In Kent’s novel, a college student with a traumatic past finds a renewed sense of purpose at a Florida resort.

Glory Dawson, a student at the University of Tennessee, is desperate to escape her boyfriend Nick’s escalating abuse. A sympathetic academic counselor named Cora gives her a brochure for a scuba diving resort in the Florida Keys called Dave’s Outdoor Water Sports, telling her, “I have a feeling it may be perfect for you.” Despite her lack of scuba diving experience, Glory leaves Tennessee for the resort and is immediately hired by Dave, a gregarious man who reminds Glory of her father’s friends. Glory is a natural at the job and shares an instant rapport with her colleagues—Noah, Clinton, JJ, Red, and Blair—but her presence disturbs Ellis, a young man haunted by the death of his girlfriend and fellow co-worker, Jane, in a car accident that occurred on her way to his college graduation. After a difficult start, an attraction develops between Glory and Ellis, and she believes the job is the new beginning she needs. However, when Nick discovers Glory’s location, she’s forced to confront the danger he represents and the incredible twist of fate that led her to the resort. Kent’s novel is a nuanced and emotionally complex romantic suspense thriller replete with engaging characters and a propulsive, page-turning plot. Glory Dawson is a compelling hero who finds the strength and resilience to escape an abusive relationship; she’s complemented by the inscrutable Ellis, an attractive dive instructor whose grief causes him to spiral into reckless behaviors. Kent develops their relationship slowly and methodically as Glory discovers that Ellis is someone she can trust with the truth about her relationship with Nick. The fast-paced narrative deftly balances Glory’s adjustment to life at the resort and her growing attraction to Ellis with the continued danger posed by Nick; it all builds to a suspenseful climax.

An affecting tale of second chances in life and love.