DOWN DEEP (Station Seventeen #4) by Kimberly Kincaid-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 18, 2018

Ian Gamble has a past he’d rather forget—which is exactly what he’s doing at The Crooked Angel Bar and Grill when the place catches fire. Between his active duty in the Marines and his experience as a firefighter, his instincts get him and hot, headstrong bar manager, Kennedy Matthews, to safety. But those same instincts kick into high gear when the fire is ruled an arson, and he discovers Kennedy’s got secrets of her own.

The only thing that matters more to Kennedy than her bar is her brother. When she finds out he’s in over his head with a dangerous arsonist, she’ll do anything to keep him safe—even if it means teaming up with Gamble, who’s too sharp-eyed and hard-bodied for his own good. With every step, their attraction flares hotter and the risks grow more dangerous. Can Gamble and Kennedy face their fears—and their secrets—to catch a terrifying enemy? Or will they go down in flames?

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REVIEW: DOWN DEEP is the fourth full-length and eighth instalment in Kimberly Kincaid’s contemporary, adult STATION SEVENTEEN romantic, suspense series focusing on the men and women who work at Station Seventeen. This is fire fighter and US Marine Ian Gamble, and bartender Kennedy Matthews’ story line. DOWN DEEP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is a continuing theme throughout.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ian and Kennedy DOWN DEEP follows the building relationship between fire fighter and former Marine Ian Gamble, and bartender Kennedy Matthews following an arson fire at The Crooked Angel Bar and Grill-a hang out for the local fire fighters and police. From the outset a brooding Ian suspects Kennedy of keeping secrets about the potential arsonist, an arsonist who is close to Kennedy’s heart. What ensues is the building relationship between Kennedy and Ian as our couple begin a behind the scenes investigation, going rogue in an effort to find out the truth, before the authorities begin to piece together the cues and information.

Ian Gamble suffers and struggles with survivor’s guilt and remorse in the wake of loosing the men in his Force Marine Recon unit years before. As the sole survivor Ian’s yearly ‘salute’ to his men involves a night of drinking to forgive and forget. Kennedy Matthews grew up on the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ but she continues to focus on the brother with whom she had hoped to reconnect.

DOWN DEEP focuses on the search for an arsonist whose identity is revealed early on but an arsonist with a sadistic side who isn’t above hurting those who’ve done him wrong. For me, the suspense is limited due in part to the early reveal; the conflict focuses on the relationship struggles between Kennedy and Ian, and the take down of the people responsible for the arson fires. The colorful secondary and supporting characters are numerous including several members of law enforcement and Station Seventeen.

The relationship between Kennedy and Ian is slow to build; the sexual attraction is palpable and hot but the jump from lust to love is questionable and as a direct result of events and circumstance that brings the couple together. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

DOWN DEEP is a intriguing and entertaining story line. The premise is well paced and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are dynamic and spirited. DOWN DEEP is worth the price of admission-check it out and enjoy.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy