Dead in the Water

Deep Six #6

by Julie Ann Walker

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker delivers perfect pulse-pounding romantic suspense! The former Navy SEALs of Deep Six Salvage thought they could retire to the sea and hunt for treasures of the deep, but when trouble comes to visit, there'll be hell to pay.

Dalton “Doc” Simmons is having one helluva week. First, archaic laws have kept he and his partners at Deep Six Salvage from recovering the sunken treasure they’ve been after since bugging out of the Navy. Second, an approaching hurricane threatens to scatter the legendary riches across the bottom of the ocean. And third, Deep Six’s feisty, flirty attorney, Camilla D’ Angelo, has just landed on Wayfarer Island, and she represents everything he can’t stand...and everything he can’t help but want.

One look at Doc and Cami knew she’d met the man of her dreams. The medical doctor-turned Navy SEAL-turned treasure hunter has it all—brawn and brains. The problem? He doesn’t like her. In fact, no man has ever given her so much crap. But something tells Cami there’s more to his bad-tempered brooding than meets the eye.

As the storm closes in, so does a boat full of dangerous men bent on claiming the centuries-old treasure for themselves...and killing everyone on Wayfarer Island. Doc must keep Cami close if he wants to keep her alive. But all that proximity turns up the heat on the chemistry bubbling between them. For Cami, it’s more than a fight for her life, it’s a fight for Doc’s heart. If they survive, can she convince him to let go of his past for a chance at a future with her?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Military Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Thriller

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2022

About the author

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award. Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. And if those views happen to come with a blue sky and sunshine? All the better! When she's not writing, Julie enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, fishing, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and... reading, of course!

Be sure to sign up for Julie's occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com

Or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/julieannwalkerauthor and/or Instagram: @julieannwalker_author.

In Moonlight and Memories:
#1 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME ONE
#2 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME TWO
#3 IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES: VOLUME THREE

Black Knights Inc.:
#1 HELL ON WHEELS
#2 IN RIDES TROUBLE
#3 REV IT UP
#4 THRILL RIDE
#5 BORN WILD
#6 HELL FOR LEATHER
#7 FULL THROTTLE
#8 TOO HARD TO HANDLE
#9 WILD RIDE
#10 FUEL FOR FIRE
#11 HOT PURSUIT
#12 BUILT TO LAST

Deep Six:
#0.5 HOT AS HELL
#1 HELL OR HIGH WATER
#2 DEVIL AND THE DEEP
#3 RIDE THE TIDE
#4 DEEPER THAN THE OCEAN
#5 SHOT ACROSS THE BOW
#6 DEAD IN THE WATER

Black Knights Inc: Reloaded:
#1 BACK IN BLACK
#2 BLACK HEARTED
#3 MAN IN BLACK
#4 BLACK MOON RISING
#5 BLACK WIDOW
#6 FADE TO BLACK

Reviews

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this story and series combines edge of your seat suspense, sweet, swoony romance, steamy, sexy chemistry, humor and the best characters to keep the reader coming back for more stories.

“She gasped and stumbled out of his embrace. “Oh!” She snarled at him. “How has no one hit you over the head with a tire iron yet?”
Instead of getting offended, he threw back his head and laughed.”

Cami and Doc clash from the first time they meet but their chemistry off the charts. Sparks fly as a big hurricane hits and the Deep Six Salvage team all face danger from more than just the storm.

Dead in the Water can be read as a stand-alone but there is a continuing story line that spans the books in the series. It’s defiantly worth reading then all and getting invested in the storyline.
-5 Stars-
#GoodreadsGiveaways

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted this book to be fantastic, but alas it wasn't fantastic, but it was really good. I love Doc and the way Doc and Cami met in "Shot Across the Bow" was a disaster, and soooo wonderful. I wanted witty repartee like it was in "Shot Across the Bow". Instead, I got angst and serious. I just couldn't get past how Doc just couldn't get over his dead wife, but he nails any willing woman. When he realizes he has "feelings" for Cami he takes the cowards way out. As the last book in this series, I wanted it to be better.

As king of the one night stand widowed former Navy SEAL Dalton “Doc” Simmons rarely missed the mark, but when it comes to his first meeting with Deep Six Salvage's attorney, Camilla D'Angelo it was more a misfire. For the weeks Cami has been on Wayfarer Island is has been a constant exchange of sexy, flirty banter between these two. But Doc is determined not to let it go any farther than that. Now the team has found the treasure and due to an archaic law, they must raise it during only a certain tide time and with a hurricane approaching they have to work fast.

Cami is more than a little in lust with Doc, but she can't seem to understand why he shuts her down and fears he just doesn't like her. Aside from that he is perfect, brains and brawn and soooooo sexy. When Cami learns the reason Doc talks a big game with her but isn't willing to follow through, she decides a fling is better than nothing with him.

But somehow some vital information has leaked and has attracted nasty people who want the treasure and are willing to kill for it. With the hurricane upon them, it is a fight for their lives and Doc realizes that Cami is worth letting go of his past, if they can survive to have a future.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one really wrapped things up with this series in a good way. They found the treasure, now they get to live large, but first they have to make it through the hurricane. It's here things got iffy, with outside sources. You just knew the dumbasses that came to steal the treasure would fuck things up, because honestly how could they now with just that plan. About the only good thing that came out of it was Uncle John and Dana realizing they had something. I thought maybe the same could be said for Doc and Cami, but that got screw up there too. And sure Doc did have a right to be mad at Came, all of them did, but Doc was very harsh in his words. I liked that Uncle John let him have it. After Doc talked to his mom that seemed to help him get his head screwed on straight, which led to him going after Cami.

I liked how this one ended, loved that even though the group scattered, they got together again to celebrate all that they had accomplished and their friendship. It was a great way to catch up with everyone.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walker still has the power to make me cry. Her romance is spot on, though the suspense storyline wraps rather early in the novel. I’m sad to see the Deep Six crew go, but it was a fun ride.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixth and last in the Deep Six romantic suspense series revolving around a team of former Navy SEALs on a treasure hunt. The primary couple focus is on Dalton “Doc” Simmons and the feisty Camilla D’ Angelo with a secondary focus on Uncle John and Dana Levine — and Hurricane Julia.

This eARC was sent to me by the author and Limerence Publications LLC for an honest review.

My Take
The story is all about love, endless, all-encompassing love that is without limit. I loved the comment Uncle John makes, knowing somethin' about the human heart . . .

"Its capacity to love is endless. Don't go puttin' limits on somethin' that doesn't need to have any. And if it was worth it the first time . . . then don't you reckon it'd be worth it a second time?"

The snark between Cami and Doc is a crack-up. They play off each other with Cami more attracted and Doc veering away. What I love is that they're attracted by each other's minds — as well as their bodies, *grin*.

There are great reasons for each character to be here. As for the conflicts, they are a'many: the hurricane descending; the state of the reef; to flee and leave or stay and get it all; the hope of surviving being stranded through the storm; the issues Doc, Cami, and Dana have about relationships; and, the unexpected threat of robbery. Yeahhh, I love that Dana and John get to have a romance even though they're oooold!

Walker is such a tease as she strings us along dribbling out clues about Doc's and Cami's back history. More tease comes through in Doc's inner conflicts about wanting too much even as the guilt pounds on him. His mother's remarriage provides some of the grief Doc suffers. It also provides a useful prod. Then his reason for actually joining the Navy hits . . . ah, jeez.

There's a good bit of back history on John. Talk about fascinating!! Dana's back story is sad, and yet she has really rebounded. I wanna be her! I gotta say Uncle John has definitely lived. He's done so much — and he's having such fun caretaking for the salvage operation. And I want to know more about this coital alignment technique.

I cannot believe the rationale the quartet from Maine use. I understand their anger and frustration, but when has that ever justified the actions they plan?! Their general situation is something I'd think a real government of the people should help with, as ideas, suggestions, research.

I don't get why Carlotta needed her dad's seat on the plane. That bit at the end, as Cami discovers what's held her parents together all these years . . . jeez. I think Cami makes the best decision there. Another bit I don't get is Cami's lame bit of gossip. You'd think she'd know her parents by now. Seems a bit too convenient for Walker.

Buffalo Bill-ish? I get "Precious" and "get the hose", but how does Bill fit in here? Again, what is it with the bad guys thinking it's unfair for their hostages to fight back??

Walker uses a third person global subjective point-of-view, mostly from Doc's and Cami's perspectives, then from John's and Dana's. Naturally, the fishermen have their thoughts and events.

I love that Walker has Cami use the "noble" excuse of not wanting to be with someone who can't/won't/doesn't want to be with her. All the angst of it, and yet she's ready to move on because she has too much pride in herself to settle for less. Good for her!

There are so many positives about life and love in Dead in the Water. As well as some fun snark about the motion of the ocean and if the captain can keep his vessel in port long enough . . . yep, you'll be a'laughin'.

"Growin' old is mandatory.
Growin' up is optional."

I love the ending with its wrap-up of how each of the team members have gone on.

Phew, there is definitely action in Dead in the Water — they're Navy SEALs! Yeah, yeah, it's military action and bedroom action — they are Navy SEALs, ahem, lol. But I'd say it's mostly a character-driven story (series) whose characters' choice to go after that treasure leads to the action, at least in Dead in the Water.

The Story
As the storm closes in, so does a boat full of dangerous men bent on claiming the centuries-old treasure for themselves...and killing everyone on Wayfarer Island.

To keep Cami safe and alive, Doc has to keep her close, but it's a close that turns up the heat on the chemistry bubbling between them. For Cami, it’s more than a fight for her life, it’s a fight for Doc’s heart. If they survive, can she convince him to let go of his past for a chance at a future with her?

The Characters
Camilla D’ Angelo, a lawyer, has been employed by the Deep Six team to keep them on the right side of the law — and she never mixes business with pleasure. Her mother and her father, Big Tony D, who's in prison, are perfect for each other. Carlotta is the sister killed in a plane crash. Tina is a cousin.

Dalton “Doc” Simmons had been weeks from finishing his residency when he quit and joined the Navy. Lily had been Doc's wife for eight years, the girl he'd loved since eighth grade. His dad died eight years ago. His mother remarried Randall Thorpe. Lady had been Doc's Quarter Horse growing up.

Deep Six Salvage makes . . .
. . . use of the Wayfarer II for their treasure diving. Bsides Doc, the partners include Spiro “Romeo” Delgado and Mia, a brilliant marine archeologist ( Shot Across the Bow , 5). Mason is engaged to Alexandra "Alex" Merriweather, who is an historian with an expertise in reading old Spanish scripts ( Ride the Tide , 3). Meat is Mason's fat English bulldog. At 65, the marijuana-growing, chicory-loving Uncle John can still turn women's heads. His brother, James, is LT's father and used to be in business with John; James' wife and LT's mama died of cancer. Leo "The Lion" Anderson, a.k.a. LT, is their former lieutenant and current head of the salvage operation. Olivia is LT's wife, a former CIA agent who has discovered a love for baking ( Hell or High Water , 1). Brandon "Bran" Pallidino is known for his lasagnas. The tiny Maddy is Bran's wife ( Devil and the Deep , 2). Ray “Wolf” Roanhorse is married to Chrissy, who is as good a diver as the SEALs — she does run a dive shop! ( Deeper Than the Ocean , 4). Li’l Bastard is the island's resident rooster. In Hell or High Water , Rusty Lawrence had been a member of the team to whom they'd made a death bed promise.

Admiralty law requires oversight, which is provided by Dana Levine who works for the Federal Maritime Commission. David is Dana's jerk of an ex. Hee-hee-hee, I love the karma David suffers . . . jerk. Rocko is Dana's dog. The leased Wayfarer Island is where Uncle John has been living as the team's caretaker.

The Coast Guard
Captain Rachel Mallory has popped into Deep Six Salvage's lives before. Her crew includes Lieutenant Peterson and Ensigns Hernandez, Johnson, Rodrigo, Davis, and Flores.

Detective Bill Dixon is with Key West PD. Alvaro Martinez is a prosecutor. Captain Mark Bailey is the current commander of the Naval Air Station on Key West.

Alex Lester is one of the partners at the law firm, Leeman and Lester, where Cami works. Marcus Cole and Arron Rodriguez are co-workers.

William White ("Head Honcho"), Fin Allen ("Red"), Jace ("Wrecking Ball), and Brady ("Zip Tie Guy") are cod fishermen from Maine. Bernie Lutz is Jace's really dumb cousin who makes really dumb choices. Sheila is Will's wife. Angie is Fin's wife.

Dario De Luca had been the first boy to kiss Cami. Curtis Rienhardt had been the state attorney.

1624
Capitán Bartolome Vargas is the last survivor of the Santa Cristina. Rosario had been the midshipman.

The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of blues from the lightest to the darkest, from the crest of the waves and the clouds of fury in the background. It's Doc with his lion's mane of hair, a thoughtful look on his face, hand to chin, wearing a black short-sleeve T-shirt, as his lower body melds into the sandy beach at the bottom of the cover. There's a starry badge in the upper left corner that contains the series info. The title begins at Doc's chin and goes below his waist, all in white. There's a testimonial immediately below this in a colonial blue. Below this is the author's name in white with an info blurb between her first and last names, also in white.

The title is what they all are, Dead in the Water while they wait out Hurricane Julia.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the Water is the 6th book and final book in the Deep Six series by Julie Ann Walker, and my favorite in the series.

I believe Doc and Cami’s story is my favorite because it features a second chance romance on two different levels. Doc and Cami had an “almost” night when they first met. As in they almost slept together. But once Doc found out that Cami was a lawyer and she found out she was the lawyer working for him and his friends they called it off. Cami doesn’t mix business and pleasure and Doc hates lawyers.

For the last several months the two have been in a frenemies type relationship. They love to antagonize each other and their banter is off the charts. Everyone around them knows they are into each other and think they should give into their chemistry.

But Doc won’t because he thinks he would be “cheating” on his dead wife. Cami won’t because of the business/pleasure thing but she points out to Doc that their business relationship is coming to a close soon. Doc still tries to hold back mostly because of the lawyer thing and the wife thing (the two are connected but Cami has no idea).

Dead in the Water is a funny, sexy romance that pulls on all reader’s feelings. I was smiling, laughing, and crying over Doc’s past and seeing him and Cami work through their issues. There’s also a touch of suspense surrounding the treasure the Deep Six group has been hunting over the ARC of the series. They found it in the pervious book so that plot line along with everyone’s HEA is perfectly wrapped with a satisfying bow for the end of the series.

I look forward to new stories from Julie Ann Walker in the future. Meanwhile I’ll tackle her backlist with her Black Knights Inc series. There’s a sneak peak at the end of Dead in the Water for her upcoming release, Back in Black, which is the first in the Black Knights Inc Reloaded series. So I’m thinking there will be stories set in that world.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doc and Cami's book was so good. I loved the sizzling chemistry and sharp, snappy banter that these two shared. The skillfully constructed storyline captured and held my interest with a complex blend of romance, suspense, excitement, danger, drama, humor, action, adventure, heart and twists. This was just an all-around wonderful read that satisfies on every level. This is my unbiased and unsolicited review.

[Jill Miclean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was the final in a series which I haven't read and doubt I will pick up. I really liked Cami and the dialogue between the two MC's but felt she was treated pretty poorly by Doc. Doc is clinging to the memory of his first wife who died 10 years ago. I get, it's hard to get over your first love, especially when they are tragically taken away from you. But the story spends way too much time on Doc's "should I or shouldn't" I let myself fall in love with Cami mantra only to end up with him realizing he should on one page. I hate that insta-love-feeling-realization crap. I felt that it became border line toxic with him contemplating going into a sexual relationship with Cami, knowing she wanted more and willfully ignoring that fact. Not fair to her and I especially hated how he unloaded on her at the end for a very minor infraction that wasn't really her fault, using it as an excuse to push her away. The excuse was flimsy at best and he didn't have to be so incredibly mean to get his point across. All could have been forgiven for me had he given Cami a real apology for what he said, but he didn't. He thought declaring his love was enough to get her back. That ruined the story for me and made me really dislike Doc.

Some of the descriptions in this book were cringy. Like comparing a woman to a "brick shithouse" as being sexy? Sorry, nothing about a brick shithouse is sexy! WTH??

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

This was the darkest book of the series. It kinda made me heart sick. From the group of childhood buddies turned thieves and would-be-killers; to Doc's determination to hold on to his grief for the rest of his life, causing him to viciously turn on Cami; to Cami losing it all (what was left of her family, her job, Doc).

There were some good parts for sure. Like "Uncle" John and Dana falling for each other. Like the Deep Six crew finally finding and claiming the 400-year-old sunken treasure. And like all the HEAs in the epilogue.

But Doc spent so much of the "Doc & Cami story" (starting from the previous book, Shot Across the Bow) being shitty to Cami, and pulling her in with one hand while shoving her away with the other, that I started to lose sympathy for his tragic loss and to just see him as kind of a jack hole who punished a good woman because he felt guilty for falling for her. I wasn't all that sure he deserved her after that.

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barely a 3. Doc was so dramatic and for what? What was the reason? The audacity of men.

That's all I have to say.

[Helen (Blissfully Bookish Besties) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the Water is the sixth and final book in the fantastic Deep Six series and is Doc and Cami's story. This fast paced and action packed adventure was hard to put down, and the romance between Cami and Doc was both spicy and sweet. I loved their banter and their connection.
It was great catching up with the Deep Six crew one final time, and although I'm sad to see the end of this series, I'm excited to discover what the author has in store for us next!

[Traann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to a great series

[Visionary Druid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Romance Junkies

Dalton “Doc” Simmons co-partners Deep Six Salvage with five of his former Navy Seal brethren. He should be excited about them finding the legendary Santa Cristina’s sunken treasure. However, an incoming hurricane threatens to scatter the hoard from its resting place. Doc has no intention of letting another woman in his heart, yet he cannot ignore Camilla D’ Angelo or her smart mouth. The upcoming storm is not the only danger the two face on the island. Can Doc finally let go of his late wife’s memory? Or will her ghost destroy a possibility with Cami?

Camilla “Cami” D’Angelo is a lawyer who specializes in property disputes. She manages to find a loophole that allows the Deep Six Salvage crew to keep their treasure. Cami refuses to mix business with pleasure; however, Doc tempts her to break that rule. She cannot ignore the sizzling chemistry brewing between them. The hurricane allows them the chance to act on their shared attraction, but gun-toting men destroy their time together. Will Cami confess her true feelings to Doc? Or will he unwittingly break her heart?

Doc is one heck of a puppeteer. That man played with my heartstrings throughout the series. I understand Doc’s reluctance to move on after his wife’s death. That is no easy task to do, especially when the person had been your everything. I like how Doc behaves as a big brother to everyone on the island. He is not only there for his fellow Navy Seal brethren but the women too. I like to think they are the reason Doc continues to forge onward in life. What I adore the most about Doc is his humanity. He may be a warrior, but he hates taking another’s life, even if they threaten his own.

I have liked Cami from the moment she was introduced in the series. She is everything I adore in a heroine. Cami may be independent and sassy, but she also possesses a vulnerable side. I like Cami’s morality. She is a woman with a strong sense of right and wrong despite her father’s background. What I love the most about Cami is her unwillingness to compete with Doc’s first wife. She has no intention of replacing the woman. Cami also understands that Lily’s memory will always live on inside Doc’s mind, and she is fine with that.

DEAD IN THE WATER is the sixth book in Julie Ann Walker’s romantic suspense series, DEEP SIX. I recommend reading the prior five books to best understand the brotherhood the six men share. It also explains the reason why they fell into treasure hunting. Plus, Doc and Cami’s lively interactions take place in the background of the last few books. I like the secondary romance between the island’s resident hippie and philosopher, John, and Dana Levine.

DEAD IN THE WATER is the dramatic conclusion to a wondrous series. I am sad that there will be no more books. The author does a marvelous job of allowing us readers a glimpse of the former couples’ futures. In my opinion, it was the perfect way to end the series.

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doc & Cami

WooHoo! What a grande finale! The final installment of the Deep Six adventure - and what a ride it is! This story hit all the important points, all the questions were answered and the suspense was epic and then some!

The electric chemistry between Doc & Cami is constant and thrilling. I love their back and forth zingers. While it’s very apparent these two need to get together in a bad way, it’s too bad they can’t or won’t see it.

The team’s search for the treasure has been an exciting journey that has never lagged on or disappointed in any way. The build-up for the discovery and salvage of the treasure has been nail biting and full of danger, drama and angst. I have loved each team member’s individual journey throughout this series. Doc & Cami’s emotional struggles are heart-wrenching, but titillating. John & Dana have something simmering in the background which adds to the sexy romances surrounding the team. I even just love Meat and Li’l Bastard! I truly believe they are a couple!

This story has all the feels. I felt pretty anxious with the hurricane barreling down on the crew while they were collecting the treasure only to have a group of thieves enter the situation which made me wonder if the author would keep the long lost treasure from the D6 crew as the ultimate loss and suggest they found love which should be treasure enough. The thieves’ appearance and subsequent hostage situation was the ultimate betrayal for all the hard work, cost and long hours the crew spent finding and salvaging the treasure.

So suspenseful and fun as well when the little details start falling into place. I couldn’t read fast enough. I devoured the pages while each couple put Julia in the backs of their minds while the sexual tensions were swirling around. I absolutely love this series and will read it again with no lag time between books, it’s that good. I would love to see more stories like this series from this author. She has a gift and her imagination and story telling is always a thrill.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could not get past the fact that Doc could not get over his deceased wife. Ten years is a long time to carry on this way. This was not fair to Cami. You can never live with three people in a relationship. Doc made it clear he would never move on from Lily. He was also a jerk when Cami found out her father betrayed her. Being described as a brick shithouse was also an insult. Doc was not my idea as any one’s love interest.

[megan | unbookless · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ Series Review ~
These books make up a romantic suspense series about six former Navy SEALs set on hunting down a sunken Spanish ship and its legendary gold. Each book follows a different SEAL with dual POV. I had so much fun reading these books. They’re suspenseful. There's spice. And with it set on an island, these books are fun summer reads. All I have to say is don't get between a SEAL and his girl. You might not make it out alive.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific conclusion to the Deep Six series. Though it is possible to read this as a standalone, the earlier books make it possible to understand everything these men and their ladies have gone through before reaching this point. The treasure of the Santa Cristina was finally located in the previous book; now, they need to retrieve it. However, to raise and keep the treasure, they need the help of crack property lawyer Cami D'Angelo, a circumstance that sticks in the craw of Dalton "Doc" Simmons.

Doc and Cami met when she first arrived in the Keys, and the sparks between them were instant. They almost had a night together, but Doc's drinking and emotional baggage held him back. Then they discovered that Cami was the lawyer working for Deep Six and their dispute with the state over the treasure. Doc hates lawyers with a passion, and Cami never mixes business with pleasure, so those sparks have nowhere to go. They've spent the last six months arguing and sniping at each other, their underlying attraction growing daily.

Doc is a widower who believes that he has had his one true love. The thought of loving another woman fills him with dread and guilt. But he can't ignore Cami and the way she makes him feel. Doc is also what I think of as the big brother of the group. He's always there with a word of advice or support, not just for his teammates but for the women, too. I ached for Doc in this book and previous ones when he's had to use deadly force. Taking someone's life weighs on his heart and soul, and it takes an understanding Cami to help him deal with those feelings.

Cami is a tough-as-nails lawyer with a spine of steel. She worked hard to find a way for the team to keep their treasure. She has a well-developed sense of right and wrong, thanks mainly to her life as a mobster's daughter. I love her independence and ability to give as good as she gets. She fits in well with the other residents of Wayfarer Island.

I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Doc and Cami. The chemistry between them is off the charts though neither is willing to admit it out loud. Seeing them exchange barbs, feeding off each other's wit and sarcasm, was great fun. When the approaching hurricane forces them into close proximity, the barriers between them start to come down. With her job there nearly at an end, Cami is ready to forget her rule about mixing business and pleasure. But Doc resists acknowledging his feelings, hanging onto his grief, and fighting every step of the way. There was a time near the end when I wondered if they would ever find their way together. I liked Cami's determination not to accept less than what she deserves, and I was happy to see Doc finally come to his senses (with a bit of help).

The suspense of the story was fantastic. With a hurricane bore-sighted on Wayfarer Island, the team needs to get the treasure off the ocean floor and safely stored. Otherwise, it could be spread over miles. They get most of it up and taken to Key West while a few remain behind to raise the rest. But the hurricane arrives too quickly for them to evacuate, so they must ride out the storm on the island. They are unaware of a group of thieves determined to relieve them of the treasure until the men show up on the island. Some intense moments in the confrontation between our guys and the intruders kept me glued to the pages until it was all over. I loved how it turned out though it added some complications to their lives.

There was a secondary romance between Uncle John and Dana, the government official sent to monitor the raising of the treasure. It was sweet to see these two find each other, and I loved watching them take care of each other.

The epilogue was terrific. I loved catching up with each couple a few months after the events of the book. Each of them has made their dreams come true, and I loved the tail end and their acknowledgment of the team member who started them on their journey.

[Carey S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book filled with action, adventure, and a bit of redemption with a second chance or two thrown in for kicks! This series is best read in order, as each story builds on the prior stories in the series. This particular book focuses on several things: the relationship between ‘Doc’ Simmons and Camilla (Cami) D’Angelo; the relationship between Uncle John (caretaker for the salvage crew) and Dana Levine (providing legal oversight for the salvage operation through the Federal Maritime Commission); the actual salvage operation of the Santa Cristina; Hurricane Julia, which is heading straight for Wayfarer Island where the Santa Cristina sank; and 4 misguided men who are looking for an easy fix for their economic woes. Doc was married to the love of his life, but she died. He has never gotten over the loss. Fear of experiencing a loss like that again has kept him from loving anyone else in the intervening years. Yet he is extremely drawn to Cami. She is drawn to him as well but realizes that she can’t compete with the ghost of Doc’s first wife. She accepts that a part of his heart will always belong to her, but she refuses to play second fiddle to anyone. You will have to read the book to find out what happens with the other areas of focus!

There are a lot of things happening in this story! The action comes at the reader from various directions, and the tension stays tight. There is a real sense of brotherhood and family in this book, and it comes across as genuine and heartfelt. These guys would die for each other and for the women they love. Fortunately, they are pretty handy to have around in a fight and are very capable of taking care of whatever challenges they are faced with. Walker gives us a lot of the backstory for these protagonists, and it adds a lot of warmth to this story. The ending is a perfect way to conclude these books!

This is a wonderful story that is the final installation of this series. It’s the kind of book that you will want to keep reading late into the night…Just warning you.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in the Deep Six series and I would absolutely read them in order as they build upon each other. Yes, each book concentrates on one couple, but the bigger story builds throughout them. In this one, we finally get Doc's story!! Dalton “Doc” Simmons has a lot going on. Not only are he and his team fighting to be able to keep the treasure they found, but now a hurricane is coming and their attorney is there. Just by being who she is, he hates her but he also is attracted to her. Camilla D’ Angelo knew she had met the man that she had always been looking for. He has everything she has ever wanted in a man, not only the brawn but the brains to back it up. The drawback? He hates her and everything about her. And he never fails to dig at her every chance he gets. But while they are sheltering from the storm that is incoming, they also have to fight off the men who arrive to steal the treasure for themselves. And with forced proximity, will it force them to realize what they are to each other? Or drive them further apart?

I have been wanting Doc's story for a while, and it definitely didn't disappoint!! I knew that something horrible had to have happened in order for him to not even want to talk about it. And I wasn't expecting it to be what it was! He has so much pain and guilt to work through. But he also is a man who isn't afraid to do the work to be the man he should be. I still absolutely love him! Cami has been through so much. But because of the things she has been through, she has a spine of steel and isn't afraid to admit when she is wrong nor to right something she perceives as wrong. Together, they have this chemistry that is off the charts hot but they also have the potential to be something to each other that they truly need. I loved how their story played out, even if at times I wanted to smack the crap out of Doc!! But he is smart, and he learns! And while I am sad that it ended, I do love how everything was tied up!

[Diana Aragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the Water is the sixth and last installment of the Deep Six Series, an all out adventure and rollercoaster for the Spanish treasure on board of the Santa Cristina Galleon and the stories of the alpha men and their fearless leading ladies. Julie Ann Walker knocked it out of the park with the historic references (and relevance), the realities of a risky self financed exploration with all kind of roadblocks: pirates, thieves, taxes, Mother Nature and finally how these incredible men and women found their happiness.

Book 6, finally we get to see Dalton (Doc) Simmons and Camilla (Cami) D’Angelo story fully unfold. We have had glimpses in previous books of their constant verbal volleys and snipping, but now we are dealing with their own personal hang-ups and unfinished business but it is their intense chemistry and humanity what makes this book unforgettable. Without giving too much away (final book, remember?) these two will fight the world, Mother Nature (literally) and each other until they find each other. JAW writes passionate characters that are flawed (the SEAL doc/the savvy lawyer) and thru their struggles what appeared to be a contemporary, adventurous romance become an all out celebration of life, with all the good, bad and in between. This book explores humanity; expect bouts of laughter, silliness, rage, passion, been mildly confused and all out happy but tissues should be keep handy.

In my mind and heart, Dead Man in the Water wraps beautifully this series. The crew of the Santa Cristina did their job, the men from Deep Six completed their mission and fulfill many dreams. I close this book feeling deep satisfaction, like in a hurricane all started with a soft breeze and it says good bye in the same way…but boy oh boy what a FIVE STAR ride it was!

I received ARC, these are my honest and most sincere thoughts. Also I bought a copy, my personal collection will be incomplete without it.

[mellidiezahnfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dead in the water" is the sixth and final book in the Deep Six series. And I loved to be on Wayfarers Island. I loved the way Julie Ann Walker describes all the memories from Doc and his teammates. This book is about Doc, who had a terrible loss in his past , and now he is not able to love again. Not until Cami joins the group as a lawyer. But here we go: It's an Enemy to Lovers Theme in this book. I enjoyed the banter between Cami and Doc, but I also enjoyed the circumstances that made both protas as they now are.
Between and around this love theme is a thrilling story about some guys who want to be bad, but battle with the wrong guys. Bad Idea. And added : Julia. Great performance , important role. She plays the matchmaker in double ways. Yes, in two ways Who is the second couple ? Ha guessing is allowed, but when you count through the people on Wayfarers island you will know. And this double potion of love is so sweet, because it suggests everybody that :
Ah sorry foremost : The good always win. And second : Love has no boundaries either in age nor in professions.
I loved this book so much, and : yes I'm sad, because it was the last chapter of this adventure. An adventure of falling in love and battling the bad guys from which direction the may come. Love is always pole position. The bedroom scenes are pretty hot and fits so cute into the story. And the mix of description and actions is balanced perfectly.
The last thing to say : I loved this series a lot and if I would have treasured a genie in a bottle My wish would be that Deep Six may meet Black Knights in a crisscross action series with all their kids. The next generation . Ha that would be a fine worldsavingcompany :)

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Doc’s story since we met him in book 1. You know that he is going to have a heartbreaking back story because of the way he holds himself apart from relationship. However, I didn’t love his reasoning for not moving on. I understood but thought he was being a little selfish about it. Cami has been through the ringer in recent months. You just want everything to work out for her. Doc and Cami have an intense connection, a missed opportunity, and have been antagonistic towards each other since then.
Doc is trying to keep her at arm’s length and Cami is trying to burrow in without being obvious about it. Julie Ann Walker continues her timeline of hours, and it works well in this series. It goes without saying that there will be moments of suspense because of the nature of the series, but there are light moments mixed in. You get a true sense of family when it comes to the members of the team and can see why they have worked well together over the years. We come into this book knowing that they have found the treasure that they have been looking for, and the consequences of that.

Cami and Doc go through a gambit of ups and downs, but they come out extremely strong in the end. And Walker rounds up the series with an epilogue that show exactly where all of these wonderful couples have landed. This is an extremely compelling series that I will not hesitate to revisit.

POV: 3rd Person Multi
PoP: 64%
Trope: Widower; Second Chance; Characters in Peril
Series: The Deep Six (Book 6)
Type of Series: Series with overarching storyline and must be read in order.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The exciting ending to the Deep Six series has finally arrived! If you are like me, you’ve been waiting to see what will happen with the treasure since the very beginning – including whether it would even be found! This story is about Doc and Cami, and while there is a bit of interaction between them in earlier books, you don’t have to read the other books in the series to be able to jump into this one (although they certainly add to the enjoyment!).

Doc, who is a widower, is wary of ever falling in love again and has an animus towards lawyers (which is revealed in this book). Enter Cami, a lawyer who has come to represent the Deep Six crew in their claim to the treasure. Their first meeting (which occurs in another book) occurs in a bar and lets just say Doc (who didn’t know who Cami was at the time) was not at his best.

This book opens with the Deep Six crew hard at work (no spoilers regarding what) with a hurricane approaching that will affect their work. Some of the crew ends up on the mainland and some ends up back on Wayfarer Island to ride out the hurricane. Of course, there are some nefarious characters who attack them on Wayfarer Island during the middle of the storm – and the crew learns how word of their treasure hunt was spread.

I really enjoyed this story and the ending to the Deep Six series. Such a great combination of romance, suspense, and unexpected twists. Overall, I did enjoy other books in the series more, so I have only given this one four stars.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, once again, a case of “I’ll read part of it” and ended up finishing the whole book in one sitting because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!! Cami and Dalton ‘Doc’ have already had a bumpy ride together and their banter reflects that. But through all that banter, deep feelings evolved and it all comes to a head in the middle of a hurricane. Dalton has no idea what to do with the feelings but to shun them, as he has all feelings that make him uncomfortable, for years. These two broke my heart as they figured things out, and then the waterworks continued as the worked it out together. Nothing was simply and straightforward as a myriad of long held thoughts and feelings had to be sorted and resolved. The heat between them, no question, it sizzled and snapped, but getting to that place where they can have their forever together, that took a bit of work on both their parts <3

Now, not to be outdone, Uncle John also gets some lovin’ and a lady companion in this story, as we get a two-fer on the romance side. Bad guys are afoot and causing all sorts of issues and problems, as the storm isn’t the only thing threatening their safety. It moves fast and it gets dicey before the dust settles on both. And we get a sweet and loving epilogue of our treasure hunters and their loves, and see where their lives are heading, and the joy and peace these men and women have finally found!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and that includes this series since this is the last installment of the series. In this last installment we get Doc and Cami's story.

In this action packed book we encounter Doc - determined to not get involved with another woman since the death of his wife Lily but that all changed when Cami entered his life. In what started as a love hate relationship - him hating lawyers and all while Cami is a lawyer. With his teammates, he is working hard to salvage the ship with the treasure that they have been searching for throughout this series before a hurricane hits the island.

Cami, the lawyer for this group of former Navy Seals. She has been working to ensure that the group does not lose their bounty while verbally sparring with Doc and fighting her attraction to him. She is fighting against the ghost of Doc's deceased wife which gives her an uphill battle to fight.

The chemistry between the pair was off the charts as was the banter between the main characters. I enjoyed the return of the characters from the previous books as well. Between the banter between the characters and the action taking place it made for a book that I could not wait to see what happened next in. Overall, this book was a great way to end this series and I recommend this book to others.

[CVZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For RL” The Catalyst For This Series’ Beginning And Its Epic Conclusion

I have to begin this review by stating that Book 6 was my favorite in the series. Doc’s character development in this story was stellar. I truly felt his sincere emotional struggles to my very core. Every woman should be so fortunate to have a marriage partner as devoted as Doc was to his late wife, Lily. Cami and Doc’s incessant witty bantering had me chuckling throughout the book. Beneath all the verbal sparring a budding relationship grows, until readers are rewarded with the satisfying, but predictable happy ending.
John and Dana pursue a rewarding and well deserved relationship with a mindset slightly different than their young counterparts in the story. It was very relatable, especially if you are a reader as myself that has had many years of life experiences.
Due to the background story Ms. Walker graced us with in each book sharing portion of the history behind these valuable treasures, my heart still aches for the sacrifices and lives lost in the 1600’s in an attempt to keep the treasures from falling into the wrong hands. It was a well told and emotional tale!
In closing off this series, Ms. Walker penned a well thought out and satisfying conclusion.
I do recommend this installment as well as the series as a whole. The narration in Audible was well done, too!

[Rachel Studanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had mixed emotions going into reading this next and last book. The release of docs book has been highly anticipated and I was very excited to get the answers to so many questions on his past, but I am also sad to see the series end. I know I will miss the characters that have been a part of the bigger story this series told, each highlighted in their own books. The book starts with the final chapter for the captain of the lost treasure, and that was just the start of this emotional ride. You live through the anguish and turmoil of docs past loss, experience the fun and sassy banter between him and Cami, and I found my heart even goes out a bit to the bad guys in the story, aided of course by reading their point of view in portions of the book. And the suspense and action have you reading the book faster than you want to knowing you don’t want this story and series to end. The ending, however, was perfect as it contained the happily ever afters you hoped for not just for Doc and Cami, but for each of the characters in this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dalton “Doc” Simmons isn’t looking for a serious relationship, he’s had his one love and lost her. Camilla “Cami” D’Angelo is beautiful, sassy, and a lawyer. Doc wants nothing to do with a lawyer. Cami has no idea why or what his problem is, but she can’t deny the attraction they have, neither can Doc. They both lost someone they loved and are afraid to open their hearts because they don’t want to lose someone again and go through the pain all over again. Cami’s loss was not a romantic love, but she’s still lost someone that meant the world to her.

I loved this final book in the Deep Six series. The treasure has been found, someone has let slip that it’s been found and now there is more danger lurking for the Deep Six crew and the women that are there to help them with the various parts of recovering the treasure. The story is full of sassy women, Alpha men, danger, suspense, action, and it’s such a great story and characters. I loved all the books in this series, and I love Ms. Kenner’s writing. I can’t wait to read more books from her. I give this book 5-star review.

[Cga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the water - Deep Six - Book 6 - More Than 5 Stars!

This is the conclusion to the Deep Six Series and the end of the historical story of the Santa Cristina. This story was a perfect ending. We finally get to see Dalton/Doc get his happy ending with Cami. Doc hates lawyers & Cami doesn’t date clients, but they are obsessed with each other from their first meeting. Doc is drawn to their witty banter despite his pain and guilt over the loss of his wife. Book excitement includes an end to the treasure hunt, a hurricane, thieves and a near death experience which leads to the realization of love. This is a beautiful story full of heartbreak, emotional turmoil, guilt and an abundance of soul searching.

I love that at the end of this series Uncle John also gets a his HEA happy ending with Dana.

Thank you Julie Ann for a wonderful and exciting series.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long journey for the guys and gals of Deep Six Salvage and I've been waiting to read about Doc finding his match since book one. In this story we find out why Doc has been unwilling to let Cami in, even though he clearly has a lot of chemistry with the kick a$$ lawyer. While Doc and Cami dance around each other the team finishes salvaging the treasure from the deep and when a hurricane comes in some of the team stays behind to gather the last round of loot but get caught by a quartet of thieves who want some of the treasure for themselves. The story is the author usual mix of will they, won't they romance (with plenty of steamy scenes) mixed with a risk to the MC's lives. I have always loved how this author blends the romantic suspense plot and this book may be the best in the series. I also liked that Uncle John also found someone to love, a nice bonus to the end of this series.