Bravely and Faithfully by Edward M. Hochsmann

A third high-seas thriller from the creative mind of Edward M. Hochsmann, Bravely and Faithfully adds stormy new flavor to his Cutter Kauai Sea Adventures series.

The fearless crew is tackling another covert mission near the Bahamas, in the aftermath of a violent storm, fresh off another heroic rescue. This time around, there is a new CO at the helm, and Captain Reardon’s introduction is a character shift that shakes up the bonds between crew members to keep the interpersonal dynamic fresh. Whether they are protecting the integrity of NASA rocket launches, intercepting high-payload drug drops, or acting as getaway drivers for secret government missions at sea, the crew is perpetually putting their lives on the line, and doing so with style.

The scenarios of this series have the potential to become formulaic, despite their blockbuster-sized stakes, but Lt. Haley is a fresh force who dramatically changes the vibe and narrative focus. The writing also continues to improve, as Hochsmann delves deeper into returning characters, balancing this well with bursts of action and conspiratorial tension surrounding the heroic cutter. The immersive writing about boating operations and maritime policies is continually fascinating, as the technical exposition is woven into the narrative quite smoothly, which is perfect for boat lovers and amateur adventure readers alike.

Peppered with bursts of romantic tension and a sharp-witted crew whose lively banter is snappy throughout, Bravely and Faithfully is an especially strong installment in this unpredictable and entertaining series.