A death that might not be an accident, an ancient curse, an approaching tropical storm, and of course, environmental protests complicate life on an oil rig, which makes the job that investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers need to do one fraught with tension, suspense, and danger. The truth here is not easy to uncover (especially when pesky things like attraction and the past keep getting in the way, too), but discovering it does prove a thrilling feat.

The Crushing Depths is the second in Dani Pettrey’s Coastal Guardians series, delivering her signature blend of romance and suspense. The story that unfolds around Rissi and Mason is exactly what I expected to find, and yet I did not love it as I hoped (I had the same problem with The Killing Tide). It is fast-paced and exciting, but I think the characters are where I lose my connection with the story (though I am not sure I can pinpoint why). Still, many readers have loved this new book, so if you love romantic suspense, it could be worth checking out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

This is one of my favorite series. Dani writes engaging stories that are impossible to put down before you finish the story. The characters are true to life. I would recommend any story she write.

Just finished this powerful and riveting crime drama novel, The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey! Couldn’t wait to read the whole book.......what a great read! Main characters Rissi and Mason will lead you through the world of investigation and compelling teamwork. Through plot twists and turns, the Coast Guard investigative team is under fire and at the same time researching shocking crime aboard the Dauntless oil rig. The book is intertwined with past trauma and has deep relationship love building throughout the plot. You won't want to put this book down. Highly recommend it!

Edge of your seat suspense. Pettrey keeps you guessing. From the very beginning I was sucked in, I could not put it down! The characters were very relatable. Rissi and Mason were both amazing characters that worked well together, and you couldn't help but root for them to become a couple. I also kept wondering was it really an accident that took the life of the man on the oil rig? And if it wasn't who did it, and why? It was like one bad thing after another followed Rissi and Mason as they worked this case. I highly, highly recommend this book, and this whole series!

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of the blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dani Pettrey did it again. Keeps you on the edge of the seat.
One is always unsure what obstacles will hamper the investigation nor who to trust.

Another great read and addition to this series. This is book two, and it stands well on its own but you’ll want to read the first book. We join back up with the Coast Guard Investigative Service Team as they head out on another case. Strong faith elements are woven within the mystery and suspense of the story. A second chance romance brews as a tropical storm looms on the horizon. I enjoyed this story just as much as the first one and am eagerly waiting for the next one.

What can I say? I love this author and this latest book by her meets all the standards set by her precious stellar works. I’d highly recommend if you like clean, suspense/mystery books.

***4.5 stars***
Oh my goodness! "The Crushing Depths" kept me on the edge of my seat. There is more than one storyline and narrator.

The book has romance, mystery, suspense, great characters, and more than one bad guy. I loved it!

Source:. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own

Lots of Action and Mystery…



You will get caught up in the different storylines. Rissi & Mason, Brooke and her stalker and what is going on, on the Dauntless. 

Some of the scenes were very intense and surprising.

That’s one thing you can count on with a Dani Pettrey book… suspenseful scenes and not being able to predict the end!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I eagerly awaited the second in this series, (Coastal Guardians #2), and it was everything I asked for and more. Pettrey gives so much suspense, from the first page, having me asking “who dun it?” throughout until the end reveal. I love also the knowledge and in depth research she must do in order to make the scenes and storyline so realistic. I love learning about marine life, oil rigs, and more. I feel like I’m right in the center of the action and love every single second.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

Dani Pettrey is one of my all-time favorite authors, and this new series is dreadfully wonderful! Ever since reading book one, I've been dying to know about Rissi, and it was so worth the wait! The book starts off with a bang (unintentional pun... I assure you) and it never slows down. It's fast-paced action keeps you going the entire time- It isn't one you can put down easily (if at all). The characters, like all of Pettrey's characters, make you want to know them better. And the plot kept even me guessing- and I can spot a bad guy the first time I see his name, usually. This one has it all- love triangles (aWkWaRd!) and suspense, compelling backstory and hope for the future, activists on both sides of the fence, and an inspiring, but not preachy, plot. I did find it a little annoying how much the characters couldn't get over how each other smelled- but my stepmother assures me that certain colognes do that to her and daddy too so I guess it gets a pass. But seriously, it was a lot. With a multi-layered plot, tons of action, sweet romance, and more, this book is a definite recommend!

I loved the continuation of Rissi and Mason's story as well as seeing the rest of the gang again. Also, it had a second suspense storyline that made this quite the page turner.

Crushing Depths is the second book of Dani Pettrey’s Coastal Guardian’s series. I was really looking forward to reading this because the plot peaked my interest with the Coast Guard solving a murder. Throw in a tropical storm and I was all in! While I was really wanting to love this story, sadly, it was just okay for me. I felt like it was a little slow and I didn’t really connect with the characters or the romance. I am definitely in the minority on this one though! So if you like Dani Pettrey novels, I would give this one a try!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read the second book in the series: "Coastal guardians".

The story takes place on an oil platform where an accident occurs. Two coast guards are dispatched on the scene at 61,142 kilometers, they are Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers. On board this platform there is a lot of tension and this death puts everyone on edge. It seems that a curse would hide in the depths of the ocean.

Evidence is accumulating that the death was more like a murder.

Will the two coast guards be able to solve the case?

I was immediately hooked on the story which is so gripping, captivating, addictive, full of suspense and twists and turns with endearing characters. Can't wait to read the whole series again.

Yes! This was a wonderful book. The author does a great job with the suspense and the romance. Rissi (I love the name) and Mason wonderful characters. I thought I knew from the start 'who done it' but I was wrong and I love that. I love that the book kept me guessing.
It's the second in a series but you don't have to read the other first. I like the characters' pasts and how the story develops for them. Overall it is a book I would recommend for anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.
It was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

At the end of Book #1, we saw the agent Rissa faced with the man of her dreams and her protector growing up Mason. He is now joining her team as a fellow Coast Guard agent. The Crushing Depths follows two storylines. The first is a Coast Guard investigation of several deaths that have happened on an oil rig called Dauntless and the second is a stalker case of one of the Coast Guard Medics. Mason and Rissi are paired together and sent to the Dauntless but even before they can arrive on ship to investigate, their helicopter malfunctions, and they end up crashing into the ocean. Some say it is all part of the curse known as "Henry's curse" that haunts the Dauntless ship, but Rissa and Mason who have logic and sense on their side are sure that this is a sign of foul play and eager to get to the bottom and find the person or persons responsible especially as the death toll seems to climb up during the book. The second storyline involves Brooke - who is a medic and Noah - The team leader of the CGIS. Brooke is one of Noah's sister Gabby's best friends and has her stalker. She is convinced it is her ex-boyfriend Brodie, but when he has an alibi and the stalker turns to attempted murder. Noah must put on his investigative hat and take a look at Brooke's wider past and who has a grudge and wants her dead before she ends up another victim to evil. The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey was another great Christian Romantic Suspense mixed with the world of CGIS/NCIS which I loved as I am a fan of the TV series NCIS, NCIS: LA, and NCIS: New Orleans.

When the beginning pages of a book mention a "cursed" oil rig, a death that may not have been an accident, and two Coast Guard Investigators who share a past history, you can count on an exciting story and that's exactly what Dani Pettrey offers in The Crushing Depths. From the beginning to the end, there are twists and turns that kept me from guessing the identity of the suspects, along with dangerous action that never seems to let up. There is also a reunion between two of the investigators and I loved the references to the past relationship of Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers. They lived in the same children's home for a few months when they were teens and Rissi can't believe that Mason is now her work partner. He once offered her a sense of protection and safety, but can Mason do this again as the two of them face unknown threats in their quest to find answers? Does the curse truly exist or is it just a tale that has grown over time?

The Crushing Depths is filled with sweet romance, thrilling adventure, and memorable characters with strong Christian values. Once again, Pettrey has proven her ability to write amazing romantic suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book that I received from the author and publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

This is the second book in Dani Pettrey's "Coastal Guardians" series, and although we are getting to know the side characters of "The Killing Tide" in it, "The Crushing Depths" can definitely be read as a standalone.

Exciting action, adventure, suspense, and mystery, including water/dive rescue and criminal investigation themes, can all be found in this book, as well as touching family/friendship elements. These are things I have now enjoyed in several of Dani Pettrey's books.

With Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers highlighted in "The Crushing Depths," I was happy to learn more about these characters and their connection. Their backstory really made my heart go out to them. I also really love the attention brought to the Coast Guard in this book/series.

While this book has some content I prefer not to see in books, especially Christian fiction (listed below), I enjoyed reading this and look forward to continuing the "Coastal Guardians" series.

My ⭐ Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

Content: child abuse (mentioned); rape and sexual affairs (mentioned); expletive and derogatory terms; and alcohol and tobacco use.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was intense from the very first chapter! If you love mystery, suspense, puzzling whodunit combined with faith and romance-this book is for you.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will quickly remedy that by reading her others in this series. It was very well written and kept me guessing until the end.
I will note that some word choices may not be everyone’s cup of tea. A few uses of “hellhole”, “that sucks”, “sexy”. And there is talk of extramarital affairs, infidelity and rape, although no details are given.

Suspense romance is slowly becoming my new fave thanks to Dani Pettrey. I love the writing style and the way her stories unfold. Can't wait to read more of her books 😁