Dark Web Investigation

Secure Watch #1

by Katie Mettner

Fighting a global cyber threat

will take all their survival skills…

After the accident that killed her best friend and left her an amputee, Kenley Bates has made it her life’s mission to get justice for other victims. Using her hacking skills to infiltrate the dark web is risky business, especially when Kenley uncovers a global security threat. Jude Mason is her best hope of saving the world. Ex-military, Jude knows how to protect and defend. But breaking the code and outwitting an adversary bent on destruction thrusts the cybersecurity experts into a cat and mouse game deadlier than they could have ever imagined…

From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the Secure Watch series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following

Book 1: Dark Web Investigation

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 2025

About the author

Katie Mettner wears the title of 'the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill' and loves decorating her prosthetic leg to fit the season. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and spends the day writing romantic stories with her sweet puppy by her side. Katie has an addiction to coffee and dachshunds and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.

Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
Come chat with Katie on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiemettner/
Are you a Pinner? Pin with Katie
https://www.pinterest.com/katie_mettner/

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Secure Watch series. This is a fast paced book with a lot of suspense. I loved how I enjoyed reading this book. I did like how Jude puts Kenley first all the time. I liked getting Kenley's backstory, and her backstory touched my heart. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp, she’s done it again. I was hooked and read it in break neck speed. This was fast paced, fun and did I mention fast? I loved that from page one you were off and running. Katie has such a way of writing that draws you in fast.

Kenley & Jude were a perfect match. And the way Katie shows us that having a disability makes no difference. And I mean that it the best way. As a person with no knowledge of what it could possibly be like we see how life goes on and how you must adapt. I often don’t read romance anymore. This reminded me how fun it is and finding your person in a crazy circumstance and loving them for who and what they are is what it’s all about. This book also reminded me that living your best life with joy where you can find it is the best way to combat the evil in our world.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first in the new Secure Watch series, which is a spin-off of the author's Secure One series. Although some of the supporting characters in the book carry over from the original series, you can start with this book without reading any from that series.

One of the main characters is Kenley Bates who isn't afraid to access sites on the dark web to help those in need. She feels she owes it to help as many victims as she can because of a tragedy in her past. The other main character is Jude Mason, a cybersecurity expert and new employee off Secure Watch. Kenley reaches out for help after accidentally accessing a dangerous website and Jude is there to take the call. Their adventures to shut down a skilled hacker put them in the crosshairs of a very dangerous person.

There is a spark between the two characters right from the beginning. Jude worries he is too old and emotionally damaged for Kenley, and Kenley doesn't think she is loveable because of what she does and because one of her feet had to be amputated after a severe injury. The book is very suspenseful as Kenley and Jude try to stay one step ahead of the hacker. They have to learn to open up and trust each other to stay alive. The story does a great job of showing that everyone deserves a "happily ever after." I look forward to the next book in this series. 

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the advance copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased. 

[Tracy Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one I couldn’t put down. Kenley is great at her day job of running a cyber security business and protecting her client businesses , but at night she uses her talent to help those who are often unable to help themselves who have been injured.

Kenley in her late teens was seriously injured and lost her foot riding as a passenger on an STV, but her best friend was killed. Kenley has been looking into the manufacture and their knowledge of faulty parts. One evening on the Dark Web she stumbled into something that scared her due to the nature and the potential to cause major harm.

She turned to long time friend for help, but found her backup was taking her calls. He could hear the emotion and terror in her voice and jumped into action.

Now you have to read to learn more about Kenley and her new white knight to find out the rest of the story,

[DebM · Rating 5 out of 5]

And we’re off and running because she’s done it again — another great read!

This is a fast-paced book that has you not wanting to put the book down

I love the Secure One series and am glad that Dark Web Investigation (Secure Watch series) has them all working together. So even though we will be meeting new people we will still have the other names we are familiar with.

After Kenley’s best friend, Gabriella, is killed in an atv accident which also leaves Kenley an amputee, she sets her sights on bringing justice for her friend and other victims.

This is a fast-paced story that will keep you on your toes and I am looking forward to a second book! It has it all: romance, intrigue and it keeps you guessing. The intrigue of the dark web and just hacking amazes me and Katie’s storyline is written so well it makes you want to know more. All while all things happening two people find a connection like they’ve never felt before.

I like that Katie writes a story that has mystery, danger and romance included in one book and she does it so well So if you like mystery you’ll like this book, if you like intrigue and danger you’ll like this book, and if you like romance you’ll like this book. It has it all!

I will recommend this book to my friends and family and anybody else that I find is a reader.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was awesome from the first page! This is book 1 in the Secure Watch Series a spinoff from Secure One Series.

Kenley had an accident when she was a teen that killed her best friend and left her an amputee. Now she dives into the dark web to help others who have been victims like her. Now she has come across something that can pit the whole world in Danger.

Jude is ex militarily and now works for Secure Watch. He is holding onto a coworkers phone while she on her honeymoon when he receives a call for help from Kenley.

Kenley and Jude embark on a race against time to solve the program "Spider" before it ends up in the wrong hands. They both feel an instant connection, but both have vowed they are better off alone.

If you like suspense, danger, and romance thus is the book for you. There is no slow burn more of a instalove.

Thank you NetGally and Harlequin Intrigue for allowing me to read this book! I would definitely recommend to friends!

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenley Bates is an amputee due to an accident that claimed her best friend when they were young teenagers. She sure the manufacturing knew there was a problem with the ATV that caused to accident. She has spent years working on the dark web trying to find information on the company. She also works as a cyber security expert as a day job. While late one night she accidently goes into a dark web to the wrong website and find a security problem. She tries to contact her friend but ends up with Jude Mason who is answering her security friend's phone.
Jude decides she needs help and drives to her town to pick her up, but it seems she has a group of people after her.
As Kenly and Jude invade the person or persons after her they become close. They need to draw the person out and expose the security threats.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Mettner's first book in the Secure Watch Investigations series is the perfect combination of edge of your seat intrigue and romance that draws you in immediately

When Kenley was a young teenager, she suffered the amputation of her foot and the death of her best friend after an accident involving a defective ATV. Since then, Kenley has dedicated her life to fighting criminals and corporate censorship, searching the web for proof to support consumer complaints. Her cyber hunt for justice leads her to getting caught in the Servant's Spider Web. Kenley knows that the Spider Web could become a worldwide threat if the Servant isn't stopped, so she quickly calls in reinforcements.

Secure Watch Cyber Specialist Jude is filling in for Kenley's friend Delilah when he answers her plea for help and then rushes to her aid. The only way for them to stay safe is to trust one another and run. It rapidly becomes a game of hide and seek because no matter where they run, Sevant is always a step ahead. Can Kenley and Jude combine their skills to eliminate the Spider Web before it poses a greater threat? Will they give into the growing attraction that they feel for each other?

I found this action-packed story featuring Kenley, Jude, and the Secure One/Watch team to be highly engaging. Ms. Katie Mettner skillfully integrates the cyber and Secure One teams into a thrilling, can't-put-it-down new series.

[Melissa Kusak · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was recommended to me to read this Katie Mettner book, so I downloaded it and began my journey into Secure One. OH MY I WAS HOOKED! This review is actually seriously late because I got drawn into the Secure One family so deeply that I purchased and read every other one of the series before I could write it!

I usually read fbi/ police thrillers and Dark Web Investigation seemed to possibly run parallel to this. I grabbed my coffee and settled down to try to start this book. Hours later, I had to unwillingly drag myself out of Kenley and Jude's chase for survival and justice. Well at least long enough to order dinner since there was no way I was going to leave myself hanging long enough to actually make it. So pizza ordered, I rejoined the team in their deadly quest.

This book taught me a lot about the internet and dark web; causing a shiver to run down my spine knowing that things like this can really happen. If you plan on reading this book, please take my advice and start at the beginning of the Secure One series, plan on getting nothing done around the house, and dive in with both feet to join the family of ex-military brothers and sisters working to keep the world and safer place!

Katie, I can't wait for the next deadly adventure I can join your team in!

[Caroline Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenley and Jude take you on a wild ride of thrills and adventure as they try to hide from a madman on the internet.
I love the characters in these series, they all feel like real people, most of them have a disability that endears them to each other because they have overcome their biggest hurdles, I think they all have a form of PTSD like a lot of people, they battle with the demons in their heads.
The storyline has you on the edge of your seat from the very first page, I was gripped and couldn't put the book down. it was so exciting, I was along for this ride that took me across states in America, it introduced me to places and things like the dark web I had no knowledge of before. Delving into the dark web was fascinating, I didn't really know what was on the there except traffickers and drugs. It really opened my eyes.
This really is a thrilling adventure with a beautiful love story thrown in.

[Imogen Dior · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Dark Web Investigation. I really liked the plot, main and secondary characters and the suspense and romance elements were well balanced. Kenley and Jude were great characters, I loved what they both did for jobs and the backstory behind why they did it- their reasons and motivations. We saw Kenley be an absolute boss and take on big forces because she believed people deserved justice. We watched Jude be open about his own reasons and be patient and peel back the layers on Kenley. We saw them fall in love and doing what they could to take down a bad guy and his technology, opening themselves to the idea of a future together. I really liked the glimpses we got into the Secure Watch characters and getting a glimpse of Jude and Kenley’s future.

[Charlotte Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Katie and an exciting start to a new series!! This quick moving story grabbed my attention from the start.

Kenley and Jude are brought to together in a time of need, while still staying true to the goals of helping others.

Don't worry that the dark web may be a mystery to you, Katie explains things enough to understand and keep the reader involved.

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenley Bates uses her hacking skills to infiltrate the dark web to get justice for victims of corporate injustice in Katie Mettner’s Dark Web Investigation. But when she uncovers a global security threat, she needs help. Ex-military, cyber security investigator Jude Mason answers her call seeking help in place of her best friend, who’s on honeymoon, becoming her ally in protecting and saving the world. Together, they work to break the code created by an adversary who is set on global destruction as they are caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Can they trust each other despite their past hurts and give in to their intense attraction and deepening feelings?

Kenley’s life mission becomes getting justice for others, giving victims and those hurt by corporate wrongdoing a voice, and fighting for those in need, after losing her best friend and becoming an amputee in an ATV accident. An expert hacker and talented coder, she works for corporations by day—sometimes for the government—then sleuths on the same corporations at night under the hacker alias 51 C K L3 to discover any wrongdoing, especially corporate negligence resulting in medical harm. But her primary goal is finding information to prove that the corporation that manufactured the ATVs she and her friend were driving the day her friend was killed and she lost her leg is responsible for the accident. A petite, biracial Afro-Latina, Kenley lives a solitary life and doesn’t date to avoid entanglements because she fears bringing someone into her life and the danger she gets herself into. Kind and fiercely independent, she doesn’t need to be saved because of her determination, strength, fortitude and having to rely on herself for most of her life.

Jude works as a digital personal investigator with Secure Watch’s cyber division. Like Kenley, he too leads a solitary life, but he yearns for the touch of another. However, he’s learned that caring for others makes you vulnerable. Burdened by trauma from his years in the military, he’s determined, skilled, intelligent, and protective. The military has given Jude the skills to defend, protect, and fight for Kenley’s and his life, which comes in handy when they must stay alive, break the code, and defeat a deadly adversary that is out to get Kenley and endanger the world. Insightful, kind, and gentle, he feels an instant attraction to Kenley when he first sees her and a moment of connection when their hands touch.

I love Mettner’s writing. It flows from scene to scene, getting you so caught up in her story, characters, and action that you don’t want to stop reading until the novel’s over. Her vibrant writing is down-to-earth, descriptive and active, with colorful dialogue and effective world-building that draw you into the scenes with the characters. She gets right into the action and doesn’t waste words. Mettner’s action scenes are thrilling and well-constructed and along with her suspense keep you on the edge of your seat trying to guess what’s going to happen and/or who the villain is, and how the hero/heroine and their team are going to take them down. I love how she develops her characters by having them talk with and learn things about one another and by having them interact in ways that fit with and evolve their characters. Jude and Kenley are snarky with each other throughout their relationship. I love their banter, connection, chemistry and how deeply drawn they are to one another. It’s sexy, sweet, electric, and deeply emotional at its core, as are their love scenes.

Mettner explores leg amputation disability with nuance and care. She goes into detail about the physicality of the amputation itself and Kenley’s care needs and routine, but also the emotional toll it’s taken on her. How Mettner uses it to draw Kenley and Jude closer physically and emotionally is well done. Kenley’s disability doesn’t affect how Jude sees or treats her aside from having consideration for her needs and respect for her choices and personhood considering their situation. I love that!

I love how Mettner’s novels explore social issues and having main characters with different disabilities explored within the context of the romantic relationship. This book has an interesting and balanced exploration of vigilantism. Mettner also gets the reader thinking about the scary potential consequences and wide-ranging impacts of AI and machine learning.

I’m always excited to read Mettner’s novels because they always give me something to think about along with a fun, suspenseful, action-packed, sexy, emotional, fast-paced, romantic read that is like watching the best criminal investigation, crime drama, mystery/thriller movie, or TV show. Dark Web Investigation doesn't disappoint. I highly recommend it for romantic suspense, interracial romance, age gap, disabled heroines, hacking, cybersecurity, ex-military heroes, and social justice warrior fans.

4.5 stars

HARLEQUIN - Romance provided an advanced review copy via Netgalley for review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling start to what is sure to be a fantastic series that is an offshoot of the Secure One series. The book was amazing from page one. I loved that it was an exciting and fast read. I am a huge fan of any book that delivers romance and suspense and this one checked the boxes.

Ever since an ATV accident left Kenley, an amputee, and killed her best friend, she has been on a mission to help other victims get justice. Using her exceptional hacking skills, she spends time infiltrating the dark web searching for proof for a class action law suit. Accidentally she uncovers a global security threat and the person responsible for the threat realizes she has discovered the threat. Kenley knows she needs help and fast. The kind of help that ex-military Secure Watch Cybersecurity Specialist Jude can provide but both know they must act fast.

Join Kenley and Jude in an extremely deadly cat and mouse game where maybe a few sparks fly and a lot of action happens. The pair must learn to trust and accept each other if they want to survive.

If you love a little romance and a lot of suspense this book is for you. I found it delivered everything I could want in a book and am inpatiently waiting for book 2 in the series.

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all. Dark Web Investigation yanks you into the digital underbelly and doesn’t let go—not even for a snack break. Kenley Bates is a fierce hacker with more grit than a gravel driveway, and after a devastating accident reshapes her life, she’s made it her mission to take down the worst of the worst. Enter Jude Mason, a brooding ex-military protector with enough charm to reboot your Wi-Fi and enough trauma to make you wanna hug him through the screen.

This book feels like icy coffee at 3 a.m.—sharp, jittery, and just what you need to survive. It smells like danger and singed electronics, sounds like adrenaline, and reads like a fast-talking spy movie with real heart. The banter? Snappy. The stakes? Sky-high. The romance? Slow-burn but totally earned. And y’all know I live for a heroine who can save herself and the world with a keyboard.

Full review on the blog at Chapter And Charm (VanessaKeck.com)

💻 Fighting a global cyber threat will take all their survival skills… and maybe a little bit of love, too. While this is book 1 of the Secure Watch Series, it’s totally works well as a standalone.

[Jennifer Bowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Secure One series so I had no doubt that I would also love Secure Watch. It was action packed from the first chapter! I loved how Jude and Kenley met and he didn’t hesitate to rush to her aid.

I know nothing about the dark web (I know the bare minimum about the regular web lol) but learning about the spiderwebs was very interesting.

I love how the Secure One team is always so welcoming to outside strangers before they’ve ever met them, and then when they do meet them they instantly become a part of their family. I love watching their found family grow and am looking forward to the next book.

Thank you Katie, NetGalley and Harlequin for an ARC of this book

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Secure Watch series which is a spin off of the Secure One series. However, it does stand alone even with a few carry over characters. Kate does a great job of writing an intriguing mystery with nicely developed characters that are easy to root for. Kenley’s idealism despite her trauma and Joel’s practicality form a couple that works well together. The use of the dark web and machine learning coding is realistically up to date - at least to someone who isn’t personally a coder. I highly recommend and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Tracy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some things in this book that really make you stop and wonder what is "out there" on the dark web. What happens when a hacker puts on there dark hat and discovers something that she knows is not right. Enter Secure One. Kenley calls her friend that works for Secure One however she isn't available so Jude answers the call. Going above and beyond the call of duty. This was a can not put down book! You will love this book! How do Kenley, Jude, and Secure One come together? Grab the book and find out!

[Jennifer Bollnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Web Investigations is an exciting romantic suspense novel. It is an inclusive romance with a main female character, Kenley, who lost her leg and best friend in an accident. She is a hacker who may be in trouble online. She calls a friend for help, but gets Jude from Secure Watch, and they end up on the run. This is a romantic adventure. This has great characters with interesting backstories. I look forward to continuing this series.

[Amanda Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left without her best friend and suddenly an amputee after an accident 17 years ago, cybersecurity expert Kinley has made it her mission to get Justice for victims of corporate greed by using her skills in the underworld of the web. When she inadvertently stumbles onto a website not meant for her to see but that has the potential to be a global security threat, she knows she’s in a world of trouble. Reaching out to Delilah at Secure One, her frantic call is answered by Jude who races to help Kinley. With threats and danger cropping up at every turn and Kinley’s nemesis Savant blocking them at every opportunity can Kinley and Jude find a way to stop the global security threat before it’s too late?
I was drawn in from the first few paragraphs and was on the edge of my seat throughout the story- suspense, intrigue, romance- Katie Mettner delivers it all! If you enjoyed the Secure One series, then get ready for Secure Watch to bring you back into the fold with familiar back characters and new main characters!
Highly recommend

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in the spin-off series from Secure One Series. You don't need to have read this previous series, but it's so good I say you should 🙂.

I loved this fast-paced, full of action book. Great characters; great story that I didn't want to end.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense and intrigue right from the beginning with the start of this new series. With the inevitable romance brewing between the two main characters the story keeps you on your toes and has you questioning each turn. A good read.

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat! It’s not only a page turner, but a must read. Right from the beginning, I was hooked!

Kenley has one job by day and another at night. When she lost her best friend, when they were younger, in an ATV accident; it’s a race against time to get justice. She also is an amputee from the accident. Now she’s entangled with Savant, and she’s trying to take him down. When one incident has her calling Delilah for help, and Jude picks up, that’s where their friendship begins. He works at Secure Watch and is a Cybersecurity Expert. Kenley along with Jude are on a mission to break a code and hopefully take care of Savant for good. Along the way, danger ensues at every turn, never knowing if they are safe or are about to be taken out. Jude and Kenley also form a connection and bond over their short time together. In the end, what will happen? Will Jude and Kenley have a happy ending? Will Savant and his web be taken out? Wait til you find out!

[Judy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very incredible read! I love it when you start the first page and it grabs your attention from the beginning!

Great book Katie! Thank you!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and intriguing read! Enjoyed the twists and turns taken along with the happily ever after for Jude and Kenley.

[Jokerette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a few weeks ago and didn’t realize I didn’t leave a review.
Excellent book that keeps you intrigued through the book. A must read.

[Jessica Gwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Web Investigation is a super fast-paced romantic suspense set in the world of computer espionage and investigation. I really enjoyed Kenley and Jude and the way that they both thought themselves too broken, too scarred for a real life and real happiness.
I also loved that it’s set in the Secure One world so we got to see those characters again.

[Bella Crooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the first book of the secure watch series! This was fast paced and I LOVED Kenley Bates and Jude Mason. I love how Jude was so caring about Kenley and took her under his wing! 🥹 a perfect start to the first book of the secure watch series!

[Vickie Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Jude and Kenley met and how fast paced the action is. Keeps you on your toes from start to finish. Has action and romance.

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in right from the first page. 2 people meet and fall in love. I love how Jude stayed by Kenley’s side and didn’t make her do anything on her own. Once again secure one was there when they were needed. Absolutely love the ending. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.