In Too Deep is the first book I've read by Rachael Sommers I enjoyed it and loved the look at one of the Canary Islands. Quick, easy read with mostly likable characters. Thanks Netgalley for the early access to yet another title.

After a disastrous end to a relationship with a woman who lied about no longer being married, Lucy Holloway decides to take some well-deserved time for herself and travels to the island of Tenerife. At the hotel where she's staying, she meets Elena Garcia, a native of the island, who is home for vacations. The attraction between them is instantaneous, they decide to enjoy the summer together with no strings attached. Everything changes when Elena's father is accused of fraud. Lucy immediately offers to help. Together, they work to unveil the mystery that got him into this situation. The novel is incredibly well-written and the enigma of what is happening at the hotel makes you stay glued to the pages. The book's pacing is great and the development of Lucy and Elena's relationship feels natural. There are some amazing descriptions of views of the island and of delicious local food. The book makes you feel like you traveled to the island yourself. Sommers delivers a delightful story, perfect to read on the beach, enjoying a nice cocktail.

How long can you dance around your feelings when your heart has already jumped in head first? A sunny one-night-to-forever story with a side of mystery.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Elena Garcia is finally back on her island of Tenerife. Spending her years at an American College she can’t wait to soak up the sun at the hotel where her father has been the manager for over forty years. While spending the summer on the island, she fills her hours with lifeguard shifts at the hotel pool. At that same poolside she has picked up many tourists for a one night stand. When she catches a gorgeous American woman lounging by the water, Elena thinks she has found her next conquest. If only she could leave it at that.

Lucy Holloway has fled New York. Her career as a financial lawyer is booming, but her love life isn’t. After the truth comes out about her relationship with one of her colleagues that lied about still being married to another colleague, she packs her bags for a sabbatical in the Mediterranean sun. While lying on a deckchair next to the pool, Lucy can’t help but let her eyes wander over to the stunning lifeguard on duty. With a little encouragement from her best friend, Lucy jumps into a summer fling with Elena. No harm done. Yeah, tell that to her heart. When Elena’s dad gets accused of stealing money from the hotel, Lucy wants to help. That’s what anybody would do for a fling, right?

I love me a summer romance. Bring on the sun, regional cuisine and some very spicy trysts with a local. This story sure delivers all that. It’s clear from the beginning that Elena and Lucy are going to hook up. One never having had a relationship and the other healing from a broken heart. The chemistry between them is unmistakable and even though they are seemingly incompatible on paper, they are hooked from the start.

Lucy melts into Elena’s family like she has always been there. The Garcia family is so loving and welcoming. I would love to be invited to one of their impromptu parties. The other side characters are fun too. Of course a modern story can’t do without a non-binary character and Lucy’s best friend Carla is a hoot!

In Too Deep is a great book to download to your kindle for a summer vacation, but even if you’re reading this in the middle of winter, it will sure bring you those summer vibes. And don’t we all need that from time to time?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written and the characters of Lucy and Elena were great. It was a real page turner and had a great ending. A really feel good read and a lovely setting.

In Too Deep by Rachael Sommers is a good fit for readers looking for a heartwarming and engaging story about a summer romance between two women, combined with a light-hearted mystery that adds intrigue to their blossoming relationship.

Light and easy romance to read poolside or at the beach. Lucy Holloway is a forty year old NYC business attorney. She takes a month long holiday on Tenerife, an island off the coast of Spain. While there she meets Elena Garcia who is home for the summer before she starts physical therapy school in Washington DC. She is 28, a not alarming age gap. It starts as a summer fling slowly becoming more. When Elena’s father’s job is threatened Lucy doesn’t hesitate to help.

The island sounds beautiful and I was glad to learn a little more about it but most of the time is spent at the resort where Elena and her father work. The mystery about the father’s job resolves quickly and the culprit was easy to predict. Because it is a fling novel the heat kicks in early (before 20 percent). They do get to know each other better with back stories, but there isn’t build up or longing between the two. I did enjoy the epilogue seeing them few years later. A likable read but nothing that boosts it in to memorable or read again category.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for this ARC of ‘In Too Deep’ by Rachael Sommers.

I loved this book so much. It was so exciting and sweet. This author writes the best sapphic couples and Elena and Lucy are no exception.

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this exciting book

the way the author pulled me into this story was intriguing, and kept me reading right into the night with the added bonus of the storyline

the two main characters from different parts of the spectrum...one a lawyer the other a championship swimmer never in a million years would they normally meet under normal circumstances

lucys life is in turmoil
elena is home from her studies and just about to start her summer job as life guard

but when these two meet its lust at first sight....

but someone is out for revenge

have to say i loved how the author captured the magic of the islands and their culture plus the all of the characters in the book made you feel as though you knew them or saw them at the pool.... magical

This was my second book by this author and I intend to read her other works. I really liked this even though it was an age gap.

Lucy Holloway needs an escape after her life implodes and decided to soak up sun on an island far away from her life in New York. She doesn't intend to get involved with anyone, but she can't resist the sexy lifeguard.

Elena Garcia is home for the holidays before she starts her physical therapy training. She notices Lucy right away and they hit off from the first moment and end up having casual sex. All it's supposed to be is a holiday fling, but when Elena's father is accused of fraud, Lucy steps in to help.

I liked the pace of this book and adored the setting. This was low angst overall and a very enjoyable book. I loved everything about it and look forward to her next book. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this, just what you’re looking for if you want a light and fluffy sapphic romance that is also generous on the steaming chemistry and spice.
This was funny and far too adorable, their banter and cuteness will have you grinning like an idiot as you read.

Surprising depth to the characters and plot, still definitely a romance at its core, but an interesting premise of trying to dig to the bottom of a mystery together as well. Even if it was fairly predictable.

A mature sapphic romance between 40yo lawyer Lucy and 28yo local Elena— Lucy is taking a sabbatical in sunny Tenerife to escape the repercussions of accidentally having an affair (and falling in love with) a married woman.
Her hotel happens to be managed by Elenas Dad, who is home from college and also working there as a life guard. So of course they bump into each other and end up starting a casual no-feelings relationship.
But when Elenas Dad is accused of stealing from the hotel, of course Lucy steps in to weave her lawyer magic and help clear his name.

Both women are super sweet and loveable, making it easy to read and enjoy.
The side characters are also great, not to mention hilarious, and Elenas family are so welcoming and supportive it’s even more lovely to read.
Nice and inclusive featuring different ethnicities, sexualities and a non-binary pansexual best friend, it’s set primarily in Tenerife and so most characters are Spanish.

Oh what a delightful escape into the world of romance, filled with charm, chemistry, and a touch of heartwarming depth. The author's writing style lends itself effortlessly to an easy read, making it the perfect companion for a lazy afternoon or a cozy evening in.

Lucy, a high-flying lawyer seeking solace from a life in turmoil, and Elena, a laid-back physical therapy student embracing the simplicity of home, find themselves drawn together in the idyllic setting of Sol Plaza, a luxurious hotel overlooking the Atlantic. What begins as a sweet summer flirtation soon blossoms into a sizzling romance, igniting sparks that transcend the boundaries of time and space.

What sets this story apart is the palpable chemistry between Lucy and Elena. Their dynamic, reminiscent of yin and yang, brings a refreshing balance to the narrative, showcasing how opposites truly do attract. As their relationship deepens, navigating the complexities of love and real emotions becomes both exhilarating and challenging, adding depth and authenticity to their journey.

Amidst the backdrop of sun, sea, and relaxation, "In Too Deep" explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the transformative power of love. Lucy and Elena's love story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected connections lead to the greatest adventures.

Overall, I found is to be a heartwarming tale that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the final page. With its captivating storyline, engaging characters, and undeniable chemistry, it's a must-read for anyone in search of a feel-good romance that will sweep them off their feet.

Lovely escapist romance in Tenerife
If you're looking to escape to a warm sunny place with hot characters, give this one a shot. Lucy and Elena have great chemistry, their interchanges are electric, verbal and otherwise. The bulk of the story is set in scenic Tenerife at a swanky hotel where Elena's family and friends add to the snappy dialogue and shenanigans. Lucy's best friend Carla also provides sass and humor whenever she's present in a scene so there's plenty to chuckle at and about in the story along with the sexy summer fling style romance where the 'will they/won't they' push pull between Elena and Lucy is continuous and their dynamic is what I call the 'idiots in love' trope with each of them assuming the other's feelings do not match their own and talk about it with everyone but each other. There is a sub plot involving criminal activity at the hotel that was a bit much for my suspension of disbelief to take in but the rest of the book's story arc is ideal escapist reading and pure pleasure to sink into, maybe doubly so if you're reading it during a cold and snowy winter. If you're headed to the beach, take this book with you (the sun will cover for any blushing you do while reading) and if that's not an option for you, then curl up with this book elsewhere to guide your way and feed your imagination. I look forward to seeing what author Sommers publishes next and will happily read it when it's available.
(Reviewed February 2023)