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 EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT UNDERWATER 

Clinical researcher Rebecca Shaughnessy’s life has always been planned, ordered, controlled, logical. She isn’t a damsel and she doesn’t need a hero. 

Ex- Army Ranger Max Lawrence’s life is a study in balancing. War and compassion, aggression and tenderness. He isn’t looking to be anyone’s hero, even if he does appreciate the trusty steed and the mighty sword stories. 

But there is a monster from the past. A monster who simply takes. And this time it intends to take everything.  

In every good fairy tale there are dragons and monsters. The dragon in this tale may be their fiery attraction but the monster won’t remain in the past where it belongs. When the monster resurfaces, this damsel and her knight must brave the currents and fight to keep from going under. 

Rebecca Shaughnessy is an in-control, professional, and serious research scientist. She comes off as cold, unfriendly, and guarded. She lacks much of a social life and only her longtime best friend, Mia Winters, gets to see her unreserved side.

Max Lawrence is the new psychologist in her department and sparks surprising reactions in her...attraction, interest, anger, and frustration. Their banter is antagonistic, flirty, and full of sexual tension. He knows how to push her buttons to drive her crazy. And she has the ability to do the same to him. But the more glimpses of what she is hiding under her Ice Princess exterior continues to draw him in. He tries to peel back her layers to uncover the the funny, passionate, warm woman he can tell she is hiding. 

But there are reasons why she has been guarded and wary. Her past marked her, and now seems to be affecting her present. Max has been trying to chip away at her walls and now she has no choice but to lay her secrets bare and hope that he will help keep her safe.

I was sucked into this funny, suspenseful, and romantic read. It builds at a believable pace and is full of tension. The characters were well developed and their dynamics evolved throughout. The external factors added drama, even more tension, and suspense. It was told in multiple points of view letting us get the full story from various people. 

I got a bit giddy when some Titan friends made appearances and she even gave us a little peek into the future. This novella fit right into the Titan World, but can be read as a stand-alone. I am impressed that this is Anna Bishop Barker's debut. It felt like a fully developed story and not a short novella. It pulled me in and kept me flipping pages. I did not want to put it down. I loved her subtle use of water terminology throughout tying in a theme and the title beautifully. The story was layered with a gradual build up of finding out the secrets, the growing connection and feelings of the characters, the unraveling of the plot, and tying it in with the Titan world.

But I mostly adored the characters. Max was the perfect mix of deliciously hot alpha male with charisma, humor, and heart. He could be both a dirty talker and a such sweet talker. He was cocky, confidant, and persistent, but not an a**hole. He was protective, bossy, and determined to take care of his own. He just had that "it"factor and made me smile, laugh, shiver, and swoon. I absolutely fell for him.

And Rebecca had dealt with some harsh events and realities that led to a life without a lot of affection and support. She was a survivor,..strong, resilient, intelligent, independent, and caring. She put on a cold facade, but was really just guarding her vulnerable heart. She didn't want her past to take control of her so tried to ignore it, until she couldn't. She just needed to feel safe to share. But she was not a victim who wanted to be taken care of. She was strong-willed, smart, sarcastic, and independent-minded. And together they were intense, passionate, and challenged each other making them a perfect match. I loved their dynamics, chemistry, and banter. The pop culture references were fun.

Their story was intriguing, enthralling, and full of tension, suspense, and danger. There were some difficult and emotional situations, but there were also humorous, passionate, and swoon worthy moments. I was completely invested in them and the outcome. I really enjoyed this one, and am looking forward to more from this author. 

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Rebecca keeps herself detached, calm, and collected at all times. As a child prodigy, attending college and graduate school early, she always felt out of place and even as an adult had not shed the mental shields she grew during those early years. She had a traumatic experience that further strengthened her detachment from those around her. Her best friend Mia Winter being the exception.

Max, a former Ranger, works with PTSD patients on a daily basis. Though he left the military and moved into a medical field, he has the alpha protective nature one expects to find in a Ranger. He is so swoony. He knows which buttons to push to encourage Rebecca to step out of her comfort zone but is also careful with her, particularly after learning of her past.

I loved the build up of the plot and the relationship. While the story is not a long one, the depth of feeling between the characters is well developed. Much of the action takes place over a relatively short period of time, but the relationship develops over a longer period of time, as these two have met at work and live next to each other as well.

For the length of this book, it reads more like a novel than a novella. It is a fast read, but packed with so much depth that it doesn’t feel like a typical novella. I love the Star Trek references and though I am not a fan of Trek, they are clear enough for the casual observer to catch their meaning. There was so much to love about Going Under. From the super creepy initial perspective to the action and suspense, I couldn’t put this book down. 

It is full of fun tie ins to the Titan world. Mia is Rebecca's best friend and former roommate so she and Colby appear regularly. When the suspense and danger ramp up, Max brings in Colby and Titan’s help, including Parker. Anna Bishop Barker is a longtime fan of Titan, and her dedication to the series is apparent in her take on these characters and the new characters she has created for us.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Where I Belong

Claudia Connor 

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A Standalone Romantic Suspense Novella from the NYT Bestselling author of the Titan Series... 

A Sexy Doctor and a CIA Spy with Amnesia 

“Amnesia Allie” should’ve been one of Dr. James Tuska’s normal patients: another CIA asset who they wanted well-cared for and then sent on her merry way. Everyday work at his niche medical practice was never that interesting… until she claimed the impossible. “He’s my fiancé.” 

James had never met Allie, yet he couldn’t say no even if he was part of the Agency cover up. Now the Agency wants her dead. 

Between the lies and the hiding, the woman who turned the CIA upside down with three words brought him to his knees. 

And then Allie disappeared… Nothing would ever be the same.