Such a fantastic book! I'm loving this series so much! What I love about this book was the storyline! It flowed so seamlessly! I also loved the love scenes. They are do sizzling hot! Such a fantastic book! I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Agent Danita Moralez (aka Demares Mercado) is undercover at the local police department to search out the bad cops. When she first meets Kevin Blackhart, former officer and now owner of Blackhart Security and Investigations, she is immediately attracted to him. He is attracted to her as well, but has no idea that she is undercover and in danger. I must admit that I was confused as to who everyone was as there was no real character introduction plus many characters were mentioned by first name only which left me feeling lost. Perhaps these characters were introduced in the first book which I had not read. I enjoyed the storyline and Dem & Kevin’s characters, but wish there would have more backstory before leaping in to the action. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

This was insta-blurb love. I hadn’t read the author before, but I do like a good tension-wrought crime-solving duo who have history to stop the far-reaching rot that has made it dangerous to uphold the law in the local police precinct. The sensual romance was a bonus. So in I jumped.
Review

In Deep is book two of the Blackhart Brothers series. I didn’t notice I’d grabbed the second book. Some series of books can be read standalone or out of order no problem. This one leaves the reader on the wrong foot for quite a bit when read out of order because it not only ties in to the first book, Calling on Quinn, but I think some of it must have been running parallel to certain events in that book. So, best to get them in order

A female FBI agent has been deeply embedded in a police force for years to discover just what has gone wrong at a specific precinct. Cops can go bad, but this precinct has way too many bad cops for it to be incidental. Danita Morales (her cover name) can’t seem to break through and get the organization behind the corruption to deal her in even after three years. A one night stand with a hot Irish ex-cop jolts her, but then a struggling case goes dead in the water when her handler disappears though not before warning her that the corruption is more wide-spread and goes higher than she thought and she can trust no one except for him. Two years later, Kevin Blackhart is back in her life and this time he’s not letting her ghost him. He’s going to take on her dark assignment with her and she can only hope that her secrets don’t destroy what they have building between them.

Kevin Blackhart took his career as a cop seriously and hates that corruption and threats drove him and his brothers out to start their own investigation and security agency. He has never forgotten the one night with Danita Morales and when his brother in law and sister are shot, she is right back in his sphere when she suspects his teen nephew of knowing something that could break the case she and Cal had been working on. But, people he loves were hurt and he’s going to have her back whether she wants it or not. He knows she’s got secrets, but he just needs to prove that he will stick it out no matter what.

In Deep is a book that I enjoyed somewhat, but I had some major issues. It will seem I hated this book with a purple passion by the time you’re done with my issues, but the truth is that I was captivated by the author’s writing style and the Blackhart family. I want more of the author and more of the family. Two big things submarined the book for me and at least one isn’t likely to be an issue in other books. I’ll get to those in a bit.

This romantic suspense had a solid set up and I loved the first meet up of Danita and Kevin when he walks into the bar and dares her to dance with him. The Latina music and their dance brings out the sizzling attraction and they have a memorable one time encounter that leaves them both wanting when she ducks back into her case leaving him with nothing for another two years. Danita’s case and the connection to Kevin’s family brings them together once again and I felt the excitement begin that finally things were going to get started now the intro was out of the way.

But, here’s where those two big things I mentioned come into play.

I’ll start with what I’ll call several small, but significant unlikely bits. First, I really was confused how an FBI agent ends up embedded in an investigation which is picture perfect Internal Affairs responsibility- digging out trouble within the cop world is IA’s job. Second, how was it that Danita ended up staying on a case for two years after her handler disappears and how is it that she believes that she can’t contact her agency because there is one- ONE- rotten apple there (according to her handler) so she has to go dark? And, how is it that she goes for five years with no break through with things getting worse and they aren’t trying something else? The FBI just isn’t that incompetent, slow, or hands off. The whole agency would have to be in on the plot from her handler’s boss, her boss, her fellow agents, the finance office who pays her checks on down. No one missed an agent for five years or her handler who must have been another agent? I had so many niggles like this and they just kept coming.

But there’s more.

Danita herself both as an undercover agent and as the romance heroine didn’t work for me. Her ‘I am an island’ attitude was fine when she had a handler and things were kosher. It stopped working when she reaches out to a gutsy, risk-taking cop for help, but she won’t take the help of a licensed investigating team and security experts even if they are already investigating since that cop is their brother in law. Kevin pretty much has it figured out that she’s investigating something in the department and is more than she seems which, again, makes her tedious insistence on her secrets ridiculous. I really hated that she forced him to hide this from his brothers because secrets at this point are just dangerous and only hurt Kevin because it makes the onesidedness of the relationship glaringly obvious. She keeps spouting that she’ll put them in danger when everyone and their dog knows she’s with Kevin and has been seen with Kevin’s family. She keeps saying that he doesn’t know her and she’s afraid it will destroy what they have (she’s playing a cop a role pretty much like her real life not a drug kingpin so what she thinks he’s going to freak about, I have no idea). She spends an awful lot of time in her own head and did little actual investigative work including following up on the biggest piece of the puzzle which she learned about early. She expects full trust, but gives him very little. I really wanted him to put her in the rear view until she figured out her life.

So, I found In Deep a mixed bag. But, like I said earlier, I enjoyed the author’s writing and the overarching series plot, the big Blackhart family, and want to know what comes next. I want to keep going and see if a different book would appeal more. For those who see something of interest, don’t forget to start with Calling on Quinn so you get the best experience.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Good

This book has a great story line with twists, drama, humor, heat and emotion. I really enjoyed Kevin and Danita together. Having not read book 1 there was a lot that did not make sense and I don't recommend reading as a standalone.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

This was an intriguing story with lots of juicy characters and an action-packed plot. That being said, some things made me confused and took away from my enjoyment. At first, when I started reading, I felt some things were missing and I didn't understand what was going on. A little backstory was needed. Then, after a couple of chapters, the plotline jumped two years. And, finally, the ending wasn't really satisfying. No one caught the bad guys. It just continues, which isn't a conclusion. I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The second book in The Blackhart Brothers, In Deep is Kevin and Danita’s story. I like Kevin but did struggle with Danita at time however I did enjoy the story and interactions and look forward to book 3

An exciting read! Loved the tension between Kevin and Danita! Seriously hot, and an edge of your seat read!

This was my first experience reading this author's work and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Kevin and Dem. I understand this is the second book in the Blackhart Brothers Series, and having said that, I do think I would have enjoyed In Deep more had I read Calling on Quinn first even though this book is considered a standalone. The blurb caught my attention right away and I couldn't wait to dig into their story. There are many characters in this read that are interconnected and at times, I did have to go back and re-read a chapter just to keep the characters straight in my head. Maybe if I would have read the first book, it would have been easier, but this book still had all the traits that I love in a romantic suspense -- intrigue, mystery, captivating storyline, edge of your seat anticipation and these two had chemistry for days! I would definitely recommend trying Ms. Saffire's books if you enjoy reading romantic suspense. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Kevin is protective of his family. It's just that simple. When his brother-in-law and sister are gunned down in front of their house, it'll take all of the Blackhart brothers to figure out what was going on. Cal was in over his head, which isn't anything new, but now everyone is scrambling to figure out what he knew, who was behind the shooting, and who is going to pay.

Dem is an enigma. She is tough, but also vulnerable. She knows that she's closing in on the department issues, but can't seem to find the smoking gun. With Cal out of commission, nobody to trust, and a department who can't seem to figure out how to not be corrupt, she's running on fumes.

Kevin never forgot Dem and vice versa. However, with both of their lives up in the air, family to worry about, and a mystery to solve, can Kevin convince Dem that he can protect her and her secrets?

This is a fast-paced story that leaves you with questions even after some have been answered. I hope to see more of the loose ends wrapped up in the next book.

Triggers: Stalking, Murder.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and you really do need to read book one, Calling on Quinn, to really understand the Blackhart family dynamics, and the tragedy which struck at the end of the last book. We travel about a bit in time, but mainly so that it ties in the previous storyline, and so that we can understand when Kevin and Danita/Dem first met.

It was good to catch up with the family, and be reminded of how they pulled together after the shooting. It was really helpful to get us back up to speed, as for me there have been quite a few books in between – but I was straight back in there, worrying along with them and trying to work out the why. Danita adds significantly to that side of the story, although I found it difficult to believe that she could be undercover for so long – and more importantly, that she would think that not hearing anything from her handler for so long could be normal. Let alone not doing any kind of Google search... at a library if she was so worried about being found out. But allowing for the need to suspend disbelief on a few matters, I found the plot to be suitably complicated and convoluted.

I wasn't entirely surprised we were left on another cliffhanger, although not exactly for this book’s pairing, (phew!), but now I just need the next book on my Kindle very soon!

This novel was a good fun time!

I found our characters to be realistically flawed, while also being likeable enough that you root for them to win. Not only in their relationship, but in their work spaces and every facet of their life. The high-stakes feel of the novel was established early, and kept the plot moving at a steady pace.

The on page chemistry that Danita and Kevin have is electric, and I couldn't stop reading about them. The sex scenes were steamy, and drew lines very clearly for our characters in their inter-racial relationship. Everything was well handled, and I appreciated the respect show to our character of color.

Please check out these books! I really enjoyed this one, and look forward into digging into more!

Once again, I chose to jump into a series with book #2, not the smartest idea with a new-to-me author, and while this book is supposed to work as a standalone, for this reader it simply didn't. Clearly, the main characters, Kevin Blackhart, a former police detective now working in the family security/private intestigation firm, and Danita/Demaris Moralez, an FBI agent working undercover to expose police corruption, first met in the novel that preceded this one, but not knowing what came before was a huge stumbling block for this reader, and, as a result of extreme character confusion, and the fact that very little investigating actually occurred until near the end of the novel, yet far too much of this novel was little more than a rehashing of Kevin's graphic oral sex skills, and Danita/Demaris' refusal to trust him, even though she claims to love him, left me with no other choice than to give this novel a 2-star rating.

It was difficult not to like Kevin, a big, handsome hunk of an Irishman who would do anything to protect Danita/Demaris and his family, so it was easy to understand his appeal, but Danita/Demaris spends most of the novel lying to him because she's been undercover for 5 years, and refuses to divulge even her name to this loving, caring, protective man, which made little sense. The fact that her handler disappeared 2 years earlier without a word, and the fact that she didn't notify anyone at the FBI of that fact, not even on an untraceable burner phone, seemed utterly ridiculous, totally foolhardy, and utterly unprofessional. Additionally, far too much of this novel was spent on her inner dialogue about who she is, why she's there, the fact that in 5 years she's accomplished little of her mission, and her waffling about her feelings for Kevin, which slowed the pace of this novel to a crawl and became incredibly redundant.

Furthermore, it's clear from the outset that Kevin is white and Danita/Demaris is a person of color/mixed heritage, and I have no problem whatsoever with interracial relationships, but how many times did this fact need to be discussed in this novel? It seemed to pop-up in every chapter, and it seemed as if this fact was more of a problem for the author, whose race I do not know, than it was for me.

This novel certainly didn't work for me as a standalone, and I'd recommend reading the first book in the series before this one. Ms. Saffire isn't a bad writer, but this novel suffered from far too much inner dialogue, too little action outside of the bedroom, far too many extraneous characters, and a confusing plot, which is why I cannot recommend it.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

When an FBI agent is deep undercover, she is virtually alone and always in danger. Danita is attempting to take down a corrupt police department but the corruption extends further than she knows. She finds support and romance in a former officer and his family. It is frightening to imagine being so alone and not being able to trust anyone but that has become her life. The secondary characters are strong and surprising which will leave room for more in this series.

I started reading this book and was not able to put it down until I got to the end. This police story was a little different in that the undercover officer is a female. She has been undercover for a few years when she meets Kevin Blackhart who along with his brother owns a security company and who at one time worked for the police force that she is investigating. After they meet and have a good night, she disappears at least from Kevin’s point of view, then a few years later they meet again but this time he will not let her go.
Detective Danita Morales has been on her own now for a few years since her handler has gone missing and she figures he is dead. Now being undercover for five years and her last partner shot along with his wife she fears anyone who gets close to her. Kevin does not care and the more he pushes the more she fights him until she realizes she needs help and that he and his brother have found out who she is.
She fights with her self and with Kevin for she feels she has lost part of herself being undercover for so long. When they begin to get close to the end the two of them fight and as much passion as they have in the bedroom they have argued.
The author does a good job with the characters and with a few surprises and twists as you get to the end which turns out to help the story. She also sets you up for the next book at the end. Overall I liked this book and the characters very much.

IN DEEP – Blue Saffire
The Blackhart Brothers – Book 2
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 10: 1492695114
ISBN: 13: 978-1492695110
August 4, 2020
Romantic Suspense

Danita Moralez is sitting in a bar sharing drinks with other officers in her police department. She knows some are good cops, but some are not. That’s why she had been placed undercover in this police precinct—to discover the bad cops. Her real name is Demaris Mercado. A man walks in who the other cops greet. Kevin Blackhart had been one of their fellow officers but is now a PI with his older brother Quinn. While Danita never has any relationship with her fellow officers, this man attracts her like no one ever has. They even share a dance where he proves he is as good as she is and later proves his prowess with her in bed. After Kevin leaves, Eric, her FBI handler, shows up to inform her there is so much more going on and that someone in the Bureau might even be involved. This makes her believe she must end it with Kevin to do her job. A duty incident with his nephew forces her to meet him two years later, and she finds him even hotter.

Kevin and his older brother Quinn (book 1 of the series reveals his story) left their police positions because they knew something unlawful was going on and got out before it dragged them under. The operation is far bigger than they imagined. It is two years since Danita rebuffed him when his sister is attacked and he is called to the police department.

Danita’s and Kevin’s investigative problems, worries, and attraction are told from their alternating first-person viewpoints. They have very few people they can trust. They need to discover the conspirator and their goal. In between the action, the story creates both a steamy romance and a dangerous tension that will keep readers intrigued.

Robin Lee

In Deep by Blue Saffire

Going undercover out on the streets and into that unknown with the complete backup of your fellow brethren is all good. But, it’s another thing when you are doing undercover work in the police force and nobody in house knows your cover and you are an agent from another government source.
Danita has been 5 years undercover and has nobody but her handler and she meets Kevin an Ex-cop and fireworks go off.
The only problems are can she trust him. He has the same issue. He has been tracking the same case as her, but neither know it.

The author does a remarkable job weaving the threads of intrigue throughout, but I just wish it could have been a little more tighter. It seemed to lag and I had to put the book down and come back. I couldn’t keep to it because I was becoming let’s move forward. Overall the premise is great.

I would recommend this book definitely. It has action, drama, and spice, and a plot!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

While this is the second book in this series I had no problem following the story line though after saying that I enjoyed this one so much that I will probably buy the first book in this series eventually.

Kevin Blackhart is called into his old precinct to pick up his nephew who has skipped school, While he is there he runs into an old work mate Danita (Demi) Moralez these two have history together but he hasn't seen her for a while as she has been deep undercover. Soon he is starting a relationship with her again and discovers that there is links between who is targeting his family and her undercover past Can he solve it before someone is hurt You will have to read to see

My thoughts
Rating: 5
Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I read more of this series? Yes , because at this moment I need book 3.
Would I read more by this author? Yes
First I want to thank the publisher SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca as well as NetGalley for letting me read and review it,because as soon as I saw this I had to have it, because last year I read the first book Calling on Quinn and loved it and I knew that I was going to love it this one just as much. As for the characters themselves I loved Kevin ( but I still love Quinn more ) and his loyalty to his family and what he believed in, as for Danita/Dem I just couldn't like her as much as I wanted to.

This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. Kevin and Danita have a past and when he sees her again this time he won’t let go. This read is full of drama, suspense, steam and twists and turns. There are lots of secrets on both sides and the story certainly entangles you in them. I was hooked from beginning to end. I really liked it.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋

My first and definitely not my last by this author. Outstanding!

I loved every page, I was totally sucked in by the storyline and the excellent characters.

Brilliant chemistry and steamy too , this couple have a great relationship that oozes charm and passion.

Off the read book 1 in the series then to wait for book 3 , yes I’m doing it backwards but who cares it’s all good stuff.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

In Deep is the second book in the Blackhart Brothers series. When I read book 1, the hero Quinn, was easily at the top of my book boyfriend list. Now that I have met his brother Kevin, they are truly fighting for the top spot now. In book 2 Kevin and Danita/Demaris struggle to build a relationship while trying to figure out not only who is after Kevin's family but also who wants Danita dead.
Blue does a wonderful job of weaving a story that gets you so invested in these characters, you can't help but fall in love with them. Kevin and Danita are fighting so hard to not let the trouble coming their way rip them apart and with the connection between them being so strong it will not be an easy one to break and those after them soon find that out. In Deep is full of action and plenty of hot as heck love scenes and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to see who's up next in the Blackhart family and hopefully getting one step closer to figuring out who's trying to bring this family down