When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors … are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer
wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.
more
I love Dani Pettrey’s heroes and heroines. They are not perfect by any means but readers are allowed to see their struggles and triumphs. You see them living out their faith. It is an integral part of their lives. I love to see their interaction with each other and how their faith is such a part of it. Rissi and Mason make such a great team. I liked how they came full circle with the friendship they build in their childhood. This was such a sad story. It reminds you that tragedies can shape you to either seek God and healing or to be consumed by it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Author Dani Pettrey is one of the first suspense romance writers I discovered several years ago, with the first of the Alaskan Courage series release. I have read every book since that first release and have never, ever been disappointed, not even once.
Her latest release, The Crushing Depth, the second in the Coastal Guardian series, is set off North Carolina coast. For the first time, an oil rig was built and stands off the east coast; an environmentalist group fought against it before it was constructed.
Now someone is using an ancient curse known about the area, to sabotage the rig; when a crew member dies, the Coast Guard investigative services are sent in to investigate the accident. When Ricci Dawson and Mason Rogers arrive they soon discover the accident was no accident; they set about discovering who sabotaged the rig leading to the death of a crew member.
Further investigation reveals not only previous attempts at sabotage, but also sabotage that almost cost Ricci and Mason their lives. After being separated for years, the two childhood friends meet up; Ricci and Mason have yet to admit the depth of their feelings, but before they can truly explore where their relationship is going, they must first catch a murderer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
Diving in for a fast-paced edge of your seat read
Somehow, she anchored his soul.
Coast Guard Investigator Rissi Dawson is good at her job. She works with a great team and has been able to overcome her traumatic youth to be right where she wants to be. Then her past comes knocking on her front door when Mason Rogers shows up at work, the newest member of her team. Rissi and Mason share a significant past and are now assigned to work together. Can Rissi overcome her surprise at seeing Mason again after all these years enough to focus on the suspicious events occurring on the Dauntless, an off-shore oil rig? Will Mason be able to work with the woman she has become or will he always think of her as the young girl he once knew? Together Rissi and Mason race the clock to find the killer and serve justice before he kills again and before one or both of them are harmed.
Dani Pettrey has masterfully brought to life the story of Rissi Dawson filled with intrigue and action. From the first chapter the action grabs the reader and takes you for the ride of your life. Intense, superb characters, great story, The Crushing Depths is a fantastic follow up to The Killing Tides.
“She’s on watch.” “In this storm?” Emmy asked. “We’re talking about the Coast Guard. When everyone else heads home, we go out.”
Intense. Riveting, Suspenseful. Romantic.
This is a multilayered story between members of a Coast Guard team known as CGIS. Though I loved the storylines, I did find it a bit confusing catching up with all the players and their POV’s. However, once I caught up, I found it rich, entertaining, and gripping with suspense. I look forward to the continuing stories of this dynamic team. Learning about CGIS tasks was interesting and educational, as not many authors have written about their impressive team work, investigative skills and rescue efforts. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters’ banter, layered feelings, and deep commitment to team work. It was interesting learning about the contentions between environmental efforts and oil rig work in the oceans, too.
“He’d dreamt of this moment more times than he could count and now that it was here, he didn’t want to rush a thing. After a decade, he was finally kissing the woman he loved.”
Did I mention romantic? The brimming feelings for a few of the team members kept me engaged and looking forward to the rest of the series. However, Mason and Rissi’s relationship was a truly inspiring romance and stole the show. I loved their adventure with beach, sand, and ocean scenes that had me longing for a seaside trip. Their long ago friendship moved the relationship quickly and I loved getting to know their hearts. Their shared ways of overcoming a difficult past was filled with a beautiful finding faith element. I was intrigued with how God had worked on healing their hearts and pasts before reuniting them, too. The spiritual side of this novel was beautifully interwoven between all the characters.
“Thank you, Jesus. This was all you. How can I thank you for all you’ve done?”
Inspiring and courageous, this couple will have you wanting to conquer all your fears to reach for all God has to offer. The simple prayers of thanks, need for help and wisdom was encouraging. The strong desire to work as a team even through difficult relationships was awesome. I can’t wait for more adventure and romance from the rest of this CGIS team. If you love adventure, romance and learning about the Coast Guard, I think you’ll love this series.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and a print copy by Bethany House Publishers. All opinions given in this review have been given honestly.
I have been hooked on Dani Pettrey’s books since I read and reviewed her first book, Submerged, the first in the five-book series Alaskan Courage back in 2012. And she just keeps getting better.
What I liked about this book:
The characters: I love all of the characters in this series, and this one focused on the new team member, Mason, and his childhood acquaintance, Rissi. Their relationship was a bit different from the usual in romantic suspense novels. They had been foster kids together years before to the same abusive man, and Mason had been her protector. This added a different and cool aspect and angle to their relationship. I have come to not just tolerate, but actually enjoy the romantic aspect of these books, and it was fun watching them renew their friendship and realize both felt more than just friends.
I liked both main characters, but Mason was just a really awesome one you can’t help but liking. One thing I love about a series where the same characters are in each book, is there is so much time and room for character development, and Pettrey excels at that. Logan is one of the most interesting and likable characters, the atheist who is so witty and almost flamboyant. I love his interactions with Emmy, and laughed out loud more than once at their arguing and slams at each other.
The suspense: A lot of the action takes place on an oil rig where unexplained and suspicious accidents keep happening, resulting in some deaths. This truly was one of those books where you don’t know what is going to happen next, nor who the guilty party is. The oil rig isn’t your usual setting for a suspense novel, though not everything happened on it, but the plot did revolve around it….and it made for an interesting story.
The action: There was a lot of action in the series, and the book was fairly fast-paced, which I like.
The setting: This is the first series I have read that centers on the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and I am loving it and the setting for the story. In this book, Mason and Rissi took a day trip to my favorite vacation spot, The Outer Banks…which was an added enjoyment for me.
The romance: As I mentioned, I enjoyed the developing relationship between Mason and Rissi. The author has thrown me for a loop though in what to hope for next…..I was hoping the next book would center on Logan and Emmy, but after reading this book, I also want it to feature Noah and Caleb and their possible relationships. I definitely am looking forward to book #3.
The Crushing Depths was an awesome read, just as good as the book it follows. Pettrey again shows why she is one of my top favorite authors.
I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.
Yes, this book hit the spot for me. There are a lot of characters, and side stories, which can sometimes get a little confusing, but I thought this book did a better job at staying focused on Rissi and Mason. There seems to be a little side story with all the team members, but Noah and Brooke have the most cover time (probably to set up their story in the next book?) Sometimes I do wish the story would just focus on the two main characters, but that just isn’t how Pettrey writes. All of her characters interact and have their own back and forth going. It can get a little confusing, but this book stayed more on what I wanted my target to be, so that was nice.
The oil rig aspect was really interesting for me since I know absolutely nothing about them. I also really enjoyed the mystery aspect in this story. The romance moved along well since Rissi and Mason knew each other from before, and again, other romances were set up nicely for follow up books.
The end was slightly abrupt for me. Not enough to dampen what I thought was a good story, but it did seem to just happen all of a sudden.
I can’t wait for her next book in this series!
Fantastic. The group of characters are working two different cases so the action keeps going. I really like the romance that is budding between many of the characters. I liked learning a little bit about the oil rigs in the ocean and how they are run. We also learn some about ecoterrorists. This had many twists and turns. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
The Crushing Depths is the second book on the Coastal Guardian Series. I am really enjoying the cast of characters in this series. In this series it is the characters, their witty banter, and how they react with each other that keeps me vested in the story. The characters are so well done and really come to life.
The suspense is multifaceted and complex in this one. I did have the “who” pretty much figured out before the end, but several of the whys were surprises. I know people who have worked on oil rigs like that so it was rather fascinating to learn more about the off-shore drilling rigs.
I love so very much that this author has a strong yet natural faith theme in her books. In this series the way she has woven the faith thread reminds me much of Dee Henderson novels. It’s personal to the characters and incredibly well done.
So with a interesting cast of characters, a good suspense plot, and a strong faith theme, the reader is left with a satisfying read that is enjoyable and well paced.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Rissi and Masons story is woven into this book amidst danger at sea on an oil rig. There is a lot of suspense, danger, mystery going on in this book. I couldn’t set it down because I wanted to find the answers and see how the story played out! Non-stop action and suspense is found here! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
Book 1 ended is an epic way as Rissi reconnects with her best friend, Mason. Now in book 2 they are partnered together to investigate a fire on an oil platform.
From the opening chapter the action takes off! There’s danger, there’s suspense, and of course, there is romance. What I liked best is I didn’t figure out the culprit until the reveal. The author did a fabulous job of dropping clues that pointed in different directions. It kept me guessing!
Looking forward to book 3 in this series.
Disclaimer: I did receive a copy of this book from the publisher, via netgally.com
Dani continues to exceed any and all expectations I have when it comes to her books. She truly is an amazing author who inspires me daily through her writing.
The Crushing Depths takes place almost immediately after The Killing Tide ends so you don’t miss a moment and it’s the best thing ever. You’re quickly thrown back into the middle of the adventure, joining the CGIS team and the sometimes deadly cases they take on.
The suspense in this book will have you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath as your pulse races. You’ll desperately turn the pages trying to find out what’s going on and if everyone will be okay, because with Pettrey’s books you never know.
I personally thought this book had a little more romance than some of Dani’s other books, but that’s what makes it truly special and stand out among the amazingly brilliant stories she writes. The heavier romance thread was well written and woven perfectly into the suspense thread, not overshadowing it, which made for a unique and wonderful story.
I will admit Rissi and Mason are one of my favorite couples I’ve read so far which is saying a lot because I loved Avery and Parker.
Their relationship was filled with sweet, tender moments that had you holding the book close and wanting only the best for them. I really loved the theme of strength and perseverance that both of the characters went through before finding their way back to each other and how it strengthened the bond between them.
I also loved the extra glimpses and heartfelt moments we got of the rest of the CGIS team. In The Killing Tide we get an introduction to the close knit group and the family dynamic between them, but in The Crushing Depths it explores that dynamic further making you love the beloved CGIS team even more if it was possible.
My finally thought on The Crushing Depths is that Dani delivers another fantastic book that will have you hanging on to every word and diving head first into the suspense. There’s a certain character who I hope gets the next book because cue swooning over Noah Rowley, but I’m also very intrigued by Caleb Eason and his story. I wouldn’t mind reading a book about him as well.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic book. I have to say, as good as the first book in the series, The Killing Tide, was this one is better. Dani has hit a home run this time for sure. I loved all the characters and especially the two main characters, Rissi and Mason and I loved watching their romance bloom. Also there is some romantic goings on with the secondary characters that is very interesting as well. This book will keep you intrigued and it will be hard for you to come up for air. Danger abounds from the very first of the book and I was not able to figure out who the bad guys were until the end. Don’t miss this great suspense filled book. I think you will love it like I do. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my very own.
I was so happy when I found out this book was coming out I could not wait to catch up with the CGI Team and the author did not disappoint. I could not put this book down, it will have you on the edge of your seat from page one. I really liked Rissi and Mason’s story and I love that they just worked, the chemistry between them did not seemed forced but very natural. As in like book one the author has a few main characters not just 2 or three, but each character plays a huge part in the story and without them the story would not be what it was, also that being said it was not that hard to follow either. I so hope we will get to read more about Em and Logan in the future. This book was a good clean read. This book will not disappoint in any way. If you love a good suspense grab this series. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
It’s been a while since I read a great suspense novel. This book (and book 1 in The Coastal Guardians series) are just that. Intriguing suspense built around well developed characters I felt invested in, including elements of faith and romance that felt natural to the story. I also enjoyed the closer look into the Coast Guard.
These stories have the perfect balance between action-packed plotlines and sweet, romantic undertones. And true to the author’s style, I was hooked right from the get-go and left guessing all the way through.
One of the things I love about Pettrey is the incredible way in which she weaves multiple storylines, building the intensity scene by scene, chapter by chapter. Her books are fun to read and there’s no predicting how everything will tie together in the end. I’m super excited to read the next (& last) book in the series, as each one gets better and better (and my nails shorter and shorter!)
Coast Guard Investigative Service team members risk their lives for the truth. Rissi and Mason fly off to investigate an oil rig incident. The others are working closer to home. All take their jobs seriously.
Ms. Pettrey did an amazing job of keeping things intriguing as the various investigations unfolded.
If you enjoy Christian fiction based romantic suspense with touches of military and law enforcement twisted in, then the Coastal Guardian series is for you.
Thanks NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and share my thoughts on this book.
What an intriguing, multi-faceted story! This author does a great job of writing compelling team interactions in her novels, with characters who feel very real to me.
I loved the romance between Rissi and Mason. What a history these two had, full of difficulties and trauma from their youth. Knowing what they had both endured as teens, and the bond they developed in the past, made seeing them find each other again even more heartwarming.
The investigation into all that was going wrong on the offshore oil rig was fascinating and kept me guessing, as more and more seemed to go wrong. The step by step way that Mason and Rissi worked to uncover the facts felt very realistic to me and I appreciated seeing the way the entire team worked using their individual strengths to follow leads and solve the case.
I enjoyed the glimpses into the lives of some of the other team members, making me excited to find out who will be the lead characters in the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“The Crushing Depths” is another exciting suspense novel by Dani Pettrey! This is the 2nd book in the Coastal Guardian series. This book picks up right where the first one left off, but you could still read this one without reading the first novel.
This book centers on Rissi and Mason. These are characters who I loved at the very beginning. Dani Pettrey does such a great job with character development. She always makes you feel like you are part of the story and friends with the characters. There is definitely a twist in this novel that I didn’t see coming.
The only thing that was a little difficult that there were many characters in this novel. It just took awhile to become familiar with all the characters but once I did, I couldn’t put the book down!
I definitely recommend this book and all of Dani Pettrey’s books if you enjoy good, clean, romantic suspense. Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite authors. I have read all her books and never been disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and NetGalley for my honest opinion.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book which I received from the author and publisher in partnership with JustRead Publicity Tours. All thoughts below are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
The Crushing Depths offers readers the beautiful, broken story of Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers, Coast Guard investigators with a past that has bound their hearts together over the years.
Their romance and connection is what won me over for this story. I absolutely loved these two characters and enjoyed seeing their romance unfold and deepen.
Both overcoming trauma from their past and finding the promise of a future together is the heart of this novel, in my opinion. I’ve read all of Dani Pettrey’s previous books and while this story and plot were definitely enough to hold my interest, I felt this particular story didn’t have as many dramatic events for the main characters as others have, so the suspense feels a bit more mild. Don’t misunderstand me though, there is some action, it just revolves around secondary characters. Regardless though, Pettrey delivers another great story rich with friendship, faith and teamwork. Also, bonus points the location and for working a story around the U.S. Coast Guard while educating readers in an entertaining way about the services they offer and sacrifices they make. Another great feature is that readers get a great foundation for the upcoming story of Brooke and Noah, whom I’m excited to read more about. Lastly, can we all just appreciate the breathtaking cover? Gorgeous!
So, in the past, I believed that the Alaskan Courage Series had to be my favorite of Ms. Pettrey’s, but this book is phenomenal! This book is probably my second favorite book by Ms. Pettrey (I don’t think any of her books will ever top Shattered). This book focuses on two Coast Guard investigators, Rissi and Mason. Rissi has been working with this group of investigators for a while in North Carolina. She had a rough childhood, but has turned bad into good with her life. Mason and Rissi knew each other as kids, but had been apart for a long time. Mason has just recently moved to North Carolina and joined the Coast Guard team there. This book focuses on their past and present relationship and how they have changed since childhood. As they get to know each other again, they begin investigating a death on an oil rig. They have to determine whether it is an accidental death or murder. As they begin their investigation, they feel like they are being sabotaged before they even start. This book not only focuses on these two investigators, but examines other members of the team. Readers will get updates on the previous main characters of the first book in this series and will learn new information about others. I am anxiously awaiting the third book in this series now! I highly recommend this book and feel you will not be disappointed! This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend you read the first book if you haven’t. The first book in the series is fantastic as well.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.