When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley … Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.
Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?
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You can never go wrong with a Dani Pettrey book!
Award-winning author Dani Pettrey kicks off her latest romantic suspense series set on the North Carolina coast.
In Killing Tide, Coast Guard officer Finn Walker finds one fellow officer is dead and another missing. He wants to find justice for them, but the clues are leading to a direction that will affect a number of people. Can he find the killer before he strikes again?
Investigative reporter Gabby Rowley is on her way home from a press awards dinner when someone starts shooting at her. Is the drug lord she wrote about in her expose behind the attempt on her life?
Pettrey creates an ensemble of characters whom readers enjoy getting to know – they are realistic, strong but flawed, facing challenges in their life that help the reader to connect with them. The story is filled with end-of-your-seat suspense.
Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
The Killing Tide
by Dani Pettrey
Book 1 in the Coastal Guardians series
Rating: 4/5
If you are in need of a fast-paced thriller, look no further. I am a huge fan of Dani Pettrey’s Romantic Suspense and I was not disappointed with this first book in a new series. Ever since watching the movie, The Guardian, with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, I have been in awe of what the Coast Guard rescue teams do. I was excited to catch a glimpse into their world and the author did not let me down.
After a traumatic rescue mission, special agent Finn Walker is forced to retire from his Coast Guard rescue team but joins the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) as a second chance to help others. He is driven by a past that haunts him and his ability to save others. When tragedy after tragedy strikes, he knows that something is wrong and is determined to keep those he loves as safe as possible while unraveling the mystery.
Fearful after an attempt on her life, Gabby Rowley’s older brother forces her to come back home where he and his CGIS team can protect her. Gabby, an investigative reporter, is stubborn and hates that her independence is being taken away, but her real fear is seeing Finn again after she walked out on their relationship to pursue her career. She has a knack for sniffing out a story and when the CGIS loses a team member, she is determined to get to the bottom of the story despite the threat on her life. Will Gabby and Finn be able to do their jobs, stay safe, and work together without reigniting that chemistry? Can Gabby find a way to pursue her dream job and her dream of finding love?
This story was jam-packed full of interesting characters and storylines. As the first book in the series, the author is definitely trying to set up some of the next few books in the series while doing justice to the current story. I love that her characters are flawed and relatable. They have a sixth sense about investigating crimes and weaving all the clues together, but they have their own hardships and trauma to deal with. I am excited to read what comes next.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys clean romantic suspense.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and CelebrateLit for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
When I found out Dani was coming out with a new series Costal Guardians, I set my expectations high and I wasn’t disappointed.
This book had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down. Turning each page in anticipation with what comes next.
We had previously met Noah in the Chesapeake Valor series and only caught a glimpse of what was to come, but here we get to learn more about him and his team. All of the members on the investigative team had their own strengths, but how they used those strengths within the team is what made it feel like they were family! I couldn’t help but fall in love with each of these new characters and I hope to get a book about each of them especially Noah.
I will admit I was a little nervous at first seeing as Finn and Gabby did have a history together, but the worry quickly passed as the story progressed. The way Dani was able to grow and build these characters individually and together given their history was absolutely brilliant.
My finally thought on The Killing Tide is that Dani delivers another amazing story filled with suspense, adventure and romance. The way she wrote this villain was uniquely twisted and something I didn’t see coming so, if you love investigative stories that have you on your toes than this is the book for you!
*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 boy…I’ve got such conflicting emotions. Before I dive in, I’d just like to put a disclaimer here and say that HELLO I DO NOT LIKE STORIES WITH JOURNALISTS AS THE PROTAGONIST. (If you read Tuesday’s post, you already knew that.) I’m not quite sure why, I just don’t. It really gets on my nerves.
So, let’s start with the setting.
I loved the beachy setting, with all the surfing and the small-town-coffehouse feels. That was amazing. I loved the CGIS setup, though other than their title, I honestly couldn’t tell that they were a branch of the military.
The characters…
Finn was fantastic. For the most part. I loved his character, his struggles with self-confidence and his path to redemption. But his seemingly uncontrollable emotions around Gabby? I understand that it’s pretty much impossible to control your emotions. But he could’ve used a bit more self-restraint.
Gabby. Oh boy. I’m not gonna lie, she drove me absolutely insane. Wasn’t going to let anything—and I mean NOTHING—get in the way of a story that wasn’t hers until she appointed herself to it. And when there’d been more than one attempt on her life, she didn’t seem to get the memo that SHE NEEDED PROTECTION. Good grief, lady, give your overprotective brother a little slack and make him worry a little less!
Noah? He was amazing. ‘Nuff said.
Rissi…I loved her character, but I was a little confused as to why she got her own POV in the book? I’m assuming it’s to set the stage for the next book, which I’m assuming is her story? ‘Cause if it’s not, I’m so confused. (The ending, though—I COMPLETELY saw that coming.)
The plot.
So, the plot was good and engaging. I really enjoyed the suspense aspect of it. It kept me guessing, and the mystery was fantastic. But…the romance. Let’s talk about the romance, shall we?
So, Gabby and Finn were getting really serious—in love, even—and then she got a job opportunity and just dumped him?! This girl has seriously messed-up priorities. It’s pointed out several times in the book that Gabby will do anything for a story, even if it means putting others below her job. And she refuses to believe it! In Gabby’s mind, she’s practically never wrong, and I’m sorry but it’s messed. up. I get that being an investigative reporter is her job and everything, but seriously, she’s not trained for combat, y’all!
*coughs* Okay, back to the romance. She dumps him with hardly a goodbye, and then six months later is practically forced to stay in his guesthouse by her brother. Which I understand. But then, when she’s fully planning to leave things the way they are with Finn (no marriage, basically) they take walks, sit on the beach in the moonlight, and do some serious making out. Then she’s like, “Rats, shouldn’t have done that,” and plans to avoid that more in the future…but of course it doesn’t happen.
*deep breath* can you tell I didn’t like the romance? I honestly would’ve rated this book 1 or 2 stars except that the mystery/suspense part was really good. (And that bit with the Collector’s ‘babies’? I totally called it as soon as I read it.) Plus, I loved Rissi’s POV. I promise, I didn’t mean to make this a rant review. But, uh, yeah…not thrilled.
*I received a free e-copy from Netgalley for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Just when I think Pettrey can’t do any better, she blows me away with a new story line. This debut of The Coastal Guardians has the makings of her best series to date. The Killing Tide is a Christian Romantic Suspense that will rope you in from the very first page. Action packed and fast paced, you won’t be able to put this one down.
Gabby is on the run from a man trying to kill her from his prison cell. She longs for freedom, but her family longs to keep her safe, so she is under the protection of her brother Noah, and members of his investigative team. Finn is doing his best to help protect the independent investigative reporter (without falling in love) while also juggling a unique case. People close to his team are dying, and the more they dig, the more they keep hitting a wall. Everything points back to a mysterious front company. Despite trying to keep her out of the loop, Gabby has a nose for a good story and is desperate to help get to the bottom of who is behind the chaos. Pettrey will take you for a loop (or seven), as you read this dynamic story full of murder, treasure, and heart thumping suspense.
This book contains the breadth of lovable characters Pettrey is known for. They are likable, dynamic, and quirky, a unique gift Dani continually brings to each and every story. Finn is a bold, but soft hero; One you fall in love with from the very start. Gabby is a fierce, independent heroine whose sometimes brash decisions keep you guessing as to what she’ll do next. There are so many players in this story that you’ll never guess who’s behind all of the plot twists and shady dealings.
I enjoyed the unique structure of this book. It kept you guessing and wasn’t the a + b = great Chrisitian romantic suspense formula. Pettrey breaks the rules in all of the right ways. I would gladly recommend this to any of my friends. Another A+ for Dani and her team.
I was given an early copy of this manuscript through NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
There’s plenty of action and suspense in this quick-paced novel that introduces us to a new team of agents, their friends and family. Gabby has a tough shell and is 100% devoted to her job and identity as an investigative reporter- and the risk to her life seems like an afterthought. I was surprised at how cavalier her attitude is about the safety of herself and others, but perhaps that’s just her defense mechanism. She and Finn have had a relationship in the past but she left him behind to pursue a new job opportunity in another city. So in this book the chemistry and angst is already present in their interactions. Part of the story is told from Rissi’s point of view as well, and I’m hoping the next book features her as the main character. She is the youngest member of the CGI team as well as the only female, and she also competes in various water sports competitions during the story with Gabby’s brother Noah and Travis, another agent. The different loose threads and angles they are each investigating in the beginning tighten up as the plot progresses and the reading was full of tension as it drew closer to the climax. A great one for suspense fans!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Another great five star book and beginning of a new series by Dani Pettrey! Great characters and action is introduced and cant wait until the next book in the series, The Coastal Guardians!
I thought this was a good start to a new series. The agency dynamic is great. The mystery has a lot of twist and turns. You will guess wrong a few times on who the bad guy is. You are going to wonder why you didn’t see it when it is all said and done.
You have to love a family that sticks up for each other. Gabby has that brother you just can’t stop loving. He wants his sister to be safe at all cost. Inter Finn. He is a great guy and you can see the past and the present come together with them and you end up wanting them together at all cost. Gabby can get on your nerves just a bit. Nothing big for me but you might have a moment where you think she has lost her mind or what the world is she doing. That is why I went down one star. I know first books everyone is learning to work together and there are always something that works out better when the next book comes out. This book was good. It is a good foundation for the first one to move to the next one. congratulations. I won this book on goodreads. My review is what I think and nothing else
Wow.
I’ve been waiting to read this new series from Dani Pettrey for a long time now, and let me tell you it was well worth the wait. Pettrey is so good at keeping readers on the edge of their seats, all while bringing these romantic scenes at just the right moments. And with swoony Finn as the hero in this installment, it’s pretty much impossible not to have a couple of **sighing** moments. In addition, readers will enjoy the suspense, the action, and the hunt for the truth.
There were several times I thought I knew for sure how the bad guys were going to pan out. Of course, the more I read the more I changed my mind, but then towards the end Pettrey delivers such a twist in who the ultimate bad guy was, I really didn’t see it coming. And I loved it! In fact, I had to skin back through previous chapters to see if I could see the bad guy in that person while I originally read about them. Pettrey brilliantly brings all the pieces together in the end, and had this reader catching her breath and unable to put the book down until I reached the end.
Let’s talk about the romance a bit. There’s just something about two people who know they should be together but try to fight it. All this tension builds up as the story goes on, until it explodes with a toe curling kiss that you’re just waiting for. But I love what Pettrey does after that. It’s not all roses, and glorious and them finally being a couple. Nope, instead she builds up more tension, and has the readers just begging for more. **sigh** Finn and Gabby just might be my favorite Pettrey couple.
I will say that in the beginning of the book, Gabby kind of annoyed me. She acted before she thought, and found herself in some pretty silly situations. And I get it – she was all about uncovering the truth for her story. But at some point I wanted her to step back and understand all the risks she was taking in doing so. And while it was slowly, almost painstakingly slow, I think she started to get that. Yes, she still put herself in danger, but she thought about it first. It was a step in the right direction and actually once this shift sort of happened, I found myself enjoying her character even more.
To say that I cannot wait for the next installment in this series is a huge understatement. But until it comes out, I’ll just enjoy Finn and Gabby’s story a bit longer! If you haven’t had the chance to read this one yet, I highly recommend that you do 🙂
Dani Pettrey is a talented author, and I won’t deny that. While I haven’t actually found one of her books that I hands-down love yet, I keep coming back and trying more. This series, in particular, seems to have a lot of promise. Plus, I can’t get over that gorgeous cover.
Plot and story wise, Pettrey’s books are sound and incredibly unique. I am always sucked in by that aspect and can’t stop turning pages! I had no idea who the perpetrator was until it was revealed near the end, and I was quite shocked! Although for a moment, I had to remember who that character was, so maybe a little more interaction with him in the book would have made that clearer for the reader. The ending took a pretty creepy turn that I didn’t particularly care for, but the action and suspense throughout was on point. My adrenaline was racing at times!
Character and romance wise are where I feel that Pettrey falls short. For me, at least. The characters seem to be based entirely around each other and the romance, leaving little room for character arcs and development. Characters can make a or break a story for me most times, so that is perhaps why I feel a lack of connection with Pettrey’s books. Although I will say that her secondary characters seem to be so much more developed and I honestly found myself more attached to them than our main characters. And as for the romance, it ends up being far too steamy for my tastes. There are many heated scenes throughout including passionate kisses, loads of physical attraction and ‘tingles’ and ‘jitters’ at the other’s nearness\touch. While of course it never becomes an all-out sex scene in any way, I nonetheless found myself blushing and skimming through these scenes. The romance was based so much on physical attraction and not the characters personality or character qualities, which always gets a thumb-down for me.
All in all, if you are looking for a suspense-y, action-packed story heavy on the romance, definitely check this one out! It wasn’t my favorite, but it could be yours. 🙂
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I liked the book, just felt like the ending/climax was a little far fetched. But I’m looking forward to the next one in the series!
This book is sure to delight Petry fans!! This adventure has it all rolled up into one and I like a book that can keep my attention. This is my first Petry book and now if there are others out there I will need to read those too!I enjoyed this coast guard adventure with Gabby and Finn.
I love that Gabby is 100 percent into her job. I wish that everyone was. Especially in the job that I worked at. There it seemed that each worker was out for themselves and didn’t understand teamwork.
This is the only thing that I really liked about Gabby. For one I can’t stand her nickname if that is her nickname. 2 I don’t like her personality and impulsiveness.
I almost felt sorry for Finn!! I do however love his strength and determination. I felt sorry for Finn because he had to keep an eye out for Gabby and therefore it’s a wonder that he was able to manage! Especially with his heart on the line. His feeling for her has never gone away.
Can they work past everything they need to? Or will the killer get them too?
A fabulous book and one you don’t want to put down!
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received.
All opinions are my own.
The Killing Tide drew me in with the beautiful and intriguing cover. It is my first taste of Christian suspense, and it has me counting down the days until the next book in the series releases! What a ride!
The Killing Tide throws you into the action from the very first chapter, and you’ll be left guessing which way the plot is going to twist next until the very end. I loved getting to know every member of the CGIS team. All the working parts of the investigation kept the plot moving quickly and kept you turning page after page to get the next lead. Oh, to be a fly on the wall in that place!
Gabby is a headstrong, brave reporter. I loved her inspiration to be a journalist. She believed her ability to hunt down the truth was a God-given gift, and she should use it to expose those who do wrong in the world. What better motivation is there? She was reckless on several occasions, but I loved her big heart–how she loved all her family and friends with such a fierceness, she was willing to put herself in danger over them.
Finn is nothing short of a hunk. But it is his gentle heart that makes him irresistible. I loved his protective instinct for Gabby, and how he was willing to be vulnerable for her despite their past. He is forgiving of others but is stubbornly hard on himself. I think a lot of people can relate!
The danger in this book is riveting and lurking around every corner. There are a few twists and turns and a giant pretzel at the end! You won’t want to miss the riveting conclusion!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series, so I can get to know the other members of the team even more. If you love crime/suspense (think NCIS or CSI)…you will LOVE this book!
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book was incredible! Lots of heart pounding suspense and action and from beginning to end. Clean romance between Finn and Gabby throughout the story. I couldn’t put the book down!
I was immediately drawn in by the story line and interesting characters. I was somewhat frustrated by Gabby and her lack of judgement sometimes which made her an easy target. I can not relate to wanting to investigate a story or solve a crime so much that my life doesn’t matter. I also felt like at times she was leading Finn on like she had done in the past-knowing she liked him and was drawn physically to him; but not wanting to invest in a relationship or jeopardize her own character path. She wasn’t my favorite character because of that.
I really liked reading about the Coast Guard officers and some of their rescues and day to day obligations. I especially liked Finn and Noah (Gabby’s brother). They both took their jobs seriously and with protecting their family members and loved ones.
I hope there will be more “Coastal Guardian” books! I really enjoyed it!!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
I just finished “The Killing Tide” and am totally exhausted! This book is jam packed with suspense, twists and turns, murder and mayhem! I don’t know where Dani comes up with so many ways to kill someone, but if I hope her husband sleeps with one eye open!! Needless to say I loved it!!
Coast Guard Investigator Finn Walker has his work cut out out for him, assigned to the case of a murdered officer discovered in suspicious circumstances, and another Coast Guard member has also disappeared. His job is not made easier when his boss’s sister, investigative journalist Gabby Rowley, whom he has history with, comes digging around looking for her next big story.
The story jumps around following multiple characters, which made it a little trickier to understand everything that was going on at first. But as the story progressed the following multiple characters became as strength with the rising intensity, as the stakes rose and the threads of the story slowly started to connect. Fast paced action and a suspenseful mystery that kept me on my toes, with abounding cliffhangers.
Gabby is like a dog with a bone when she’s on the tale of a good story, she showed up to fight for answers. She is stubborn and determined to the point of near recklessness. She has a passion for truth and justice. I liked how though she is determined and has an all-in attitude, she is recovering from an event that left her scarred more vulnerable than her ready-for-anything exterior would suggest.
Finn is struggling with the aftermath of a diving mission gone wrong, he is fiercely protective by nature and feels privileged to be serving his country in the way that he does. The Coast Guard was a natural choice for Finn, and is a natural in the water. He struggles to trust and losing control.
A wonderfully complex thriller with multiple twists and great leading characters. I really liked Rissy the only woman on the Coast Guard team, she is new to the team and wants to do her best to prove that she’s earned her spot on the team. A heart pounding adventure, with great tension and a plot that keeps you guessing. Highly recommend checking this one out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
With action and suspense starting on the first page and continuing to the end, The Killing Tide will likely satisfy those readers who enjoy Christian mystery and suspense books. The beautiful cover set the stage for the story, and multiple twists and turns kept me turning the pages and guessing. Dani Pettrey is a master at creating colorful and layered characters that come alive on the page. Although I really liked Finn Walker, I had a hard time warming up to Gabby Rowley. While she is independent and plucky, she was also quite irritating when she kept putting herself and others in danger by disregarding those who were trying to protect her. I was a bit confused by the sheer number of characters introduced in the book, but since it’s the first in the Coastal Guardians series, I’m sure we’ll be learning more about many of them.
One thing that bothered me is that the book showed Gabby being present during discussion of investigation progress by Coast Guard members while they were trying to solve crimes. I highly doubt that civilians would be included in actual crime investigation discussions, especially if they were a reporter as Abby was. All in all, I enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to learning more about the other characters in the series. Pettrey is a talented writer and knows how to keep the suspense going.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House/ NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
3.5 Stars
The Killing Tide has an amazing cover and it’s even better in print. I’m visual, so I base whether or not I want to read a book on the cover first and the blurb second. Both of these things made me anticipate the release of The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians 1). The mystery and suspense is good too. Anyone who has read a Pettrey book knows she is one of the “big fish in the sea” when it comes to writing compelling stories.
So this was how she was going to die…
Quite a first line, huh? Waves of intrigue crash onto the page right from the beginning. The plot is believable as far as the Coastal Guardians go with their extensive training and investigative techniques.
Gabby, the heroine, is an investigative reporter with a back story involving Finn, our hero. While Gabby is not afraid of danger, many of her attitudes and actions seemed irresponsible and bratty to me. She’s constantly going against wise counsel where her safety is concerned. I just couldn’t connect with her character. And I would have found her inclusion in every aspect of the CGIS case more plausible if she had been introduced as official support personnel.
Regardless of my disconnect with Gabby, I still liked the story and I learned a lot about the United States Coast Guard while reading The Killing Tide. I’m anticipating book two highlighting more of our brave Coastal Guardians.
I recommend this book to fans of contemporary romantic suspense interlaced with strong faith. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
“Jesus walking on water, calming the storm… Knowing He tamed something so wild and free settled her soul in a way nothing else did.”
Wow…just wow! The Killing Tide is the first book in Dani Pettrey’s new Coastal Guardians series…and what a way to get things started!! It’s fantastic! In true Dani Pettrey fashion, this book captured me from the get-go and didn’t let go all the way through.
I very much enjoyed getting to know the new cast of characters. The author sets up this new series well, introducing us to many new characters in a way that doesn’t overwhelm, but leaves us looking forward to learning their stories as the series continues.
Both Finn and Gabby are strong characters that evoke great emotion in the reader. From the beginning the reader is pulled into the life of Finn and can’t help but root for him both in his career and his personal life. Gabby is very headstrong and determined, not willing to take no for an answer. Her tenacity has the potential of putting her in very dangerous positions and causes the reader to worry for her safety.
The suspense definitely kept me on the edge of my seat! When watching a suspenseful movie, I am known to be quite jumpy. And the further from the screen I am, the safer I feel. So, as my family and friends can attest, hiding in the hall or behind a couch is a normal occurrence. Haha! With a book I’ll never learn what happens from the hall or behind the couch…so, when it gets a bit too suspenseful and I need to feel safe, the book gets decidedly shut. That happened more than once in this story. But, of course, it couldn’t remain shut for long because I just had to find out what was going to happen next!! It was written perfectly, keeping me guessing the identity of the “bad guy” to the very end!
Readers of The Killing Tide are privy to the thoughts and perspectives of some of the other characters as well. Rissi is one of those characters and the ending sets up the next book beautifully. I’m already anticipating its release!
Dani Pettrey is a fantastic author and her stories never disappoint. If you love romantic suspense, you don’t want to miss this book.
*Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary review copy. All thoughts and opinions are expressly my own. A positive review was not required.