If I Could Drag You Under: A Sapphic Thriller Dark Romance

I knew it was dark but damn that about broke me at the end! This book does deal with suicidal ideation and the supernatural. This book was well written and a new type of dark romance for me. Mira had really been through so much and I could feel her at the cliffs edge. I’m on the fence about the epilogue…what kahli did, did she do it for herself or for Mari?? You will have to read it to decided for yourself.

3.5 stars and 2 chilis in spice This was my first foray into Kelly's work, and I was very thankful to them for reaching out to me to give me an eARC of their book. I liked the premise of this book a lot. I think that the plot was a bit slow, but it had moments that were thriller-esque that kept me captivated when it lulled a bit. Mira and Kahil were both interesting characters. Mira had a very dark vibe about her in the beginning; as the story progressed, it was clear that darkness lessened the more she was around Kahli. Spoiler warning: Kahil was mysterious, and while I, as the reader, could tell that she was a mermaid, it made sense that Mira couldn't. It was clearly a well-kept secret, end spoiler. The climax of this story occurred around 75% through the book. I didn't particularly like that at the point when the climax occurs, Mira still hadn't figured out that Kahli wasn't human. At this point we really have had very little mermaid lore, and I would have loved to see more of it, as well as a full mermaid-human relationship between the two MCs. I also do feel like some of the side stories in the plot weren't fully wrapped up. Spoiler here: we don't find out what happens with her wife in the divorce or have any follow-up about Benny, either. I would have loved to hear more about them, end spoiler. Overall, I did enjoy the book, and I would give Kelly's books another read in the future.

ARC provided by the author. I devoured this book in less than two days. I did not want to put it down and absolutely stayed up too late reading it, but it was worth it. I was happy to over caffeinate so I could keep reading. If you pick this book up (which I recommend you do!) make sure to check TWs first because it does have some DARK themes that a lot of people may not be in a good place to read. If it’s not the book for you, that’s okay! Mira has reached an all time low and has decided she’s done, so she rents a house on the beach to live out her final days. She quickly meets Kahli, a local who suddenly becomes very interested in Mira. Despite Mira being a grouch, Kahli is able to connect with her. Strange things start happening around the beach house, and Mira has a hard time making sense of them. Spooky and dangerous things seem to be a common occurrence in the sleepy town, and Kahli makes it clear she wants to protect Mira. This was the first book I read by Kelly Preston, and I look forward to reading more!