4.0 on the Masq Scale. Sink or Swim by @stacyjuba #mystery #romance #bookreview

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Cover links to Amazon.com

Sink or Swim

Written by Stacy Juba




Genre: Mystery, Romantic Suspense


Book Synopsis


It's hard enough being famous and not rich. When a stalker enters the picture, reality TV has never seemed so real. Ambitious personal trainer Cassidy Novak has gained fame for starring on Sink or Swim, a hit reality show. Not only does she lose and have to walk the plank, but after the game show ends, the terror begins. Upon returning home, Cassidy discovers she has attracted a stalker masterminding his own twisted game. She struggles to focus on her health club job and celebrity endorsement opportunities, but her stalker has other plans.

As her former competitors get knocked off one-by-one, Cassidy refuses to play by the stalker's bizarre rules. She's also being shadowed by hunky cowboy photographer Zach Gallagher, who has been assigned to capture her personal moments for a spread in the local newspaper. She wants to trust the mysterious Zach, yet fears he may not be what he seems. When the stalker forces a showdown, Cassidy must once again walk the plank...this time for her life.

A #1 Kindle Bestseller in the Women Sleuths and Romantic Suspense Categories and a fun beach read endorsed by contestants from Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race.

Staci T.'s Review


Sink or Swim by Stacy Juba is a contemporary romantic suspense novel incorporating all the elements of modern society: reality television, celebrities, moral dilemmas, romance, and danger. The description of the book promised a combination of sizzle, intrigue, and action, and for the most part, it delivered.

Sink or Swim follows the life of Cassidy Novak after she almost wins a reality television contest. She appears to have been the show’s sweetheart; she has a huge fan base and many people lament that she wasn’t the winner. In the course of the novel, she realizes that there aren’t really any perks to being a reality television celebrity, but there are a lot of drawbacks, the most sinister of which is being stalked by a crazed fan.

Cassidy’s port in the storm is photographer Zach Gallagher. But before she gets too serious about him, she discovers he might not have the best of intentions. Cassidy considers Zach and several other suspects during the course of the novel, relying on no help as she tries to be self-sufficient. Her character arc falls just short of believable. She is painted as the darling of the television show, but she seems hotheaded, unreasonable, and willful. Much of that can be explained by the stress she’s under, but not quite all of it.

Despite Cassidy’s likeability issues, the novel is well-written. The plot is carefully constructed and characters are developed fully. My only note is that there was a lot of internalization and description when I would have liked to have seen more action and dialogue. All things considered, though, Juba’s use of that writing style didn’t detract from the novel’s overarching message.

Sink or Swim is a novel with a good pace, a strong plot, and memorable characters. If you’re looking for a fast and easy romantic suspense novel with an independent female protagonist, this is the book for you.

Review Disclaimer: Book provided in exchange for an honest review.

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