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The family he didn’t know he needed…

At her wit’s end with her twelve-year-old niece, Wren Snow takes the manager’s job at Blue Spruce Lodge so Sky can get to know her father, Trigg Johanssen—a tycoon snowboarder with a playboy reputation.

Gold-medalist Trigg Johanssen is furious she kept Sky a secret, but quits competition to focus on his newly discovered daughter only to have his chemistry with Wren complicate their attempts to co-parent.

When outside forces threaten the ski resort he’s rebuilding, a marriage of convenience seems like the answer. It would give his daughter the life she deserves, but is it too much for a heartbroken woman still nursing past hurts?

Unknown Binding

First published August 7, 2018

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About the author

Dani Collins

625 books1,175 followers
USA Today Bestselling author Dani Collins thrives on giving readers emotional, compelling, heart-soaring romance with laughter and heat, just like real life.

Mostly she writes contemporary romance, but she has also writes Historical Western, erotic romance, and romcom.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Dani (Dani Reviews Things).
547 reviews292 followers
September 8, 2018
Rating: 4.5*

What I've learned about Dani Collins is that she doesn't do just fluffy romances. Her love stories may feature elite athletes and wealthy people, and they may have their happy endings, but she does not hold back from dealing with real-life issues. If you read the previous book, From the Top, you will have met the couple starring in In Too Deep: playboy charmer and professional snowboarder Trigg and the new manager Wren, aunt and guardian to Trigg's daughter, Skylar.

I couldn't imagine how Wren managed to "parent" Sky. At 24, I would not have been able to care for a child full-time, let alone a 12-year-old, and she'd been doing this for years by this point. Just knowing that fact made me believe Wren was strong and brave as hell, and she went on to prove that while she wasn't perfect, she was trying her hardest to do things right by Sky. I'm closer to Trigg's age (he's 29) and I still don't think I'd be able to do it, but then that's exactly what Trigg had to figure out how to do. Both had a tough time with it, with judgement coming from all around at first, something I'm sure all parents have to deal with even when their kids aren't as difficult as Sky was. While I didn't envy either of their positions, I appreciated how Dani played with the tension and emotion within and between the characters, not making Sky out to be an angel or having Trigg take to being a dad easily. I loved seeing Trigg figure it out, and all the family come together to help.

The relationship between Trigg and Wren was interesting. It was very strained at the start, and they didn't exactly warm up to each other for a long while. Sure, they acknowledged the attractiveness of each other secretly, but there was this whole child standing between them. I mean, I would have found it a bit weird to be with my sister's baby-daddy (if I had a sister). So there was a lot for the two to work out, both between each other and with how they wanted the whole co-parenting thing to work. We were kept waiting for ages, though I loved their first make-out scene!

Dani threw in a surprise with this book; on top of the expected dual perspectives of Trigg and Wren, a lot was also told by Sky. I'm not used to my romances being filled with the voice of a very angry 12-year-old girl, so that did take a bit to get used to. But that's what sets Dani's books apart from the norm: they don't just focus on the growing love between the couple. She fleshes out all the characters, giving them flaws and interests and quirks. With Sky's parts, she even gave voice to Sky's mother through "diary" entries (notebooks with "letters" to various people). It wasn't just Trigg who had to grow up; Sky had to do the same and accept other people's love, especially Wren's.

This wasn't just a romantic love story. It was also a story about family and belonging, even when you're a little brat. And Dani wrote it all with depth and surprising sweetness and just enough heat to balance out the heavier emotions.

Read an excerpt from In Too Deep here, and read my review for From the Top, the second book in the series featuring Nate and Ilke!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,595 reviews338 followers
September 6, 2018
This was the first one in this series that I have read and was able to be read as a standalone book. In Too Deep we meet Wren who has been looking after her niece Sky after her sister Mandy passed away. Wren has been struggling lately with her niece and now has decided it's time for her niece to meet her father and his family who live at the Blue Spruce Lodge. Her father happens to be a famous sportsperson and a gold medalist in snowboarding. Trigg is trying hard to be a father but it's not easy when he didn't know she existed till recently and seeing as she is twelve years old now, he has the tween puberty hormones to put up with. From page one there is definite chemistry between Wren and Trig that makes me wonder if they had spent some time together before Sky's birth? This was a harder book for me to read as I found it quite hard to connect to the characters as found Sky a spoilt brat and Wren was too annoying for me as a character. I am going to say though on the positive that if you are looking for a sweet family to-be romance read, then In Too Deep by Dani Collins is the read for you as also includes the famous trope of fake relationships and pretend engagements as well as being a family saga novel as all of Trigg's family live near or at the lodge.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,883 reviews1,296 followers
August 21, 2018
Wren thinks it's time for her niece to get to know her father Trigg. Wren is raising Sky by herself, like her sister requested before her death. Sky is a handful though and it's time for a change. That's why Wren takes a manager's job at the Blue Spruce Lodge. The job is perfect for her and it gives Sky the chance to spend time with Trigg. However, when they arrive the situation isn't as simple as Wren hoped it would be. Has she made the right decision?

Trigg is a successful athlete. He's taken a break from snowboarding because of his daughter Sky. Trigg had no idea he was a father, but now that he is one he wants to do the right thing. That isn't always easy though. Sky is a headstrong girl and he has to earn her trust and respect. Plus her aunt Wren makes him have feelings he's never had before. How can he make sure the future of his daughter and her aunt is secure? When the resort is under pressure Trigg needs Wren more than ever, will she give the family the help they need?

In Too Deep is a wonderful romantic story. It was fabulous to read about the Blue Spruce Lodge again. It's a stunning dynamic setting and the main characters are heartwarming. Wren fits right in, but she keeps her walls up, because this terrifies her. Sky has a big mouth and often speaks before she thinks. It's time for her to learn some important lessons and I loved how Dani Collins gives her her own voice and makes sure she does some much needed growing up. While Sky is a powerful girl, Wren is all sweetness and composure. It was delightful to see how Trigg slowly changes both of them. Trigg has always done exactly what he wanted, but now that he has responsibilities he thrives. I loved reading more about him and it was fun watching him grow as a person. I also really enjoyed reading about his family and friends once more.

Dani Collins has written another amazing Blue Spruce Lodge book. I love how she makes her setting come to life. It's fascinating to read about the work that needs to be done to build a successful business. I admired the camaraderie, the easy banter between the main characters and the warm and welcoming atmosphere in the lodge. Dani Collins combines this sparkling part of her story with a romantic relationship with plenty of depth and fiery chemistry, which is a great mix. I was captivated by In Too Deep from beginning to end and highly recommend this gorgeous story.
Profile Image for Jéssica.
Author 1 book68 followers
September 3, 2018
This is my first book written by Dani Collins, so I haven't read the other two books in the series, but hopefully I will be able to do it in December. Nevertheless, this book can be read as a standalone novel so don't worry if you start the series by reading this book. Every novel in this series is about a two main characters that are different from novel to novel. This one is about Wren Snow and Trigg Johanssen.

First of all let me say that this was the kind of book I love to read during a relaxing night in, alone and with no one bothering me. It had that sweet, sexy and fun tone in the storyline that makes me want to read every thing book in the series, because I feel like I'm a part of the town, and friend with the characters.

Wren was such a strong woman that is raising her niece, Sky, after her sister's death and that is such an honorable thing to do and seeing the love she has for Sky... She loves her more than just her niece, she loves her like Sky was her daughter, and in some ways she is... Just not biological daughter. And the fact that Wren decides that maybe it's time for Sky to meet her father... I know something good would happen, not just for Sky.

But I know that was Wren's plan by reading the blurb, to let Sky know her father... What I didn't imagine how fun it would be reading about it. Especially when we finally get to meet the father.

Trigg, the successful athlete, the master of snowboarding, didn't know he was a father. That's just one layer of the plot. It was quite cute all the moments between him and his daughter. The getting to know each other... And they both have strong personalities so the fact that the trust and respect has to be earned between them made the book and their feelings and actions real.

Then there is the chemistry between Trigg and Wren that made this story romantic and it exciting. And when the resort gets in danger there is this drama/action happening that took us to another level of excitement and "OMG" moments. That made the story not only feel real but very dynamic and believable.

I also loved Sky. She may be a headstrong and opinionated twelve years old kid, but the fact that there is that possibility of growing up and learning some very valuable life lessons... It makes my heart melt when I see how much her character develops during the book, still maintaining her child like attitude in some aspects. That was amazing because of course Wren and Trigg changed too, but we also get to see the child they have in common grow up.

It was a book about family. And most of you know I have a very big family, so no wonder I always get pulled in with stories like this one, because I feel like I'm part of their family too. Although I do believe that it was because of Dani's brilliant writing and storytelling that I got even more connected to the book and loved every heartbreak, humorous moment, romantic, cute, sweet and kind scene, and most of all why I love the truth in the characters.

I can't wait to read the other books so I can meet the other characters that I may not know yet and that may appear here. Plus I can't wait to learn more about the series and all the love in the air.

[Thank you Xpresso Book Tour and to Dani Collins for the eCopy and for allowing me to join this blog tour.]
Profile Image for Kacie.
154 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. At first it took me by surprise to have 3 point of views but it really worked well with the story. I never felt lost or confused. I think it was necessary for the story. I loved Wren´s character. I think everything she went through and than to selflessly take on her niece was just an unbelievable thing for such a young person to do. And than there is Trigg. I grew to love him but in the beginning I felt like he was a self entitled ass. Both Wren and her sister had reason to not tell Trigg about Sky. Was it the right thing to do no but I can see why they both made that choice. And than there is Sky a pretty typical pre-teen, rebellious and stubborn. But her Aunt Wren is so use to pleasing people and staying calm it its getting harder and harder for her to control the outbursts of Sky. I like that they go and live with Trigg on the resort he and his family own. I feel like thats a nice twist and that Wren works there and gets along so well with everyone. I liked all the background characters as well. I loved Sky and Bruno´s relationship. I would love to read more about this crazy family. Without spoilers what Wren does towards the end of the book is so selfless and sincere it just goes to show you she is an amazing person inside and out! I would definitely give this book five stars. I want to read the rest of the series after reading this book. I can´t wait to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Shelagh.
1,735 reviews25 followers
August 8, 2018
What a gorgeous book this has been. Third in Danni Collins’ Blue Spruce Lodge series, this is the story of playboy Trigg Johannsen and Wren Snow, maternal aunt to his surprise twelve year-old daughter Skylar.
Set mostly at the Whiskey Jack ski resort, In Too Deep nicely combines the pains and anguish of blending a family with the trials and tribulations of getting a multi-million dollar business up and running. In between this we have the joys of easing the worries of a troubled twelve year-old unsure of her place in the world while her aunt and her newly discovered father slowly fall in love with each other. Add in Wren’s need to blend into the scenery and Trigg’s win at all costs confidence and you have plenty of opportunity for fireworks, and there are plenty as these three discover how important they are to each other.
This is a sexy novel, and there is a flash of language here and there, which I found perfectly appropriate in the setting. I really loved the way Danni Collins used the physical pull between Trigg and Wren to highlight their building affection for each other, and the way Sky reacted to this budding relationship.
This story is really well developed, perfectly paced and definitely a page turner. I suspect it might be the last in this series, which makes me sad, but regardless it is a perfect follow on from the other two stories. I should add that it stands alone just fine, and did I say I loved it?
Profile Image for Jo Reads Romance.
945 reviews66 followers
January 7, 2021


Wish I’d read the series in order
3 stars

This was a really difficult book for me to review, to be honest. From start to finish - it took me a looong time to get through to the end. While that would normally tell me all I need to know about a book - there were lots and lots of things that I really enjoyed about it.

For the first half of the book, I felt all I was doing was learning about who the characters were. Not learning about how they interacted with each other - well, except for Skylar and Wren - just about them and their outlook on life. We have our three main characters and a myriad of other players - and it was just so confusing at times, I found myself rereading passages just trying to figure out who was who - who was sleeping with who - and other confusions. After a while, I decided I didn’t care and just would continue on with the story.

I mention that there were three main characters - our hero - Trigg, our heroine - Wren, and Skylar - Trigg’s 12 year daughter/ Wren’s niece.

And that is one of the other reasons I disliked the first 50% of the book. Skylar had whole chapters dedicated to her thoughts and feelings. The thoughts and feelings of a bratty, entitled 12 year old girl. There are no words to tell you how much I do not care about these things. I understand she was an integral part of the story - but it really moved this book from a romance into the territory of a family drama/saga type story.

However, the book definitely picked up after the first 50%. The romance started (seriously, there was nothing before that) and things finally got interesting. At first I thought that it was because the book was better in the second half, but now I wonder if it was because I hadn’t read the first two books in this series, On the Edge and From the Top. If I’d read them, perhaps I would have been more interested in the scene setting and I wouldn’t have been so confused by the large cast of characters or how they were linked and related.

I liked both Wren and Trigg. Liked, rather than loved but that’s likely due to it taking so long before I saw some action of any kind whatsoever. Trigg is a funny, playboy type coming to grips with a daughter that’s just as much of a pain in the ass as he is. Wren was sweet and feisty and someone just trying to do the best for everyone. I did wish she would open up a bit more and be a bit more mature about her feelings - but then again she herself was only 23 (sigh - I’m so bloody old!) so I guess I should forgive her! But I won’t - because I’m old and bitter about all these young folk!

Despite all my complaints, the writing was excellent. Descriptive, fast paced and I could see the mountain resort of Blue Spruce Lodge as clear as if the author had painted the picture before me. The scenes with Wren’s sister’s diary absolutely killed me. I’m a cryer by nature but oooft - those passages hit me hard in the feels.

Having come to the end of the book, strangely enough, I really want to read more about these people. I’m off to get my hand on the first couple of books in the Blue Spruce Lodge series - and suggest that you do the same before reading this. While the love story in this book is a standalone - I don’t feel that the book itself is. Had I read the first couple of books first, I feel this would have been a solid 4 or even 5 star read. As I was coming in blind (and confused), I can only give this 3 stars.


Profile Image for Maria.
2,391 reviews45 followers
September 18, 2023
FREE today (September 18, 2023) on Amazon




Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
4.5 stars.
This is a superb, full of love and humor, story in which a romantic couple has to deal with burning family issues.
Being the third story in a series, “In Too Deep” was the most satisfying of them all for me, with a set of three main characters (the romantic couple and the belligerent teen) that are superbly characterized, and a bunch of supporting characters whose roles in the narrative are important as well. The dynamic of both families (Trigg’s and Wren’s) is amazingly depicted and the humor and sometimes sarcasm the author lends the narrative makes this an exciting and refreshing read.
I loved these characters as characters that are more close to reality than fiction with all their flaws, vulnerabilities and irritating traits: handsome Trigg and his infuriating cockiness, wholesome, mousy Wren, maddening Sky, the even more maddening Rolf, Mr. Gruff with a very soft inside.
But the fact is Trigg is also honorable and sweet, Wren has a core of strength and solidity and love, and Sky is the portrait of a Johansson teen growing up and finding her place in the world.
Having Sky’s point of view was just hilarious. Her mom’s writings were poignant to read. And Wren is such an awesome heroine, so amazingly different from the standard cookie-cutter female characters.
I loved watching Trigg and Sky bonding, meeting again the other characters from the series – especially Uncle Barf/Onkel Rolf, the brothers’ relationship is just another delicious dimension of this story; and Murphy, the dog. And it’s a great idea having Trigg and Rolf speaking German to each other, another detail which really gives texture to the story
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
Profile Image for Gerda.
774 reviews
October 14, 2023
I wonder why the author made the hero of half German origin without doing her research:
- They offen drink schnapps at the lodge and also in Berlin to celebrate Trigg's victory at the board meeting. I think they would rather drink cognac or champagne to toast to his recent nuptials. Germans usually drink schnapps like a shot in a Kneipe/bar along with beer but not at a business meeting.
- Trigg uses "Schnecke/snail" as endearment, that word is more an insulting expression a fratboy would use talking about a clingy girlfriend. Mostly used by Germans are Liebling/
(darling), Schatz(i), or Hase/Häschen(bunny).
Profile Image for Jeannie Zelos.
2,849 reviews57 followers
August 9, 2018
In Too deep,  Dani Collins

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance

I haven't read book one ( but will sometime), really enjoyed book two and we got a hint about Trigg and Wren there. I was hoping they were next, and it proved to be a fun read, with some very real characters and situations.

I really felt for Wren, she's been a parent to Sky since she was little more than a child herself, and her parents were not any help. They dealt badly with the death of Wren's brother when he was a child, and her father became an awful, violent man. Wren now hates confrontation, has mental scars from the beatings she took. Yet all that, plus the loss of her loved sister Mandy, Sky's mum, and she's still a lovely person, and has given so much up for Sky.

Sky's an obnoxious pre-teen, but TBH many of them are. It's like a rite of passage for some, my own daughter made a calendar when she was 12 listing the days til she was 16 and could move out, and religiously crossed off each day. Of course poor Wren gets the “if my mother was alive...” jibes, and harassment about Sky's father, with Sky desperate to meet him. When they up sticks and do just that though its not all fairytales.
Trigg is a household name in snowboarding circles, and a rich playboy to boot. Having a 12 year old daughter has come as a shock, he was just 17 and Mandy had said she was having an abortion. Now he meets Sky and she's not some sweet, adoring kid, but a bundle of confusion, irritation and resentment.

All that was so real, and the way the other characters reacted to Sky's moods and rudeness felt very genuine. Its easy to say “she's a teen, ignore it, she's been through a lot”, but harder to actually do just that when she seems to be going out of her way to be difficult. Of course poor Wren feels guilty for that too. She moved there as Sky wanted to get to know her father, and now she's wondering if it was the right course to take.
There's a slow turnaround, some really funny moments, some issues that were very emotional, and of course the characters' stories from earlier books continue. I loved the way there's not a moment when I can pinpoint Sky's mood change, but that its a natural progression, that Trigg slowly became a caring parent, loved Sky and was key to understanding her.

Trigg wasn't the greatest to start, knows nothing of bringing up kids and this rude ball of fury comes as a shock. He's inclined to blame Wren for everything, and she already does enough of that herself. Slowly things change, he begins to feel like a dad, and of course the attraction that's always been there between him and Wren simmers.

As well as the romance there's the story of the Lodge, the characters that live and work there, and the issues they've been having with accidents that are beginning to seem like deliberate sabotage. Someone doesn't want the lodge to succeed but who? And what can they do about it? It comes to an explosive climax, with some sharp edged actions, and made this story have that edge over just a simple romance. I really enjoyed it.

Stars: Five, a great fun read, terrific real characters, and the story of the Lodge and the sabotage added such a lot.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and Publishers
1,543 reviews25 followers
August 7, 2018
In Too Deep by Dani Collins
At her wit’s end with her twelve-year-old niece, Wren Snow takes the manager’s job at Blue Spruce Lodge so Sky can get to know her father, Trigg Johanssen—a tycoon snowboarder with a playboy reputation.
Gold-medalist Trigg Johanssen is furious she kept Sky a secret, but quits competition to focus on his newly discovered daughter only to have his chemistry with Wren complicate their attempts to co-parent.
When outside forces threaten the ski resort he’s rebuilding, a marriage of convenience seems like the answer. It would give his daughter the life she deserves, but is it too much for a heartbroken woman still nursing past hurts?
This is Wren Snow and Trigg Johanssen 's story.
Wren Snow takes the manager’s job at Blue Spruce Lodge so Sky can get to know her father, Trigg Johanssen.
Wren Snow didn’t even look at her niece as the tree-lined road that had wound up from the highway opened into the parking lot.
Blue Spruce Lodge loomed before them.
She tried not to be moved by the brightness coming into Sky’s eyes, or the pearly knobs where the girl’s knuckle bones gleamed on her tight fists, or the way Sky held her mouth in a flat line while her chin crinkled up beneath it.
Trigg didn’t apologize for Murphy’s lack of manners. If he started, he’d never stop. Besides, he could barely form words these days that weren’t every shade of blue.
He’d had a month to get used to the idea that he had a kid, but he was still trying to wrap his brain around the reality of it. A daughter. He was nowhere near ready for kids. He had a million other things to accomplish before ‘settling down.’ And man, did he hate that expression. Settle down. It made him feel trapped just thinking it.
He’d had a month to get used to the idea that he had a kid, but he was still trying to wrap his brain around the reality of it. A daughter. He was nowhere near ready for kids. He had a million other things to accomplish before ‘settling down.’ And man, did he hate that expression. Settle down. It made him feel trapped just thinking it.
She wasn’t a baby, either. Not a toddler or a tyke. A twelve-year-old girl.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
In Too Deep by Dani Collins is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Dani Collins
Dani's Books with Tule:
Hometown Hero
Homecoming
Love in Montana
Blame the Mistletoe
Love in Montana
The Bachelor’s Baby
Bachelor Auction
Love in Montana
His Blushing Bride
Love in Montana
Montana Born Brides
His Christmas Miracle
Love in Montana
On the Edge
Blue Spruce Lodge



Profile Image for Miekenstein .
323 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2018
In Too Deep is an enjoyable read.

I believe this is the last book in the Blue Spruce Lodge series and I found it to be the most enjoyable book in the series. It did a nice job of updating you on what the previous characters are up to, which I always appreciate. I think this book would be fine as a stand alone as well.

I did not like Trigg (our hero) much at all in past books. He seemed like just a typical playboy/man baby living a cliche frat boy lifestyle only lacking a frat. I ended up actually liked him quite a lot in this book. He managed to grow up quite a bit from the beginning of the story to the end. He definitely managed to man up in the end when it came to his daughter and his other responsibilities.

Wren (our heroine) I always found likable. Wren had a difficult past but she always managed to put up with her bratty niece and do what was right for Sky. (Sky was at a tough age and seriously was the type of kid you hope you are never trapped with for any amount of time.)

I liked Trigg and Wren together and felt like they belonged together and not just because of Sky. They helped each other grow to be better people and parents and really brought out the best in each other.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes well written and thought out romance.

I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,072 reviews40 followers
August 7, 2018
Excellent book! Third in the Blue Spruce Lodge series but easily read standalone. This is a wonderfully crafted story with amazing characters and a plotline that will grab your attention right from the start. The relationships that develop between Trigg and his daughter Sky as well as Wren, Sky's aunt, are beautiful and fun to read about. Having just found out about his daughter has thrown his whole life into a tailspin but Trigg is giving it all he has. He's left his professional snowboarding career behind to come home and work in the family business while he gets to know his daughter. Will he be able to handle everything that is thrown at him? What about Wren? His growing attraction to her is hard to ignore. Can all of this come together letting everyone find their happy? I highly recommend you grab a copy of this one and find out.
Profile Image for Delacey.
1,178 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2018
I've been a fan of the Dani Collins books that I've read so far, and this book met all my expectations and more with an emotionally gripping story. Wren's backstory, for the most part, is told through her deceased sister Mandy's diary. The diary was a very unique way to give the details of the past in a manner that kept us in the present and also gave the information without the reliving the trauma in play by play. Loved that the story was told in 3rd person, 3 people viewpoint (Wren, Trigg and Sky). The story also had a nice bit of humour to help balance out the heartache of the past. Though book 3 in a series, you do not need to read the past books (in fact I have not and I was never confused). Overall, a great romance. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,497 reviews53 followers
September 10, 2018
I loved this book!

I was pleasantly surprised when I realised that there were three POVs. It made the book so much more enjoyable. Wren, Trigg & Sky were some of the best characters I've read in a while.

I liked that the author made the story as realistic as possible with the issues Wren, Trigg & Sky faced when their families blended. It rightly showed how prickly tweens' attitudes could get, while showing the uncertainties associated with parenting & co-parenting. Neither character was portrayed as perfect, but you couldn't help but like/respect them. I liked that, even with the marriage of convenience, Trigg & Wren's relationship was allowed to develop to a certain point before intimacy was added. I liked the push and pull between them.

Wren had a hard time letting go of the thought that Sky was her full responsibility after having her for so many years. Accustomed to carrying the emotional & financial burden for Sky for over a decade, she also had to deal with the guilt of keeping Sky from her birth father.

Trigg had difficulty stepping into fatherhood. One of the better moments in the book is the moment he fully realised & accepted that Sky was his child in every way. He never minimised Wren's role in raising his daughter at any point, sensing the real reason behind her reluctance to share her with him.

Missing a mom she scarcely remembered, Sky was looking for answers, and was frustrated with her aunt's avoidance and her "new" dad's lack of knowledge. You could tell she was a good child, despite her acting out.

The secondary characters created a true family-type feel throughout the book. There were aunts, uncles, cousins and enough surrogate family to ensure that I would definitely feel at home with the Johanssens. The humour, sarcasm and love reciprocated throughout didn't hurt, either. This is the sort of book that reminds you that love can heal the deepest of wounds and move mountains. I highly recommend.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,435 reviews24 followers
September 29, 2018
I wasn't so sure about Sky at first. She seemed like a spoiled brat. She wanted to get to know her dad and when she got what she wanted, she still wasn't happy. Wren has tried to help her niece, but she is at the end of her rope. Sky is 12, has been smoking and skipping school. As a last resort, she told Sky's father about her. Sky's mother died and had not informed Trigg that he had a daughter. Now Trigg is ready to try to get to know his daughter. It is a rocky road until he realizes that she is just like him and his brother. Now they know how to handle her. Trigg is having inappropriate thoughts about his daughter's aunt. What is wrong with him? When circumstances change, Wren and Trigg get married and Sky is not happy. Will they keep this as a marriage of convenience or will they turn it into a real marriage and live happily ever after?
Profile Image for TashNz.
729 reviews21 followers
September 10, 2018
LOVED In Too Deep by Dani Collins because Wren, Trigg and Skylar are awesome characters I could relate to and imagine easily. I loved the laughter and the tears and the location and literally found the story refreshing and captivating along with fast paced and very enjoyable.

The plot was interesting and I liked watching Trigg getting to know his daughter and the friction between he and Wren.

I think this story lights up my heart with a feel good feeling one gets at the end and it's 100% proof you don't need a book full of sex to have a great story.

Loved it and highly recommend to all who love a darn good yarn!

Profile Image for Amanda.
620 reviews
September 30, 2018
Dani Collins’ writing draws you in instantly. In Too Deep is a sweet, charming read that is fast-paced and genuinely captivating!
Profile Image for C Exley Books (Cassandra).
730 reviews83 followers
September 16, 2018
'In Too Deep' is the third book in the Blue Spruce Lodge series. This is my first book by this author and was able to be read as a standalone book. I can't wait to read more of this series. I look forward to reading the first to books in his series.

Wren thinks it's time for her niece to get to know her father Trigg. Wren is raising Sky by herself, like her sister Mandy's requested before she passed away. Wren takes a manager's job at the Blue Spruce Lodge. The job is perfect for her and it gives Sky the chance to spend time with Trigg.

Trigg is a successful athlete. He's taken a break from snowboarding because of his daughter Sky. Trigg had no idea he was a father. Sky is a headstrong girl and he has to earn her trust and respect. As well as her aunt Wren who makes him have feelings he's never had before.

Loved that the story was told in 3rd person from Wren, Trigg and Sky's point of viewpoints.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,751 reviews167 followers
September 2, 2018
Since I enjoyed the previous book in this series, I was looking forward to this one. And it was good but not great. It is a good read but there were flaws that I had a hard time getting past. For one, the hero was annoying for the vast majority of the book. I just could not get connected with him. He was often flippant and seemed to be frustratingly obtuse. I did eventually connect with him but it took entirely too long for me. I love Wren and Sky ... they were what is the best about this book. Once I warmed up to Trigg, it all came together for me. But, not liking him for most of the book really impacted my overall impression of the book. I know that the point was that Trigg was difficult but Collins ended up making him too unlikeable for me. But, it's still a good book. Based on the reviews, most readers didn't have this issue with Trigg so definitely give it a shot.

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jeanne Johnston.
1,568 reviews15 followers
September 30, 2023
Sloooooow start...

It took forever to get into this. I'd read a while, get bored, read some more, get disgusted because I didn't like ANYONE, and finally, I found myself at 34% and wondering if I should bail.

I get that it was setting up the story, but for a third of the book?!

Anyhoo, I stuck with it and it finally took off to a satisfying ending. Definitely just a 2-1/2-star rating, though, given the painful start.
Profile Image for Katie Beth.
229 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2025
4 (almost 5) ⭐️ // i couldn’t put this down

After her twelve-year-old niece who she’s raising demands to meet her father, Wren packs up their lives and moves them to into Blue Spruce Lodge where she lands a job as hotel manager. The Lodge is owned by Skylar’s dad’s family—The Johanassens—and when Wren and Sky show up, they’re as wary about their appearance as Wren is in letting them meet Sky. For one, Sky’s dad, Trip, a former professional snowboarder is furious he wasn’t told about Sky’s existence until now. But he also can’t deny his attraction to Wren, nor she her attraction to him, either.

I give 4⭐️ to books I loved but will accept critiques for and let me tell you—this is the kind of book that sucked me in so much I didn’t realize there were critiques to be had until after I slept on it and then saw others’ reviews. It was that good. I literally couldn’t put it down. Began reading it one afternoon and then by the time I finished it, was shocked it was past midnight. I absolutely loved it! Here’s a few things I loved:
* I loved how complex, but realistic the characters were! Sky does come across as a brat, but when you consider everything she’s been through it makes a lot of sense why she’s acting out. Plus, we get scenes her point of view that show the inner conflict that a kid in her situation might struggle with, which gives readers a reason to pity her. The way Wren’s own trauma has shaped her and how she responds or reacts to things is so clear. And Trigg is hard to swallow at the beginning because it’s like he’s always looking for a fight, but when it becomes clear that’s what he and Skylar have in common, this quirk becomes a thread that weaves him and Sky closer together as father and daughter—and it paves the way for his protective nature over Wren, which I’m a sucker for in romance books.
* The found family vibes of everyone at the lodge. Even though no one’s sure how to take Sky, especially at first, the other characters don’t hold Wren at arms length and don’t let her hold them at arms length either.
* The way Wren hates confrontation but will throw herself into one if she has to knee to fight for Sky. She’s an incredible advocate for her niece!
* The way that when Trigg finally really accepts that Sky is his, he’s all in.

So what are the acceptable critiques I only realized after I slept after reading this novel?
* I wish there would have been a moment where Trigg really just came out and told Sky he loved her. The idea of loving her as a father is something he states that he struggles with, but he falls into the role naturally and clearly doesn’t wish he never knew about her existence. He has “proud dad” moments, but we never see an intimate moment between him and Sky where he comes to the realization or confesses this fatherly love plainly to her.
* I wish the epilogue addressed Trigg’s stated original dream of returning to competition in a few years. But it’s kind of one of those things he states to other characters while he’s figuring out his new role as Sky’s dad—and then as Wren’s lover— that gets swept under the rug. Does he end up giving it up on it and replacing it with a new dream of a family with Sky and Wren? Does he and Wren make it work in their lives later?
* I land finally, and I didn’t realize this until I saw other readers point it out, but apparently some of the German references about Trigg’s character are possibly under researched. I can’t say for sure because I’m not German and know next to nothing about their culture, but some readers said little details like the endearments he uses for Wren and the drinks he consumes don’t make the most sense. There’s nothing racist or anti-German in this, so readers like me who don’t know anything about German culture won’t have a problem with it. But if you do have a familiarity with German culture, this might be something that takes you out of the story.

I still absolutely loved this book though. Would definitely recommend to readers who like the single-mom, dad just learning about their kid, charming billionaire with a protective streak tropes.
4,781 reviews16 followers
August 11, 2018
Skylar/Sky told Wren she hated her when she seen where they had ended up.Wren didn’t even look at her niece when she spouted off. Blue Spruce Lodge loomed before themWren was only twenty four . too young to have to deal with an adolescent as a parent but had no other choice when her sister Mandy died she wanted Wren to raise her baby Skylar and she did love Sky with her whole heart. They sold most of their stuff and moved to Montana so Skylar would have a chance to get to know her dad. Skylar was twelve years old and had just met her dad last month for the first time in a lawyers office. Wren and Sky came to Montana under the guise of Wren getting a new job at the lodge. Trigg was Sky’s father and he was one hot man and a player. She had met him back in May when she came out about the job. Then she secured a tentative job offer and knew her life would never be the same. Trigg had been sixteen and Mandy-Wrens sister- had been seventeen when she had gotten pregnant and she had told Trigg she was getting an abortion but had not. Trigg had agreed an abortion might be for the best and Mandy had never told Trigg she decided to have the baby. The first time Wren had met Trigg his smile had been approving and inviting. The second time they had met had been in a lawyers office for twenty minutes and Trigg hadn’t smiled. Wren wondered if this would work and Sky would turn back around on the right path of life. Probably not but Wren had to try. This was Wren’s last resort. Trigg had only one month to get used to the fact he had a kid and not a baby but a twelve year old daughter and he was still trying to wrap his brain around that. Trigg wasn’t ready for kids, he had a million other things to accomplish before settling down. Between shock and rearranging his life Trigg was doing the best he could. Trigg hadn’t communicated much with Wren after finding out about Sky. The lawyers had handled most of it and they had emailed about logistics. Trigg wanted to know why now? Why hadn’t Mandy contacted him after Sjykar birth? Or Wren after Mandy’s death? Wren had been on her own with Sky since she was nineteen. Trigg quit the professional snowboarding circuit as if he had continued training and competing at snowboarding he would have been gone more than there and Sky wanted to know her dad. Trigg wondered if he wanted to get to know Skylar as Wren said she had been”acting out.” Wren had been adamant that she wanted a job so she could support herself and Skylar and would accept a nominal amount for child support and she retain full custody. That was what the lawyers visit was about- a brief introduction of father and daughter, and sign paperwork pertaining to Sky’s custody. Wren had been prepared to stay away if Trigg had not wanted to be involved with his daughter. Sky had just learned last month that her father was an Olympic medal winning famous snowboarder who was rich. At least her had Murphy the dog that Sky instantly liked a lot. Sky didn’t know what to say to Trigg or even what to call him as far as that goes. From two years old to eight Sky had been a delight for Wren but about the time they moved out of her parents house things had started to get rocky. Wren was attracted to Trigg and not happy about that. Trigg is also attracted to Wren.
I loved this book.. This was a fun, emotional, romantic read. I do advise you read this series in order for a smooth reading. I loved having the different POV especially Skys. Murphy definitely adds to the book as far as I am concerned. I was a little annoyed at Trigg at first but grew to love him as the book went on. I loved Trigg and Wren together and how they interacted with each other. I loved the plot and pace. This grabs your attention right from the start. I loved the fact Trigg gave up his professional snowboarding to get to know Sky. I loved the twists and turns in this story.I felt bad for the childhood Wren had but at least she had Mandy. I loved how Wren would do anything for Sky. I loved the twists and turns and chaarcters of this book and I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,086 reviews13 followers
September 6, 2018
This was a totally darling insta-love with a marriage of convenience tale! It was a bit of a stretch to believe that things turn out so well, more by convenience than design. But I've known enough true cases of weird meet-cutes and falling in love tales, not to mention bizarrely interconnected families, to know that anything is possible.

Wren, although she seems like a shy and nervous little birdie on the outside, is really quite the formidable person on the inside. As Rolf says late in the book, "[she] is too smart to let [anyone] take advantage of her." Trigg, while considered nothing but a playboy, has never really tried to have a romantic relationship, so he doesn't know any more than we do if he can succeed. But we want him to! And given that he claims his feelings for Wren are different than for any woman he has ever know, we are hopeful that he can. Sky is basically your typical 12-year-old brat. She brought back horrible memories of my daughter's tween years, and even some of my own. But underneath the hoodie and sunglasses, the meanness and snark, is a frightened girl who wants to do good, but isn't quite sure how to handle all of the things that life suddenly throws at her.

I found it a little odd that a book billed as a romance was actually from the multi-point of view of the male lead, female lead and supporting female (child) character. And while I generally do not like stories with a dual, let alone multi, point of view, it just worked for this tale. Given that they were truly working to create a family, and not just a couple, it was nice to see Sky's perspective on things, that was often vastly different than that of the adults.

Many of the peripheral characters were just as endearing, or at least interesting. I quite enjoyed Marvin, Nate and Murphy, all of whom were delightfully charming, each in their own way. Almost all of the characters were exceedingly witty, which always makes things fun.

There were a few items that I wasn't crazy about, mainly how Wren and Trigg both seemed to go from a place of mild interest and physical attraction in the other, to proclaiming their love for one another, before they really even seemed to grasp their feelings themselves. And I do think would and should have been more reluctance on Wren's part to enter into a relationship with someone considered such a player. But otherwise, most of the boxes for a fun, romantic read were definitely ticked.

I had forgotten that this book is part of a series, and is in fact #3 in the set. It reads wonderfully as a standalone book. But I am now interested in reading the previous volumes to learn more on the backstories of the characters highlighted in them.

I received a free eBook copy of this title from Xpresso Book Tours, and have willingly provided an honest review.

This review originally appeared on the So Few Books blog at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2018/....
Profile Image for K.J. Sweeney.
Author 1 book47 followers
September 3, 2018
I should probably start by saying that I haven't read the other books in the Blue Spruce Lodge series. Although this is part of a series, there is no need to have read the other books, it works fine as a standalone. I would say though, I don't think this is a romance novel, at least not in the traditional sense. This is actually a story about love and family. Told from three points of view, Trigg, his newly found daughter Sky and Sky's Aunt, Wren. There is a romance angle, which gets quite steamy, but for me, that took second place to the story of the three of them working out what it was to be a family and learning about one another.

Having the story told from three points of view was quite unusual. There is actually a fourth storyteller, in the form of diaries written by Sky's Mum Mandy. It worked really well and built this story into much more than your usual man meets woman and falls into bed with her that many romance books are.

Trigg was a little annoying, to begin with, a little too full of himself, but his character grew and develop into something more. Wren is quite a reserved and quiet character, but she too grows over the course of the book, showing how strong she really is and that strength isn't always expressed with noise and bluster. I struggled a little bit with Sky, not that she wasn't a well developed and interesting character, but to me, she seemed a few years older than 12. Perhaps this is the difference between American children and those from the UK and New Zealand? I noticed when I was younger, that American's do seem to mature faster than we did, but then by their late teens, early twenties seemed younger. In any case, Sky seemed to me to be older than she was supposed to be in the book. I did really enjoy reading about how she discovers and comes to accept herself as one of the family she hasn't known until now.

This was a really interesting read and I found myself engrossed, wanting to know how everyone was going to fit in the new family dynamic. The romance element worked and although Trigg was a very overbearing character in many ways and Wren so quiet and unwilling to rock the boat, they worked. There is a fear with characters like that that the dominant personality will crush the other. I didn't feel that was the case here and there was a balance between the two of them that worked well.

I said at the beginning of this review that I hadn't read any of the other books in the Blue Spruce Lodge series. Having read this one, I'd definitely be keen to go back and read the others.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
August 24, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

It was an emotional, entertaining return to the Blue Spruce Lodge once again for Trigg, Wren and Sky’s story. It’s not easy to learn that you’re an instant father to a 12 year old sarcastic, rebellious daughter with major attitude problems… but along with the surprise is intense anger that Wren’s sister had kept Sky from him for more than a decade, and maybe some of that anger is directed toward Wren as well. Yet Trigg will learn that there are always two sides to every story, and that what was done was in the sisters’ minds protection for an innocent baby. And as you learn of Wren’s past, you’ll also understand that decision a lot better.

In Too Deep is a journey not only to love and that happy ever after but to a family being born out of ashes from the past. We run into characters we’ve met before, get a conclusion to the various bits of damage done around the lodge, see a business become everything the family had hoped it would be and watch as three people work through some very difficult issues and emotions to become a unique family. There is a lot more I’d love to say about this stunning story, but spoilers are no fun for those who have yet to read the book – so I can’t. I can say that I devoured this third story in the series and loved every moment spent in this world once again. I’ve been enchanted, entertained and emotional throughout the Blue Spruce Lodge series, and I suspect that this is the final one (but I never day done because.. plans change)… and if it is indeed the last story then I’ve had a fantastic run with these characters who feel as lifelike as my next door neighbors. I’d definitely recommend the entire series to any Contemporary Romance reader. You’ll get lost in rich, detailed, engaging lives and have a blast.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,603 reviews
August 22, 2018
I totally enjoyed reading In Too Deep by Dani Collins, book three in The Blue Spruce Lodge series. Imagine being an Olympic athlete in training for the next competition only to suddenly learn you are father; not of a newborn, but an orphaned twelve year-old. Trigg Johnanssen, a gold-medal snowboarder from a wealthy family, had a reputation as a playboy and had no idea how to be parent. No longer knowing what to do or how to handle her out of control twelve year-old niece, Wren Snow became the manager at the Blue Spruce Lodge so her niece, Sky, could get to know her father, Trigg. Two major problems were occurring for Trigg; he had no idea how to co-parent, and his chemistry with Wren was complicating their co-parenting. When outside forces interfere with the building of the ski resort, Trigg and Wren need to act and make illogical decisions in order to give Sky the life she deserves.

I loved seeing Wren becoming assertive, standing up for herself as well an indispensible employee as well as seeing the changes in her relationship with her niece, Sky, and with Trigg. Trigg was an enigma. As he spent time with his daughter he actually understood her acting out and figured out ways to get through to her. During this time he was falling more and more for Wren.

Ms. Collins wrote a wonderful and moving story that is not to be missed. It had me laughing, crying and everything in between. This story is filled with sexual chemistry, fun dialogue, and endearing characters. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Chrissie.
211 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2018
While it's hard for me to read YA Contemporary, it's even harder to get into adult Contemporary.  This book follows the lives of Skylar (female young lead), her aunt Wren and her dad, Trigg.  And this is a wild ride.  

You know how there is a plot and it follows from beginning to end, and you learn a little about every character...  In this one, you feel like you're sucked into the lives of these characters and the drama is insane.

There are layers after layers of story to read.  You learn so much about every single one of these characters, their lives, and backgrounds.  The trails they went through.  And, while you might hint at some things, others will shock you to your core.

I wanted to scold Skylar so many times at the beginning of this reading journey.  There were even times when I thought that getting a hiding might straighten her out.  But her life is complicated as hell.

Wren, I wanted to hug her, tell her it's okay to lose her cool and be the friend she desperately needs.  She had to endure so much in her life and at such a young age, it was so sad.

Dani's writing is wonderful, you will be turning page after page to see how this one ends.  Captivating and raw.  Strong and witty.  An intense read about the lives that get tangled after a tragedy, and learning to keep going.

The 3-pov writing does take some getting into because it changes mid-chapter a lot.  However, as soon as you get used to this, it's easy to distinguish the different voices and enjoy the story.

If you enjoy a humorous read, with intensity and seriousness added, then pick this one up.  And be prepared to read well into the night with this one, because it is worth it.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,111 reviews9 followers
August 8, 2018
Wren can’t take it anymore her nieces needs her dad and she is ready to finally make them happen. Can she do whats best for both of them or will introducing them be a mistake from all sides? Trigg can’t believe the past is finally catching up with him. When he finds out he has a daughter he has no choice but to take it in stride even though everyone thinks he can’t be tamed he’s willing to try and put her first. Can he get to know his daughter or will it just be too much time lost between them?

I really enjoyed this book, I am not sure if this the final book in the series but I will be honest I hope not I have really enjoyed this group of “friends”. I love coming and reading about Haven Montana and the fun characters and what they have been up too. I loved how the author included Sky in a big way in this book so it wasn’t just about Wren and Trigg’s story but you got to read about how Skylar was effected and her thoughts which I think added a whole different element to the story overall. I really loved how we got to catch up with Rolf, Glory, Nate, and Ilke. I can’t really think of anything I didn’t like this book just seemed to flow which made it really hard to put down. This book does have adult language and situations, but if that does not bother you grab this book and this series it's so good you can’t go wrong. Like I said I can’t wait for more.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
5,972 reviews213 followers
August 31, 2018
5 star review of In Too Deep (Blue Spruce Lodge #3) by Dani Collins
Dani Collins is a new author to me and I am not sure why that is. As soon as time permits I will be going back and getting the first two books in the series.
This is Wren Snow and Trigg Johanssen’s story and what a tangled story it is.Wren has been left as guardian to her 12 year old niece Skylar, who is pushing the boundaries and driving her mad with her bad behaviour. She seeks out Trigg (who turns out to be Sky’s father) in the hopes that he can help.
Wren is the new manager at Trigg’s Blue Spruce Lodge and although Trigg is finding it difficult being thrust into a fatherly role (he only just learned of Sky’s existence) he also has to face the fact that despite himself he is attracted to Wren.
This book was told in 3 points of view which is a little unusual and took me a while to get my head around but once I did I was captivated and honestly I feel this was right for this story.
I really liked Wren and felt the pain and suffering that she had been through. Trigg in the beginning was an arrogant jerk whom I wanted to smack across the head. Sky was your typical pre teen complete with attitude and yet I really felt for the vulnerable young girl beneath the brash and often rude surface.
This was an emotional read at times with all parties struggling to come to terms with their new realities. It’s hard to blend a family together and even harder when outside forces are trying to drive them apart.
As the relationship between Trigg and Wren develops, will Sky put a damper on it before it can even grow?
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