The Crushing Depths - (Coastal Guardians) by Dani Pettrey (Paperback)

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. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

"Living in the past only gives people who've hurt you more power over you. It's best to forget them and move forward, never looking back." It's another winner from Dani Pettrey. The author clearly knows how to write engaging romantic suspense with plenty of action and thrill in the plot, supported by captivating characters. In this book, there is also a secondary plot of suspense and mystery which is completely separate from the main plot but works nicely to introduce Brooke, whom I'm assuming we'll see more of in the future. I recommend that you read The Killing Tide first before reading this second novel in the series since the cast of characters in this Coast Guard Investigative Service office is large but every character is unique and worth getting to know. Rissi and Mason share a haunted past of surviving traumatic childhoods in a group home for orphans. Now Rissi is a master profiler and has become a strong, independent, determined woman of faith who is excellent at her work. Mason is a diving expert who has just joined Rissi's team and their unspoken young love for each other from their teenage years blossoms into something deeper and more meaningful. As they reconnect, they are also thrust into a volatile situation between an environmentalist group and an oil company when unexplained mechanical failures and untimely deaths on an oil rig call for CGIS to investigate. While this is happening out at sea, a Coast Guard medic Brooke is targeted in her home and Noah works to protect her and catch the one responsible. Both of the plots have plenty of surprises that will have you scratching your head one minute and gasping in realization in the next. This book is also a nice set up for the next books in the series; it delved a bit more into Logan and Emmy's workplace friendship and introduced another character who may be a possible match for Caleb....but that remains to be seen. If you enjoy romantic suspense, Dani Pettrey will thrill your suspense-seeking soul with this series. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

The deafening silence of the abyss engulfed her. What an incredible way to begin a book that keeps you guessing right up till the end. The danger, suspense and non-stop action forced me to mentally update my suspect list more than once. I must admit, the actual perpetrators came as a surprise. The mark of a wonderful suspense writer! Book 2 in the Coastal Guardians series introduces us to a new member on the CGIS team. A former foster brother of Rissi has joined them from Kodiak, Alaska, bringing a whole new positive dynamic to the group. For Mason and Rissi the reunion after so many years is delightful to observe. Learning more about the other members just whets the appetite for the next installment in the series. I love how they all work together to help, protect and encourage each other. Their faith shines through in everything they do. This ARC was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

This is book 2 of the Coastal Guardian Series -- I have read book 1 - so I was excited to read the sequel. However, this book can be read as a stand a lone. In this book, we meet Coast Guard Investigator, Rissi. She is a talented profiler - who is at the top of her game. We also meet Mason. He is an expert diver. They are some of the best of the best - and they have a history. They have similar pasts and were in the same foster home when they were younger - They are being sent to a oil rig that has had a string of bad luck. In this instance, they are investigating a death of an oil rig worker. The more they investigate - the more I got thrown off the path. Was it the environmental activists that do not want to see an oil rig working? I learned a lot about oil rigs during this book - I did not realize how much goes into the process. I like that Rissi and Mason have a past - I feel like it made their chemistry believable. Now, I want to note - that be prepared to get lost in this book. It starts out with a bang - and gets your adrenaline going and you will not want to stop reading. This author writes real feeling characters. They come to life through the pages. They are always well written. The author has done a great deal of research. I feel more knowledgeable about oil rigs. The story line grabbed my attention with the first chapter. I look forward to what comes next for this author. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program --- all thoughts are my own.

This is book two in the Coastal Guardians Series but I was able to read it as a stand-alone as I hadn’t read book one, but I aim to go back and do so. I was swept away into the perfect storm of whodunnit and romantic tension between Rossi and Mason who haven’t seen each other in ten years. I enjoyed the originality of the murders taking place on an oil rig and then throw in a tropical storm to amp up the thrill ride. I was enthralled with the workings of the Coast Guard investigators and how they function. The cover is as intriguing as the words between the pages. You will be on a journey you don’t want to put down. I look forward to book three to read more of this team and their playful bantering that made me smile. A perfect balancing act of suspense, romance, Faith, easy comradely, and strong characters. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey is the second book in her Coastal Guardians series. Coast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent out to the off shore oil platform to investigate the accidental death of an oil-rig worker. They encounter environmental activists, who will do whatever it takes to shut down the oil production. With tensions running high from all the “accidents” aboard the rig rumors of the old curse start to circulate again. Rissi and Mason must dig through all of this to find the answers they need. This was a great book. I enjoyed all the character interactions. The southern charm came thru loud and clear! I’m a southern gal myself, so was happy to read a story where the men were also gentlemen. Can’t wait for the next installment! DISCLAIMER: There was quite a bit of kissing and boy/girl feelings. I received this book from the author for my honest review.

WOW!! I always love Danni Pettrey's books because they captivate me and keep me intrigued and this is becoming one of my favorites!! And I think that is because of the characters. Rissi and Mason are already a favorite couple of mine! Their story is special because they knew each other from childhood and their teens, where they shared a special bond, and Mason was like Rissi's guardian at the orphanage, even so young, because he was always trying to rescue her, protect her and soothe her after the beatings she unfairly received. But ten years have passed after Mason left the orphanage and they haven't being in contact with each other, but neither forgets the other. Rissi Dawson is an agent of the CGIS team (coastal guards) and we met her on the first book "The Killing Tide". That's where we get to see a bit of her past and her nostalgia of Mason. But after a member of the team dies, they need to substitute him with an expert diver, and Mason Rogers is summoned for the job. That's how the first book ends. So now, not only is Rissi still dizzy from absorbing the news of having Mason back in her life, but she can't believe it when they are both sent on a mission together, to uncover what's behind a supposedly accidental death on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean. Rissi has always being a strong and guarded woman, that's how she has survived and thrived in her profession. But will Mason appearance bring down the walls she has erected around her heart? Mason has always loved Rissi and thought she was lost to him. And now that he has found her, he doesn't want to let her go. How can he show her his love without frightening her? But first, he has to protect her and get her out of this rig alive. But things aren't easy, as they discover that the death on the rig was no accident. The murderer could be an environmental activist, bent on impeding the completion of this rig, or is it a person of the victim's own crew? This is enough to make a suspenseful and intriguing story, but throw in a dangerous tropical storm, and you won't be able to put this book down since page one, I assure you I couldn't!! The best part of the story for me was the character's relationship and romance. It was truly sweet and swooning! Mason is truly my hero right now! I loved his quiet strength, his tender love and admiration for Rissi, and his protectiveness, while giving her the space she needed. His love for Rissi was so sweet! And Rissi was equally in love with him, but never imagining he already was in love for her too! I loved how they start opening to each other again, after so many years. This is one of the best romances from Danni Pettrey I've read! But the romance never dulls the intrigue and suspense, which is always there. I loved that I never quite knew who was the real criminal until almost the end. And this kept me guessing and wanting to read more so I could get to the bottom of the case! This book with definitely keep you at the edge of your seat and will make you sigh at the same time! And that's not an easy feat for a suspense writer, but Danni Pettrey did it! I definitely recommend this book to Romantic Suspense lovers. It can be read as a standalone, but it will be richer if you start by the first book. One of the things I love most about this series is the close-knit relationship of the CGIS team members. They are like a family, loyal to the bone, and ready to serve their lives for each other and for their community. I love all these characters! And I hope to get to read all of their stories. I'm particularly interested in Noah's right now! Hopefully, he'll have his own story soon... Don't miss this series! A total page turner!

One of the reasons I love reading any book by Dani Pettrey, is that she makes the characters come alive in her stories and The Crushing Depths continues to do so. As you read, you feel like you get to know the characters and fall in love with them. I love this book and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great summer read.

Wow! Talk about unexpected. There was no way I could guess how this book would end. I’m pretty sure my jaw actually dropped. Pettrey kept me on my toes and I loved every moment of it. The Crushing Depths is the second novel in the Costal Guardians series, and I could barely wait to get my hands on it. I was blessed by reading the first book, and was dying to get to spend more time with the team. If you haven’t read The Killing Tide don’t worry, you will be able to enjoy this novel as a stand alone. That being said, I would totally recommend you read both, they are so good. It’s not often that I get caught by surprise as much as I did in this book. I am an avid Christian Fiction reader, and can usually figure out who the “bad guy” is pretty early on in a story. But that isn’t the cast when I pick up a Pettrey novel. I enjoyed the journey from beginning to end and can’t wait to see what she does in the next book. The romance between Rissi and Mason might have made me swoon a time or two. I loved their history, and the connection they have with each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Romance and Suspense. This book will keep you up late into the night, and is worth every page turning moment. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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.

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 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.*

*Blissful sigh!* I'm speechless, in the best way! There is something about Dani Pettrey's books that just sweeps me away into a storyworld that I don't want to leave which is inhabited by characters I don't want to say goodbye to! Without fail Dani's books are my happy place, and The Crushing Depths was no exception! I loved Rissi and Mason, and it was an absolute joy to watch their romance bloom! I really liked Rissi in The Killing Tide, and loved her in this book! I loved her tenacity, and her compassion, and I also love how multifaceted her personality is, my heart broke for everything she had been through but I so admired her courage and bravery! And Mason, oh my stars! Dani Pettrey is known for writing the most amazing chivalrous, protective, gentlemanly, and seriously swoon-worthy heroes of all time, and Mason is a fabulous addition to the list! Seriously, I think every single time he appeared on the page he said or did something that made my heart melt, I LOVED HIM SO MUCH! I love all the rest of the Coastal Guardians too, though I think Emmy and Logan just might be my faves, I love their dynamic and their banter in this book made me laugh out loud more times than I can count, I can't wait for their story! There is also a tiny Easter egg in this book that will delight fans of Dani's first series, when I spotted it I started grinning! I found it fascinating that this story is largely set on an offshore oil platform, I have never read a book set on one of those before and so it was awesome to learn about! The mystery was layered and complex and so well done! The suspense was edge-of-your-seat thrilling, and the writing was stellar as always! The Crushing Depths is a truly captivating read that I loved every minute of and most highly recommend! The Crushing Depths can standalone but I would recommend reading The Killing Tide first if you haven't already because you won't want to miss a moment of the total awesomeness that is the Coastal Guardians series! The Crushing Depths is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2020, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! (5 Stars!) I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!

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.

The Crushing Depths, by Dani Pettrey, is a genuine page-turner! This second book in the Coastal Guardians series offers a thrilling mix of mystery, suspense, action, faith, and romance. From beginning to end, this faced-paced novel is truly entertaining and thoroughly gripping. Brimming with sand and surf, the Atlantic coastal setting enriches the plot and contributes to the authentic feel of the story. The vibrant characters also make this book special. They are relatable, likable, smart, and interesting. The engrossing plot is detailed with layers of mystery that are utterly compelling especially as investigative clues and suspect motivations are revealed. Like swelling ocean waves, the themes of adversity, courage, faith, perseverance, and restoration add depth and meaning to a riveting story that uplifts while it entertains. The Crushing Depths is more than a story of romance and suspense. It also shines with an emphasis on friendship and second chances. As the characters grapple with difficult and dangerous events, they move closer to wholeness as they heal from events of their past. Their faith and trust grows stronger as they discover that true security is found in the promises of God and in the love and support of friends. With its integral setting, perceptive characters, and captivating plot, The Crushing Depths easily held my attention page after page. Ms. Pettrey is a talented author with a real gift for writing stories that are hard to put down. The Crushing Depths is a book I can easily recommend to all readers who enjoy clean, suspenseful, romantic fiction, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series! *I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This is the second book in the Coast Guard series. Its even better than book one. It is a clean Christian fiction, so the reader doesn't have to worry about wading through foul language and inappropriate scenes. The story revels around two friends with a deep bond that was forged from a difficult past. As CG agents they are faced with proving humans not ghost are responsible for the litany of problems on the oil rig. The story is so well written that even experienced readers will be guessing until the end of the book. The characters are well rounded, and jump off the page. The suspense is woven through out the story. This book goes on my re-read list.

Dani Pettrey has done it again! This story was so awesome, I kinda hate myself for reading it so quickly. Guess I’ll just have to go read it again. It keeps your attention the whole time and the only downside is now you have to wait for the next one to come out. Go read this book! You won’t be disappointed!!

Dani Pettrey does it once again. She quickly pulls you into the story with fast paced chapters that make you feel like you are right in the middle of the action. Pettrey combines the perfect amount of suspense with romance to keep you turning the pages long into the night. The characters in this book are honorable and courageous. They help you to once again have hope and trust in others. This is a story filled with the encouragement of God’s redemption story of horrific times in a person’s past. It also shows belief in God’s sovereignty and trust in Him through prayer even in the hardest times a person could face. This is a book that will fulfill your appetite for thrilling suspense and romance while encouraging you to dive deeper into a relationship with Christ. A much needed book for me in this season of life!!! I can’t wait for the next one in this series!

Dani Pettrey exhibits her signature style and gift of creating ordinary characters doing extraordinary things. In the second book of her Coast Guard series, the setting is an oil rig that seems to be cursed. Two members of the CGIS team are sent to investigate and end up endangering themselves in their dogged quest for the truth. The book was well-researched and I received a lot of knowledge about how the investigative team works as well as what the crew of an oil rig does. The vivid descriptions placed me mentally right into the scene, with the ocean rolling and the storms rushing in. I loved how the author created a suspenseful and intricate plot that kept me enthralled as I read. The most remarkable part of the book, in my opinion, was the effective and strong characterization. The relationship between Mason and Rissi is a stunning and emotionally charged trip into an exploration of young and tentative love. Each character had a special role in the book, with all of them contributing to a phenomenal picture of the service and private lives of those who are willing to risk their lives to save others. Noah, my favorite character and the leader of the team, displays a unique ability to perceive what the strengths are of each member of his team. Noah is also dealing with his own awakening of romantic feelings for a young woman, and I was genuinely pleased with his final acceptance that his feelings were real and should be pursued. The author’s sharp, perceptive look at members of the investigative team was riveting. The action was intense and intriguing, and I was compelled to continue to read long into the night by the absorbing story of the ill-fated oil rig. I found the entire book exceptionally well-written, with a stunning glimpse into the dangerous and sacrificial world of members of the U.S. Coast Guard. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This is the second book in Dani Pettrey’s newest series, The Coastal Guardians. As with Pettrey’s other series, each book takes up right where the last one ended, so you’ll want to read book one, The Killing Tide, first. There’s a lot of background material in that book about this book’s two main characters, Rissi and Mason. Pettrey’s tagline, “Up All Night Suspense,” fits well with this book. I had a hard time putting it down! There are plot twists galore, loveable “good” characters and plenty of despicable “bad” characters – but wait, which of the “good” ones are really “bad” ones, and which of the “bad” ones aren’t so bad after all??!! I’ve tried reading books by other suspense writers whose writing styles I just don’t like, but Pettrey’s books have just the right blend of tension and release, hunting the “bad guys” and romance, intense encounters and fun relaxing times on the beach. I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no obligation to post a review #TheCrushingDepths #NetGalley

love reading this author’s books, and this one will not disappoint, and you will be holding your breath as the danger happens. This is the second book in this series, and yes, I recommend you read it, but you can start here there is enough information given. I enjoyed being reunited with these characters, and looking forward to more. This one will have you guessing and surprises are coming, a lot I new saw in my mind. We are given a few facts that will keep you guessing, and there is a lot of action taking place. We are following more than one story, but the characters all interact, and I was quickly page turning for answers, and solutions. We are offered a bit of sweet romance, and revealing of the horrors that brought these two special people together to begin with. There is some unrequited love here, but maybe there is a spark from someone else? Actually, there is a third case of maybe a match, you will have to read and see? If you like non-stop action, like helicopter chrashes for example you to will find this a riveting read! I received this book through the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review