One single dad. One woman facing my fears. And a vacation reunion that changes everything.
I'm traveling to Flamingo Island for vacation. It used to be home, but that was years ago. In addition to fun in the sun, I’m also looking forward to overcoming the scuba-diving accident that upended my life eight years ago.
Until I step onto the dive boat and am completely blindsided. I’m face to face with the man who tore my life to shreds. I had no idea he’d returned to the island to raise his son. Quinn—of all people—is supposed to help me triumph over my fear?
Both of us are stunned senseless.
Our past rushes back and we must confront the mistakes that led to our shattered relationship. Can we find our way back to each other and heal the wounds of the past?
Can Quinn and I ever truly go home again?
In Too Deep is a standalone second-chance romance featuring a devoted single dad and a woman in need of a reboot. Dive into this steamy beach read today!
Dive into steamy small-town romance, where passion meets paradise!
Award-winning author Erin Brockus writes steamy small town romances that transport readers to exotic, tropical destinations, and provide a perfect beachy getaway from everyday life. Her mature, relatable characters are impossible not to root for, and she weaves breezy romantic adventure into her stories, emphasizing scuba diving and the ocean.
Drawing on her twin passions for diving and travel, Erin infuses her characters and narratives with a sense of excitement and passion. Her idea of the perfect day involves sipping a cocktail on the beach after exploring the ocean depths.
Erin lives in Washington wine country with her husband, who is also a scuba instructor. She is currently hard at work on her next island adventure. When she's not writing, she enjoys running, mountain biking, or enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee.
NOW: “I haven’t been scuba diving in eight years. The last time was when my boyfriend at the time took me on a dive that was way more than I could handle. It put me off the sport. And him.”
THEN: …Quinn had chosen a deep dive… …Quinn drew farther away, now dim within the channel I had yet to reach… … I was all alone, a hundred feet underwater... …the water shoved me backward, an invisible hand pushing against my chest. Turning around, I let it thrust me toward the line, moving faster and faster. As I neared, I reached out a hand to grab it. I missed... … Panic took over and the memory became hazy. I surfaced and inflated my BCD, clinging to the line and mooring ball with both arms wrapped around it to avoid being swept away. I sobbed, taking great gulps of air that never seemed to fill my lungs. Some minutes later—I didn’t know how many—Quinn surfaced beside me and grabbed the line, wondering what was wrong. Why I was crying… … Quinn, the man who supposedly loved me, had left me alone and desperate. How could I trust him after that? I broke up with him that day...
… “That dive happened during our senior year in college, while we were home on winter break. I broke it off with Quinn and we went back to school, living separate lives. I stewed in my righteous indignation, and he … He looked as devastated as I felt. I started crying and ran away. I never spoke to him again until yesterday.…
NOW: …The main reason I came here for my vacation was to dive again.
…I’m a hell of a good dive instructor, and that’s because of the mistakes I made with you. Let me work with you tomorrow morning.”
…I wanted to see her again. But my first responsibility was to Liam… … She was here on vacation, not permanently. And we weren’t together in any way. Introducing her to Liam had never even crossed my mind... …She’s never been the vindictive type. She wouldn’t take out her anger at me on Liam. But did I know that for certain? I hadn’t seen the woman in eight years.
YET🚩🚩🚩 They’re in love and in bed within 2/3 days after no contact for 8 years.🚩
”I love you too. I tried to stop, but I’ve never gotten over you…”
"Do you think our breakup only affected you? That you were the only one hurt? My life completely changed."
It was okay, I like second chance romances this one was insta love everything happened in like the span of a week 😂 liked the diving scenes and the turtle with the injured shell. Overall no drama.
I love second chance stories and I absolutely loved this book. Steph and Quinn had been together in college until a misunderstanding resulted in Quinn moving on and breaking Steph's heart. Years later, Steph returns to Flamingo Island to get back into scuba diving, only to find Quinn has returned. What happens when these two finally come face to face?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In Too Deep by Erin Brockus is a Second Chance Romance featuring a devoted single dad and a woman in search for a reset. This book is a standalone but is part of the Flamingo Islands series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but wow! It really won’t be the last, I couldn’t put my kindle down. It was so good!
This book was extremely well written and had a great plot and pace. The characters were super relatable and my heart cracked at times. The world was described perfectly and I had a clear picture of everything I was reading. I loved the scuba diving aspect and the descriptions were perfect! I really loved seeing the growth and how far the characters had come. I enjoyed the way they owned up to their past mistakes. I really felt Quinn and Steph complemented each other well and I was rooting for them from the beginning. Fantastic!
Steph returns to her hometown for a vacation, and she wants to overcome a scuba accident, but the last person she expects to cross paths with is Quinn, who is now a single dad who returned to the island. This is a well written story which has emotions, romance, witty banter, second chances, and love, which leads to a steamy and heartwarming page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a perfectly sweet, perfectly perfect read for me. I loved Steph and Quinn and their second chance at a life together. They connect so well, even with the time apart, the lives they've lived, that connection is still there. I loved their journey, the growth, and how well they just click. The story flowed well, kept me involved in their lives and loving every moment!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book was the very definition of a second chance romance. I really enjoyed this couple meeting again and handling all the emotions that came along with that. Steph McIntyre is vacationing in her hometown with the hopes of picking up her diving hobby again. Diving had been quite enjoyable until one dive changed her life and her ex-boyfriend’s life forever. The breakup that followed pulled the couple apart permanently or so they thought.
Quinn Douglas moved back to Flamingo Island to be a diving instructor with his son after his divorce. The single father is relying heavily on help from his parents to help raise his son, Liam. Liam is now his main priority.
Can these two put their past behind them to see what could have been? They both have a lot of hang ups but the attraction is still there and very strong. These two stubborn people are determined to have fun and live in the moment until life comes crashing down. Will Quinn allow Steph into his life completely? Will Steph let go of her stable life for a chance of happiness? I loved the way this HEA unfolded. They had their issues but they handled and talked through them.
I enjoyed another book in the Flamingo Island series. This one was by Erin Brockuss, called In Too Deep. This one is termed as a second chance at love with Quinn and Steph. They actually grew up on the Island, which this time around pretty much centered on the locals of the island and not the tourists. It was eight years until Quinn and Steph saw each other again. She decided to go to Flamingo Island for a vacation, and to get back into diving. Due to a diving accident she had with Quinn that resulted in mistrust and heartbreak. I received a complimentary ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.
Another great, tender hearted book by Erin Brockus. Fun fast moving second Chance story. Steph has come back to Flamingo Island after leaving eight years ago. She can’t believe that the man that caused her to fear diving is supposed to help her relax and enjoy it again. Quinn is the dive instructor at the resort and a single dad. They are still attracted to each other, but so much hurt and time has occurred. Can they take a chance for a second beginning? *Adult situations. *I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
I loved this book. It has everything a good book should have: romance, a good dose of steamy scenes, and the description of an authentic paradise on earth. The fact that it was a second chance love made me like the book even more. I loved seeing Steph and Quinn's relationship evolve over the course of the book. but also how they evolve individually throughout the book. It is a book that we can easily relate to. And quinn as a single dad is just something extraordinary
It amazes me that Erin can produce such great work time after time. This book made me feel like I was 20 again if only for a little while. I was so caught up in the story I could literally feel as though I was there with Steph and Quinn. I loved the bonus scenes it left me with a good feeling, not on edge. Do yourself a favor and escape with Erin to Flamingo Bay for a few hours. Definite 5 star
ARC Book Review In Too Deep A Novel Written By Erin Brockus Fiction - Romance Published June 2023 214 Pages ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a second chance at romance set on a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean with scuba diving as a backdrop. With all Erin Brockus novels you can expect vivid undersea descriptions as the characters are scuba diving.
Steph and Quinn knew each other in college and dated. Their relationship ended after a mishap while scuba diving together. They run into each other eight years later. Now older and more mature, they both see a possibility of rekindling their relationship. Quinn is now a protective single father with a young son. Steph lives in Miami. Can they make this work?
Three characters from this book make an appearance in Erin Brockus’s next book Beached in Bali.
“…there are times when you have to take risks. And I’ve learned that regret is worse.”
This was the 2nd book I've ever read from this author, and it did not disappoint! I love reading details about scuba diving, and I love the way Erin Brockus describes the underwater views and all their surroundings. Her words make the images in my mind so vivid, I could probably convince myself that I was right there in the middle of the scene! The issues our 2 main characters had to work through felt so realistic, and my heart broke when reading about their past. But both these young people had grown and matured, and both could see and admit to the mistakes of their pasts. I received an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own, and I enthusiastically suggest you read this book!!
This is a super cute second chance romance, starring college sweethearts Stephanie and Quinn. Circumstances tore them apart. But fate has other ideas, including a return to their hometown of Flamingo Island. It’s up to them if their story will have an HEA or more broken hearts. This story was well written, with well-developed characters that are relatable and likable. The writing was vivid, making it easy to picture Flamingo Island and the characters. I loved experiencing Quinn and Steph’s journey to HEA. The story flowed perfectly, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to DS Promotions for gifting me this heartwarming story in exchange for an honest review.
5 Star Review In Too Deep (Island Escapes) by Erin Brockus
Having read quite a few books by Erin Brockus I was excited to read In Too Deep. I enjoy this authors style of writing and I enjoy single parent stories so for me this was a win/win.
Such was the descriptive writing I could easily picture myself on Flamingo Island in this second chance at love story that ticked all the boxes for me. Steph McIntyre has returned to Flamingo Island determined to overcome her fears.
Steph is shocked when she finds out that the man who is to help her overcome her fears is the man who tore her life apart, Quinn Douglas.
Can they confront the past and in doing so come to terms with it and make a future together with Liam? One click and find out.
This book and the second book of the Island Escape series (2 new books to follow; each a standalone) were originally published in 2023 as part of a multiauthor series. This book has been updated, but the overall plot has not changed. Ms. Brockus introduces us to Steph and Quinn in a second chance, single dad, small town flavor (we are on an island) story that sweeps you away with island life both above and below the sea. One of Ms. Brockus' strengths is painting the undersea vista with such clarity that you feel like you are snorkeling along with the characters. Although things don't start smoothly, in the end we get our HEA. This is an entertaining read, and I cannot wait to finish the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In Too Deep is Quinn Douglas and Steph McIntyre’s second chance single parent romance and it’s part of The Island Escape Series. Quinn and Steph grew up on Flamingo Island but the last time they saw each other was eight years ago so how will they react when they see each other again. Steph is back on the Island for a holiday and she is not looking for anything more until she reconnects with single dad Quinn but can they get over the past and make a future for them and Quinn’s son Liam or will the memories tear them apart. This is a journey about learning to trust again, it’s about love but more importantly it’s about building a future without breaking a little boys heart. I loved everything about this book. A heartwarming and enjoyable read with characters I fell hard and fast for.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance story. The characters and the story are well written. It's hard not to fall in love and root for Quinn and Steph. There is a HEA too. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed. Quinn and Stephanie dated in college but after an incident during a diving trip, they broke up. Now Steph is back where she grew up for a much needed vacation and hopefully another go at diving. Who should she run into while getting ready to go diving. Quinn. Both are shocked and still hurt to run into each other. Will time and talking things out heal old wounds? I received this book as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this second chance romance with Steph and Quinn who were a couple in love in college until something happened to Steph and she ended their relationship. Years later she goes on vacation to Flamingo Island where she grew up and since she wants to dive again after the incident that happened with Quinn. When she goes to get on the boat it is Quinn who is the dive instructor. They both have regrets from those years before and want to clear the air between them but they end up rekindling their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stephanie and Quinn had a good relationship until an event in their lives destroyed it. Eight years later, she is back to Flamingo Island is see if she can restart her love of diving. One problem - her instructor is Quinn, who is now divorced with son Liam in tow. Loved the vivid locales and the slower pace of reconnecting with their past. The characters are realistic, with great backstories and deep feelings they are dealing with. The storyline shows they have grown in their lives and can deal with situations better now, including a possible future for them. Terrific ending... beginning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second chance story for Quinn and Stephanie. After a horrible breakup years ago, they meet again under not exactly ideal circumstances. Author Erin Brockus writes excellent stories with scuba diving as a central theme. Her gorgeous descriptions make you feel as though you are in the water with the characters! Her characters are very well developed. I really enjoyed the secondary characters, too! Liam and Jana brought sparks and energy - in their own way! Enjoy your trip to Flamingo Island. I bet you’ll want to go back again soon. I know I will!
this book had potential but it kinda disappointed me. i liked the idea, i didn’t loved how this idea was written. i also didn’t love the characters. second chance and single parent book are two of my favorite tropes, this book had both but they weren’t well developed. it felt rushed and superficial, like something was missing. it just needed more development for the characters and the plot.
i received an advance review copy for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily. thank to booksirens and the author for the opportunity.
Great story! When Steph goes back to hopefully get over a scuba diving accident years before, she doesn't think she will find the man who was part of it, Quinn. This was romantic and very intense. The emotions that come from this story really do show through. Quinn and Steph have great chemistry and the added interest of his son make it an unusual dynamic. I enjoyed the connections they made and how the relationship advances. Especially how she works through the accident also. Well written, great characters and an original setting. Very well done!!
This my first book by this author. I love the fact she writes beach reads. The two MC's have an unsettled past. A near tragic event sank their relationship nine years ago. But fate brought them back together. It was a nice love story. Spice level was not over the top just the perfect smattering to the level of the writing. Scenes flowed nicely characters were pleasing to read. Overall I will be sure to read further books by this author
This was the first book I have read by Erin Brockus and I loved it. Once lovers, impacted by a life altering moment, made in the heat of the moment decisions that broke them apart.
Years later they run into each other again and the spark is still there. Can they open their hearts and trust each other again?
No outside drama, no cheating before or during… just young lovers learning to heal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another incredibly beautiful and touching story of second chance love by Erin Brockus. Erin brings to life the most amazing characters that you will fall in love with immediately. I absolutely could not put the book down and read it cover to cover as I was emotionally engaged in the story and characters. Kudos to Erin for another fabulous must read book.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
I absolutely love reading her novels about scuba diving. I really feel like I am part of the book and involved when I read these novels. I literally can't put these books down until I'm completely finished. This book does not disappoint and the characters are so wonderful!I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a good book. I liked the interactions between Steph and Quinn. I only wish that Melody would have been in it a bit more because I was curious about her reaction to Steph and Quinn getting together. But overall I enjoyed this story.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
In Too Deep was a sensational emotional read! I seriously couldn't stop reading til the very last page. So freaking good!!
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Page-turner Steamy Original Tear-jerker Witty Entertaining Great world building Happily-Ever-after Wonderful characters Inspiration