Gideon Rios, the religion and culture of Sector One, and the Riders have fascinated me from the minute I met them in the Beyond series. I am loving this spin-off series and the up-close, in-depth look we are getting of the Riders, Gideon, and his family. Deacon is the second book in the Gideon's Riders series, but this is the book where we finally begin to know the individual Riders. With each book we get a few more pieces of the Gideon puzzle. As much as I'm loving them, it's making me that much more anxious for his story. His insight and skills with both his own people and the other sector leaders has me itching for more. Long-term romantic relationships have been off-limits for most Riders, but, along with so much in this world, that is changing. Deacon, the leader of the Riders, and Gideon's best friend and right hand man, has fallen for Ana, the first and only female Rider. Their relationship is complicated--she feels the pressure to be the best and sets a high standard for herself. She knows she's a role model to the young girls of the sector, a responsibility she takes very seriously. Ana, along with the other Riders, has always idolized Deacon, so when he confesses his past affiliation with a group of mercenaries, she and the others are shocked and angry. The ensuing fallout--the emotions and thoughts of the rest of the Riders--was the perfect way for readers to finally get to know them on a deeper level.The willingness of the Riders to die guarantees a high level of tension and emotion. This book is intense and action-packed. The Riders on a mission--their bravery, intelligence, instincts and ability to improvise (including a bit of McGyver-ing) was both thrilling and nerve-wracking! 
 Deacon was every bit as heroic and sexy as I expected. He's always been super serious and self-contained, so to see him open up, and let down his guard was so much fun. Ana was the revelation here. Her evolution from well-trained soldier with a propensity to overthink to a confident leader, comfortable speaking truth to power (Gideon) epitomizes the strong, kick-ass women I've come to expect and love from Kit Rocha. 
 I have come to expect high quality, complex,intense, hot, emotional stories from Kit Rocha. Deacon definitely met those expectations. 
 Review copy provided for a voluntary review.