantic suspense will enjoy these books and find shared beliefs.

This book left me needing to immediately pick up The Deep End to read the exciting conclusion! It’s a series you’ll definitely need to binge and luckily they’re all available to read right now. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah!! This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat!! SO CRAZY GOOD!!!

Kylie (Shaye) is still living in the shadows, hiding from the powerful man who wants her dead. She had to leave everything behind - again - including the man she had fallen in love with. Being with him only means danger for both of them and everyone they care about.

Matt has thought about Kylie every day since he last saw her a year ago. The only thing stopping him from finding her is knowing it would only bring danger strait to her doorstep, but when fate brings them both to the same small town, it doesn't take long for the sparks between them to ignite again.

But as long as Kylie is being hunted, there can be no happily ever after.

What to love:
Romantic suspense
Dual POV
Witness Protection program
Forbidden romance
Baseball player/swimmer
The second meet-cute
Heart pounding suspense
Plot twists
The side romance
Doug & Jill
Determined heroine

I completely binged this book after the first - the pages practically turned themselves! I was completely caught up in the sweet romance between Kylie and Matt as well as the suspenseful plot. Traci always writes stories that grab you from the beginning and just don't let go until the very end.

This is the second book in a trilogy and I highly recommend reading the first book - Undercurrents - before picking this one up.

The main characters belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so there may be a few cultural aspects or terminology that may not be universally understood but it can be enjoyed by everyone!!

Now excuse me while I binge read the last book!! All the stars and love for theses books!

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation of the first story, Kylie (formerly Shaye) shows her courage and fortitude as she is called to testify several times against members of the powerful smuggling ring. Chris Rush, who is awaiting trial, will stop at nothing to see she doesn't testify against him. Her determination in not only this, but also continuing to pursue her dream as an Olympian makes her such a great female protagonist. With so much happening to her, I was rooting for Kylie the whole way through her personal life with Matt as well as her athletic career.

I enjoyed seeing Kylie grow to be more confident in knowing who she is and that everything will work out. She knows what she needs and isn't intimidated to do whatever she can to see that happen. I was happy to see that she and Matt are reunited after spending a year of uncertainty apart from each other.

The story has references to the Latter-day Saints' beliefs throughout, which differ from my own beliefs. However, I was still able to enjoy this suspenseful story and look forward to reading the third book to see what happens.

I received a copy of this book. but was not expected to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one starts where we left off in Undercurrents... Undercover, missing Matt, trying to live life and not in fear. There are elements related to the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There are ties into the Saint Squad books. It is the second part of a trilogy and I guess if you consider Saint Squad and other tie ins and series, the second of a long line of truly amazing books that I hope you enjoy.

Now with a new name and new identity, Kylie is trying to live life without fear. She's still swimming, still hopeful for the Olympics, still trying to bring the bad guys behind bars or keep them there. Somehow Matt, who she met in the first book and was hopeful for more, ends up in the same town. Do they still mean anything to each other?
Clean romantic suspense, fun interactions and some humor even in the seriousness of the things happening in this book. Enjoy, I did!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is book 2 in Traci Hunter Abramson's Undercurrents series. I loved getting to reread this one. The story is so good! It kept me enthralled from the start, even though I had read it before.

This story features Kylie. Kylie is in the witness protection program. She's been moved and given a new name more than once. Now she's living in Texas with a couple of roommates. And trying to swim so that she can achieve her Olympic dreams. I loved the way she and Matt find each other again. And the way they work so hard to stay together. One thing that struck me about this story is that true love can conquer all.

I loved the way Matt kept thinking about Shaye/Kylie. And how he was so happy to find her again when he thought he wouldn't see her again.

There is plenty of danger/suspenseful moments in this book. It's a sleep stealer!

I was sent a copy of Ripple Effect from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited these books were getting new covers and some current updates. I remembered I hadn’t read this series of Traci’s, even though I’d read dozens of her books.

In RIPPLE EFFECT, Shane has a new name (Kylie) and identity. Living in Texas and going to school and training for the Olympics. Matt doesn’t know where she is. The stakes are still high, as Matt graduated from college to play in the minor leagues and runs into Kylie. Kylie has changed and Matt still sees her as Shaye, and their relationship is different. They have to keep their love a secret from friends and family. Secret plans are made and my favorite FBI agent, Doug, gets involved to also keep Kylie safe. I enjoyed the quick pace of this story. And like the first, the action and twists keep coming, as they can trust no one. But try to find some happiness.

I received a review copy from the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this series was better than the first. There were more instances of Kylie and Doug outrunning the mob people sent to kill her. Enjoyed that it has an LDS theme to it. Jill giving Doug a Book of Mormon and his struggle to convert and Matt and Kylie's desire to have a temple wedding even if they could not live together - just knowing they were sealed together for time and all eternity gave them strength and peace. Getting married without any family there shows their determination of how much they believed in what they were doing and how important it was to be married. Look forward to book three and Chris Rush actually being put on trial and this whole case is behind everyone.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Swimming & Witness Protection problems

Kylie and Matt discover they have moved to the same town, yet have to pretend they don’t know each other to protect Kylie’s cover. They continue to grow in their romantic relationship as they plan for a life together. Chris Rush continues to have his men look for Kylie so he can eliminate her as a witness. Doug is surprised to meet Kylie’s roommate Jill, and makes some important decisions of his own. President Duncan, an ecclesiastical leader, comes up with a creative way for Matt to identify Kylie despite her several name changes every time she has to relocate. I liked that Matt and Kylie continued to hope for positive outcomes and a life together.

[Sara Cardon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaye has yet another new identity, this time as Kylie and in Texas. She's sad to be separated from her boyfriend Matt and hopes things resolve in the next few years so she can move on with her life instead of being in limbo, and danger. I love the roommates Kylie has - they're sweet and fun. I especially like seeing the FBI agent Doug who keeps tabs on Kylie. Their cover stories are funny, with the roommates not knowing what's going on. And Matt ends up in the same town! Talk about problems keeping Kylie under the radar.

[Emily F - Seriously Sweet Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traci Hunter Abramson has a talent for writing romantic suspense! Even though this is one of her first books, she still kept the tension at a level I've come to expect from her (later books). I appreciated the side plot between Doug and Jill, including Doug's faith. This book, like the first, includes elements of the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but they add to the plot and are not overwhelming. Ripple Effect was a sweet and clean romantic suspense, I would rate PG for kissing and thematic violence.