Ash’s review of Riptide (Cutter Cay Series, Book 2) by Cherry Adair
Romantic Suspense published by St. Martins 30 Aug 11
I was hoping this book would be better than the first one, but sadly that isn’t the case. I love the idea of treasure hunters and it could be such an interesting storyline. Cherry Adair just has to involve spies and special ops and there isn’t enough about the treasure.
I have a few issues with Riptide. First of all, and I can’t remember if anything was mentioned in the first book (but why would it be there and not in this one?), but this brother, Nick, is also a sort of spy?! The book opens with him undercover and completely disguised as another man, who apparently has a reputation as a bad guy. Other than what the “mission” is in the book, we are never told how he came to have this other identity, how often he uses it, or if he even has any type of military training. We know he is kind of friends with a T-Flac agent, so maybe Nick is mentioned in one of those books? I have only read the first, so someone will have to tell me. Other than all that, I like Nick. He is nicknamed Spock by his brothers because he is practically emotionless, until Bria gets under his skin. It is the type of romance plot line I usually adore.
However, I think he deserves a better heroine. Bria lets him get away with being a jerk, and I just wanted to shake her. She is also a bit boring, the things that should make her stand out as a heroine just don’t. She is a princess who was hidden away after her parents were murdered in front of her, but it felt played out. Her personality, her background, and even her country feel like they belong more in a Disney movie than in a romance book. Nick’s personality just rolls right over her and she goes along for the ride.
The suspense part of the book is nothing new either. I want to know more about salvaging and I want something other that the typical bad guys. The Cutter men could be anyone, anywhere. The fact that they are treasure hunters is wasted. Also, I get that Cherry Adair wants to add in her T-Flac men, but this is twice now when they show up pretty much after the fact. Doesn’t make them look too good, in my opinion. Not all series need to be connected, and I wish they would stay away. I do plan to read the next book, because while I am not in love with this series, I still enjoy it, even if I have to suspend my belief more then a little. And while these books are called a trilogy, I really hope Nick’s best friend Jonah gets a book. His story is one I want to read.
Grade: C+
Summary:
SHE’S SWEPT INTO TREACHEROUS WATERS
Princess Bria Visconti demands the return of the money her brother rashly invested in Cutter Salvage. Treasure hunter Nick Cutter is too reckless, too arrogant—and far too handsome—for his own good. But he can’t charm his way out of this one. Bria plans to make Nick pay up even if she has to board his boat, don a wet suit, and dive for the treasure herself…
HE FIGHTS THE RELENTLESS PULL…
Nick sees Bria as a beautiful but spoiled princess who’s never done a day’s work in her pampered life. But once they set sail for the dive site, and the legendary fortune in gold the wreck carries, Nick begins to see Bria in a new light. This princess may be out of her depth, but she’s ready to take on the hidden danger and excitement a treasure hunt stirs to the surface. Together they must fight unexpected enemies—and reveal their darkest secrets—before they’re pulled into a rip current of danger.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
