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The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

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It all started with a turtle and a pair of designer sunglasses…

A bodyguarding gig in the Caribbean? Living the dream, right? Former Navy SEAL Knox Livingston soon finds out the trip is no vacation. Pop princess Luna Maara is a pain in everyone’s ass, including the local judge’s. When Luna finds herself sentenced to a month of community service at a turtle sanctuary, Knox hopes she might finally rethink her behaviour, but little does he know, the nightmare is only just beginning.

Caro Menefee moved to Valentine Cay to escape her past, and the last thing she needs is a rich brat and her entourage invading the peaceful paradise. Although Knox and his equally cocky buddy sure are pretty to look at. And that’s all she’s going to look. She swore off men before she left California, and she has quite enough to worry about without adding two toned six-packs into the mix. The turtle population is declining at an alarming rate, and she’s not convinced it’s all down to natural causes. Will Knox help or hinder her quest to save a species? And will Caro join the turtles on the endangered list?

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2024

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About the author

Elise Noble

86 books686 followers
Elise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.

Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.


You can get find her current freebies HERE.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Noel.
12 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2024
"The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" is a mesmerizing novel that captures the reader's imagination from the very first page. The story is beautifully crafted, weaving the lives of two distinct women who, despite their disparate backgrounds, find a common sanctuary that leads them to an unexpected romance amidst a turtle rescue on a picturesque island.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its rich, well-developed characters. Each woman is portrayed with depth and complexity, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and root for their safety and happiness. The author skillfully navigates their journeys, making their eventual convergence feel both inevitable and deeply satisfying.

The setting of the turtle rescue adds a unique and compelling backdrop to the story. It serves not just as a place of refuge from the threats that loom over the protagonists, but also as a symbol of renewal and hope. The vivid descriptions of the island and its wildlife enhance the narrative, providing a lush, vivid setting that contrasts sharply with the darker themes of danger and escape.

Moreover, the novel excels in its pacing and suspense. It manages to keep the reader engaged with twists and turns that are both surprising and plausible, striking a perfect balance between the tension of the plot and the emotional development of its characters.

Overall, "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" is a triumph of storytelling. It combines romance, suspense, and a touch of environmental activism into a narrative that is both captivating and moving. It's a novel that will not only hold your attention but also leave you thinking about it long after you've turned the last page. For anyone looking for a story that offers both thrills and a heartwarming connection, this book is a must-read.
Profile Image for Leisel.
541 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2024
It's official I am well and truly addicted to this Author's world of storytelling, actually I have been many books ago! But that moment you learn Elise Noble is getting ready to release a new book, especially from the Blackwood Security series, well it's like Christmas Day melded into your birthday with surprises galore and the definite knowledge of a truly rewarding good time. She has this amazing ability to create such wonderful, emotional, alluring and sexy characters that as a reader you would 'die' to be that character that gets to be saved in her stories. Not only does she create incredible primary lead characters but so many that 'pop' up throughout the story are equally rewarding to read about. As much as this is a standalone story and the 17th in the "Blackwood Security" series having read previous books does provide the audience with the much bigger picture of the Company and its team of truly tantalizing characters.
But it isn't a necessity to have read previous titles but believe me you'll definitely be back tracking to the rest of the series once you learn how great a read they are.

In this story readers are smitten by two of Emmy's (The Boss) work colleagues and their protected detail and believe me it is a story that is easily consumed and devoured but ever so thoroughly enjoyed from the moment you start reading it. Not only do you get great characters to tell the story but you are transported away to beautiful coastal scenery that simply makes you want to be in that same location.
If you are aware of Blackwood Security and its personnel then you know that when other characters turn up you will be equally rewarded with some incredible action scenarios with a twist of humour most likely.
In my opinion it is a very well created plot that simply allows readers to escape and explore this wonderful world where men are strong, possessive but ever so sexy and well the females are simply there in an equal standing, if not to 'sass' off the men. Honestly this just might be one of my all time favourites but I think I say that nearly every time I finish one of these stories from Blackwood Security and from Author Elise Noble. If you enjoy action, drama, a bit of mystery and some delightfully enticing scenarios of sexual banter with that good verses bad trope then I invite you to jump into this world of storytelling to see just how entertaining it really is!
Profile Image for SylviaV.
558 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2024
The Devil and the Deep Blue sea by Elise Noble.

This book is a delight to read; keep in mind that Elise Noble writes for adults (18+ due to explicit sex scenes on the page and adult themes).
"The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" is a stand-alone romantic suspense story set in the Blackwood security world, it is number 17 and this time the focus is on Knox Livingston who is member of Emmy Black's special projects team. This reader was engaged with the story and really enjoyed the time spent in this roller coaster of a tale; the realities of running a turtle sanctuary, the effects of pop princess behaviour, the dark side of being a whistle blower and the journey of falling in love after experiencing trauma. Emmy Black and her team make an appearance and it was good to see their interactions and small updates on the team members. The story is told from multiple points of view and introduces Ryder, another member of Emmy Black's special projects team and Luna, the pop princess who is forced to spend 1 month at the turtle sanctuary as part of her community service order and it sets up the next installment of the Blackwood Security series. I like this book, my suggestion is to go to an amazon website and read the sample of the book to see if you like the writing style of this author and purchase the book direct from the author's website or from your favourite book seller.
Profile Image for Sandra.
387 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2024
Blackwood Security is hired to protect popstar Luna Maara, known to be a spoiled brat and bitchy as can be. Neither Knox, one of our main characters nor Ryder, a new character, are thrilled to babysit her. When a judge sents Luna to help at a Turtle Sanctuary for a month, Caro and Franklin who are working there aren't happy either. I love that we learn about nature as well as getting to know all the characters. Caro has a dark past and surprisingly so does Luna once Ryder gets her to open up to him. Knox and Ryder have their hands full with protecting Luna against a stalker, looking out for poachers while keeping Caro out of the spotlight so her psycho ex won't find her.

It's book 17 of this amazing series but you can read it without knowing the ones before. I couldn't stop reading and the book always ends too fast.

I'm a part of Elise's ARC team and I love all of the Blackwood books. Can't wait for the next dose of Emmy, Black and Co.
Profile Image for Emma.
35 reviews
May 1, 2024
This is a continuation in the Blackwood Security series and I do believe you need to read it as such rather than a stand alone. As a series you are invested in the characters and some of the background makes a lot more sense ;)
Another well crafted Elise Noble story that takes us into the lives of two of the team. I enjoyed we had two entwined stories that each contributed to the story line but with one of them left you anticipating the next book.
Caro hid in the Caribbean not really expecting to find a cause to be passionate about. Knox did not expect his bodyguarding gig on a boat to morph into body guarding while at a turtle sanctuary. Can Caro learn to rely on someone else again while not letting go of her hard won independence?
Read this book to find out how Caro and Knox navigate their past to look towards the future. Along the way be distracted by the pop star who learns about herself and how to take control of her own destiny
40 reviews
May 10, 2024
Book 17 i Blackwood Security - wow!
You might think that it’s just another spin on one of the previous books, but no, that is definitely not the case!
It’s definitely yet another amazing story that can be read as a standalone (but you wouldn’t regret reading the entire series in order!), this time even with a duality to the story as we have 4 main characters. It is also quite long - which is to be expected when you consider the 2 stories in one - but it’s not long in the “dragged out and repetitive” way, it’s long because there’s SO much story to be told!
A lot of great characters, great humour, a lot of action and a little bit of sex and maybe love… this book has it all!
Warning: Do not start this book late at night or you might be missing out on sleep because you’ll have difficulty putting it down !
9 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2024
If you’re looking for an action packed romantic suspense then this is a great series and book! I loved all the main characters with each of them being so unique and intriguing. And I especially loved the focus shown on marine life and how we don’t do enough to take care of them. Knox and Caro are an amazing couple and their story is great! I really enjoyed the fact that you really see (through these characters ) that you shouldn’t judge someone based solely on their outward appearance or behavior, because you may just miss out on something amazing. People can go to great lengths to hide themselves and their pain in the craziest way. This book is a great ride with lots of ups and downs and some twists and turns! Can’t wait to see what happens with Ryder and Luna!
893 reviews5 followers
May 5, 2024
Loved this book

No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is reference to rape off page.
The characterisation is absolutely flawless. Knox is an old favourite from previous books, Caro is a prickly little thing, with good reason, and seeing their attraction play out is engaging.
The inclusion of Ryder is totally delightful, love that character!
The shenanigans and plot twists keep you turning the pages.
The book could be read as a standalone although the reading experience would be best if you read the series in order - you won't regret it!
There are no grammatical or editorial errors.
There is a fair bit of swearing and there are a couple of sex scenes lightly written.
I have no problem recommending the book.
Profile Image for Karen.
105 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2024
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Elise Noble

This romantic suspense novel is set in Valentine Cay in the Caribbean. Blackwood Security have sent Knox and Ryder (highly skilled, not just eye candy and six packs) to act as bodyguards for Luna Maara, currently everyone’s favorite pop princess.

What was supposed to be an easy body guarding gig turns into mystery and mayhem.

This book contains everything you need if you enjoy action, adventure and like solving mysteries. Add in a little hot and heavy and you have an immensely enjoyable read.

This is book 17 in The Blackwood Security Series.
April 26, 2024
Exciting and romantic with a large dose of mystery
This is a story with intrigue, humor, romance, lots of bad guys – all told from the vantage point of our four main characters. Where do you go to avoid the past catching up with you? A tiny turtle rescue center in the middle of nowhere, it turns out. It used to be peaceful and safe, but that was before the mandatory community service assigned to a celebrity! Two hot Blackwood operatives, two young women who have sworn off men, and multiple criminals on a collision course – what could possibly go wrong?
69 reviews
May 1, 2024
Another adventure from Elise Noble that keeps you engrossed from beginning to end, with plenty of snarky humour and interesting characters. Set against a background of turtle conservation, dark secrets are uncovered and sinister happenings take place, while relationships blossom despite the circumstances.

Entitled & reviled pop princess Luna needs protection from a stalker, even at the remote turtle sanctuary where she's sent to do community service. Blackwood's Knox and Ryder are unwillingly assigned to protection duty and sent to the tiny tropical island. What could possibly go wrong in such a small, out of the way place? Of course, being a Blackwood story, we soon find mysteries that need solving and danger abounds... But is it a stalker, wildlife smugglers or a vengeful ex?
169 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2024
The moment I finished the book, I started missing the sun, the ocean, the turtles, and the cast of characters!
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is not just about adventure and mystery but also about emotions and, of course, fun. The story is always light in tone and has an intriguing and fast-paced plot, resulting in an entertaining and captivating tale. The well-assorted, well-defined, and charming cast of characters adds depth to the narrative, making it a truly enjoyable and entertaining reading experience.
33 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2024
Blackwood Security is hired as bodyguards to Luna - spoiled popstar - and along the way end up at a turtle sanctuary where they meet Caro -marine biologist. What do you get when turtles go missing, some community service at the turtle sanctuary is court ordered, two hot Blackwood protectors, an island, a yacht, a hidden identy all come together? You get a thrilling book of love, sex and lies (not necessarily in that order). This book kept my up long past my bedtime.
108 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2024
pop princess or lost little girl?

Blackwood gets called in for security on a pop diva. Ryder and Knox find this detail more challenging than they expect. Keeping Luna safe in a turtle sanctuary didn’t seem like their usual gig but when people and turtles started to go missing - things started to heat up. Another great read and can’t wait now for Blue Moon the next in this series.
57 reviews
May 6, 2024
Adventure while trying to save the endangered turtles
I adore Elise's stories, and this book is no exception. Brilliant characters from the reluctant bodyguards, entitled diva to the turtle lover in hiding. Throw in external dangers and internal conflict and you have a can't-put-down-book. I loved the way Elise covered the environmental dangers to the turtles, they are the stars of this outstanding book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
2 reviews
May 7, 2024
A continuation in Blackwood series, this book dives deeper in the lives of the operatives of the special team. It sure gave me lot to think about from a turtle lover in hiding to a person falling in love and later trouble. The bodyguards each finding their match and going from making fun of girls to understanding them. The entitled luna finally understanding what she wants but then realising theirs more to her story. A fun read and my favourite part was deep sea diving of knox and Cora.
Profile Image for Missy .
67 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2024
Two women each dealing with their own demons end up working to save turtles. One is hiding from an ex and the other a spoiled pop star, hiding behind a facade. Knox and Ryder are tasked with being the pop star bodyguards.
I would definitely recommend this book!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.
22 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2024
As always I love Elise’s books! This one had lots of adventure with a little humor and a great big love story all wrapped into one! She throws a couple of curve balls in and keeps you guessing at who the “bad guy/s” really are. Can’t wait for her next book!
I received and advanced copy of this book
Profile Image for Kenisha Lewis.
42 reviews
May 3, 2024
A chance meeting at turtle sanctuary could this be the beginning of love for Caro and Knox. Or is something far worse in the making. Everyone has their secrets, but does this secret cause someone's life? Is Luna Maara the blonde dimwit everybody thinks she is or is she hiding a deep secret that she does not want anyone to find out about? Read Elise Noble's book in Blackwood Security The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and all your questions will be answered.
289 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2024
Absolutely Brilliant

I LOVE this series have read all 16 books more than once. This book is no exception. Great writing from a great author. I’m surprised it hasn’t been turned in a TV series. Love that Emmy and Black were in it. Always original with a great story line. I don’t give spoilers as what is the point of writing the book if you give these away.

1 click now and if haven’t read the others do yourself a favour and get them. You will not be disappointed
2,280 reviews13 followers
May 7, 2024
Once again this instalment of this fab series doesn’t disappoint. Not only do we get our favourite characters popping in and out but we go on another journey to paradise. Knox and Caro have great chemistry. I love seeing Ryder involved too. Once you start this book you won’t want to put it down. It has just the right amount of spice too. Awesome book. I highly recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
400 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2024
Great story!

What a great story! I really enjoyed getting to know Knox and Caro and Luna and Ryder. This was a fantastic adventure and romance all in one. No one else does it quite like Elise. I can't wait to read what Elise Noble has in store for us next.
10 reviews
May 1, 2024
Wonderful book!

A really great book in this series. The locale and the characters are great. Great action scenes and just enough humor to be really fun. Really sorry that I have to wait until June for the next book.
49 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2024
Knox and Ryder are in for an interesting adventure. Sun, sea, and Luna, the pop princess from Hell. The turtle sanctuary was a great hiding place for Caro until a Luna and her entourage invaded her world.

Fast paced and sexy with some of our favorite Blackwood characters.
10 reviews
May 1, 2024
Kept me interested until the end. Knox and Caro's story was a slow climb but entertaining. Can't wait for Ryder and Luna's story. Blackwood characters do not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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