Beneath Dark Waters

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Val is a great role model for woman. She has survived the most horrendous ordeal a woman can face. Val has managed to overcome her mental demons and move forward. I admire Val’s willingness to become Jace’s advocate. She knows the boy has been dealt a bad hand, especially by his two older brothers. Val believes the teen deserves better, and she wants to help him achieve it. What I like the most about Val is her thoughtfulness towards Elijah’s medical needs. She researched his condition, so she could better understand everything he may need while under her protection. The two main characters, Val and Kaj, were developed with heart and kindness, plus the growth of steamy heat and simmering love interest tempered the ugliness surrounding them.

Beneath Dark Waters By Karen Rose | New | 9781472282965

However, with threats coming from every direction and trouble knowing who the team can trust. This is not an easy task. Yet, as the danger mounts Val is more determined than ever to do whatever is needed to keep Elijah and Kaj safe. Berkley Publishing Group and Karen Rose provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 15, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. I read the first book of the New Orleans series before reading Beneath Dark Waters, and I found that the same patterns/themes carried across. This made the story quite predictable.

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When Val Sorensen of Burke Broussard Private Investigation Agency is assigned as Elijah’s bodyguard, she realises she also has a very personal connection to the gang thought to be behind the attempted kidnap – a run in with Sixth Day cost her brother his life. The best part of this story is the character development. She perfected the bad guys with all of the creepiness and meanness that draws you into the depths of the story. The supporting characters are wonderful as well. With a range of depth and conviction, Rose grabs your interest throughout this massive book.

Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose | Hachette UK

Val Sorensen is a Marine veteran and new to the Broussard team. She takes this job very seriously and soon finds herself more than a little in love with her charge and his hot father. She also finds herself in the middle of the reasons they are in danger and those reasons put everyone around them in danger. 3 1/2-Stars The prologue immediately grabbed my attention and the story continues with action, investigation by both the police and the private investigation firm, and plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged. The thrilling storyline, balanced with the emotional aspects of the work, made this a winner for me. The book was descriptive without slowing the pace, which is fast. Readers will get an excellent sense of the bayou, but I wanted a little more sense of New Orleans itself. Assistant District Attorney Kaj Cordozo's life is thrown upside down when two masked men attempt to kidnap his son, Elijah. Given the high-profile case Kaj is working on, he's not about to take any more risks. Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and atmospheric with great characterization. I can’t wait to find out who will be featured in the next book. I recommend this to those that like romantic suspense novels with relatable and likeable main characters.The romance develops between Broussard's agent, Val and the ADA, Kaj. They bond over Elijah and protecting his safety, as well as desire to capture the criminals. We do see some characters from the previous book in New Orleans. Blistering, high-octane suspense that never lets up.”— New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards The plot is almost medieval: Val moves into Kaj’s home and transforms it into a fortress. The barbarians are on the outside, feverishly attempting to storm the castle. There is a pervasive sense of foreboding. My heart ached for the innocent here because these bad guys were awful! I didn’t want anyone landing in their hands at all! My heart pounded as the events unfolded! Thankfully, Val and Kaj were smart and didn’t take unnecessary risks. Still… Karen Rose was introduced to suspense and horror at the tender age of eight when she accidentally read Poe's The Pit and The Pendulum and was afraid to go to sleep for years. She now enjoys writing books that make other people afraid to go to sleep.