In Too Deep by Mary Connealy - a book review

This book is the second in a series called "The Kincaid Brides". The series centers around the lives of three brothers, Rafe, Ethan and Seth.  They are ranchers in Colorado in the mid 1800’s. I had read the first book that centered around Rafe and Julia.  If I hadn’t, I think I would have felt a little lost in the second one. It felt like the reader is thrown into the story with very little background. I had hoped I would like this one better than the first.  I didn’t. 

While the second book is supposed to focus on Ethan and his marriage of convenience to Audra, Rafe and Julia are still featured very prominantly.  It seemed as if the main characters were overshadowed by the overbearing Rafe and bossy Julia.  I couldn’t quite accept Ethan and Audra as the main characters. While the story was supposed to be about them, they didn’t seem to stand out.

 This story has it’s share of drama, suspense, danger, intrigue, humor and mystery.  I was not really comfortable with the degree of intimacy between Ethan and Audra, when neither of them married for love. The intimate scenes were a bit too much for comfort, while still being ‘clean’. I felt like I was intruding on something private. I would not recommend this book for younger readers.

One thing that I did like was how Ethan stepped in took on the role of daddy to Audra's two children. 

 Other reviewers really liked this book, so I think Connealy’s writing style just isn’t my cup of tea, but it might be yours!

 From the publisher: “Ethan Kincaid proposes marriage with the same detachment he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland accepts his proposal so she can stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter.

But Ethan never expected Audra to affect him so profoundly, and it terrifies him. Someone he loved was once seriously injured on his watch, and he won't let that happen again. If Audra will just do as he says, he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on the ranch.

Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!

Can two fearful hearts--wary of getting in too deep--become two trusting hearts, willing to let go and fall in love?”

You can find out more about this book and the author at the Bethany House website.

To learn more about Mary Connealy, go to her website and check out her other books,

While I can’t say that this is a bad book, I can’t give it more than 3.5 stars. It just didn’t appeal to me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”