A FORMER NAVY SEAL HAUNTED BY HIS PASTColton Locke can’t forget the black op that went terribly wrong. Desperate for a new start, he moves to Lantern Beach, North Carolina, and forms Blackout, a private security firm. Despite his hero status, he can’t erase the mistakes he’s made. A WIDOW WITH SECRETSFor the past year, Elise Oliver hasn’t been able to shake the feeling that there’s more to her … shake the feeling that there’s more to her husband’s death than she was told. When she finds a hidden box of his personal possessions, more questions—and suspicions—arise. The only person she trusts to help her is her husband’s best friend, Colton Locke.
THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
Someone wants Elise dead. Is it because she knows too much? Or is it to keep her from finding the truth? The Blackout team must uncover dark secrets hiding beneath seemingly still waters. But those very secrets might just tear the team apart.
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Well written, a plot that kept me on the edge of the seat and fully developed characters. What a joy to read.
I love all Lantern Beach books. Great characters and good plots.
Let me catch my breath as I finish the last page and close this book! The cover was very eye-catching. The character on the front, Colton, was very brooding looking with a “don’t mess with me look”. He protected those he cared about, or at least tried to do so. He was part of a former navy SEAL team, along with other members that had formed a security group called Blackout. Their base of operation was Lantern Beach, a close-knit community of people, some of which did not like them there.
Elise was widow of Daniel from the SEAL team. He was killed during a top secret mission and had previously stashed top secret information in a hiding place. When Elise discovered it she knew it was important and removed it and secured it in her own hiding place. Her house was broken into during the night and she got away from the intruder at her first opportunity. She found herself on Lantern Beach seeking help from Colton and his team. Whoever was after her and the information only she was privy to meant business. Explosions were starting to happen seemingly targeted at her.
This was a great page turner that I didn’t want to put down. I was unable to figure out the culprit although I did try. Wait until the end! This talented author had a way with descriptive words that made it so easy to picture the surroundings and the characters. I almost felt like I was there. I’m looking forward to book two that will feature Dez from the Blackout team.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
Dark Water by Christy Barritt is the first book in her Lantern Beach Blackout series. After the death of her Navy SEAL husband, Elise Oliver tries to start life over. After finding evidence that her husband wasn’t a traitor after all she turns to his ex-SEAL team for help when her life is threatened. Colton Locke can’t get past the op that went wrong, taking the life of his best friend. Moving to Lantern Beach, North Carolina he starts a private security firm, Blackout, with his ex-teammates. Together they work to clear Daniel’s name and expose the traitor who wants Elise dead. I liked the comradery of the team. The chemistry between Elise and Colton was the perfect foil for all the danger. This was definitely an explosive story.
I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.
Dark Water by Christy Barritt
I have been a Christy Barritt fan for a long time. She writes easy to read, quick paced, exciting mysteries set in beach locales. This book is no exception. Likable characters that are developed enough to make them interesting weave together with a good story line. There are always interesting facts to learn in her books and this one involves top secret operations, codes, and foreign terrorists. Those familiar with Christy’s books will welcome the opportunity to visit Lantern Beach, Chief Cassidy and her husband Ty and many other familiar residents.
Dark Waters is the first book in a new series. The debut book sets the series out on a break necking pace. It is full of twists and turns and leaves you turning pages to keep trying to figure it out. The book starts off with Elise fighting for her life during a home invasion. You have to wonder if she is being targeted due to her deceased husband. Colton runs a security firm, and has a past that he can’t shake. So much went wrong during a op back when he was a SEAL. His firm, Blackout is assigned to protect Elise. Colton remembers Elise’s husband from his SEAL days. Can he help protect Elise? Will they figure out who is after her? Most importantly is any of it connected with the botched SEAL mission?
Well written characters. Suspenseful story line. This does have connections to some of her previous books – but this can be read as a standalone. This book will keep you guessing – I will be checking out the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.
Wowza! What a thrill ride! I’ve read a couple of this author’s books in the past and really enjoyed them, but with Dark Water Christy Barritt has earned a spot on my list of favorite authors! I loved this book SOOOO much, it’s one of the best romantic suspense books I’ve read in 2020!
I loved that the action and suspense starts on the first page and is pretty much nonstop from that point on, which is my favorite type of suspense story!
I loved these characters so much! I admired Elise’s determination, bravery, and compassionate heart, as well as how smart she is, she’s a fabulous heroine, and I’d love to be friends with her if she were real!
Colton, oh my word, swoon with a capital S! I admit I’m a sucker for protective heroes in books, and if they’re a Navy SEAL, even better! So I knew I would love him, and love him I did! Colton was such an excellent hero, I loved his protectiveness, loyalty, honor, kindness, and his willingness to drop everything and be there when someone he cared about needed him!
I loved that this book kept me guessing as to who the villain was, there were several possibilities that were entirely plausible and really put my armchair sleuthing skills to the test!
I have not yet read any of the other books set on Lantern Beach, and I had no trouble at all following this one so I would say that Dark Water can definitely be read as a standalone. After having officially ‘met’ Cassidy and Ty in this book I’m excited to go back and read all of their stories in the Lantern Beach Mysteries and Lantern Beach PD series when I get a chance!
I loved Dark Water so much, it’s definitely one for the keeper shelf and I most highly recommend it! I can’t wait to read the rest of the Lantern Beach Blackout series!
(5 Stars!)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
I hadn’t read any of Christy Barritt’s books before this one came in the mail. When I started reading this book I fell in love with Lantern Beach and also all of the characters. I read this book so quickly!
This is a wonderful suspense mystery book with just enough romance thrown in to appease those who want romance. And when it ends you know more has to come and you have to keep reading so you’ll want to locate the rest of the series. Elise and Colton get to continue in the rest of the series and you’re going to be on pins and needles figuring it all out.
I loved how Elise has the knowledge she learned from her Navy Seal husband. And they ALL have secrets that they’re not willing to share. But who would want her dead? And why does she feel like they’re targeting her for more than just what she knows? Can the Blackout team keep her safe? Will they share their secrets with her?
Once I finished and knew what happened to Elise and the rest of the gang I had to know more! Lucky for me the rest of the series is on Kindle Unlimited and I binged. We’re talking in one day I read probably three books. They read super fast and now I’m hooked and reading my way through the entire Lantern Beach series of books!
I don’t know what to say besides you have to read this book. You have to read the entire series and all the other series that came before it. I obviously did not read all of the books on Lantern Beach in order. This book is the start of a new series but set in the same spot and with the same characters as the other Lantern Beach series. I’m reading the other series now and while I do KNOW how things are ending up they’re still wonderful and I can’t put them down!
Definitely read Dark Water before you check out the rest of this series and read the books within the series in order. You won’t regret it. Now, I’m hooked on this author and I’m still binge reading her books. In fact, I need to get off here to get some more reading in before duty calls and I have to homeschool the kiddos today.
Highly recommend this book and this author and all of her works!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Wow! This heart gripping story had me hooked from the very first page. Someone wants Elise Oliver dead. But why? Could it have something to do with her husband, who is also dead because of a black op that went terribly wrong while serving with his Navy Seals team?
Christy Barritt knows how to write a gripping, heart wrenching story that will take you on a journey that will stay with you for a long time. And Dark Water is no different. With characters who develop so realistically, and tell their story from their own view of life, you will quickly fall in love with this story. It has its share of suspense, fast pace, action and thrills all in one. I really like Elise, and felt so bad for her because she is put in a position she didn’t ask for. As she and Colton, former Navy Seal who served with her husband, strikes out to find the real reason her husband Daniel was killed, readers will sure be tied to the end of their seats until the story is over. I couldn’t put this one down!! I just had to find out what would happen in the end!
If you enjoy a good thriller full of fast pace action, this is one you must check out. This is my first book in this series, and in the Lantern Beach, North Carolina books, which there are many, but I didn’t have a problem with reading it as a stand alone.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This was a great story full of action and romance! I haven’t read any of the other books set in Lantern Beach, but I definitely want to now. Dark Water is the first book in the Lantern Beach Blackout series and has definitely made me want to return to this community.
Colton captured my heart as a wonderful hero with his years of silently being in love with Elise, who was his best friend’s wife. I appreciated that Elise was fully devoted to her marriage, even during its shaky times, and was unaware of Colton’s feelings. The way Colton would do anything to keep Elise safe and eventually allowed her to get a glimpse of his deeper feelings was just perfect. I hope to see this couple again in future Lantern Beach Blackout books. I was also happy that the author was able to keep me guessing up until the very end about exactly who was behind the threat to Elise’s life.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
While this is the first book in Christy Barritt’s Lantern Beach Blackout Series, it is loosely tied to two other series set in the Lantern Beach universe. You can easily pick up Dark Water and enjoy your reading experience but starting with the other books (especially Cassidy’s story) will kick that experience up to a level or ten.
However, I will admit I’ve not yet read all of the Lantern Beach PD series and still enjoyed this one. I especially liked that Cassidy and Ty have a pretty significant role in Dark Water. In fact, even though she’s not the hero or heroine of this book, we get to peek inside Cassidy’s head for a chapter or two.
This book starts out intense and at first, I felt like I was coming in during the middle of something. Elise grew on me as the story continued. Her strength and compassion shine through when it counts.
Colton, an ex-Navy seal, is protective and in charge. And he has a thing for his best friend’s widow which he’s just not sure what to do about.
In Barritt’s usual style, Dark Water grips readers and pulls them along for the intense, fast-paced ride that definitely keeps you guessing about the culprit. And it introduces you to the rest of the Blackout team, setting the stage for the coming books in the series.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
It has been too long since I’ve read a novel by this author, and I’m hooked again! This mystery drew me in from the first page and was very hard to put down. The characters are likable, and the emotions behind trying to understand who is behind the death threats are very well expressed. First in a new Lantern Beach series, it is a must read for those who enjoy Christian suspense that does not preach and a mutual attraction between the two main characters that neither of them will act on.
Elise’s late husband Daniel was a Navy SEAL and died during a training exercise. Colton was his best friend on the team, although several of the team members enjoyed down time at their home. They had been married almost ten years, but Elise had suggested a separation the last time Daniel left. The Navy told her, days after his death, that Daniel was a traitor to his country, that he and another person were selling secrets to a terrorist organization. She refused to believe it, as did his fellow teammates.
A psychologist, Elise got through the first year afterward with her faith in the Lord, helping her patients, and a heavy load of guilt. When planning to remodel Daniel’s former office, she found some things he had hidden that appeared to be some sort of intel he had collected and hidden. She believed those items might prove he was not a traitor. Elise met with his Commander and the Secretary of the Navy, who wanted her to bring the items to them as soon as possible. Something inside her wasn’t ready to let go of the intel yet. Within days, her house had been broken into but nothing taken, then someone broke in while she was there, intent on getting the information and killing her. Only quick thinking got her out of the house and on the road.
Colton is on Lantern Beach, a beautiful island off the coast of North Carolina. With some former fellow SEALs who left after Daniel died, he is starting Blackout, an agency providing security and bodyguard services. The home of close friend Ty and his bride, Cassidy, the police chief, is their temporary office. Colton was stunned to find Elise at the house much less to hear what happened. He will do whatever it takes to help her. He and his team began immediately to figure out who is after her and the intel. Colton long suspected that not just an American with deep pockets, but someone on the inside of military intelligence, was involved with framing Daniel – and now that person is after Elise. She gets threats on the burner phone she purchased on her way to Colton’s, a man was sent to kill her, now she is being framed for a murder and subsequent explosion at her home.
I enjoyed this fast-paced novel with international espionage and close friendships forged on harrowing missions of a US SEAL team as well as the widow of one of the team. The characters are well defined, so much so that it was hard for me to leave them behind when the novel ends. Elise is a believable heroine, one who I enjoyed getting to know, as is Colton. It is hard to know who to trust, and the culprit is hidden so well that I couldn’t figure out whodunit, so I was surprised at the final resolution. Overall, I was satisfied with the novel and ending. I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates clean suspense/ possible romance with former elite military specialists, breathtaking action, and prayers.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.
Barritt has been a favorite suspense author for a long time …
I had somewhat forgotten about Christy Barritt’s writing, until a couple months ago when I saw she had a new series out. I sped through the four books in two days, they so quickly pulled me in!
I was thrilled to see yet another series that I hadn’t read, I put off reading Dark Water since I didn’t need to review it yet but when my brother started reading the series and spoiling it for me. #horror I had to read the third book which he was on at the time, I read it and it made me want to know what happened in the first book but it wasn’t too hard to figure out, the books can almost be read as a stand alone but you wouldn’t want to miss the first books, just saying.
While I enjoyed the mystery I think that Dark Water was more clean mystery than Christian mystery, just a warning for those reading the series.
The kickoff of the series was well executed!
Barritt did a wonderful job pulling me into a mysterious “family” who had suffered a great loss in their leader and husband, moving on from grief the characters grow in spirit and love as they search for a group trying to kill them, all of this is done in a tasteful way that leaves you wanting to know the end.
As the romance progressed I had a slight worry that it wouldn’t be natural but it turned out quite well and I liked the ending.
This is a series I look forward to finishing.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Chaos was returning to her island – Cassidy
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. — Isaiah 43:2a
What an incredible way to spend an afternoon – at the edge of your seat right up till the end! Elsie Oliver, psychologist, has lost her husband Daniel on what she believes was a training mission with his SEAL team. Discovering information while going through his things starts the domino effect of danger, murder, kidnapping and more. Since Daniel’s former teammates are the only people she can trust, she finds herself in Lantern Beach and the action builds even more.
I have not had the chance to read any of the Lantern Beach stories before this one, but that is something I must rectify as these characters are ones you definitely want to get to know better. This well-written mystery has so many twists and turns you won’t figure out who is behind it all until the very end.
This digital copy was received through CelebrateLit. My comments, impressions and rating are in no way solicited.
4.5 stars
Dark Water is the first book I read in Barritt’s Lantern Beach universe (several different series all tied to a tourist island off North Carolina) – but it definitely isn’t my first read by the author. I’ve long been a fan of Barritt’s fast paced suspense and swoony romance, and the Lantern Beach Blackout series fits right in.
Right from the first page, we’re gripped by heart-in-your-throat danger as Elise fights for her life in a middle-of-the-night home invasion. We don’t know why she’s been targeted just yet – or even who she is exactly – but there’s time for introductions later. In the heat of the moment, we’re just rooting for her survival. As she flees to the safety of Lantern Beach and her late husband’s SEAL team, we quickly meet Colton – the swoony former SEAL who’s been in love with his best friend’s wife (Elise) for a long time. Both characters are well-layered for this relatively-quick read, and they are both very easy to like. Colton is the leader of the team (with all the yumminess that goes along with that) and he treats Elise with infinite tenderness as he continues to fight his feelings for her and fights to keep her safe. Elise, for her part, carries herself with a quiet strength and has a heart of gold toward other people.
Along with the more immediate danger of someone trying to kill Elise (a danger that continues throughout the story), there is the mystery surrounding the demise of their SEAL team and the death of their then-leader (and Elise’s husband) Daniel. Is this connected to the attempts on Elise’s life? Does she know more than she’s telling them? Do they have a traitor in their midst, or was Daniel the traitor? This is the continuing arc that connects the rest of the books in the Blackout series – and it’s a doozy! Uncertainty has the team questioning everything they thought they knew & the people they thought they could trust. It will keep us on our toes, too, and keeps us gobbling up the Blackout books to find out how it all resolves. (Don’t worry, though, each book has its own storyline & romance too.)
Bottom Line: Fast-paced suspense, excellent characters, and an intriguing setting are just some of the things to love about Dark Water and the whole Lantern Beach Blackout series. Loyalty, faith, and instincts are all tested to their limits as Barritt takes readers along for this intense race toward the truth – with well-paced writing and skilled development. The perfect weekend read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I previously purchased for my own collection.)
I have enjoyed Christy Barritt’s book in the past and Dark Water is no different. I am excited that this is the beginning of her newest series, Lantern Beach Blackout. I thought this book was a really great read. I loved Elise and Colton from the start. They had wonderful chemistry and it was great seeing them together. The story was full of adventure, action, mystery, suspense and romance. I was definitely surprised at how it all ended. I did not find it to be predictable at all. I was fully engaged with the book from start to finish. I was not expecting to be reading the whole book in one whole sitting.
I am giving Dark Water four and a half stars. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Lantern Beach Blackout series, Safe Harbor. Romantic suspense readers will enjoy reading this one. I recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I love stories about Navy Seals where intrigue plays out across the pages. The author has a gift of writing these type of stories that keep you guessing to the end. Elise was someone who was easy to like. Losing her husband has been difficult and she still has questions about his death. It must be hard to be married to someone who puts their life on the line to protect others.
Colton is an exceptional character with integrity and a drive to fight for justice. I loved reading about Blackout and how risky it is to be a part of the group. Something happened on a mission that cost Elise’s husband his life. The secrets surrounding his death could be dangerous and Elise is about to find out her life is on the line. I thought the book was a thrill ride with bombs, danger and secrets that keep readers guessing to the end.
The story is a clean read with adventure that takes us from land to sea. I couldn’t quite figure out who to trust at times and my suspicion was way off. The author is good at details and throwing in twists to heighten the intensity of the story. It’s a great start of a new series. I am anxious to read the next book to see where the author takes us next.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I have wanted to read a Christy Barritt book for quite some time now due to the accolades and I was excited to have the opportunity to read this one that starts out a series. Set on a small tourist island of Lantern Beach, NC, the book is fast-paced and filled with adrenaline and suspicious characters. The plot is complex and the author will have you guessing at the villain’s identity until the very end. It’s a fun romantic suspense that you can read in one sitting.
Elise, a widower of a former SEAL operative, is being hunted down for something that her deceased husband knew and has no one to turn to except Colton, her husband’s best friend. Colton is the protective tender warrior who now heads up a security consultant team but can’t seem to escape his memories from the last mission gone wrong. From former colleagues to strangers on the street to those in the hierarchy of the Navy, everyone is a suspect as Colton and his team try to figure out who is targeting Elise and what top government secret is being covered up. The romance between Colton and Elise is sweet and I’m looking forward to hearing more about them as the series progresses. I’m sure the next three books will focus on each of Colton’s team and I can’t wait to read about their journeys.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
It was good, but predictable. It is not up to the author’s usual writing
Amazing suspense!
A former Navy Seal team reconnects on Lantern Beach. Blackout is the newest addition to the Lantern Beach series, and just might bring the most excitement to the island yet. There is plenty of action and suspense in this story with a little spy novel feel.
Loved the characters in this story, and I’m looking forward to reading more in the Blackout series.