I’ve loved every Bramhall book I’ve read so far but this one, not so much. There were things I really liked and others I disliked just as much. I’m still interested in reading the second book in the series, though. The MCs were very good and I’m not completely ready to let go of them. ( )

Rather ho-hum until the last 20%, when the action (in and out of bed) picks up and doesn't let up till the end.

Things I liked about the book:
* Diving info appropriately detailed but not boringly so
* The science behind Finn's research seems solid. It could be total BS, but it had me fooled. :)
* The big and badass final confrontation--totally saved the book for me

Things I didn't care for:
* Stock supporting characters -- world-domination type bad guy, evil henchmen, even an unfortunate best friend
* The plot was very predictable for most of the book. Not much excitement or surprises in the first 80% of the book. Couple that with the turtle-paced romance and I got myself a record-breaking book--took me 10 days to finish--the longest ever for a romantic lesfic. :) It is a well-written book though, so I stuck till the end.

Things that could have been done better (little nitpicks):
* Finn's English-ness was never apparent, other than her surname and the initial mention. All throughout, I imagined her to be an innocent All-American girl next door. And the name Oz--cute, but I had to mentally remind myself the setting was the Florida Keys and not the Great Barrier Reef. :)
* One of the main themes of the book is Finn's journey of assertiveness and independence, actively encouraged by Oz...but all throughout, Oz repeatedly calls her 'baby' :)

Overall, an above average read. I like the author's second book better though.

P.S.
In the climactic action scene, I really liked how the author had Oz smartly and purposefully plot her way out of the mess she was in, rather than the usual reliance on luck/help from others/superhuman feats. Perfect resolution. As for the cliffhanger ending--now that is how to do cliffhanger endings--no hints or warnings and totally unexpected. Very cinematic! :) ( )