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Stewart Island #1
In Too Deep
alternate cover edition of ASIN B00HEZR8V8
Two hearts. A second chance. Everything on the line…
Ryan "West" Westlake belongs on the island. It's in his blood and who he is. Nobody can deny that. When Piper Harland walked out of his life years ago, West let her go. He'd never stand in the way of a woman and her dreams. But now that she's back, their past smacks him right in the face. With tempers flared and desires heightened, West just might realise what he lost so long ago.
Piper would do anything for her brother—even if means going back to Stewart Island—the one place she swore she'd never go again. As a member of the elite New Zealand Police Dive Team, Piper is forced to return to her hometown. When she confronts the demons of her past, old feelings of grief, pain, and a lost love come flooding back. Without drowning, can Piper wade through the pain of her past and find a future with the one who shattered her heart?
IN TOO DEEP is the first story in Tracey Alvarez’s best-selling Due South books set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like heartwarming, sexy and sweet small town romances with a touch of comedy, you’ll love sharing the journey with these authentic men and women struggling to find their special someone.
Intended for mature 18+ aged readers who enjoy their feel good romance on the steamier side.
Two hearts. A second chance. Everything on the line…
Ryan "West" Westlake belongs on the island. It's in his blood and who he is. Nobody can deny that. When Piper Harland walked out of his life years ago, West let her go. He'd never stand in the way of a woman and her dreams. But now that she's back, their past smacks him right in the face. With tempers flared and desires heightened, West just might realise what he lost so long ago.
Piper would do anything for her brother—even if means going back to Stewart Island—the one place she swore she'd never go again. As a member of the elite New Zealand Police Dive Team, Piper is forced to return to her hometown. When she confronts the demons of her past, old feelings of grief, pain, and a lost love come flooding back. Without drowning, can Piper wade through the pain of her past and find a future with the one who shattered her heart?
IN TOO DEEP is the first story in Tracey Alvarez’s best-selling Due South books set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like heartwarming, sexy and sweet small town romances with a touch of comedy, you’ll love sharing the journey with these authentic men and women struggling to find their special someone.
Intended for mature 18+ aged readers who enjoy their feel good romance on the steamier side.
332 pages, ebook
First published December 18, 2013
2589 people are currently reading
3076 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Alvarez
37 books628 followersTracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.
Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.
When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.
Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.
Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.
When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework.
Tracey also writes flirty, dirty stories under the penname Jessie Logan.
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May 10, 2015
In Too Deep is book one in the series, Due South, by Tracey Alvarez. I was first introduced to Tracey when I read the first book of her other series, Hide Your Heart. I believe she is going to be one of THOSE authors for me. The ones that you just instantly fall in love with their books, where her characters seem to touch my heart somehow. This book did just that.
Nine years ago, Piper Harland was eighteen years old, living in the tiny town where she grew up of Oban, on Stewart Island, New Zealand. She had fallen in love with her brother’s best friend, Ryan Westlake or ‘West.’ They had been a couple for two years and this was the only future she wanted, a future with West. Until he dumped her and broke her heart. The next morning, Piper, having just lost the love of her life, also lost her father. She hasn’t been back to the island since.
Nine years later she is both a Cop and part of an elite Police National Dive Squad. She is the only female ever to make the squad. She believes this is what she is meant to do, what she needs to be doing. Everything is put on hold, though, when her sister Shaye calls and tells her they need her at home. Her brother, Ben, has broken his leg. And the business he took over from their father is about to go belly up. They need her to come home for six weeks to save the business and help her family. She’s not seen or spoken to West since she left nine years ago.
West did what he had to do nine years ago. He cut Piper loose. His own mother abandoned he and his father when he was just a boy. In West’s mind, that’s what handing over your heart will do, leave you broken and alone. So now Piper is coming back. Will he be able to protect himself from her or will she work her way back into his heart again? Or, had she really ever left?
“It wasn’t just coming home that rocked her foundations. Oh no. It was West. West had revealed the unpalatable truth. He’d gotten to her again. Big time. Could she really be strong enough to leave him a second time?”
Piper wants you to think she is tough. Don’t get me wrong. She’s a tough woman. She had to be to achieve the goals she has. But that is physical strength and endurance. Emotionally she has never really gotten over the events that drove her from her home. Now, going back, she feels like she is no longer part of the community. That she is an outsider. As soon as she and West are in the same room together, it’s obvious that neither of them have moved on. During the six weeks Piper is on the island, there is so much they both need to face, both of the past and the present. The question is, can they face and deal with those demons to be able to see what the future might hold for them?
At times I felt like Piper and West had two different versions of what happened between them. But as the book progresses, we learn more of what West’s motivations were and it made me love him even more. There were secrets being kept by other family members of the tragic day she lost her father. Every family member felt guilt in some way in regards to what happened to him. Having Piper home forced them all to come together and finally put everything out there and to heal old wounds. I loved Piper’s mother by the way. She is a strong force. I see where Piper gets it from. When she says jump, her children (and West) say how high.
This was just a fantastic read. Piper and West stole my heart from the start. I loved the whole family and I look forward to continuing on with book two, Melting Into You, which is about Piper’s brother Ben and the school teacher and Shaye’s roommate, Kezia. Melting Into You is also being released on May 20 as part of an anthology of eight New Zealand romances, Love Down Under.
July 29, 2016
4 Stars! Wonderful debut book!
My joint review with Kathleen post at: Swept Away By Romance
What worked
Kathleen: What really surprised me was just how well done all the characters were in this book. I loved that it also included many characters from the small town community. I felt they added so many more layers to the story.
The story line was VERY good and kept me interested all the way through.
The writing was done so well that it grabbed me emotionally on so many levels. I was happy, sad, mad, I smiled, laughed, cried and almost chewed my finger nails at certain spots .
Karla: I loved the setting in Oban, Stewart Island, New Zealand, and the close knit community. The pub, Due South, is at the heart of the story, the island hang-out, "where everybody knows your name".
The whole family and friends aspect. I love series that has a sense of familiarity, where you know going forward you'll be able to re-visit with characters you've grown to love, and there are so many in the first book of this series that I can't wait to read about.
How the story centers around Ben's diving business and West's involvement in the sport of free-diving...very interesting!
What didn’t work
Kathleen: I have to really dig deep to find something that did not work for me. I guess it would be the fact that it took a long time for Piper and Ryan to finally break down and trust each other enough to really let each other know how they felt about each other.
NO EPILOGUE!! But as this is the first book in the series, I’m hoping when the next book is released we will get a look into what is going on with Piper and Ryan.
Karla: The round and round between West and Piper. I wish the author had given us earlier insight as to Piper's reasons for leaving and the circumstances surrounding her father's death. It would have also made Ben's, Piper's brother, hostility towards her a little easier to deal with, because frankly the guy was getting on my nerves. I also couldn't understand why West pushed Piper away all those years ago, he really seemed to have loved her. We didn't get anything tangible, just a tidbit here and there, and it became very frustrating. HOWEVER... when it's revealed as to what happened in the case of Piper's father's tragic death, why they think he drowned and the awful task that Piper was left to deal with, and why West let Piper go, his issues when it came to committing to a long term relationship, it all made sense and the explanations were very plausible and everything fell into place. I think the author was trying to bait the reader with the suspense of not knowing, and that's all well and good to a point. She did salvage the read by offering up some very logical reasons.
Best scene(s)
Kathleen: One of my favorite scenes was when Piper met Zoe an 8 ½ year old girl. The conversation they had was funny and heartwarming.
I loved the scenes where Piper’s mother took control of the different situations calling out things as she saw them.
When Piper let a reporter have it concerning her emotions when finding a dead person.
When Ryan went crazy and beat up the guy who hit Piper while playing rugby. There was also another scene where Piper’s brother Ben beat up the same man for man-handling yet another woman.
When Piper finally told Ryan about what really happened the day her dad drowned and shortly afterwards admitted to him that she loved him.
When Ryan proposed marriage to Piper and his explanation of why he had 2 wedding rings.
Karla: West coming to Piper's defense when she was hurt at the game, holy momma, he really let everyone know how he felt about someone touching his woman!! It spoke volumes!
The two rings, and the stories behind them...that's all your getting from me. Ryan Westlake...*swoon*!!
Favorite character(s)
Kathleen: I have no favorite character in this book because frankly, I loved them all!
Karla: Ryan "West" Westlake! Oh la la!! Scrumptious!! I'd give anything, even swim with the sharks, to see him in his budgie smugglers!!
Overall Thoughts
Kathleen: WOW, I can hardly believe this was Tracey Alveraz’s debut novel! I enjoyed everything; the story line, the characters and the banter the characters shared throughout the book. The sex/love scenes that SCORCHED the pages, plus the emotions the book made me feel while reading. I’m VERY much looking forward to reading book 2 of the Due South series, Melting in to You, and then book 3, Raw Exposure. These will be must reads for me. I’ve found yet another talented author to add to my ever growing list.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sexy contemporary romance. ~ 5 BIG STARS!
Karla: Aside from my issues and ranting over some of the long drawn out angst, I really did enjoy this read, and there are readers that would love all that.
Debut book you say...Tracey Alvarez could have fooled me! There was so much to love here; charming relatable characters, wonderful heartfelt dialogue, a beautiful setting, steam, steam, steam...very hot and sexy, a real page turner. In retrospect, I can understand why she did what she did, withholding all those secrets, even though I didn't like it at the time, because it built up to a pretty terrific ending. I'm hooked, and headed Due South! ~ 4 Stars!!
*A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
January 20, 2014
Kathleen and Karla’s dual Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
What worked
Kathleen: What really surprised me was just how well done all the characters were in this book. I loved that it also included many characters from the small town community. I felt they added so many more layers to the story.
The story line was VERY good and kept me interested all the way through.
The writing was done so well that it grabbed me emotionally on so many levels. I was happy, sad, mad, I smiled, laughed, cried and almost chewed my finger nails at certain spots .
Karla: I loved the setting in Oban, Stewart Island, New Zealand, and the close knit community. The pub, Due South, is at the heart of the story, the island hang-out, "where everybody knows your name".
The whole family and friends aspect. I love series that has a sense of familiarity, where you know going forward you'll be able to re-visit with characters you've grown to love, and there are so many in the first book of this series that I can't wait to read about.
How the story centers around Ben's diving business and West's involvement in the sport of free-diving... very interesting!
What didn’t work
Kathleen: I have to really dig deep to find something that did not work for me. I guess it would be the fact that it took a long time for Piper and Ryan to finally break down and trust each other enough to really let each other know how they felt about each other.
NO EPILOGUE!! But as this is the first book in the series, I’m hoping when the next book is released we will get a look into what is going on with Piper and Ryan.
Karla: The round and round between West and Piper. I wish the author had given us earlier insight as to Piper's reasons for leaving and the circumstances surrounding her father's death. It would have also made Ben's, Piper's brother, hostility towards her a little easier to deal with, because frankly the guy was getting on my nerves. I also couldn't understand why West pushed Piper away all those years ago, he really seemed to have loved her. We didn't get anything tangible, just a tidbit here and there, and it became very frustrating. HOWEVER... when it's revealed as to what happened in the case of Piper's father's tragic death, why they think he drowned and the awful task that Piper was left to deal with, and why West let Piper go, his issues when it came to committing to a long term relationship, it all made sense and the explanations were very plausible and everything fell into place. I think the author was trying to bait the reader with the suspense of not knowing, and that's all well and good to a point. She did salvage the read by offering up some very logical reasoning.
Best scene(s)
Kathleen: One of my favorite scenes was when Piper met Zoe an 8 ½ year old girl. The conversation they had was funny and heartwarming.
I loved the scenes where Piper’s mother took control of the different situations calling out things as she saw them.
When Piper let a reporter have it concerning her emotions when finding a dead person.
When Ryan went crazy and beat up the guy who hit Piper while playing rugby. There was also another scene where Piper’s brother Ben beat up the same man for man-handling yet another woman.
When Piper finally told Ryan about what really happened the day her dad drowned and shortly afterwards admitted to him that she loved him.
When Ryan proposed marriage to Piper and his explanation of why he had 2 wedding rings.
Karla: West coming to Piper's defense when she was hurt at the game, holy momma, he really let everyone know how he felt about someone touching his woman!! It spoke volumes!
The two rings, and the stories behind them...that's all your getting from me. Ryan Westlake...*swoon*!!
Favorite character(s)
Kathleen: I have no favorite character in this book because frankly, I loved them all!
Karla: Ryan "West" Westlake! Oh la la!! Scrumptious!! I'd give anything, even swim with the sharks, to see him in his buggie smugglers!!
Overall Thoughts
Kathleen: WOW, I can hardly believe this was Tracey Alveraz’s debut novel! I enjoyed everything; the story line, the characters and the banter the characters shared throughout the book. The sex/love scenes that SCORCHED the pages, plus the emotions the book made me feel while reading. I’m VERY much looking forward to reading book 2 of the Due South series, Melting in to You, and then book 3, Raw Exposure. These will be must reads for me. I’ve found yet another talented author to add to my ever growing list.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sexy contemporary romance. ~5 BIG STARS!!
Karla: Aside from my issues and ranting over some of the long drawn out angst, I really did enjoy this read, and there are readers that would love all that.
Debut book you say...Tracey Alvarez could have fooled me! There was so much to love here; charming relatable characters, wonderful heartfelt dialogue, a beautiful setting, steam, steam, steam...very hot and sexy, a real page turner. In retrospect, I can understand why she did what she did, withholding all those secrets, even though I didn't like it at the time, because it built up to a pretty terrific ending. I'm hooked, and headed Due South! ~ 4 Stars!!
*A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
What worked
Kathleen: What really surprised me was just how well done all the characters were in this book. I loved that it also included many characters from the small town community. I felt they added so many more layers to the story.
The story line was VERY good and kept me interested all the way through.
The writing was done so well that it grabbed me emotionally on so many levels. I was happy, sad, mad, I smiled, laughed, cried and almost chewed my finger nails at certain spots .
Karla: I loved the setting in Oban, Stewart Island, New Zealand, and the close knit community. The pub, Due South, is at the heart of the story, the island hang-out, "where everybody knows your name".
The whole family and friends aspect. I love series that has a sense of familiarity, where you know going forward you'll be able to re-visit with characters you've grown to love, and there are so many in the first book of this series that I can't wait to read about.
How the story centers around Ben's diving business and West's involvement in the sport of free-diving... very interesting!
What didn’t work
Kathleen: I have to really dig deep to find something that did not work for me. I guess it would be the fact that it took a long time for Piper and Ryan to finally break down and trust each other enough to really let each other know how they felt about each other.
NO EPILOGUE!! But as this is the first book in the series, I’m hoping when the next book is released we will get a look into what is going on with Piper and Ryan.
Karla: The round and round between West and Piper. I wish the author had given us earlier insight as to Piper's reasons for leaving and the circumstances surrounding her father's death. It would have also made Ben's, Piper's brother, hostility towards her a little easier to deal with, because frankly the guy was getting on my nerves. I also couldn't understand why West pushed Piper away all those years ago, he really seemed to have loved her. We didn't get anything tangible, just a tidbit here and there, and it became very frustrating. HOWEVER... when it's revealed as to what happened in the case of Piper's father's tragic death, why they think he drowned and the awful task that Piper was left to deal with, and why West let Piper go, his issues when it came to committing to a long term relationship, it all made sense and the explanations were very plausible and everything fell into place. I think the author was trying to bait the reader with the suspense of not knowing, and that's all well and good to a point. She did salvage the read by offering up some very logical reasoning.
Best scene(s)
Kathleen: One of my favorite scenes was when Piper met Zoe an 8 ½ year old girl. The conversation they had was funny and heartwarming.
I loved the scenes where Piper’s mother took control of the different situations calling out things as she saw them.
When Piper let a reporter have it concerning her emotions when finding a dead person.
When Ryan went crazy and beat up the guy who hit Piper while playing rugby. There was also another scene where Piper’s brother Ben beat up the same man for man-handling yet another woman.
When Piper finally told Ryan about what really happened the day her dad drowned and shortly afterwards admitted to him that she loved him.
When Ryan proposed marriage to Piper and his explanation of why he had 2 wedding rings.
Karla: West coming to Piper's defense when she was hurt at the game, holy momma, he really let everyone know how he felt about someone touching his woman!! It spoke volumes!
The two rings, and the stories behind them...that's all your getting from me. Ryan Westlake...*swoon*!!
Favorite character(s)
Kathleen: I have no favorite character in this book because frankly, I loved them all!
Karla: Ryan "West" Westlake! Oh la la!! Scrumptious!! I'd give anything, even swim with the sharks, to see him in his buggie smugglers!!
Overall Thoughts
Kathleen: WOW, I can hardly believe this was Tracey Alveraz’s debut novel! I enjoyed everything; the story line, the characters and the banter the characters shared throughout the book. The sex/love scenes that SCORCHED the pages, plus the emotions the book made me feel while reading. I’m VERY much looking forward to reading book 2 of the Due South series, Melting in to You, and then book 3, Raw Exposure. These will be must reads for me. I’ve found yet another talented author to add to my ever growing list.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sexy contemporary romance. ~5 BIG STARS!!
Karla: Aside from my issues and ranting over some of the long drawn out angst, I really did enjoy this read, and there are readers that would love all that.
Debut book you say...Tracey Alvarez could have fooled me! There was so much to love here; charming relatable characters, wonderful heartfelt dialogue, a beautiful setting, steam, steam, steam...very hot and sexy, a real page turner. In retrospect, I can understand why she did what she did, withholding all those secrets, even though I didn't like it at the time, because it built up to a pretty terrific ending. I'm hooked, and headed Due South! ~ 4 Stars!!
*A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
January 23, 2014
Absolutely loved reading Tracey Alvarez's debut book. It's a well-drawn story with both angst and laughter starring a great cast of strong characters and romance that sizzles from start to finish. Readers don't have to wait for the happily-ever-after either!
Looking forward to the next book in the "Due South" series.
Looking forward to the next book in the "Due South" series.
June 8, 2019
Cute romance novel, with the customary sexy protagonists, misunderstandings and hot hanky panky.
An entertaining, Kiwi infused read, on a rainy day.
An entertaining, Kiwi infused read, on a rainy day.
February 13, 2015
I decided to try this one mostly because the blurb caught my attention. The heroine is a cop, a police diver more specifically and I thought that was different. This is also a debut book and I’m always looking for new authors to try. This one pleasantly surprised me.
Set in New Zealand, Piper is a cop, who also has her diver certification. Her father’s drowning years ago still lingers over her, and on one particular dive where she finds the body of a teenage boy, the memories of her past become too much. Her colleagues notice this and she decides to head home to her small island for a much needed vacation.
When she gets home she realizes her family is in disarray. Her brother’s boating business is in danger of failing due to an injury he suffered and he has been too stubborn to ask for help. Also back home is her old flame, Ryan Westlake or West. West is her brother’s best friend (oh I love a brother’s best friend trope). They were lovers at the age of eighteen before a bad break-up and then her father’s death. West offers to help her brother and in turn Piper offers to help West at his family’s restaurant, all the while trying to avoid those pesky romantic feelings that keep popping up between them.
Piper is a tough heroine, and I liked that about her. She is a bit prickly, stubborn, never backs down from a challenge – and boy does West like to challenge her. Women feel intimidated by her. But deep down she is scared – scared of coming to terms with her father’s death and scared of failing at life in general. She is really scared of letting West back in again. This author does a nice job letting us get to know the characters and their lives. She takes her time with it – maybe sometimes a little too much time – I thought there were some slow parts. The author makes West and Piper really work for their happily ever after. Their sexual tension – the glances, the way West gets all growly – the time he jerks off in the bathroom with her right outside – all super, sexy hot.
Besides the romance, Piper and West both have family issues. West has an ailing father and a mother who left the family years ago. Piper has her injured brother with a chip on his shoulder. There is a lot of page time devoted to their families and the supporting characters. As some of these characters are getting books in the future, I like that we got to know them in this book.
Another fun thing for me is that this book is set in New Zealand so some of the terminology is different for me. For example, West wears a swimsuit called a ‘Budgy Smuggler’ – after a google search I saw it’s similar to a speedo – but with a much better name!! (Piper approved of this as well).
Overall a little slow at times but a solid romance with nice character development.
Rating: B-
Set in New Zealand, Piper is a cop, who also has her diver certification. Her father’s drowning years ago still lingers over her, and on one particular dive where she finds the body of a teenage boy, the memories of her past become too much. Her colleagues notice this and she decides to head home to her small island for a much needed vacation.
When she gets home she realizes her family is in disarray. Her brother’s boating business is in danger of failing due to an injury he suffered and he has been too stubborn to ask for help. Also back home is her old flame, Ryan Westlake or West. West is her brother’s best friend (oh I love a brother’s best friend trope). They were lovers at the age of eighteen before a bad break-up and then her father’s death. West offers to help her brother and in turn Piper offers to help West at his family’s restaurant, all the while trying to avoid those pesky romantic feelings that keep popping up between them.
Piper is a tough heroine, and I liked that about her. She is a bit prickly, stubborn, never backs down from a challenge – and boy does West like to challenge her. Women feel intimidated by her. But deep down she is scared – scared of coming to terms with her father’s death and scared of failing at life in general. She is really scared of letting West back in again. This author does a nice job letting us get to know the characters and their lives. She takes her time with it – maybe sometimes a little too much time – I thought there were some slow parts. The author makes West and Piper really work for their happily ever after. Their sexual tension – the glances, the way West gets all growly – the time he jerks off in the bathroom with her right outside – all super, sexy hot.
Besides the romance, Piper and West both have family issues. West has an ailing father and a mother who left the family years ago. Piper has her injured brother with a chip on his shoulder. There is a lot of page time devoted to their families and the supporting characters. As some of these characters are getting books in the future, I like that we got to know them in this book.
Another fun thing for me is that this book is set in New Zealand so some of the terminology is different for me. For example, West wears a swimsuit called a ‘Budgy Smuggler’ – after a google search I saw it’s similar to a speedo – but with a much better name!! (Piper approved of this as well).
Overall a little slow at times but a solid romance with nice character development.
Rating: B-
May 16, 2017
I loved this New Zealand Island romance. What a wonderful experience. The writing was so vivid I could see the images and walk along side these fabulous characters. This was like taking a vacation without the cost and long flight. The characters, there is no way you can't help but admire, like and wish the best for them. They have realistic problems, and deal with them in easy to believe ways, and even have believable sex. Yes you heard that right, there were no extreme unrealistic descriptions or actions- thank the gods ! I'm off to read another from this author.
January 7, 2015
3.5 Stars
May 24, 2014
5 Stars!
So I really LOVED this book!
I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book between the angst and sexual tension wow I was hooked.
Piper left her small island town at 18 after her father died in a diving accident. She left everyone behind her mother her brother and sister and West, Her brothers best friend and also the love of her life who shattered her heart.
Now nine years later Piper is a cop and apart of the Dive Rescue Squad after a particularly hard case she is given time off to regroup. So she goes back home, a place she hasn't been in 9 years.
Small towns offer no privacy and tons of gossip as news spreads of her arrival. Not to mention coming face to face with West after all these years.
Neither can deny the attraction between them even as they fight against it. Bust Piper is only home for six weeks and after her fathers death she wants no part of West, or does she ….
-----
Honestly one of the best books I read so far this year. Tracey has a way with words that make you feel as you''re apart of the book. I loved it. Not to much detail to the point where you're skimming paragraphs (I'm notorious for skimming over lengthy inner dialogue and descriptions) but enough to give you the perfect picture as to what;s going on.
I loved Piper and West, not to mention Pipers mother was hilarious. All of the characters were very well developed and you felt the connection between all of them.
I also loved that even though they shared a past they didn't jump at each other right away, We were offered time to digest their history and work through things before they got together which is always a plus!
Overall it was an awesome book! I definitely recommend
*ARC
So I really LOVED this book!
I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book between the angst and sexual tension wow I was hooked.
Piper left her small island town at 18 after her father died in a diving accident. She left everyone behind her mother her brother and sister and West, Her brothers best friend and also the love of her life who shattered her heart.
Now nine years later Piper is a cop and apart of the Dive Rescue Squad after a particularly hard case she is given time off to regroup. So she goes back home, a place she hasn't been in 9 years.
Small towns offer no privacy and tons of gossip as news spreads of her arrival. Not to mention coming face to face with West after all these years.
Neither can deny the attraction between them even as they fight against it. Bust Piper is only home for six weeks and after her fathers death she wants no part of West, or does she ….
-----
Honestly one of the best books I read so far this year. Tracey has a way with words that make you feel as you''re apart of the book. I loved it. Not to much detail to the point where you're skimming paragraphs (I'm notorious for skimming over lengthy inner dialogue and descriptions) but enough to give you the perfect picture as to what;s going on.
I loved Piper and West, not to mention Pipers mother was hilarious. All of the characters were very well developed and you felt the connection between all of them.
I also loved that even though they shared a past they didn't jump at each other right away, We were offered time to digest their history and work through things before they got together which is always a plus!
Overall it was an awesome book! I definitely recommend
*ARC
July 19, 2016
I checked my inbox and discovered this read I won from librarything, and I have to tell you I glanced at it even though I have a mountain of books to be read before this one. I got hooked and couldn't stop reading, and loved it. It's about a girl who works for the police diving team, they search for lost ones in water. Well her history is that she was a spotter for her father when he free dove, and he died. She had been distracted because she had been dumped the night before. Ten years ahead, her brother over mortgages a business and is threatened to lose it. She goes back to help him save it by doing the dives for him since he broke his leg. Piper see's the man who dumped her the day before her father died. Ryan Westlake is the man she still compares all men to, and between the animosity and the anger we still see the attraction. They have dangerous chemistry and it was great to see it come together. Thanks librarything and this author for a great read!
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
March 19, 2014
I loved this book! Tracey Alvarez has a writing style that draws you in and keeps you there with laugh out loud humour, heart wrenching emotion, and vivid imagery. West and Piper have never stopped loving each other, though neither one is keen to admit it, and when they drop their guard and come together they heat up the pages with some seriously hot scenes. There’s also a fantastic cast of characters, quirky individuals, you can’t help but care about. The story is set on New Zealand’s Stewart Island, and with wonderfully lush descriptions, the place becomes a character all its own. What more can I say, I can’t wait to read more in this series!
October 15, 2015
Wow. Wow. Wow. This should be enough to let you know what I thought of this book, but I guess it’s not enough of a review, is it? :)
I’ve been recently having trouble with books with an intriguing blurb that left me with a sour taste in my mouth once I finished them, so when I started reading In Too Deep I had no expectations – which I’ve decided is the best way to start a book, especially by an author I don’t know.
I didn’t need to get too deep into the book (forgive the pun!) to get hooked. A couple of Kindle pages and I knew I was going to like the story. When Ryan “West” Westlake entered the story, well, I knew I was going to love the book. :)
I was glad to find that West wasn’t the only thing that kept me glued to my Kindle, though. With other books I found that a great (and handsome) hero was sometimes enough to keep me reading even if the story lacked a little depth, but this was definitely not the case. Yes, West is hot, there’s no denying it – but Piper is a great heroine too, and the plot has just enough tension and chemistry to keep you reading.
I loved the way Piper’s not the usual damsel in distress waiting for Prince Charming to rescue her. She’s a badass cop with a tough shell, but at the same time she’s also a broken soul who’s trying to protect herself from more pain. I enjoyed reading how things changed for her as days went by and the departure date grew closer. I could feel how torn she was between wanting to belong and needing to leave it all behind. At times is broke my heart and made me want to hug her.
Ryan, or West as we get to know him throughout the book, is just… WOW. He’s self-confident, a little cocky, funny and a sweetheart all in one. And he plays the piano – AW!!!! :) I could spend hours rambling about him but it wouldn’t give you the idea. You’ll have to read the book to understand what I’m talking about.
I loved the interaction between Piper and West, their banter and the chemistry. It gets stronger as the story progresses and this is just another thing that will keep you glued to the pages.
There are some great side characters, and I’m hoping ro read more about them in the next books in the series.
The book is long, definitely not something you can read in one sitting (unless you manage not to eat or sleep until you’ve finished it), but it’s also one of those books you don’t want to put down and at the same time you wish would never end. That’s the effect it had on me. I loved every single scene and never felt as if something was unnecessary or just used to make the book longer (which is something I find quite annoying in a book). Every scene was important for the whole story and brought a little more details into it, creating a deeper connection with the characters.
Third person POV does not always help pull the reader in, unless it’s used flawlessly. This is one of the very few cases when third person is way better than first. You always know who’s thinking what, and you can feel their emotions even though it’s not a first person POV. I loved the author’s writing style, the dialogues and the descriptions. I’ve never been to New Zealand, but while I was reading I could see the places she described, the island where the story is set, the ocean, the beaches and all the settings. It actually made me want to pack up my stuff and move there. Kudos to Tracey for her writing.
I know this is the first book in a series and I wonder if the next books will still include West and Piper, or they will be about other characters. Either way, I know I’ll definitely look out for more books by Tracey Alvarez.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
I’ve been recently having trouble with books with an intriguing blurb that left me with a sour taste in my mouth once I finished them, so when I started reading In Too Deep I had no expectations – which I’ve decided is the best way to start a book, especially by an author I don’t know.
I didn’t need to get too deep into the book (forgive the pun!) to get hooked. A couple of Kindle pages and I knew I was going to like the story. When Ryan “West” Westlake entered the story, well, I knew I was going to love the book. :)
I was glad to find that West wasn’t the only thing that kept me glued to my Kindle, though. With other books I found that a great (and handsome) hero was sometimes enough to keep me reading even if the story lacked a little depth, but this was definitely not the case. Yes, West is hot, there’s no denying it – but Piper is a great heroine too, and the plot has just enough tension and chemistry to keep you reading.
I loved the way Piper’s not the usual damsel in distress waiting for Prince Charming to rescue her. She’s a badass cop with a tough shell, but at the same time she’s also a broken soul who’s trying to protect herself from more pain. I enjoyed reading how things changed for her as days went by and the departure date grew closer. I could feel how torn she was between wanting to belong and needing to leave it all behind. At times is broke my heart and made me want to hug her.
Ryan, or West as we get to know him throughout the book, is just… WOW. He’s self-confident, a little cocky, funny and a sweetheart all in one. And he plays the piano – AW!!!! :) I could spend hours rambling about him but it wouldn’t give you the idea. You’ll have to read the book to understand what I’m talking about.
I loved the interaction between Piper and West, their banter and the chemistry. It gets stronger as the story progresses and this is just another thing that will keep you glued to the pages.
There are some great side characters, and I’m hoping ro read more about them in the next books in the series.
The book is long, definitely not something you can read in one sitting (unless you manage not to eat or sleep until you’ve finished it), but it’s also one of those books you don’t want to put down and at the same time you wish would never end. That’s the effect it had on me. I loved every single scene and never felt as if something was unnecessary or just used to make the book longer (which is something I find quite annoying in a book). Every scene was important for the whole story and brought a little more details into it, creating a deeper connection with the characters.
Third person POV does not always help pull the reader in, unless it’s used flawlessly. This is one of the very few cases when third person is way better than first. You always know who’s thinking what, and you can feel their emotions even though it’s not a first person POV. I loved the author’s writing style, the dialogues and the descriptions. I’ve never been to New Zealand, but while I was reading I could see the places she described, the island where the story is set, the ocean, the beaches and all the settings. It actually made me want to pack up my stuff and move there. Kudos to Tracey for her writing.
I know this is the first book in a series and I wonder if the next books will still include West and Piper, or they will be about other characters. Either way, I know I’ll definitely look out for more books by Tracey Alvarez.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
March 23, 2015
2.5 stars. Not poorly written just….nah, just didn’t care for this one. The h/Piper, a police department dive officer, has a HUGE chip on her shoulder, strives not to be feminine if she can help it, a hard ass with definite issues and tons of family guilt. She resists the H/Ryan for most of the bk. Piper and Ryan have history so he puts up with her grumpy, hard ass attitude now that she's temporarily back in town with smirking, teasing and taunting. They’re obviously “it” for one another, but waiting for the Piper to thaw and overcome all her hang-ups frankly just got old and I started to skim. The whole family dymanic was dark and gloomy. I wasn't sure who I'd vote the bigger downer Piper or her brother Ben. By about the 70% mark I just didn’t care. Maybe it's unfair for me to rate this bk when I didn't completely finish but it's a way for me to shelf this bk on this site.
January 19, 2014
Tracey Alvarez has written an engaging book in a true to life New Zealand setting. If you are a reader who likes interesting characters with 'some baggage', a plot that has plenty happening, a satisfying ending - and a hot sexy relationship thrown in as well, then this is a book to read. And in among all that a couple of issues around water safety and guilt to get you thinking. Well written.
August 26, 2016
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books.
This book was so much fun! An all-around great read with fantastic characters, a solid plot, and a delicious romance, I am so glad it's first in a series because Due South is definitely a fictitious establishment I'm going to be returning to more than once.
Lovers-with-a-past is one of my favorite troupes, and it's done very well here. Piper and West have explosive chemistry, but when they parted nine years ago all kinds of misunderstandings--some of them due to willful misdirection, while others are not--conspired to keep them apart. They both believe that there's an expiration date on this portion of their relationship as well, and it makes for some heartbreaking scenes.
Fortunately, to distract you from the angst, there's also fun and steamy (pun totally intended) scenes like this one:
Oh, yes. There's a lot more where that came from, believe me.
In Too Deep is a romance, so the HEA is a given, but it's definitely not an easy path for Piper and West. Their journey is believable, and at times, heart-wrenching. I needed to have everything work out for those two, and this kept me turning the pages even though I had other things I was supposed to be doing.
That's what weekends are for, yes? To forget about other obligations and read a good book?
Though I loved the hero and heroine, the secondary characters here are just as fun (and hopefully will be featured in future books--bonus!) Here are two short excerpts that not only give a quick glimpse into a few other characters in the series, but also showcase Tracey Alvarez's fun and witty writing style.
The first introduces us to Kezia, an elementary school teacher and heroine of book two (yay!). Piper is meeting her for the first time and feeling more than a little inadequate next to her. She's also carrying around just a teensy bit of anger towards West, which Kezia has picked up on.
Loved that exchange. The next introduces us to Ford, the island's mechanic and a friend who grew up with West and Piper. West has recruited him to be his safety buddy while he practices for the free-dive portion of the Lake Tuapo Nationals.
See what I mean? Reading this book, it feels totally populated with fictional characters that would blend right in with my less-than-fictional friends. I love books like that, where the characters seem to jump off the page, they're so real.
The New Zealand setting is absolutely beautiful, and reading about diving--from free-diving to cage diving (sharks!) to being a dive cop--was fascinating. None of it is something I'd be able to do, mind you--I'd be the one sitting on the beach or deck of the boat with my SPF 45 and a book--but it is really interesting to read about.
It all adds up to a book that I literally didn't want to put down. I really cannot wait for book two, and three, and... ;)
4 1/2 stars, A rating.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so much fun! An all-around great read with fantastic characters, a solid plot, and a delicious romance, I am so glad it's first in a series because Due South is definitely a fictitious establishment I'm going to be returning to more than once.
Lovers-with-a-past is one of my favorite troupes, and it's done very well here. Piper and West have explosive chemistry, but when they parted nine years ago all kinds of misunderstandings--some of them due to willful misdirection, while others are not--conspired to keep them apart. They both believe that there's an expiration date on this portion of their relationship as well, and it makes for some heartbreaking scenes.
Fortunately, to distract you from the angst, there's also fun and steamy (pun totally intended) scenes like this one:
Just keep it above neck level, say what you need to say, and get out.
She cleared her throat. “That was a crappy way to talk to your mother. You made her cry.”
West pulled his head out of the spray and scrubbed water off his face. “The woman cries at a drop of a hat. It goes with her artistic temperament.”
Then he turned.
Holy guacamole. Piper nearly wrenched the doorknob off the door. Her brain must’ve missed the memo to keep her eyes above West’s neck because, hello—nicely shaped pecs, washboard flat abs, corded thigh muscles…and then her gaze skipped straight back up to his, er, expanding interest.
“True, buhht…” Her tongue unfurled to her knees when West rubbed a bar of soap over his chest, never taking his direct, blue gaze from her.
“So you barged in here to tell me I was rude to my mother?” Water sprayed over his shoulder, running down his body. His soapy hand slid from pecs to the trail of dark hair low on his belly. A happy, happy trail indeed.
“Well, I…” She licked dry lips, looked at anything other than where his hand headed, and found her mud-flecked, crimson-cheeked reflection instead.
So much for West’s awkwardness at being butt naked—she was the one exposed and vulnerable. Her excuses for being there suddenly seemed lame. Under the circumstances maybe his reaction to Claire was understandable, and though she told his mother she’d talk to him, nothing was so important the conversation couldn’t wait until after West had finished being all wet and hot and naked.
The creak of the shower door made her jump.
“Piper?” His voice, low and loaded with seduction, blazed through her.
West left the shower, water cascading off him and onto the tiled floor. She averted her gaze and turned her back, yanking on the doorknob again. It slipped through her damp fingers.
“Is this really about my mother or did you barge in here for something else?”
Oh, yes. There's a lot more where that came from, believe me.
In Too Deep is a romance, so the HEA is a given, but it's definitely not an easy path for Piper and West. Their journey is believable, and at times, heart-wrenching. I needed to have everything work out for those two, and this kept me turning the pages even though I had other things I was supposed to be doing.
That's what weekends are for, yes? To forget about other obligations and read a good book?
Though I loved the hero and heroine, the secondary characters here are just as fun (and hopefully will be featured in future books--bonus!) Here are two short excerpts that not only give a quick glimpse into a few other characters in the series, but also showcase Tracey Alvarez's fun and witty writing style.
The first introduces us to Kezia, an elementary school teacher and heroine of book two (yay!). Piper is meeting her for the first time and feeling more than a little inadequate next to her. She's also carrying around just a teensy bit of anger towards West, which Kezia has picked up on.
She should’ve hated Kezia on sight for being everything she would never be—petite, feminine and sweet.
Then Kezia spoke, her voice slightly accented and with a natural soft rasp that would drive men wild. “If you need an accomplice to kick someone’s boy-bits, I’m your girl.”
Not so sweet. So maybe she could forgive her for being small, and curvy, and with a voice of a phone sex worker. “Got anyone in mind?”
“Whoever made you look like you wanted to spit nails when you walked in, cara.”
“That would be Shaye’s boss. So I’ll have to take a rain check.”
“Ah, well. It’d be a shame to damage someone so pretty.” Kezia pursed her lips thoughtfully. “We could hold him down while you muss up his hair.”
“That’d teach him,” said Shaye.
Loved that exchange. The next introduces us to Ford, the island's mechanic and a friend who grew up with West and Piper. West has recruited him to be his safety buddy while he practices for the free-dive portion of the Lake Tuapo Nationals.
West pulled off his mask and checked his dive watch. Seven fifteen. He could spare a few more minutes in the pool before he needed to grab breakfast and head into Due South.
“Ford?” His friend looked up from his Kindle and turned the device off.
“Uh-huh?”
“You’re a useless safety buddy, you know. I could’ve suffered a shallow water black out and you never would’ve noticed.”
Ford tossed his trademark black dreadlocks over his shoulder and stood up from one of the spectator seats. “You pay peanuts, you get a bored monkey. And I would’ve noticed and gone all Baywatch on you.”
“That’s an unpleasant image. I’m just going to swim another couple of laps—you can head off now and go back to Star Trek or whatever trash you’re reading.”
“It’s Isaac Asimov, you pleb.” Ford tucked the Kindle under his arm and sauntered to the pool door, his flip flops slapping on the wet concrete. “Don’t drown—unless your dad knows you owe me another meal on the house.”
See what I mean? Reading this book, it feels totally populated with fictional characters that would blend right in with my less-than-fictional friends. I love books like that, where the characters seem to jump off the page, they're so real.
The New Zealand setting is absolutely beautiful, and reading about diving--from free-diving to cage diving (sharks!) to being a dive cop--was fascinating. None of it is something I'd be able to do, mind you--I'd be the one sitting on the beach or deck of the boat with my SPF 45 and a book--but it is really interesting to read about.
It all adds up to a book that I literally didn't want to put down. I really cannot wait for book two, and three, and... ;)
4 1/2 stars, A rating.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2018
This is my first Tracey Alvarez book but it won't be my last. I loved everything about it - the New Zealand setting, the feisty heroine, the hero who made my heart speed up. Looking forward to the next in the series!
November 22, 2015
Vor neun Jahren verließ Piper ihre Heimat Stewart Island, um zu vergessen und Polizistin zu werden. Jetzt ist sie als einzige Frau Teil des New Zealand Police Dive Squads, obwohl ihr bei jedem Tauchgang der Tod ihres Vaters wieder vor Augen steht.
Neun Jahre lang hat sie den Kontakt zu Mutter, Schwester und Bruder fast vollständig vermieden, doch als ihre Shaye sie jetzt um Hilfe bittet, tut sie das, was sie nie tun wollte - Piper kehrt nachhause zurück. Der Empfang auf der Insel ist kühl. Ihr Bruder Ben will ihre Unterstützung nicht und West, sein bester Freund, erinnert sie ständig an das, was sie einmal hatten, bevor er sie nach ihrem Abschlussball abservierte. Dank der Hauptsaison und ihrer Mutter, der niemand etwas abschlagen kann, muss sie sich für die Dauer ihres Aufenthaltes auch noch ein Haus mit den beiden teilen. Früher waren Ben, West und Piper unzertrennliche, beste Freunde gewesen, jetzt ist alles anders. Nur die Anziehung zwischen ihr und West ist noch immer dieselbe, obwohl sie anfangs fast schon feindselig sind. In den sechs Wochen, die Piper wieder auf der Insel ist, kommen jedoch unterdrückte Gefühle und verdrängte Wahrheiten ans Licht.
Alle Charaktere in „In Too Deep“ sind wunderbar ausgearbeitet und facettenreich. Nicht nur West, Piper und ihre Familien, sondern auch die anderen Stadtbewohner wachsen einem mehr oder weniger ans Herz: von der schrulligen Siebzigjährigen, die ihre Hände nicht bei sich behalten kann, wenn West in der Nähe ist, bis zum aufdringlichen, stänkernden Idioten. Gerade deshalb mag ich solche Kleinstadtgeschichten, weil einem da immer so viel verschiedene Charaktere geboten werden.
Piper ist eine taffe, widerspenstige, junge Frau, die sich die Schuld am Tod ihres Vaters gibt, weil sie meint, an jenem Tag vor lauter Liebeskummer nicht richtig aufgepasst zu haben. Dass noch viel mehr dahinter steckt, erschließt sich ihr und dem Leser erst im Laufe der Geschichte. West ist ebenfalls toll. Nach außen hin sexy, charmant und offen, hat ihn Pipers Weggang vor neun Jahren tiefer verletzt als er es jemals zugegeben hätte. Vor allem, da er einer der Auslöser dafür gewesen ist bzw. sie nicht daran gehindert hat, zu gehen. Jetzt ist sie wieder hier und er gibt sich zu Beginn kühl und gleichgültig. Dass er immer noch Gefühle für sie hat, würde er nie im Leben zu geben. Anfangs zumindest. Ich mochte beide wirklich sehr gerne, denn ihre gemeinsame Vergangenheit, die langsame Wiederannäherung sowie ihre jeweiligen Ängste und Vorurteile und nicht zu vergessen, die Chemie zwischen ihnen sind glaubwürdig, mit teilweise auch herzzerreißenden Szenen dargestellt.
Die ganze Geschichte ist mir trotz ihrer Länge nie langweilig geworden, sondern hat mich stets gut unterhalten und neugierig auf das, was noch kommt, gemacht. Tracey Alvarez spielt dabei mit einer ganzen Bandbreite an Emotionen und Inhalten. Es war auch schön, mal ein anderes Setting als die USA zu haben und ich habe vorher noch nie ein Buch gelesen, das in Neuseeland spielt.
Mit ihrem Debüt braucht sich Tracey Alvarez auf keinen Fall hinter ihren amerikanischen Kolleginnen verstecken. „In Too Deep“ ist empfehlenswert für jeden, der sexy Contemporary Romance liebt, wobei die Erotik hier eher im Hintergrund steht und es mehr um familiäre und freundschaftliche Beziehungen sowie eine zweite Chance für die erste Liebe geht ♥
Neun Jahre lang hat sie den Kontakt zu Mutter, Schwester und Bruder fast vollständig vermieden, doch als ihre Shaye sie jetzt um Hilfe bittet, tut sie das, was sie nie tun wollte - Piper kehrt nachhause zurück. Der Empfang auf der Insel ist kühl. Ihr Bruder Ben will ihre Unterstützung nicht und West, sein bester Freund, erinnert sie ständig an das, was sie einmal hatten, bevor er sie nach ihrem Abschlussball abservierte. Dank der Hauptsaison und ihrer Mutter, der niemand etwas abschlagen kann, muss sie sich für die Dauer ihres Aufenthaltes auch noch ein Haus mit den beiden teilen. Früher waren Ben, West und Piper unzertrennliche, beste Freunde gewesen, jetzt ist alles anders. Nur die Anziehung zwischen ihr und West ist noch immer dieselbe, obwohl sie anfangs fast schon feindselig sind. In den sechs Wochen, die Piper wieder auf der Insel ist, kommen jedoch unterdrückte Gefühle und verdrängte Wahrheiten ans Licht.
Alle Charaktere in „In Too Deep“ sind wunderbar ausgearbeitet und facettenreich. Nicht nur West, Piper und ihre Familien, sondern auch die anderen Stadtbewohner wachsen einem mehr oder weniger ans Herz: von der schrulligen Siebzigjährigen, die ihre Hände nicht bei sich behalten kann, wenn West in der Nähe ist, bis zum aufdringlichen, stänkernden Idioten. Gerade deshalb mag ich solche Kleinstadtgeschichten, weil einem da immer so viel verschiedene Charaktere geboten werden.
Piper ist eine taffe, widerspenstige, junge Frau, die sich die Schuld am Tod ihres Vaters gibt, weil sie meint, an jenem Tag vor lauter Liebeskummer nicht richtig aufgepasst zu haben. Dass noch viel mehr dahinter steckt, erschließt sich ihr und dem Leser erst im Laufe der Geschichte. West ist ebenfalls toll. Nach außen hin sexy, charmant und offen, hat ihn Pipers Weggang vor neun Jahren tiefer verletzt als er es jemals zugegeben hätte. Vor allem, da er einer der Auslöser dafür gewesen ist bzw. sie nicht daran gehindert hat, zu gehen. Jetzt ist sie wieder hier und er gibt sich zu Beginn kühl und gleichgültig. Dass er immer noch Gefühle für sie hat, würde er nie im Leben zu geben. Anfangs zumindest. Ich mochte beide wirklich sehr gerne, denn ihre gemeinsame Vergangenheit, die langsame Wiederannäherung sowie ihre jeweiligen Ängste und Vorurteile und nicht zu vergessen, die Chemie zwischen ihnen sind glaubwürdig, mit teilweise auch herzzerreißenden Szenen dargestellt.
Die ganze Geschichte ist mir trotz ihrer Länge nie langweilig geworden, sondern hat mich stets gut unterhalten und neugierig auf das, was noch kommt, gemacht. Tracey Alvarez spielt dabei mit einer ganzen Bandbreite an Emotionen und Inhalten. Es war auch schön, mal ein anderes Setting als die USA zu haben und ich habe vorher noch nie ein Buch gelesen, das in Neuseeland spielt.
Mit ihrem Debüt braucht sich Tracey Alvarez auf keinen Fall hinter ihren amerikanischen Kolleginnen verstecken. „In Too Deep“ ist empfehlenswert für jeden, der sexy Contemporary Romance liebt, wobei die Erotik hier eher im Hintergrund steht und es mehr um familiäre und freundschaftliche Beziehungen sowie eine zweite Chance für die erste Liebe geht ♥
February 8, 2017
I was looking for a nice and easy read while being on vacation when I stumbled upon Tracey Alvarez. What intrigued me in the beginning was the fact that the story is takes place in New Zealand. (By now, I learned that there’re actually two series – one playing on the north, one on the south island.) I visited New Zealand for my honeymoon in 2013 and more than a well-written contemporary romance I enjoy going back to places that I visited in the past.
The book was advertised as an ‘enemies-turning-into-lovers’ kind of story. I expected it to be an entertaining read while it was raining outside. The plot is rather easy to grasp and I had a feeling of ‘I-know-how-this-is-going-to-end’ right from the beginning. Nevertheless, the book turned out to be a page turner and I decided to continue the series.
What I liked about the book were the characters and the setting. Growing up in a rural area myself I don’t particular miss living without all the benefits that come with living in a city but I’ve got a soft spot for stories playing in small towns. The story also centered on the maritime life of the south island – a setting that I haven’t encountered for a while.
As for the characters, I really liked Piper. She’s smart and witty and the author invested a good amount of time to show her struggle of leaving home and leaving everything behind. The transition of coming back and feeling like a stranger to being a member of the community again was very well-written. It was really easy to connect to her. I also liked to see how she re-built the relationship with her family. West might not be my favorite character but I loved reading about both of them and their relationship. To read the story from Piper’s as well as West’s POV added a lot to the depth. Reading book 1 I already knew that there’s a series dealing with different couples coming together – it was great to be able to get to know them already in the beginning. In general, the different characters seemed to be unique and interesting and it was easy to distinguish them. Everyone adding a small part to a bigger picture.
A big plus was the fact that the story took place in a small community on a remote island. A lot of attention was paid to the surroundings, wildlife and the small-town lifestyle. The author did a great job creating vivid images and paid attention to details.
I tend to struggle a lot with romance books these days but never stop looking for a book or a series that I might like. I’m happy that I came across this one and even more about the fact that there are many books by the author that I can check out.
The book was advertised as an ‘enemies-turning-into-lovers’ kind of story. I expected it to be an entertaining read while it was raining outside. The plot is rather easy to grasp and I had a feeling of ‘I-know-how-this-is-going-to-end’ right from the beginning. Nevertheless, the book turned out to be a page turner and I decided to continue the series.
What I liked about the book were the characters and the setting. Growing up in a rural area myself I don’t particular miss living without all the benefits that come with living in a city but I’ve got a soft spot for stories playing in small towns. The story also centered on the maritime life of the south island – a setting that I haven’t encountered for a while.
As for the characters, I really liked Piper. She’s smart and witty and the author invested a good amount of time to show her struggle of leaving home and leaving everything behind. The transition of coming back and feeling like a stranger to being a member of the community again was very well-written. It was really easy to connect to her. I also liked to see how she re-built the relationship with her family. West might not be my favorite character but I loved reading about both of them and their relationship. To read the story from Piper’s as well as West’s POV added a lot to the depth. Reading book 1 I already knew that there’s a series dealing with different couples coming together – it was great to be able to get to know them already in the beginning. In general, the different characters seemed to be unique and interesting and it was easy to distinguish them. Everyone adding a small part to a bigger picture.
A big plus was the fact that the story took place in a small community on a remote island. A lot of attention was paid to the surroundings, wildlife and the small-town lifestyle. The author did a great job creating vivid images and paid attention to details.
I tend to struggle a lot with romance books these days but never stop looking for a book or a series that I might like. I’m happy that I came across this one and even more about the fact that there are many books by the author that I can check out.
January 20, 2014
In Too Deep by Tracey Alvarez is the first book in her Due South series. Set in New Zealand and featuring the hottest Kiwi men ever, this is a romance that will wrap itself around you and have you feeling right along with the characters. Their pain, their joy, their doubt is laid out in every word just ready for you to own as you read.
I know I'm reading a good book when I get the tight bands of emotion in my chest at pivotal points in the tale and this book delivered emotion by the literal boat-load.
Piper is a highly skilled member of the New Zealand Police National Dive Squad and is part of the team that searches for missing people at sea. She chose this career as penance for a tragedy in her past. Now she has to go back to her hometown and face the past head on. It just so happens that the past is a hot, two-legged heartbreaker, ex-best friend and future slave-driver.
Ryan Westlake (AKA West) is over Piper. She crushed him nine years ago when she left town and he won't EVER let that happen again. Never mind that he now has to deal with her on a daily basis while they all pull together to pull her brother (his best friend) out of financial ruin so he doesn't lose his home or family business. He is done with her.
Oh my. The hostility between these two (Piper and West) is intense and we slowly find out exactly what it was that happened nine years ago that caused them to go from best-friends and lovers to two near-strangers barely able to stay in the same room without antoginizing each other to explosive result.
A wonderful book that I had a hard time putting down. I'm excited to read more books about this small oceanside town in New Zealand and it's inhabitants.
I know I'm reading a good book when I get the tight bands of emotion in my chest at pivotal points in the tale and this book delivered emotion by the literal boat-load.
Piper is a highly skilled member of the New Zealand Police National Dive Squad and is part of the team that searches for missing people at sea. She chose this career as penance for a tragedy in her past. Now she has to go back to her hometown and face the past head on. It just so happens that the past is a hot, two-legged heartbreaker, ex-best friend and future slave-driver.
Ryan Westlake (AKA West) is over Piper. She crushed him nine years ago when she left town and he won't EVER let that happen again. Never mind that he now has to deal with her on a daily basis while they all pull together to pull her brother (his best friend) out of financial ruin so he doesn't lose his home or family business. He is done with her.
Oh my. The hostility between these two (Piper and West) is intense and we slowly find out exactly what it was that happened nine years ago that caused them to go from best-friends and lovers to two near-strangers barely able to stay in the same room without antoginizing each other to explosive result.
A wonderful book that I had a hard time putting down. I'm excited to read more books about this small oceanside town in New Zealand and it's inhabitants.
May 31, 2015
At first I felt somewhat disconnected from the story. It didn't grab me right away -took me a little while to get hooked but I'm so glad I stuck with it.
Once I really got into it, there were so many things I liked about the book, it wasn't just the main characters but all of them. I loved the small town island setting and the fact that everyone was like one big family. It's one of those books that you want to live in!
I really enjoyed the interaction between Piper and West, especially how it evolved throughout the book. It was very emotional and I found myself brokenhearted at times but also laughing and swooning in other occasions. The love scenes were very well-written, descriptive enough to keep you on the edge of your seat but not so much that they became boring.
Piper was great as a strong female lead, I found myself rooting for her from the start, truly hoping she got her happy ending after having gone through so much heartache. Not just from having her heart broken by West nine years ago, but also the death of her father, the guilt and the alienation that came afterwards.
West was definitely likable and swoon worthy but in the beginning I didn't quite trust him. This obviously changed as the story progressed and I got to know more about him. By the end I was totally captivated by West. What's not to love, he was hot, playful and flirtatious.
"West stopped digging long enough to tug the hem of his shirt up to wipe his brow, exposing the hard planes of his stomach. He winked when he turned his head and caught her staring."
I really loved moments like this between them and I really enjoyed reading this book.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
February 19, 2015
(2.5 Stars)
I was really looking forward to "In Too Deep" especially after reading several of the stellar reviews; unfortunately, it was rather a miss for me because of all of the excessive squabbling between the two main characters. Although, they were supposed to be hopelessly in love, the constant bickering made it hard to believe.
Piper has been gone from her home on the islands for many years since the death of her father. She has been working as a police diver recovering the bodies of drowning victims for their families. Unfortunately, this job dredges up the painful memories of her father's drowning placing her on administrative leave for two weeks.
Piper also receives a phone call from her sister informing her that their brother has been injured and is dire financial straits; so, she goes home to try to help out. However, going home is also going to force her to deal head on with her father's death and come face to face with Wes, a close childhood friend who ripped out her heart a day before the dreadful accident.
When Piper is confronted by her family for running away she also finds herself back in the company of Wes. He pushes buttons she never knew existed and before long, they are no longer fighting their attraction to each other. As I stated from the beginning, I just didn't feel the chemistry between these two characters. I think if the author had softened the tone of some of their bickering I would have bought their so called attraction better. What normally would have taken me a day to read took me five days because I could only tolerate so much of this book at a time.
Other reviewers really seemed to enjoy this read so as the saying goes, "Different strokes for different folks." Read it for yourself and decide.
I was really looking forward to "In Too Deep" especially after reading several of the stellar reviews; unfortunately, it was rather a miss for me because of all of the excessive squabbling between the two main characters. Although, they were supposed to be hopelessly in love, the constant bickering made it hard to believe.
Piper has been gone from her home on the islands for many years since the death of her father. She has been working as a police diver recovering the bodies of drowning victims for their families. Unfortunately, this job dredges up the painful memories of her father's drowning placing her on administrative leave for two weeks.
Piper also receives a phone call from her sister informing her that their brother has been injured and is dire financial straits; so, she goes home to try to help out. However, going home is also going to force her to deal head on with her father's death and come face to face with Wes, a close childhood friend who ripped out her heart a day before the dreadful accident.
When Piper is confronted by her family for running away she also finds herself back in the company of Wes. He pushes buttons she never knew existed and before long, they are no longer fighting their attraction to each other. As I stated from the beginning, I just didn't feel the chemistry between these two characters. I think if the author had softened the tone of some of their bickering I would have bought their so called attraction better. What normally would have taken me a day to read took me five days because I could only tolerate so much of this book at a time.
Other reviewers really seemed to enjoy this read so as the saying goes, "Different strokes for different folks." Read it for yourself and decide.
December 31, 2014
In Too Deep, Book 1 of 4 in the Due South Series, takes place in a small town on New Zealand's Stewart Island. After her father's drowning death, Piper Harland fled to NZ's South Island and trained to become a member of the elite Police National Dive Squad. But more than sadness over her father's death had driven her away from her family and friends. When she returns to Stewart Island temporarily to help save her brother from financial ruin, she is confronted by all the conflict she thought she'd escaped, including Ryan "West" Westlake, a man who was once her best friend and lover. Can Piper come to terms with her guilt and the uncertainty of her relationship with West? She's a strong woman, but there are good reasons why she left and why she might choose to run away again.
I enjoyed the strong female protagonist in this story. She's a rare female member of the dive squad, and she's up for the mental and physical challenge. I also enjoyed the New Zealand setting. I'll read the other books in this series for sure.
I enjoyed the strong female protagonist in this story. She's a rare female member of the dive squad, and she's up for the mental and physical challenge. I also enjoyed the New Zealand setting. I'll read the other books in this series for sure.
June 11, 2014
E eu estava preparada psicologicamente pra dar 3 estrelas pra In too deep quando os 20% finais fazem o livro se redimir da lentidão com a qual vinha se desenrolando! Me apaixonei pelo West *o*
Vencer o medo e a teimosia e finalmente expor o que se passa no coração não é tarefa fácil, já diriam West e Piper
E se a coragem aparecer o resultado pode valer a pena
Obs:
1- senti falta de epílogo
2- Lembra Freeing Asia e Lana
Vencer o medo e a teimosia e finalmente expor o que se passa no coração não é tarefa fácil, já diriam West e Piper
E se a coragem aparecer o resultado pode valer a pena
Obs:
1- senti falta de epílogo
2- Lembra Freeing Asia e Lana
January 7, 2015
I had not read anything by Tracey Alvarez before picking up this book. The synopsis sounded interesting as I have only read one previous story based in New Zealand, and I liked the idea of reading about a small town girl who had run away to the city to escape her problems and how she dealt with having to go back years later. It was a well written love story gone wrong from start to finish. The author did a great job of unfolding the misunderstandings that happened ten years previously as the resulting confusions began to disperse. I was gripped by the emotion and detail of her diving experiences as a police diver and then doing the shark tours. Wonderful writing, some humourous moments as the lovers lower their defences and highly recommended.
January 19, 2014
I received a copy of this book through librarything. I could not put this book down! It's so much more than a romance. It's about a family still trying to cope with the death of a loved one nine years ago. It's about a community sticking by each other. It's about forgiveness. And, yes, it's also a beautiful love story. There were so many wonderful things going on with this book. I'm thrilled to continue on with this series. Oh, and now I feel a trip to New Zealand is a must!
January 14, 2016
Me encanta este tipo de libros, donde los protagonistas se odian mutuamente y pasan más de la mitad discutiendo y peleándose. También me gusta mucho el cliché del "mejor amigo que se enamora de la hermana menor de su amigo", y aquí también tenemos de eso.
No solo se trata de una historia de amor: también es la historia de una familia que me mantuvo pendiente en cada página.
No solo se trata de una historia de amor: también es la historia de una familia que me mantuvo pendiente en cada página.
April 22, 2014
Out of the gate with her debut at full throttle, Ms. Alvarez receives a blue ribbon!
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 14, 2014
Never thought I'd be so engaged in this incredibly compelling story. Piper is my absolute heroine - I laughed, felt and cried along with what she'd gone through, carried effortlessly through the book by Ms. Alvarez's smooth prose - and clapped when she got her HEA.
May 26, 2020
This wasn't a bad read. It did feel slow at times though. thankfully I liked both the characters. I was glad that they finally came to their senses and stopped playing games. It was so obvious that they were in love with each other.
April 1, 2014
See a review of this exceptional author in the April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Natasza Waters
Natasza Waters
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