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High Stakes #3

Under the Radar

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Two brothers. Two best friends. One robbery gone wrong.

With a court date looming, a near-fatal car accident, and a house invasion, the four surviving witnesses to an armed robbery know they are targets. In a desperate attempt to stay safe, they take matters into their own hands and go off the grid a week before the trial.

Danny St. John was stuck in a dark place of guilt and regret after a personal tragedy. On the run from violent criminals, he is forced to spend time with the one woman who makes him feel too much. Victoria Lopez needs to protect her heart, but she also misses the guy Danny used to be and thinks she might be able to bring him back. Now, evading gunmen together in Sequoia National Forest, Vic will risk everything to keep Danny safe.

Eric St. John isn’t a big fan of his sister-in-law-to-be, Zoe Turner. Sure, she’s beautiful, but also bossy and brash. When Eric and Zoe are forced to rely on each other for survival, he sees a side to Zoe he never anticipated, a side he definitely likes. But as the two grow closer, so do the men hunting them down.

Time nearly runs out as each couple must not only brave the perils of the wilderness and their growing feelings for each other, but also outwit their pursuers in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

298 pages, ebook

First published May 29, 2018

About the author

Dee J. Adams

15 books130 followers
Dee J. was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. After graduating high school, she moved to Los Angeles and did what most people do in L.A. Tried to make it in show biz. She did okay. Got enough acting work to pay the rent and keep the S.A.G. card. (Screen Actors Guild in case anyone is wondering.) She also worked as a Dialogue Coach in sitcoms. (That's code for acting coach and also means she helped the actors learn their lines.)

Writing came as a fluke. After blowing out several ligaments in her foot – from a beautiful backhand gone wrong on the tennis court – and a very intense dream (she apparently couldn’t stop talking about) her husband said, “Just write it down.” Prophetic words! With a lot of time on her hands since she was laid up, she took it to heart. Three weeks and fourteen hours a day later, she had a 450 page handwritten novel on her hands.

And so it began.

She is lucky to be married to the love of her life and they have one beautiful daughter who was, and continues to be, perfect so she saw no reason for others!

She likes kick-ass heroines and big stories. She likes to read them and she likes to write them. She likes romance, adventure, a little mystery and happy endings. Romance is the perfect genre for her.

Some of her favorite authors are Judith McNaught, Suzanne Brockmann and Linda Howard, just to give you the top of the list. (If you haven’t read these ladies, you’re missing out.)

She wishes she cooked and gardened and did all those other creative things, but she doesn’t. She loves to read and loves to cheer her kid on in soccer or any other sport that catches her fancy. She's a big dog lover, with no offense to cats other than their fur just about kills her.

That’s it in a nutshell. Hope you enjoy one of her adventures as much as she enjoyed writing it!

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Under the Covers Book Blog.
2,840 reviews1,351 followers
June 2, 2018



I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


This story follows OUT OF THE BLUE closely.  Out of the Blue was the story of Brendan St. John and Casey Turner.  This book kicks off with the fact they are getting married soon and finds Casey's sister, Zoe, and her best friend Victoria running some errands with the St. John brothers, Danny and Eric.  While picking up some things at the grocery store they find themselves in the middle of a robbery gone wrong.  The people responsible for said robbery won't let them get away long enough to make it to court and they have to band together to survive.

Dee J. Adams always excels at, as the series suggests, high stakes action and adrenaline.  My favorite thing about reading her books is how much they feel like watching a movie.  They're action packed from beginning to end and the pacing doesn't let up.

In UNDER THE RADAR we actually get two romances, Danny and Victoria as well as Zoe and Eric.  They're all such different characters and their connection is also very different.  I liked how they were all players in the overall suspenseful plot of the book.   On the romance front though, I felt it may have lacked some connection.  I'm not sure if it was because of the fact that they're only getting half the page time to develop but I didn't think the feelings rang true in the end for me.  I'm sure there's also the fact that they went through some very dangerous things together that brought them closer, faster, but I still struggled a bit with believing in the two HEAs.

That being said, I did like the characters and the plot was definitely one that kept me on my toes reading.  Always looking forward to the next book by Ms. Adams.

*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
Profile Image for Ally Swanson.
289 reviews92 followers
June 25, 2018
---4.5 Stars---

Wow! Wow! Wow!

This book is super jam packed full of action, adrenaline, adventure, and suspense! I could feel my heart pounding waiting to see how this story was going to turn out and I was just at home curled up on the couch lol!

This book keeps you totally engaged from page one through the very last page! I honestly had a hard time putting this book down and read – and finished it in just one weekend.

There was so much going on in this book. I’m not used to reading books that have four main characters – all vying for front page time. It was a nice mix up, but I felt that it cut from important character build up and relationship development a bit instead of what this author clearly seems capable of.

Regardless, I really did like all the main characters, Danny, Victoria, Eric, and Zoe. They were kind, genuine, and likable. All four main characters were great catches, and I really enjoyed following their stories. I just felt something was missing or lacking in the character development department.

I loved the scenery details! I have been to the Sequoia National Park several times before, so I was thrilled that the book took place somewhere I was familiar with. It is such a beautiful park and the details were so well described, at times I felt like I was swept away and back at the park myself.

I have always found it interesting how intense life and death situations can really bring out one’s true colors or show you who your real friends are. This theme seems to apply to both couples who didn’t really see each other as couple material, but after being put in this type of scenario and having to trust and lean on each other while they were hiding out, you start to see that other person in a whole new light. And that’s exactly what happened!

This book has an excellent storyline that flows, fantastic writing style with superb detailed scenes, great characters, is fast paced, and keeps you completely entertained through the last page!

There are some exciting twists and turns and unexpected moments that will keep you guessing!

This book has a lot to offer the reader such as, action, adventure, adrenaline, excitement, mystery, thriller, suspense, intrigue, romance, love, friendship, determination, overcoming obstacles, second chances, fresh starts, new beginnings, forgiveness, hope, faith, and so much more!

This book is book four of the High Stakes Book Series. I had not read any of the other books in this book series before reading this book. I did not get lost or confused, so this book can be read as a standalone. However, there are many references to the previous books and the characters seem to overlap. Therefore, since I really enjoyed this book, I would suggest getting in from the beginning and starting with book one so you don’t miss anything.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend this book and this book series to all romantic, suspense readers!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
Profile Image for E..
1,945 reviews20 followers
July 16, 2018
“Under the Radar” by Dee J. Adams is Book 4 of the ‘High Stakes’ series. A shopping trip to prepare for the engagement party of the couple all four are devoted to plunges brothers Eric and Danny St. John plus Zoe Turner and Victoria (Vic) Lopez into forced proximity. A flight and fight for their lives forces them to reconsider how much they truly irk each other but they may not survive long enough to explore their new attitudes.


This contemporary romantic suspense tale is exciting and action-packed. Surprisingly, I was not completely lost, even though this is ostensibly the final volume in this series, although I daresay it would be easier to understand some of the nuances if I had read the previous stories. Those who are squeamish should be forewarned that there is plenty of violence surrounding this quartet. Given the events that take place as well as the references to past occurrences, one has to assume that it is extremely dangerous becoming involved with the St. John family and collateral damage is very likely. The setting is vividly described and ALMOST makes me want to try camping, although I’m pretty attached to my creature comforts, lol.

I was a little overwhelmed by the issues plaguing three of the quartet—both professionally and personally—and I have to wonder whether the epiphanies that are elicited by the intense experiences they undergo could be longlasting, despite the epilogue. I think the challenge of showing two different relationships developing kept either from being sufficiently delved into, hence my skepticism. Despite that, I am curious about the rest of this series as well as the crossover book that connects to another group of stories and I will be looking for more of this author’s exciting tales that blend a beautiful setting with dangerous events.

A copy of this title was provided for review
Profile Image for Beverly Diehl.
Author 5 books74 followers
July 29, 2018
4.5 stars. This one's a two-fer. Two parallel romances while four people are hiding out from a baddie who wants to kill all of them.

Disclaimer: I'm personally acquainted with the author and received a free copy of this work.

The first thing that spooked me about this book is that it opens with a grocery store robbery gone wrong, with a dead cashier, and I began reading it just after a grocery store robbery gone wrong, with a dead store manager, in my own neighborhood. Dee J, can you please write a story about an author who also writes book reviews winning the lottery?

Second, the foursome goes to the Sequoia National Forest to hide out "under the radar" before they are scheduled to testify against the robbers they saw in the grocery store. Guess where my family has been camping for the last 40 years?

Content warning/spoiler alert: early on, one of the characters walks in on a suicide scene. Blood, guts, pooping in the woods, doesn't bother me, but that scene kind of haunted me, as well as the character. Another case of the author showing great skill, but if that is a trigger for you, you might want to read her other books instead.

This book was a must-read that I enjoyed very much. The heroes are hot and so are the sex scenes, the heroines are likewise brave and full of initiative. None of the characters are cookie-cutter, and they ALL have a nice story arc and a HFN (Happily for Now), of which, as a writer, I am standing in awe. Recommended for lovers of romantic suspense, and fans of the Sequoia National Forest.



Profile Image for Samantha.
505 reviews19 followers
December 23, 2018
I received an e-arc for this in exchange for an honest review.

This story is the last in a series about two brothers who find love at the same time. The brothers, Danny and Eric are with Vic and Zoe in a grocery store when the store is held up and although one of the four gets injured they escape and live to testify against the robbers.

However, one of the robbers has connections and won't rest until all the witnesses are dead which leads a journey of running for their lives and falling in love.

This was a good story but it took me a really long time to get into it. The couples are hot but there was something missing for me to root for them, I was but not like some of the other characters I have read before.

Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,506 reviews21 followers
July 25, 2018
This began a bit slow for me but turned into a page turner. It was full of danger and romance with some hot steamy scenes. There were two romances in this book, brothers Eric and Danny finally getting what they needed. The women, Zoe and Vic, were strong and independent although this foursome came to rely on each other for survival. I held my breath at times, smiled as well as had tears at other times. I got pulled into the story after a bit and could not let go.

I received a copy of this story through Goddessfish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
4,781 reviews45 followers
June 2, 2018
I have always enjoyed this author’s book and this one was no different. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Will definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lynne Marshall.
Author 194 books304 followers
June 7, 2018
Packed with action and adventure. Two girls, two guys, not necessarily friends or lovers...yet, are forced to go underground when their lives are threatened by a hitman and his screw-up son. Dee J. Adams does a great job of taking the reader on a wild ride while artfully bringing two meant-to-be couples together. Little did the unsuspecting couples know! Did I mention the scenery? Lovely nature setting, though under the worst possible circumstances. The suspense has plenty of twists and turns, and most importantly, ends with justice. The budding romances also have interesting, and fun, twists, and rest assured romance lovers, this one has what you're looking for. ;)
I had the good fortune to read an arc and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
2,713 reviews118 followers
August 8, 2018
Under the Radar is filled with lots of action on just about every page that will keep the adrenaline flowing and the heart rate high. It will keep you on your toes trying to keep up with the characters as they are witnesses to a robbery and are sent on the run just trying to stay alive.

Two brothers, Danny and Eric St. John and two best friends, Victoria and Zoe find themselves running through Sequoia National Park being chased by the same men who robbed the store they were in buying supplies for the wedding of Danny and Eric’s brother and Zoe’s sister.

After they are contacted by the robbers and informed not to testify against them at their trial and then they try to kill them they all decide that the only thing for them to do is go off the grid until the trial if they want to stay alive.

Under the Radar is one of those books that will pull you in from the beginning and filled with enough action that keeps you flipping those pages and feeling as if you are running right along with the characters and hoping they make it out alive. Under the Radar is like those books that you don’t want to end but you can’t wait to see how it is all going to turn out in the end. It’s like seeing a movie play out in your head while you are reading it.

Under the Radar is the first book in the High Stakes series and the first book by Dee J. Adams that I have read. Although this is the first book in the series that I've read I didn't feel as if I was missing out on anything.

If you like your books filled with lots of action, suspense, adrenaline pumping running through the woods with robbers and murderers hot on your trail then you are going to really love Under the Radar.
6,397 reviews26 followers
May 31, 2018
New author for me but I will be looking for more books by her

This is the story of two brothers Danny and Eric St Johns and two friends Victoria Lopez and Zoe Turner they have witnessed a robbery and now they are on the run to stay alive as the court date looms. Danny is trapped in his past will Victoria be able to drag him back and will she make him feel again. Eric doesn't like his his future Sister in law but ion the run he grows closer to Zoe

This is a well written page turner that once you start you can't put down was one of those books where I was reading till the early hours of the morning

I was given a copy of this book but this is a true and honest review
Profile Image for Barbara.
18.2k reviews8 followers
May 30, 2018
Two couples just trying to stay alive there is danger, suspense, drama a well-written story this is a new author for me and I know I want to read more of her books. This is the story of two brothers and two best friends who are witnesses to a bank robbery. Danny St. John goes on the run with Victoria Lopez and brother Eric St. John and his sister-in-law-to-be, Zoe Turner are the two that must stay safe together after they are attacked in the home they are in. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,294 reviews14 followers
June 1, 2018
I enjoyed this action packed story! The story definitely captures you from the very beginning and holds your attention. I liked the characters and story-line. I thought Dee J Adams does a great job with development of the plot and made it believable. I thought the characters had a lot of passion and some chemistry but not always a believable connection. Overall, the was a good intense story with suspense, drama and romance.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.*
1,293 reviews8 followers
June 2, 2018
I am a huge fan of romances that have a suspense, thrilling, mystery and lots of action in them. This is one of those books that really keep you on the endless of your seat. I also like the fact that there is more than one romance in the book and they way they unfold. I love the added extra’s that sometimes get left out. These little things make the story more believable. Overall good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,058 reviews28 followers
August 25, 2018
Action, adventure, danger, suspense, and hot steamy scenes. This book is a whirlwind of action and emotions. The characters have great chemistry. The storyline is intense with the main characters on the run in an effort to save their lives from a deranged person who wants them dead. The intermittent scenes give the characters time to build their relationships through some very interesting prose and dialogue.
738 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2018
This is a super suspenseful novel that follows two separate couples who go off the grid to stay safe until their court date. they start off standoffish but it quickly becomes apparent that there is more to everyone than may meet the eye. what a thrill ride

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews27 followers
May 30, 2018
This is the first book I have read in the series and it was an action-packed read with a good storyline that had plenty of drama and kept me reading late into the night. It was a well written suspenseful read about that follows four people who witness a bank robbery as they try to stay safe until they get to court.If was a super read and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews199 followers
May 30, 2018
When I started reading this story, I couldn't put it down. I read the book in one day.This author is an awesome writer.I cannot wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
15k reviews91 followers
May 31, 2018
Witness are being killed so they decide to take matters in their own hands and escape a week before the trial to stay safe. If only it was so easy. They need to get on with each other even though they know each other but they have issues. Can they all work together to stay safe? Will things work out? Find out

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
749 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2018
This was well written, action packed, fast paced. It is interesting through the whole book. It has two couples it follows and keeps you wanting to see what happens next. I recommend it to all. I received it as an arc and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,558 reviews15 followers
June 1, 2018
This book is an action-filled about four people who witness a bank robbery. That has suspense and tense drama. The characters are intriguing. I liked reading this book.
Profile Image for Nadea Croix.
992 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2018
It was full of suspense and intrigue as both couples figure out how to deal with falling in love and twist their fate evading adversities as they build their relationship

1,396 reviews13 followers
May 16, 2018
This is the first book I've read in the series. I had no problems, so can easily be read as a stand alone.
Under the Radar, is an intense thrilling novel.
Profile Image for Bookingwithme.
56 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2018
Thank you, NetGalley for graciously ending me the ARC:)

Wow! What an emotional, suspenseful, romantic ride that was! It had everything you could ever want in a story and then some!


First, this cover is everything! I couldn't stop staring at it.

I haven't read the first three in the series and I still knew everything that was going on. The characters are flawless and the storyline is gripping!
89 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2018
I loved it this was really enjoyable read recommend trying it and the author don’t think you will be disappointed
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