Member Reviews
Chesapeake Valor is a 4 part series by award-winning Dani Pettry. Still Shot is the first one I read of the series and can be read as a stand-alone story (but why would you not read the others? I mean it is Dani Pettry. Suspense is what she does best) Especially since it was such a great book I needed to see more of what was going so I went back to read the rest of the series, Blind Spot, Dead Drift and Cold Shot (which is the first).
“In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.” (Description from Amazon)
My one of my favorite things about the books is they are a team A terrorist attack is coming and each person is using their gifts to solve the plot and save the world from terrorists . Another thing really makes the books over the top Is that the book is written from more than one point of view. You get to hear the reasoning behind the good, the bad, and the ugly. Secrets are revealed and relationships are restored.
Each book in the series focuses on one of the friends. The storytelling is fabulous and there is great attention to detail from the science of crime scene investigation to the protocols. The details to gun descriptions are spot on, as well as the processes of photography of the crime scenes.
The women in the book are strong and struggle with letting the men trying to protect them from the the terroist plot to destroy our country I love how the struggles of our relationship with Christ are explored and dealt with, leaving you with a bigger understanding of who God is. I love the zeal the characters have for God, even after experiencing some terrible things. Zeal for God is what Dani’s books are all about. The zeal for truth found in Jesus.
I received these books complimentary from the publisher in return for my honest review. I love them so much I bought all four. Dani calls her books “up all night” and this is spot on as well because once you get started you stay up all night to read them. I mean what else are you going to do? You opened it, right? It is like turning the movie off in the middle if you have to sleep.
Did the bad guy get away? Are they going to find the bomb in time? Who is going to get shot next? Each time a new one comes out I reread the others first to make sure I remember all the character development. I see something new to love every time.in time for my vacation.
I am looking forward to her new book The Killing Tide coming out sometime this summer.
These books have become a favorite of mine and I LOVE Dani Pettrey because she does suspense like no one but Dee Henderson or Terri Blackstock. This book was suspenseful and interesting from start to finish and I would recommend it to anyone who likes those authors. It's clean and appropriate for younger ages also. It had a great message. LOVED this book!!!
The Chesapeake Valor series is an epic, binge-worthy romantic suspense brimming with perilous escapades and tender moments. Let your mind feast on intense investigations as simmering attraction and blossoming relationships set your reader heart aflutter.
As former best friends, Griffin, Parker, Declan, and Luke, reunite through professional collaboration, they seek answers to not only their joint and tandem investigations but also vow to solve the mysteries which bind them together. Each man faces unique personal and professional challenges along the way, including matters of faith and love.
Straight-laced Declan is a dedicated, by-the-book defender. His stark professionalism is matched and complemented by wild-card Tanner’s fierce compassion. As Tanner stands in for Declan’s partner, the time spent together ignites a spark of mutual respect, admiration, and attraction!
Pettrey’s masterful storytelling weaves intricate investigations with complex intimate relationships in a delightfully complex multidirectional plot. I have already begun rereading this intense adventure and I highly recommend the Chesapeake Valor series. I am eagerly anticipating future works from this author!
I borrowed book 1 through the Kindle Unlimited program and received a complimentary copy of books 2-4 from the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
When you think a series can’t get any better, it just did! Book three of this series was even stronger than the first two. So, if you read the first two in the series and enjoyed them, then you gotta get this one!
Declan Grey is everything you want in a leading man. He’s strong, intelligent, witty, and he has a soft side. Tanner Shaw is the perfect woman for him. She’s strong and intelligent and has skills Declan could have never imagined. Yes, I loved these two.
The story is excellent. It moves fast and is hard to put down. The storyline with Luke also has a nice climax. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes the story of Luke and Kate.
This is a book three in a series. You could probably read it as a stand-alone and enjoy it. You would be a little lost on the Luke part of the story, but the author gives you enough history to get by.
If you are new to Dani Pettrey, but enjoy authors like Terri Blackstock and Brandilyn Collins you’ll enjoy this book and series.
Disclaimer: I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, I was not required to give a review and the opinions here are my own.
Check out the 2 Minute Review!
I'm almost, almost caught up on my reviews. This has been a real struggle to go back and review after the fact instead of immediately finishing the book. I felt more invested in this book, which I will share with you later but first I have to address something that is killin' me. Legit killin' me Smalls. Who ends a book and then makes you wait 9 months (OK not me because I'm slow and only have to wait a month but still 9 months) with this. "You did a great job." Everyone's attention swung to Luke standing in the doorway, a grim expression on his hardened face. "But we've got a far more lethal threat on our doorstep."
In some ways this book pulled me in in ways that the previous two did not. In most ways I had the same hangups. I have to appreciate that there was less things resolved 'off screen' and that I was actually allowed to play in most of the action. However, some of that was not really believable. Tanner's background screams to mind, it was too pat, too easy just too. Tanner and Declan's romance doesn't feel natural either. Perhaps I'm just one too many romances in to the reading stack but why does the guy ALWAYS get the girl? I feel like this series is built around each of these guys getting the girl effectively doubling the head count. The faith falls flat for me as well, it doesn't feel authentic but more forced as a necessary write in instead of a natural expression of true faith. And we won't even mention the one person I won't mention so as not to ruin a story thread with massive spoiler. Just trust me, it's too smooth as well.
You would think will all that I couldn't stand the book. The truth is, I was more invested in this one than all the others. I mean I know I said that before but it's really the truth. I care about these people, multiplying though they are. I am invested in the subterfuge that is weaving it's way through the series. I need to know what is coming to the doorstep in the next book. As much as I don't love glitter sparkly perfect bows I need to know how it all works out, cuz you know there's gonna be glitter sparkles everywhere. This series, this author, draws you into her worlds even when you go kicking and fighting. And I'm glad she does. I'm definitely interested in pursuing her other books in hopes that there's a true click for me there. But first. . .'Dead Drift'.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
I think I enjoyed this book a lot more than the previous two. With the background already established I didn't find myself confused all the time trying to figure out who everyone was and what their story was. It was fast paced as usual, and the characters were well-developed. I especially liked learning about Tanner's background. What a fun surprise. If you're a fan of Christian suspense, I would definitely recommend this book (as well as her other series). I'll be looking for the next book!
I had not read the previous books in this series, but it was easy to learn all the characters. This was a very detailed and suspenseful story. There was just enough romantic tension thrown in along with the terrorism threat tension.
The end was not as satisfying as I would have liked in the romance area. I am sure that is to make me want to read the next book in the series, and I will!
Blind Spot was a thrilling read with suspense and romance. Dani Pettrey's books are automatically on my must-read list (because she knows how to write stories that are SO good and hold my attention), so I wasn't surprised that I really enjoyed this story.
I loved getting to know the main characters in Blind Spot, Declan and Tanner, a little better. I thought their romance was cute and believable. They knew each other for a while, so I didn't feel it was rushed. A character that really intrigued me was Luke; I loved the scenes we got with him in Blind Spot.
The book ends with a cliffhanger that left me breathless and needing to read the next book NOW. Only problem? It doesn't release for a few months (July 2018).
All in all, Blind Spot was a very good read. I definitely recommend it, but I feel that you need to read the series in order to fully enjoy the story.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
If you love Christian Romantic Suspense, read this series! That’s all I got to say. Okay, not quite. I did enjoy this series. It has just enough suspense to give you the willies and the heebie-jeebies, but not enough to give you nightmares. I will say that I found the second book, Still Life, to be more frightening than the others.
The series evolves from book 1 and 2 into a terrorist threat type suspense, so if you are looking for a run-of-the-mill crime/mystery book, this is not the right series.
"An attack was headed for U.S. soil, and no one was doing a thing to acknowledge it- let alone stop it."
Each of the books do begin with a lot of telling, but that changes once the author has acclimated the reader to the story. Things move pretty quickly later on in the story.
It has some startling violent descriptions, minced oath-type words, and “thoughts” (only thoughts) regarding physical intimacies. That is the direction of contemporary Christian fiction, they have a more modern view on dating relationships and the characters have more modern thoughts about someone appearing “hot” or “sexy.” So, I would call this an adult series and not something you want your teenage girl to read, for those who prefer more innocent material.
I enjoyed the characters close relationships with the Lord, even praying during times of distress and seeking His guidance through-out their cases. They often think and talk about Jesus, prayer, and salvation.
"Dear Father, you are sending us out among wolves. Please keep us safe. Please guide us to the truth, and help us to see justice done."
They also try to build their romantic relationships in a proper way and I enjoyed that aspect of the story. I thought, Blind Spot, to be more romantically focused than the other two.
"How had Tanner stolen his heart without him seeing it coming, and what did he do about it amidst a case that was threatening their lives?"
The stories have a definite theme of letting go of the past and moving into the future without the baggage of past failures and regrets. Each of these characters have made mistakes and work to overcome them through the Lord’s strength. We can’t change the past, but we can keep it from destroying their futures. Nothing in the past is worth holding us back from the love and joy God wants to give his children. It’s all Under the Blood!
"Tanner had known this day would come. She couldn't hide from her past forever, couldn't hit it from her friends any longer. Today was her day of reckoning. She prayed they didn't feel differently about her afterward, but how could they not?"
Pettrey has such a gift for weaving stories and characters together. I really enjoyed peeking into the lives of the characters from Chesapeake Valor again in this book. And I especially enjoyed getting to know Declan and Tanner a little bit more.
This book seemed to be a little heavier on the details than I remembered the first two books being - but perhaps I am remembering wrong? Either way I felt like I was getting a lot of information. But it was so intriguing at the same time. I was especially in awe of how so much happened so fast in one little setting at first in the story. In some ways it reminded me of the game of Clue.
Pettrey can craft suspense so well that there were quite a few things I didn't figure out in this book. I enjoyed many parts specifically but do not want to give anything away. I also like how a lot of authors are starting to include battles that are currently being fought by law enforcement.
I think that anyone that loves CSI would especially love this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.
I am always excited to read a Dani Pettrey story, and Blind Spot didn't disappoint! I love the way she introduces characters throughout the series and weaves them in and out with ease. Great story, and wonderful characters!
Usually the best book of the series is the first. The first book in this series, Cold Shot, was very good and the second book, Still Life, was good too but I think this third book is my favorite. I've been thinking about why and I have decided it is because I have come to know the characters better and the underlying story has developed to the point that I can't stand to put it down.
I'm a fan of Dani Pettrey's writing so I knew the suspense element would be good but I believe she's taken her talent for leaving the reader wondering what's next to a whole new level. There is a cliff-hanger at the end of this book that is almost not fair. When I turned that final page I couldn't believe she would torture us so! But of course that's the sign of a good writer's ability to keep the reader wanting more.
After reading Blind Spot I was wishing that I had the discipline to wait to start the series until it was entirely written. But of course I can't! The minute I know the book has been released I want it in my hands. If you enjoy a good dose of suspense sprinkled with some swoon-worthy romance then Dani Pettrey and this series particularly are worth your time. I can't wait for the next book and I think you'll feel the same way.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
Award-winning author Dani Pettrey continues her romantic suspense series set in coastal Maryland, about childhood friends with careers in law enforcement.
In Blind Spot, FBI Agent Declan Grey is chasing down leads to an imminent terrorist attack on US soil. When his investigation takes him to an immigrant community, he calls on Tanner Shaw for assistance. Tanner works with immigrants and refugees, and recently joined the FBI as a crisis counselor. They find themselves fighting the clock to neutralize the threat, even as they recognize the growing attraction between them. Can they stop the terrorists in time?
Pettrey’s series features strong personalities with real problems. Declan, Tanner, and their friends are people with flaws, problems in their past, and consequences in their future caused by the choices they made. The faith element is evident but not preachy: for example, Declan prays for his relationship with Tanner. Their relationship is clean (appropriate for high school readers). Pettrey excels at creating an ensemble of characters the reader cares about. Characters from earlier novels reappear, to the reader’s delight.
More than just character development, Pettrey also excels in plot development. The plausible plot take the reader on a thrilling roller-coaster ride until the end with a final plot twist! Blind Spot answers some but not all of the questions – which no doubt will be answered in Dead Drift (book 4), scheduled for July 2018.
Blind Spot is a romantic thriller - with a touch too much romance for this reader.
This book picks up where Cold Shot and Still Life began. The team of FBI and private investigators are onto the trail of human traffickers and a terrorist - it would take time to see the connection between the two cases and only one could be solved.
The newest book again weaves in both the professional and personal lives of the characters. Though I enjoyed the book, it felt like there was a bit more romance - though nothing provocative or uncomfortable - in the telling of this story than needed. The author also, as in the earlier books, again focuses on faith issues - notably for this reader, “trust.” Trust of God, of others, and trust of ourselves.
The author also prepares the reader for the next book in the series as she concludes this story with:
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“You did a great job.” Everyone’s attention swung to Luke standing in the doorway, a grim expression on his hardened face. “But we’ve got a far more lethal threat on our doorstep.”
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But for that, we will need to wait till next year.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the author for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.
As with the first two books in this series, I enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and took the reader through two unrelated cases, although at times I wondered if they were going to be connected. This book is better if you have read the whole series because it ties back to what has happened in the first two, the second one especially. I liked how the two stories overlapped with the characters. Even though it meant there were several POV characters, some only getting a couple of scenes, I still enjoyed the book as I already knew the characters from the previous books so it didn't seem like it was overdone.
Declan Grey is investigating a terrorist plot with illegal arms smuggling, the FBI teams him up with Tanner Snow. Tanner is a gifted agent, with the remarkable ability to put almost anyone at ease in multiple languages. She was born in Israel, and after serving time in their military she immigrated to the United States, went to school, and now works to help people live in safety.
I admired Tanner for her faith and inner strength. Declan surprises Tanner by lightening up tense moments, she likes how he really listens to her and values her opinions. I love how Tanner and Declan work together to unravel the clues left by a late agent to catch the terrorists and protect many innocents.
Meanwhile CCI has been hired by their old coach to find out who is stealing money from the investment firm and framing the coach.
Declan is honorable and lives his faith, he does his best to respectfully protect Tanner, while knowing that she has his back too.
This is a fast paced read that was pretty much impossible to put down. I loved how Tanner and Declan bring out the best in each other, and how her faith really shine in how she treats others. Fantastic read from beginning to end!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this the 3rd book in the Chesapeake Valor series. This book was worth the wait! It seems like forever since I read the last book, but it didn’t take me long to recall the events from the previous book and I found myself totally sucked into this book. Two days later (I had to sleep, eat & work!) I was finished. 😊
This Christian/Inspirational Fiction book allows the characters to show through their words and actions their faith in God. It is just a part of their life and the author does an excellent job of showing that without overdoing it! As the reader, you know they are Christians, but it is not overpowering!
If you like a book full of action and suspense, then you might want to give this series a chance! One of the characters, Declan was highlighted more in this book than the others and I was so happy about that! He has always been one of my favorite characters in the books and I was glad this book brought out more of his character and deep beliefs in the storyline. The ending of the book was quite a surprise! I love a good cliff-hanger and I was not disappointed by this one!!!!
In the third installment of Dani Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor Series, readers will discover more about the FBI agent Declan Grey and mysterious Luke Gallagher, who disappeared seven years earlier. Declan receives the task of ferreting out a terrorist cell and stopping the promised ‘wrath.’ In the course of his work, he teams up with Tanner Shaw, a beautiful crisis counselor with an inside track on the refugee community.
Sparks fly between Declan and Tanner as they work on the case—and neither knows for sure if the sparks can and should turn into something more. Meanwhile, the rest of the Charm City Investigations crew involves themselves in a case involving Griffin McCray’s financial advisor and the four friends’ (Griffin, Parker Mitchell from Still Shot, Declan, and Luke) former baseball coach.
Readers will stay up late to find out what happens next—but although some of the mysteries get solved in this book, we’ll have to wait until the final installment to find out what happens with the terrorist cell.
Pettrey does a nice job of keeping the four-book series’ story arc going whilst providing a satisfying who-done-it in each book (along with romance and redemption).