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Conquering Fear #1

Drowning in You

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He has a choice to make. Face his fear ... or watch her die.

For Rose Gowan the death of her best friend means she no longer has a confidante—someone to keep her secrets, someone who knew all her insecurities—and she’s not sure she’s brave enough to let anyone else in. Until she meets the detective working her friend’s case. He gives her hope for a future she had thought she’d never have, but he can be possessive, and she promised her best friend that she would never let anyone control her again.

Death is a part of life. It’s not something Detective Carter Dixson likes to dwell on, but working in the homicide division, he has no choice. He does his job, and he does it well. When his latest case brings Rose into his life, he finally has something other than his pain from his past to focus on. She makes him smile, his heart beat faster, and actually feel happy for the first time since his brother died. He’s not afraid of falling in love too fast. But he is afraid of one thing—losing Rose the same way he lost his brother.

The entire Conquering Fear Novel series: (Each book can be read as a standalone.)
Drowning in You (Book 1): Carter and Rose
Out of the Darkness (Book 2): Miles & Jade

↝ Trigger warning - Graphic violence and themes of sexual assault ↜

This novel was previously included in the Sweetest Obsessions Boxed Set, which hit the USA Today bestsellers list in August 2019.

ebook

Published August 20, 2019

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About the author

Jane Blythe

120 books1,368 followers
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USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane's most popular series includes Prey Security, part of Susan Stoker's OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker's world. When Jane isn't binge-reading she's counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,342 reviews169 followers
August 29, 2019
Imagine…locked up in the dark…you make an escape…before you can get out the door, you are yanked back into an even worse horror than you had been in, before trying to get away. Will he kill you now?

Carter and Jade, homicide partners…a lake, a dead body and for Carter, painful memories.

Rose and Evelyn had been chosen by the same foster family and quickly became best friends. They are complete opposites. Rose is quiet, and rather spend a night at a home than go out. Evelyn is outgoing, ready for a party.

When Carter and Rose meet, there is an immediate attraction. Carter wanted to take away her sorrow and pain, to protect her. Rose felt safe when she was near him.

The beginning of their relationship, the feeling out period, is so sweet. They are like a couple of teenagers and the writing brought the innocence to life. They had both suffered devastating losses, so trusting in love is very difficult for them. They protect themselves and their secrets. I loved watching them learn to share, to communicate.

The serial killer is so much more than just a serial killer. Killing people is not his motivation, but he has no qualms about getting rid of anyone that gives him a problem. Are serial killers capable of love, or is it some twisted interpretation?

I am in a state of suspense. What is he going to do next? I know it won’t be anything good.

I didn’t see it before, but at 66% something triggered my monster meter and I know who he is. Maybe I could have picked up on him sooner, if I was trying harder. Jane and Amanda’s writing has a way of taking me along for the ride and I am enjoy the journey so much that I forget to decipher the clues. I knew the one guy was too big of a scumbag, ya know, too obvious. I wasn’t falling for that red herring. But I really hope he gets his before the story ends.

80%…I know what’s coming and I’m racing through the pages. I can’t stop myself. I need to see how this plays out…NOW.

Want a HEA? Come on in!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Drowning in You by Jane Blythe and Amanda Siegrist.

See more at fundinmental
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,818 reviews639 followers
July 14, 2019
Two authors have come together to blend their voices in a powerful duet of mystery, murder, mayhem and romance as Jane Blythe and Amanda Siegrist join forces to create DROWNING IN YOU and they have done a remarkable job.

There are secrets held within the depths of that lake, secrets that will link the past and present in a spellbinding and twisted tale of horror and trauma as one woman’s disappearance brings back old ghosts for one seasoned detective, even as his heart reaches for a future with the victim’s best friend.

Filled with suspense, emotional turmoil and danger, these authors have given the best of themselves and created a tale that holds its secrets until an explosive ending that will leave readers rehashing the clues while also realizing the healing that has gone on throughout as well!

Being an avid fan of both Amanda Siegrist and Jane Blythe, I admit I wondered if I would hear each of their voices and I did! Even better, they have created a harmony in this work that has raised the bar on both of their talents. Highly recommended reading for romantic suspense lovers who want grit and substance in their reading!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Amanda Siegrist and Jane Blythe!

Series: Conquering Fear - Book 1
Expected publication date: August 20, 2019
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,886 reviews85 followers
February 6, 2026
I’ve always loved Jane Blythe’s work, and I was actually one of her first readers for this book—somehow I’m only getting around to leaving a review now, but better late than never.

Drowning in You pulls you in from the first page with that signature blend of emotional depth, suspense, and raw vulnerability that Jane does so well. Rose’s grief feels so real—losing her best friend leaves her unmoored, stripped of the one person who knew every insecurity she tried to hide. Watching her try to rebuild herself while still honoring the promise she made not to let anyone control her again gives her story a quiet strength that sticks with you.

Then there’s Carter. A homicide detective who’s seen more than enough loss, he’s carrying his own wounds, and meeting Rose gives him something he didn’t expect—hope. His protectiveness walks a fine line, and Jane handles that tension beautifully. You feel his fear of losing someone he cares about all over again, and you feel Rose’s hesitation about letting someone in. Their connection is tender, messy, and incredibly human.

There is suspense, but it’s the emotional journey—two people learning to trust themselves and each other—that really makes this book shine.

If you love romantic suspense with heart, intensity, and characters who feel achingly real, this is one you shouldn’t miss. Jane Blythe delivers every time, and this book is no exception.
Profile Image for Suzana.
723 reviews28 followers
August 8, 2019
More Than 5 + ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

***ARC provided by authors and I’m leaving an honest review***

Suspenseful✔
Gripping✔
Gritty✔
Raw✔
Fast paced✔
Page turner✔
Insta attraction✔
At times dark storytelling✔
Unpredictable twists and turns✔
Hot, delicious, damaged alpha✔
Strong, vulnerable Heroine✔
Off the charts chemistry✔
Passionate✔
Intense✔
Heartfelt✔
Emotional✔
Amazing love story✔

The two of my favourite authors have come together to collaborate and blend their different but unique styles and writing and they have done a marvelous job. This book and series should read every romantic suspense lover. I liked everything about this book and writing which just flowed and had me engrossed to the story from start to finish wanting to find out what happens next. I enjoyed every minute of it and never wanted it to end. It has so much depth, powerful, effortless and awe inspiring writing. I loved that it was written in third person, dual POV so I know what both characters – Carter and Rose – were thinking at the specific time or moments. Also loved the killer’s point of view which added to the story and who was portrayed with such intensity that you are literally immersed into his world. It was well developed, well written and well thought out. The authors knew how to develop, create the storyline and make you fall in love with their words, plot and the characters demanding your attention. It was enjoyable read with so many twists and turns, while delivering an intense and passionate romance - love story between Carter and Rose that I devoured in one sitting. What I loved about this story is that we got to see glimpses of underground world - perilous, dark parts of the world filled with brutality and violence. It was such a page turner, a thriller, suspenseful, gripping, gritty, steamy, sweet, heartwarming, at times heartbreaking book. The characters are brilliant, complex - layered and so likeable.

Carter and Rose were amazing characters and really great together. I loved their insta connection and attraction. They met under such difficult circumstances. Carter is a police detective. Rose is devastated by the death of her best friend, Evelyn. She feels alone and like she doesn’t have anyone to confide to. Until she meets Carter who starts to question her abilities to let someone in. Carter is instantly attracted and drawn to Rose. He can’t explain what exactly is about her that gets to him I loved their chemistry and how patient he was with her. I loved how they blossomed and thrived even though life had thrown them quite a few obstacles and they were surrounded by the danger, secrets and mystery. They are each other’s match. I love their moments and dialogues; how they are just drawn to each other and that it’s impossible to deny. Their chemistry is off the charts and connection just beautiful. They simply understand each other. Maybe they don’t make sense but when they are together – they are just perfect and exactly what they need in order to heal and move on from the scars of their past. They are passionate, intense, so complex and layered characters. Deep down I think they are just two scarred people who suffered too much and who seek love and are trying to let go of the past and start living. I wanted this book to last forever and to never let go of these amazing characters and world and solving crimes alongside Carter and his partner Jade.

One word: INCREDIBLE! It kept my attention at all times and I could not put it down. I kind of wished there was an epilogue but it really was fantastic, heart pounding read and a true page turner. With an effortless writing, awe-inspiring details, suspenseful storyline, mystery, romance, the authors took us on an emotional and beautiful journey of the characters and allowed us into their minds and hearts - to see them who they were and what they have become - while solving the murders (case(s)) and being haunted by the ruthless killer. I can’t wait for Jade’s book. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova.
1,782 reviews27 followers
August 12, 2019
Jane and Amanda co-write and it is a dream! I have read both authors in the past and to say I was curious what this duo would bring us readers, I was not disappointed! I had the hairs on my neck standing with some of the story line. My heart was pounding. My jaw dropped to the ground. Drowning in You is a MUST READ! It is not all frilly with hearts and flowers. This is a mystery, suspense, darkness, and lots of chemistry! I had no idea what would happen until the very end. I could not solve the mystery until the reveal.

Drowning with You will take you to another place that will bring the shivers! I could not put this book down :)

1,035 reviews19 followers
July 8, 2019
What secrets lie beneath the murky water of the mysterious lake?

Detective Carter Dixson stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the lifeless body at the edge of the lake. Even though he was a seasoned detective, he was still shocked at the brutality of murder. He kept his eyes away from the water as he surveyed the surrounding area. He felt a chill go through his body and he had a feeling that this case would somehow become personal.

Rose Gowan was devastated by the death of her best friend, Evelyn. She was the closest thing she had to family and now she felt alone and adrift in a scary and dangerous world. When she met Carter he appeared angry and troubled but when she looked into his eyes, she saw caring and compassion. He promised her that he would find the person who murdered her friend and she wanted to believe him. Rose was attracted to Carter and she hoped that he felt the same way about her because he made her feel safe, happy and hopeful about the future.

What will it take for Carter to find the killer, while also keeping Rose safe and out of danger? Will Rose trust Carter with her heart and take a chance on love?
2,117 reviews31 followers
September 5, 2022
A death of a friend leads Carter and Rose together, but someone is lurking in the background waiting for his chance to be with Rose. Rose is devastated to learn that her best friend Evie has been murdered and whoever did it is still out there and people that Rose knows or had a random encounter with are popping up dead. Something about Rose pulls to Carter and he wants to get to know her. The attraction is there, but things in her past have her being cautious. Carter needs to calm down the protective controlling part of him and Rose needs to learn to trust her feelings and her heart. The question is if the killer will see that Rose is happy or take her for himself?
9,377 reviews139 followers
July 17, 2022
This is a romantic thriller with strong characters in Rose and Carter. The authors do a fantastic job pulling you in right from the start and kept me glued to the pages right to the end. It's an intense story filled with murder, suspense and romance. They do a wonderful job painting their scenes and deliver a terrific read!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Tammy Crawford.
951 reviews7 followers
June 27, 2019
Drowning in You is a well written story. I really enjoyed reading this book. I like the way Amanda and Jane keep you on your toes and keeps you guessing until the end. This book was full of danger, murder, mystery, suspense, and finally romance. Carter and Rose went through a lot of horror and trauma. The murderer will keep you guessing. Loved this book and I highly recommend.
Profile Image for AnneKR.
880 reviews25 followers
August 23, 2019
I read Drowning In You by Amanda Siegrist & Jane Blythe. With the brutal murder of her best friend Evelyn, Rose can’t figure out could hurt her. With the help of a sexy detective dealing with his own personal demons, will they figure out who killed Evelyn, or will Rose be the killer’s next target?

Carter has a hard time controlling his temper, which makes him a scary cop you don’t want to get angry. His need to protect Rose intensifies when more people linked to her are killed. With the murderer closing in on Rose, Carter will need to face his greatest fear to save the woman he’s fallen for.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
July 26, 2022
When Rose loses her best friend in the entire world to a very horrific and grizzly murder Carter is one of the detectives on the case and there chemistry is instantaneous. They are both dealing with plenty of past demons but Rose is able to see past the facade that Carter puts on. This story was so full of suspense and mystery I devoured it!!
Profile Image for Barbara Lack.
1,665 reviews20 followers
June 25, 2019
This book had me riveted from the first page. It’s the first book that Amanda Siegrist and Jane Blythe have written together and their writing blends together smoothly. This book is about dealing with and conquering our fears. For Carter it’s his terror of water.
There is a lot going on in this book. Carter and Rose are dealing with, fear, a serial killer, love, twists and turns and a roller coaster of emotions. I just loved this book and am eagerly waiting for book 2.
Profile Image for Margaret Yelton.
2,142 reviews44 followers
June 24, 2019
This was my first book from this author, and I will have to say I was elated with the book. There are so many books that are just mediocre but this wasn't one of those. I loved the chemistry between Rose and Carter, the book was well written contained many elements to make it a very good book. Anger, Betrayal, Love, Lust, Jealousy just to name a few of them. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
August 15, 2019
Fear. She's gone. Fear. Someone is killing them. Fear. Don't go near the water. Fear. Someone is watching. Her best friend and confident is dead. So full of life. Looking for love. Dead. They protected and loved each other with no limit, but now she's dead and she isn't the only one. Rose's world has shifted with her friends death but there is a light in her path leading to the man who is suddenly all she thinks about. This time these two authors have gotten together to bring us thrills, intrigue and chills along with a little romance. Each have a past that has kept them bound to their past. They both find themselves in a pickle when bodies start piling up and everything starts escalating. It's a wild ride with plenty of action. I have read both of these author's before and both have a great way of bringing their characters to life and laying traps for readers then spinning us around. I love the suspense and intrigue with characters that you can see and feel. A great story which had me from the start to the last word.
Profile Image for Melissa Borsey.
1,894 reviews37 followers
August 21, 2019
A fabulous story by two of my favorite authors. Detective Carter Dixson is working a murder case when he meets the murder victim's best friend, Rose Gowan and sparks fly! I loved the idea of Rose and Carter together from the very beginning. A fast-paced, intense read from beginning to end! Highly recommend!
1,130 reviews
July 7, 2019
This was good as a story. The characters were interesting.
2 reviews
August 19, 2019
This was an instalove story in the middle of a murder mystery. Rose and Carter both have secrets from thier pasts that keep them from opening up, but they find comfort in one another. There is a lot of emotion and mystery with a twist at the end.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,284 reviews42 followers
February 17, 2020
I absolutely love a good mystery and this is exactly that. Full of mystery, suspense, shocking moments, gripping moments and a little romance. I absolutely love Jane and her books. Adding Amanda to the mix just wow. What is happening at the lake? Two detectives are working a case that just keeps getting more and more interesting. Carter is one of the detectives working the case trying to figure out who murdered Evie. Evie was found at the lake. Carter goes through a lot in this book. But I absolutely loved his storyline. Rose is Evie's best friend and the one that has to go and identify her. That is when she meets Carter. Something clicks with them. But both are dealing with things in their lives that make it difficult to get into a relationship. And the biggest shock is who the killer actually is. I was blown away when I found out who it was. I guessed and guessed but was shocked. I absolutely loved how the book holds you hostage with the suspense. This was an amazing book from these two. I cant wait to read more from them. Highly recommend
3,744 reviews42 followers
July 9, 2022
This is book one in A Conquering Fear Novel Series and it is Rose and Carter's story and what a great start to a new series. When Rose and Carter meet there is a instant connection and attraction but they have both suffered loss of people so close to them and have baggage and trust issue's and will have to work together to try and solve the problem and situation that is happening but will they make it out alive and get the chance to see if they could be together and see if they can trust each other and get a happy ending. There are twists and turns along with danger, suspense, trauma, trust issue's, hope, great chemistry, and emotional situations that have you turning the pages wondering what would happen next and it was so addictive that I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read more book's this series.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
Profile Image for Danee.
4,936 reviews
July 19, 2022
This is my first book that I read by the authors Amanda Siegrist and Jane Blythe and together. But what a great book your attention is glued to your book from start to finish. It's a story that you have to pay attention to because there is so much going on in the book. Carter and Rose have fears and Carter's fear is water, despite the phobias and fears they have together they grow towards each other and the chemistry and attraction are clearly felt. But will they give in or will they leave it at the chemistry because they also have to deal with a serial killer and the many twists and turns in the story and a lot of emotions. This is definitely recommended and I can't wait for the next part of this series.


I received a Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,438 reviews73 followers
September 5, 2022
Thrilling , suspenseful, romantic , emotional rollercoaster, Secrets , page turner , steamy, heartbreaking, heartfelt , twists and turns , characters that are so unique , multi layered and likable and relatable all surrounded by a storyline that is guaranteed to grab onto all your emotions so tightly and have you tumbling headfirst into a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time . So I’m not someone who typically reads much romantic suspense but I have. to say that Jane Blythe has definitely changed that for me . She’s not only so freaking talented but has also so quickly become a very favorite author of mine so settle in and prepare for a very late night of reading as I can Pretty much guarantee that once you meet both Carter and Rose you are going to have a very hard time putting this phenomenal book down
536 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2020
This is an exciting action packed suspense filled thriller that will keep you in the edge of your seat and guessing who the serial killer is.The characters will pull at your heart strings and have you hoping they find their happy ever after.Rose will be like a damaged Angel she needs a man like Carter in her life.Carter carries baggage of his own.This rollercoaster ride to healing and love.There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author
555 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2022
Rose's best friend is murdered and she has to identify the body. Detective Carter Dixson is assigned the case and his interest in her is immediate, creating a need to protect her. She is equally attracted to him but his job involvement is paramount to the investigation.
Other murders are uncovered and Evelyn's death seems to be the key to it all.
Others are lurking in the background, waiting to make their move but the motive is less than welcome. The stalker and the stalked, but the problem is trying to identify who is who in this drama and the reasons for it all.
Intense, interesting and twists and turns working out the relationships and involvement of all parties.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,498 reviews33 followers
July 9, 2022
It's interesting, I've read this authors latter works and can see how far she has grown as an author in just a few years.
This was a good story and I couldn't put it down, and yet at the same time I didn't like the main characters. I wanted to tell both of them to 'grow up'.
They both had a past that made them they way they are. He was over the top she somewhat immature. The story though was gripping, I thought I had it figured out then changed my mind. Just who was the killer and why?
A very entertaining story.
1,051 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2022
Disturbing, suspenseful read.

This book really did keep me on edge the whole way. From the disturbing beginning, to the ongoing mystery of what happened to Evelyn, and by whom. Carter and Rose are both living with trauma from the past, which is plaguing their present with fear. Their instant connection and chemistry is a light in a dark place, and I enjoyed seeing this develop over the course of the book. A very gripping and suspenseful read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.3k reviews8 followers
July 19, 2022
The first book in the A Conquering Fear Novel series. Detective Carter Dixson has a healthy fear of the water after something that happened when he was younger. He meets Rose Gowan while he is working the case of her best friends death, she also has her own fears. Their story is well written with a very good storyline filled with suspense, drama, danger, a villain closer than she realizes and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
451 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2022
This book is such an exciting action packed thriller it keeps you turning the pages and trying to put together all the puzzle pieces to work out who the serial killer is. The lead characters Rose and Carter are both dealing with their own demons and watching them overcome their pasts in order to build a future together is a delight. This book really has it all: excitement, romance, steam, what more could anyone ask for? I hope the two authors have more book collaborations planned. I recommend this book unreservedly and look forward to more in the series
Profile Image for Ashleigh Christou.
224 reviews19 followers
February 2, 2020
2 authors writing together equals a fantastic story!
I was hooked from the beginning. A creepy “who’s the bad guy” story with wonderful main characters, both with events in their past that have stopped them from being truely happy. Will they be able to conquer their fears and heal together?
Side note, first Jane Blythe book ever that I actually figured out who the killer was! Quite proud of myself and ready to read the next one!
2,714 reviews25 followers
February 15, 2020
4*
Rose has reported her friend Evie missing & is drawn to the Detective working the case. Carter can't believe the pull he has towards Rose.
Evie, Lincoln & Rose were all good friends and grew up in the same foster home but things were not very good for them.
This is my first book reading these joint authors and I have got book 2 ready to read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
224 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2022
Another thriller readers. Rose's best friend has been murdered and there are no clues to point to who. Carter is the detective assigned to the case. Both Rose and Carter' s past have been tough. However they have an instant attraction. However Rose's friend may not be the only victim and the killer may be after her? Will Carter let his fears get in the way of his relationship?? Will Rose be the next victim?? Read to find out.
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