Devil and the Deep

First off, WOW.! Just explosive action!...Loved this book!... I am not surprised at all when it comes to Julie Ann Walker's books. I have read all of the Black Knights Inc., books and am still awaiting on more books to come from that series! In book #2 from the Deep Six Series, we have Bran and Maddy's story who met under extreme circumstances in book #1... Following their story, Bran is hesitant in making any type of commitment to Maddy as his torturous past is preventing him from moving forward. Maddy, on the other hand, feels that she is getting mixed signals from Bran and though that maybe they had developed past the friendship stage to the highly possible relationship stage. We have the consummate bad guys again trying to kidnap Maddy, and Bran and his team coming to the rescue. Maddy decides to invite Bran to come and visit her at a nearby island when she takes a couple of scholarship recipients on a camping and snorkeling trip. Once she and her students reach the island, everything goes wrong. Bran & Mason along with our new resident historian Alex are on their way and from the moment they touch the island, there lives are in constant danger. It is up to the members of Deep Six to save the day. Bran and Maddy do eventually get the HEA, but not until all the danger has passed. I especially loved this book because we get a glimpse of Mason and what may have happened to make him the way he is. We get an in-depth look at how Alex feels about Mason as well. This story was filled with action, love, hot sex, and let's not forget hilarious moments, spread throughout the story for the right kind of levity. I enjoyed every moment. A heartfelt thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Ms. walker for the chance to preview it early.

As this series has progressed it has gotten better. I like this installment much more than the previous. The characters are getting to be much more likable and well rounded. It does get a little confusing when it goes back to the times of the shipwreck but I can see that including this does enhance the story more than it detracts. I like the build up of the search for a treasure and all of the obstacles that are encountered along the way that actually have nothing to do with the search for the treasure, it's almost like getting two stories in one.

Heiress, Maddy, takes three young girls to an small island in the Caribbean where they quickly become targets in a much grander scheme for power. Bran rescued Maddy on her father’s yacht, hit her with a scorching kiss and left her in the friend zone, only exchanging witty emails. When he hears Maddy is coming close to his dive recovering site, he heads off to see her, where he quickly becomes involved with a rescue mission once again. But this time it is Maddy, her three charges and a park ranger that have gotten caught in the cross fire. Betrayal runs deep in this mystery, romance, thriller. Maddy and Bran must uncover the plot before desperation leads to death. Good story, a little slow going followed by intensity that didn’t really fit. Overall 3.5 stars. I received this ARC copy of Devil and the Deep from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest review.

An excellent read! Bran and Maddy's long distance emails have grown into a true friendship. Yet, will the opportunity to see each other be welcomed? Or is something dangerous and sinister lurking in waters? This is my first time reading Julie Ann Walker's work and I must say that I need to read all her other books. Her witty comebacks and keeping-it-real conversations had me glued to her characters. The suspense and the perfect combination of angst made for a great backdrop for the steamy romance.