In Too Deep

Ronica Black is a relatively new author that shows a lot of promise. Her first two books, including `In Too Deep,' have been really enjoyable. Her characters are likable and believable and her stories are exciting. The reader can guess, but never really knows what's coming on the next page until she gets there. Here, Black introduces characters Erin McKenzie and Elizabeth (Liz) Adams. Erin is an undercover detective who has been assigned to get cozy with suspect Adams. Erin's home life is rather disappointing. Her husband is having an affair and they rarely see each other. Erin is nothing more to him than a possession to impress his business associates. Fellow detective, Patricia Henderson is tapped to help Erin prepare for this assignment - fitting, because Patricia is a lesbian and so is Liz. In fact, Patty is one of Liz's former lovers. Erin can't recall any feelings toward another woman, but finds herself completely turned on by Patricia's coaching. Erin finds herself aching by the time she finally meets Liz, but plays the part of an "old fashioned" woman to keep Liz's attentions trained on her. The approach helps with the ultimate solving of the case, but makes things much worse for Erin on a personal level. She struggles with her growing attraction and feelings for the sexually raucous older woman. This book offers so much for the reader. There is sexual awakening, beautiful women, intrigue, passion, and a lot more. It's a romance and mystery rolled up in one novel. I highly recommend this one to anyone.

Wow! That was some book. In Too Deep by Ronica Black is sizzling hot! It is a detective mystery that is full of surpises and twists. Detective Erin McKenzie goes undercover to try to capture beautiful lesbian bar owner, Elizabeth Adams, who is suspected in a series of murders. Poor Erin, straight girl, doesn't know what she's in for, so co-worker detective Patricia Henderson, lesbian, steps in to help Erin. Erin soon grows an attraction for both Patricia and Liz, and Black plays on this throughout the book. Who will Erin end up with? The suspense was great. Oh, and there was a murder mystery going on too. Black introduces a cast of characters besides Adams to pin the murders on, and as the story develops each character is presented just at the precise moment you might be inclined to say, "So and So did it," thus foiling your who dunnit discovery. The book is hot, and Black leaves no detail untold when it comes to the sex scenes. She's one of the best at this. She also weaves in humor with several scenes leaving me smiling and saying, "Oh, no!" followed by a good laugh. The swimming pool scenes play a big part in this. What I think most endears me to this novel is how Black leaves the reader with inner turmoil as to what she (the reader) wants to happen and what should happen in a good holsome sense, or vice versa depending on the reader. I felt happiness and sorrow for some characters. She must write a sequel to make it all right! I'll be waiting.

Ronica Black's debut novel, "In Too Deep," is the outstanding first effort of a gifted writer who has a promising career ahead of her. Black shows extraordinary command in weaving a thoroughly engrossing tale around multi-faceted characters, intricate action and character-driven plots and subplots, sizzling sex that jumps off the page and stimulates libidos effortlessly, amidst brilliant storytelling. A clever mystery writer, Black has the reader guessing until the end. Called in to investigate a murder, newly appointed homicide detective Erin McKenzie of the Valle Luna, Arizona PD, ends up going undercover as bait to investigate a rash of serial murders. The suspect is none other than the affluent, powerful, sexy, skilled seductress and positively drop-dead gorgeous elite lesbian nightclub owner Elizabeth Adams. It is Erin's job to lure Liz hoping to get close enough to the woman for a confession. In addition, who better to teach a straight married woman how to be a "lesbian on the prowl" than a lesbian, namely, detective Patricia Henderson. Patricia knew Erin before the assignment but when she notices Erin's wedding ring is missing she is intrigued. In fact, Patricia can't help but notice everything about Erin, including her sexy vulnerability and good looks; she becomes more than just smitten--protective seems more like it. She even contemplates that a commitment would be a dream come true. Patricia wonders if her attraction to Erin is just "...so desperate that a polite `how are you feeling?' could leave her panting and ready to pounce" [p. 36] or is there really more to her feelings? It doesn't help that the two women have to work very closely on the case, which has Erin questioning her sexuality as new feelings surface. Emotional floodgates threaten to open after Erin meets and falls hopelessly in love or at least lust for Liz Adams, while still having feelings for Patricia. The fact that she is in the throes of divorce from her cheating husband, investigating a high-profile murder, all the while questioning her "previously unsuspected attraction to her own sex," [p. 76], and you have the makings of a complicated romance with Erin torn between two desirable women. Erin searched Patricia's face, a note of desperation in her voice. "This doesn't mean I'm gay...does it" [p. 37]. She feels like she "had been given the key to a whole new world. The door had been unlocked and she was seeing what she had never noticed before--the allure of the female body..." [p. 46]. As if the investigation of a potentially dangerous murderer isn't enough, Erin has to deal with her own confused feelings. Is Liz Adams really the calculated killer the police have made her out to be or is there a human and very innocent woman just hungering to be let out? Black does a convincing job of leaving plenty of room for doubt. The reader is on a merry-go-round when it comes to whom Erin should stick with, Patricia or Liz, but knowing that Erin's happiness is the most de

Ronica Black's debut novel In Too Deep has everything from non- stop action and intriguing well-developed characters to steamy erotic love scenes. From the opening scenes where Black plunges the reader head first into the story to the explosive unexpected ending, In Too Deep has what it takes to rise to the top. Erin McKenzie is the newly appointed homicide detective who goes undercover as a lesbian trying to coax night club owner Elizabeth Adams into confessing. Adams is suspected of several grisly, very personal murders. Erin, who is straight and separated from her husband, gets help from veteran detective Patricia Henderson. As Erin's liaison, Henderson, as a lesbian, works to make McKenzie believable before she embarks on her first trip to La Femme, Adam's night club. During these sessions together with Henderson, McKenzie begins to question her sexuality while Henderson develops more than professional feelings towards her colleague. To make this even more difficult for McKenzie, she needs to get Adams interested in her without showing any desire on her part. This way she can gather information on Adams who has an airtight alibi for the last murder. While undercover, McKenzie gets more than she bargained for, jeopardizing her career and possibly her future. Black does an outstanding job of developing parallel plots of suspense and romance. They are intertwined seamlessly and flow as one. She creates pages upon pages of built up desire with Henderson, McKenzie and Adams, constructing a convincing triangle of angst, passion and jealousy. Their conflicts are heightened as business and pleasure are intermixed, crossing boundaries and leaving the reader with many questions as to who the bad guys are in this story. The tantalizing love scenes, especially in the swimming pool, will leave the reader wanting more. In Too Deep has solid portrayals of the characters, and their interaction with each other sizzles. Adams is an enigma, fiercely loyal and protective, but vulnerable. McKenzie is naïve and confused about her sexuality, but when pushed, she stands her ground. Henderson fueled by an inner rage from past associations and craving a love that is lasting, ends up coming through as a solid cop and friend. This cast is unbeatable as they move the story along with its plot twists. Black has a winner with In Too Deep, one that will keep the reader turning the pages until the very last one.