In Too Deep by Cherry Adair, Wright #3, Ballantine Books, Rating: B

Revenge. That's all Michael Wright is focused on as he sits out at sea just off the coast of the small island owned by the man who had cost him his friend, his job, and his eye, Trevor Church. A former Navy SEAL, Michael has spent the last year coming up with the perfect plan to extract his revenge and avenge his friend and partner's death. NOt only that, but he's been overcome by a fear of water that he can't overcome. The Navy no longer wanted him with only one eye, but he had a network available to him in the form of his brothers and his brother-in-law who worked with T-FLAC to help him set up shop. He was not, however, counting on a yacht exploding before his eyes and a rather plain looking woman to appear by the hull of his boat. If his plan wasn't perfect already, having Trevor Church's daughter to use as a pawn certainly upped the ante. An honorbound man, feeling responsible for his friend's death, Michael's willing to do whatever it takes, including giving up his own life.

Tally Cruise was surprised and overly pleased by the invitation to join her father near Tahiti on his island. She'd been longing to connect with her father for years, wanting to know he loved and accepted her. Years of being dragged along as her mother followed him around the world left her uncertain despite her success in life without him. A bunch of freak accidents back home in Chicago left her in the mood for some R&R and this trip was just the thing. Only things didn't go as she planned, beginning with the yacht she was on exploding. She escaped, but the two others aboard weren't so fortunate - or so she believes anyway. More freak accidents follow her on the island and then she discovers Michael's deception. He wasn't a pirate-like sea bum at all. Had it all been a game? Still when things start to spiral out of control she trusts him above all others, and it turns out her instincts are dead on. A strong woman despite her weakness of wanting her father's love. The only thing this woman seems scared of is the dark, breaking out into off-pitch songs whenever she is faced with darkness. But she gets through it.

Michael, Tally, Trevor Church and others are fighting over possession and control of weapons. The stakes are high and no one wants to lose, least of all Michael who has been planning Trevor's destruction for a year. No one's sure who to trust on the island, are they all on Trevor's payroll? Michael's willing to die to complete this mission, his life is worthless anyway but he discovers he's unable to sacrifice Tally's life for his cause.

A good blend of romance mixed with suspense made In Too Deep a very solid read. The setting, such a small, private island was intriguing. One wouldn't think too much could happen there. One would be wrong!

©Susan Falk and phantomroses.com