Review: Devil and the Deep, by Julie Ann Walker

Devil and the Deep is the newest installment in Julie Ann Walker's Deep Six series.  It is currently on pre-order status for it's July 5, 2016, release date.

On Ms. Walker's website, she offers the following description for Devil and the Deep.

A COVERT MISSION…

Maddy Powers’s life revolves around cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events – but she can’t forget the daring former SEAL who appropriated her father’s yacht a few months ago … or the scorching kiss they shared before he disappeared into the deep blue sea.

SPARKS A FLAMING DESIRE…

Bran Pallidino carries a dark secret behind his lady-killer eyes – one that keeps him from pursuing a serious relationship with Maddy. But when she’s taken hostage during a trip to the Dry Tortugas, the men of Deep Six Salvage drop their treasure hunt for a sunken galleon and embark on a dangerous mission to save Maddy.

WITH EARTH-SHATTERING REPERCUSSIONS.

As they fight her merciless kidnappers, they discover this isn’t a simple hostage situation, but something far more sinister. Passion boils between Bran and Maddy, but what good is putting their hearts on the line if they don’t survive the dawn?

This book delivers.  It is action packed and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  The story is engaging and it was hard to put it down, once I started reading.  I loved the way the story gripped me from page one.  Unlike many books out there, Ms. Walker wrote the heroine to be a strong, independent woman who knows how to take charge when necessary.  Even in the face of danger, she is no shrinking violet dependent on her man to come rescue her.  She faces her fears head on and with the fortitude that could rival that of the SEAL team.  I loved this strength.  It is a very welcome departure from the dainty, weak, women that often are portrayed in books of this genre.  Though Maddy has been dealt a raw deal in her life, she doesn't fall apart and become helpless.  

Bran is a warrior through and through.  He is as rock steady as they come when in the heat of battle.  He has crack in his armour though - Maddy Powers.  While he wants her, the secrets of his past press on him.   His character is another fine example of why I love books by Julie Ann Walker.  Her heroes are very strong and able to fight the battles they face without blinking an eye.  Yet, she gives up glimpses of the man behind the warrior.  We see their inner struggles presented in a way that doesn't take away from their strength.  In fact, their very weakness is a huge part of why they are so strong.

If you are looking to add to your summer reading list, this book is a must-have.  Though a part of a series, Ms. Walker writes her books in a way that they can be stand-alone.  You never feel lost if you read the books out of order.