Wow. Dani Pettrey sure did it again. She writes some crazy, twisting stories that always come together soundly in the end. This is book 2 but can certainly be read as a stand alone. Can not wait to see who book 3 is about. Pettrey sets the book up to keep you hanging on who book 3 will be centered around.

This is book 2 of the Coastal Guardians Series. This is about the Coast Guard investigators team and the new mystery they need to solve. This takes place off the coast of North Carolina on an oil rig. When Rissi and Mason are teamed up to investigate a death on an oil rig the story the drama and mystery begin. While the investigation of the death goes on, Rissi and Mason are dealing with their friendship in childhood years could this lead to more then being friends? Was this death an accident or a murder? Do environmental activists have anything to do with being against the oil rig and the death?

I would recommend this to anyone that wants a drama, murder/mystery and little romance all in wrapped up in one. This book has twist and turns to keep you turning the pages. This is book 2 of the series and can be read as a stand alone, but you won't want to miss the mystery, drama and adventure from book 1. The characters do cross over from book one but nothing that will prevent you from reading this as a stand alone. Book 2 does starts right were book one stops, so if you read book one you will not want to miss continuing story.

Even though suspense is not my go-to genre, everything Dani Pettrey writes keeps me on the edge of my seat and this one was no exception. Great for fans of light romantic suspense!

Will they die in the crushing depths?

There are some authors you can just count on. No matter what they'll always deliver a story that intrigues, triggers the imagination, and that you just can't put down. Dani Pettrey is one such author. From novellas to entire series', it makes no difference, she never disappoints her readers in any way.

The Crushing Depths was everything I anticipated and a little bit more. It was intense, it was riveting, it was gripping, and, of course, it was romantic. I absolutely loved the tension of Rissi and Dawson trying to solve the mystery before the impending storm destroys the evidence, all the while trying to dance around the unresolved feelings between them. Yes, Dani Pettrey is a master of her craft. She oh so skillfully ratchets up that aforementioned tension, taking her characters nearly to their breaking point, keeps her readers desperately turning the pages, and then....the final showdown and everything falls into places as you finally get the chance to breathe again.

The Crushing Depths is a wonderful read. It's a little grittier than some romantic suspense and the multi-faceted mystery will chill, thrill, and keep you guessing. All in all this book is definitely a great addition to the Coastal Guardians series and is a must read for fans of the series and author.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it very much. This book was perhaps even better, though with the time that lapsed between my reading the first book and the second book, I didn't remember all the characters. Not that it's important to the main storyline to even read the first book, but it's the same set of characters, so it was hard to keep all the side characters straight at first. But they were very diverse, so I was able to remember the team again soon.

Anyway, the set-up is eerie enough. An oil rig that is rumored to be haunted is facing mysterious catastrophes. With extreme environments, drama on board, and storms about, there is no end to the availability of threats.

And the central romance is so sweet, with our characters coming together after years apart from the traumatic chapter of their childhood that they shared together. If only poor Caleb wasn't getting heartbroken in the process...

Also, the side romances that are brewing were also compelling, and I look forward to future books with each of the couples on the team.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

In The Crushing Depths, Dani Pettrey's Coastal Guardians series continues to follow Noah Rowley's Coast Guard Investigative Service team, this time focusing on Agent Rissi Dawson, a profiler, and new team member Mason Rogers, who specializes in dive investigations. Alongside the main plot, Pettrey deftly weaves a side investigation the team takes while protecting a Coast Guard medic colleague from a determined stalker. While I was able to identify one of the main suspects as soon as they were introduced, there was a twist I wasn't expecting the main case. The very short chapters, some only a couple pages long, reminded me of the format of many fast-paced adventure novels created for reluctant readers in youth fiction and isn't something I recall in her writing style previous to this series, but I haven't followed Dani Pettrey since her debut Alaskan Courage books.

Some of the characters introduced in previous title, The Killing Tide, such as Gabby and Finn, have more of a cameo role in this novel, while others such as Noah, Emmalyne, and Caleb are brought forward as more supporting characters, perhaps in anticipation of future books (I'm already predicting three other potential couples that may star in their own stories). Of course, our main characters in this story are Rissi and Mason, childhood friends who've reconnected through their careers unexpectedly. Seeing how they both were able to overcome similar traumas and past abuse made me want to cheer and their romance was swoon-worthy.

Another interesting note was that there was a slight love triangle which I feel I don't often see in Christian fiction. However, Pettrey made all the characters involved likeable and even though I rooted for the main couple, I sympathized with the unrequited crush and look forward to when that character will be the main focus in a future novel. I really liked the love triangle aspect because it added a sense of realism --the person you care for won't always love you back, and that's okay. I appreciated that the characters handled it maturely.

While part of an overall series, the Coastal Guardians novels can be read as stand alone novels, though of course the more of them you read, the more you'll get attached to all the team members. I'm personally looking forward to whenever Emmy and Logan get to be the main characters. Fans of Dani Pettrey and the Christian romantic suspense genre will enjoy unraveling several different cases in The Crushing Depths.

Enjoyable story, that kept me engaged. I was drawn to this because of the location and the Coastguard theme. I love these kinds of stories. The crew at the Station seem like a lot of fun, though I’m not sure how I feel about how easily everyone seems to be paired off. There isn’t much of a diverse dynamic between them- but it works. I didn’t guess who the ultimate bad guy was either, though I did think there was loose ends, so I am assuming they will get tied up as we go.

Great read. Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It is the second in a series, but stands very well on its own. I do recommend reading the first book as it is a very good read also.

Dani writes realistic characters and scenes. I read both without an. eye roll. This, like the first, is a Coast Guard Investigation, a la NCIS, that is suspenseful and has some romance as well. There are heroes to cheer for and villains to boo. I had some idea of who the guilty party was, but there was a really nice twist at the end. I bet you won’t figure it all out either.

All in all, a good, clean mystery/suspense/romance that this non romance lover really enjoyed and was very believable. I am looking forward to the next in the series, I hope there is a next one.

Book two in this series picks up and jumps right into action and intrigue. A Coast Guard profiler and a diver have a death to solve. Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are these investigators and they grew up in the same foster home. All these years later, they are now partners and this case could be lethal. I liked the romance, it was well balanced. There's a lot of water, and I don't mean just "under the bridge". Then there are evil environmental activists. Set on the coast of North Carolina this book didn't disappoint me at all. I look forward to more books by this author.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own. A positive review was not required.

I'll be fully reviewing this soon. I just have to reread the first book since I was lost at some points while reading this... Though here are some of my thoughts...

I like that I got to read about something I don't know much about. And I loved Mason's and Rissi's relationship.

I dislike that there were some words said/almost said, and the sleeping around that a bad guy did, and I hated that it ended up having a girl raped and that the book ended with it in a way that weakened the plot, I'm just not pleased with the overall out come.

The core story of this book was really good. I loved the sting rays, that the Deepwater Horizon was mentioned (I like the movie about the disastrous event on that oil rig), and that Steve Irwin was also mentioned. The mystery was good and kept me interested throughout. I liked that the Coast Guard was highlighted well. There are not enough fictional books (especially in Christian fiction) about this branch of the United States military. The fact that there was murder afoot and that it was a journey to discover whodunit made me so happy. I love a good murder mystery! So the chapters flew by pretty quickly just for that reason.

I feel like I might not be the right audience for Mrs. Pettrey’s books. I’m not a fan of expletives in Christian books, and this one had a few. It also was emphasized many times that someone used an expletive (curse word) even when the word wasn’t flat-out written into the text. The only correction was “There’s a lady present.” Why is it ever okay for men to use bad language? I’ll never understand that. There are always nicer words to choose from, even to express anger or frustration. And silence is golden in those moments.

I was also disappointed that a random sexual affair popped up, as did a “he raped our baby” moment. Neither felt organic to the story at all. It felt like they were only in there for the shock factor. All they served to do for me was make me decide this wasn’t the book for me.

There was an awkward and aggressive discussion about a girl named Austin. I’m with the dude: I’ve never met or heard of a girl named Austin before either. This discussion and its aggression did not make sense to me, as that is not typically a unisex name. I’m sure there are some girls named Austin out there, and that’s perfectly fine. Maybe it’s because I’m Texan and grew up learning about Stephen Austin who fought at the Battle of the Alamo. Maybe it’s because I’ve known at least three different boys/men named Austin. But this conversation in this book, while only a small portion of the story, stood out as really awkward to me, and it pulled me away from the story for a while.

I’m rating this book three stars because the core was good and I realize I might not be the right reader for this story. I think many other readers will like it.

Content: child abuse (mentioned), expletives, replacement expletives, sexual affairs (mentioned), derogatory term, alcohol, tobacco

Unfortunately I will not be reading this book at this time, I read the first one in this series and didn't care for it and I'm not interested in continuing the series at the moment.

The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey is the second book in the Coastal Guardian series. It can be read as a stand alone novel. Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are searching for answers in the death of an oil worker and the suspect list is endless from co-workers to environmental activists. Pettrey throws in a tropical storm to add to the suspense. I found it hard to get into this novel in comparison to most Pettrey's book and think it was because I had just read a similar plot in Colleen Coble's Two Reasons to Run. Nevertheless, I look forward to the next book in the series.

If you are looking for a crime to solve, then how about two crimes? Look no further! Dani Pettrey's new release "The Crushing Depths" has what you are looking for in crime investigations. This book is swimming with intrigue, mystery, surprises and romance. The characters are alive within the pages. You'll make quick friends with Rissi, Mason,Noah and and the rest of their team. I was excited to read what happens in Rissi and Mason's lives and held my breath when they solved the case. Totally surprised and totally engaged throughout the whole story.

Read the Book!

Blessings,

Karen

Rating: 5*

I received this book at my request and all opinions are my own.

Loved it! The second book in the Coastal Guardian series, this one focuses on Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers childhood friends who find themselves working a case together. The action is there from the first pages of the book and keeps mounting throughout the story. After reading the first book it was great to read more about the characters that were introduced and their backstories. The book is full of action, suspense, God's healing grace and a touch of romance. Rissi and Mason are sent to investigate a death aboard an oil rig, is it from a long ago curse or foul play? they have to gather the evidence and decide before more lives are lost.

The Crushing Depths

I enjoy a good crime drama, whether in a book or on television. The mystery, the journey to discovery, the startled amazement at “who-done-it”—I can’t get enough. So when this book and it’s predecessor The Killing Tide, came across my email, there was no hesitation in signing up. These stories hold everything I love about fiction.

The Crushing Depths is a healthy mix of romance, mystery, and suspense. It literally took me three days to read (could have been shorter but I have a family that needs me). I have been missing my favorite T.V. crime drama, NCIS, and this book filled in that missing space perfectly. Noah is the fearless leader who has a flies his bachelorhood flag with pride so that he can focus on his team. Then there is Logan, a stylish flirt with a heart of gold but I wonder what he is hiding from. Oh, poor Caleb knows what he wants but can’t have it so he makes up for it by going above and beyond for his family. These guys work together with the amazing women on the team to form this bond like no other. I found myself wanting to be part of their team. But the guy that messes up some of the dynamic is Mason, the childhood best friend of Rissi. Their chemistry jumped off the page (rather, the kindle) and became a character all its own.

There was no singular plot to this story. I think I counted at least five plots coming together to make one dramatic story. It wasn’t confusing though and it kept everything interesting. There was no lag in the story progression and it definitely left me wanting more. (When is the next book?)

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a little of everything and not cookie-cutter plots. It is fast passed and worth sacrificing the laundry for.

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit. The views expressed are entirely my own and

If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading a Dani Pettrey book, there are a couple things you should know beforehand. First, in order to appreciate the characters to their fullest, the series should be read in order. Pettrey always gives readers a little of the story of future heroes and heroines in her books. And second, hang on for a wild ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the conclusion.

The Crushing Depths is book two in the Coastal Guardians (if you plan to take my advice and read the series in order, The Killing Tide is book one). Mason and Rissi make a great team—and have done so since they were kids living in a not-so-great situation. I loved the backstory and the friendship these two have because it solidifies who they’ve become by overcoming in the present.

In addition to Mason and Rissi, there are other romances brewing that (fingers crossed) will play out in the next book. And for those who come for the suspense over the romance, there’s plenty of that two with two mysteries playing out—one on an oil rig and one on land.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This riveting read pulls you into the depths of the story, at the very first page. Rissi and Mason take you along side with them, every step of the investigation. You feel such a connection to these characters and sometimes feel as if you jumped into the waters yourself. The details and reality of the story are so amazing. Pettrey keeps you flipping page after page, wanting to know more, and keeps you guessing to the very last page. Every time you think you have it figured out, the author throws another curveball. You will find yourself gasping for air at the turning of each page. Then, as soon as you catch your breath, the story continues. The author had me guessing until the very end, and wow, I did not see that coming.

This action-packed, unputdownable, series continuation, the second book in the Coastal Guardian series, is for sure, an up all night read. With relatable characters this is a definite, keep you on the edge of your seat, romantic suspense, must read.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Author Dani Pettrey has written another top notch suspense thriller that will have you on the edge of your seats biting your nails! I love, loved every page of this book. The more I read, the better it got and the more I didn’t want it to end.

I was so glad to see Mason come on board, and even happier to hear he and Rissi had a past. I fell in love with Mason, and Rissi was a favorite from book one! The Crushing Depths has a little bit of it all. The heart wrenching suspense, enough thrills to last me until the next book, drama, romance though subtle it may be, murder, all kinds of tension running everywhere, and of course the bad guys. I did not have this one figured out. When I thought I knew the bad guy, another twist, another surprise and I was at square one again. One thing for sure, this is an author that keeps you guessing. And I love that about Dani’s writing. I also love and appreciate the Christian life that Ms. Pettrey writes into the lives of her characters, and she does it in a way that is so natural. If you enjoy a really good clean suspense, this us a must for you. This book deserves way more than the five stars I give it. This is when the star system needs to be different. I think you get my message. I love love love this book!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Deb’s Dozen: Scuba Diving Can Be Dangerous—Investigating Murder on an Oil Rig? Deadly
Dani Pettrey has a wonderful new series in Coastal Guardians. The Crushing Depths, the second book in the series, continues the stories of the delightful characters we met in The Killing Tides. Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers star in this book. Rissi has a very protective squad who bristle when they realize Rissi and Mason had a previous relationship, albeit strained at the moment.
Rissi and Mason are sent to investigate a death on a big oil rig. On the helicopter flight to the rig, the copter goes down, and one person is lost. Tempers flare on their rescue flight to the rig. Environmental activists are harassing the rig and could be the cause of both accidents. No one is who they seem to be. Rissi and Mason are soon deep into the investigation but find no crushing clues that would allow for an arrest. More mayhem follows.
While the investigation proceeds mostly unhampered, the remaining member of the squad are tangled in tentacles of their own. Personal interplay between the obvious couples or going to be couples is witty and fun to read. You find yourself rooting for the romances to succeed.
Because the characters are so well written, and the story is so absorbing with the main plot accompanied by several subplots, I give The Crushing Depths four and a half stars.
Dani Pettrey has written several award-winning series—The Alaskan Courage series has been my favorite to date. She has won multiple awards. Dani says she plots murder and mayhem from her home in the Washington, DC metro area. Find out more at danipettrey.com.
Bethany House, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, gave me a copy of The Crushing Depths, but I was in no way obligated to write a review. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission on any books sold through this page.