#TravelingtotheTerminus Review ~ Devil and the Deep ~ Julie Ann Walker

Devil and the Deep by Julie Ann Walker
Deep Six #2
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events are Maddy Powers' way of life. But the daring man who appropriated her father's yacht a couple of months ago is still out there, somewhere, and she wants to pay him back for the scorching kiss they shared.

Behind his suave smile and ladykiller eyes, Bran Palladino carries a dark secret that keeps him from pursuing Maddy... even though he can't get her out of his head. But when Maddy is kidnapped as part of a grand scheme, it's time to put up or shut up... because Bran can't live without Maddy now.

I found this second installment of the Deep Six series to be just as entertaining as the first, if a little less compelling, but for different reasons.

The suspense element wasn't quite as gripping but I think that's because of the baddies behind things and their reasons for it weren't quite as relevant as what went on in Hell or High Water. However, trying to figure out the who and the why as well as how far they're willing to go to accomplish the end game was exciting.

The romance between Maddy and Bran shares page time with the suspense. These two met when Maddy's family yacht was hijacked in the previous installment. They have amazing chemistry and a relationship founded in friendship as they've only communicated via email since they met. Their banter is a lot of give and take and I enjoyed it. Maddy is one tough chick - mentally - and meets things head on. So Bran's insistence they remain only friends because he's not good enough for her was a challenge she had no problems undertaking. And I was so happy Bran was finally able to see in himself what everyone else, including Maddy, did. My only issue was that some of the romantic elements occurred during times when I would have thought a former SEAL would have had his mind on other things.

We're also privy to some fun back and forth between Mason and Alex. These two made me laugh with Alex's incessant talking and Mason's reliance on grunting. *ha* I'm eager to see how their sparks finally ignite.

One more thing - the prologue and epilogue from the Spanish Captain's POV is a touch I truly appreciate. I love the history it incorporates as well as how it plays into the mystery of the treasure the Deep Six gang is hunting. 

Bring on #3!