The Crushing Depths

“Please, Father, help me to know that You are in control— always. That I don’t have to worry about what is happening under Your watchful eye.”

Ten years ago, foster kids Rissi and Mason were each other’s everything. They were separated, yet they each found their place in the Coast Guard Investigative Service. When Mason shows up to join her team in NC, Rissi can barely comprehend God’s most recent amazing gift. Being together again is wonderful and different- getting to know each other as adults only intensifies the depths of love they have harbored all along. Rissi and Mason are immediately pulled into a multi-faceted, high-intensity investigation on board an off-shore oil platform filled with elements murder, sabotage, ecoterrorism, and revenge. With danger around every corner, can Rissi and Mason put the pieces together in time?

I loved this story even more than the first book in the series, The Killing Tide. Dani really crushed it with The Crushing Depths!! While you can read this one independently, I do encourage you to read them in order so you know everyone going in. I love how Mason fits with the team and how perfect he is for Rissi. Their reunion was a joy to read. Timid, tender feelings going both ways growing into something much stronger under pressure. The suspense portion was nuanced and quite the page-turner. I love how Dani’s characters are flawed, real Christians who draw on faith in crisis.

I also really enjoyed the sidebar story with Noah and Brooke and the tension between Logan & Emmy and Caleb & Austin. I’m hoping we get full length books focused on all three couples as Dani continues the series.

Once again, Dani hits all the right romantic suspense notes that makes me look forward to every new release. Overall, this book is highly recommended!

Thank you so much to Dani Pettrey and Bethany House and Netgalley for allowing me the honor of helping to launch this book.

Dani Pettrey does a fabulous job at keeping readers on her toes. From the first chapter of her newest novel, The Crushing Depths, I was taken for a ride. The action does not stop. It keeps twisting and moving fast. The romance is a little too much for my personal taste. I get it. The hero and the heroine like each other. Let's focus on the mystery at hand instead of their budding romance. The writing is fabulous. Pettrey definitely allows readers to feel all the five senses when she takes her readers for a ride. I enjoy reading all her books and can't wait to read the finale in this series. Fans of Pettrey's other novels should add this to their TBR pile, then store it on their shelf to return to later.

I received a complimentary copy of The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey from Bethany House Publishers through the Celebrate Lit Program, but the opinions stated are all my own.

So not a fan, unfortunately. I wanted to like this book and this series, but it's just not cutting it for me! The romance is way over the top for my tastes. I know this is a very subject thing, but it just is for me. The sensuality and constant focus on the physical aspect of a relationship really bothers me, and isn't what a true romance is made of, in my opinion. It just makes the characters feel so shallow and I can't relate to them at all. The mystery kept my attention and kept me guessing, and I enjoyed Noah's storyline being included. I think it really comes down to the romance not being done in good taste. I've come to expect more of the publisher than such sensual romances, and am really disappointed in this one. I think Pettrey is a very talented author, just not one for me.

Dani Pettrey has captured the tense environment of offshore drilling, mystery and romance with the latest in her "Coastal Guardians" series. The death of a rig worker brings Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers, Coast Guard investigators, to the scene of the accident. Or is it an accident? Add activists, a tropic storm and a brooding romance, and you've got all the elements for an entertaining read.

A complex and intriguing plot:
This is the second book in the Coastal Guardians series but it can be read as a standalone. I hadn't read the first book yet it did not detract from my ability to enjoy this one. However it was a bit challenging to follow along at times due to the many different characters interacting at once and with the POV also switching up between multiple characters frequently. With their being so many characters and side stories I also found that I wasn't able to form as close a bond to the main couple as I would have liked to. Overall I enjoyed this book though and found it was well paced, with plenty of intrigue and suspense. I really liked the various investigations and was kept on the edge of my seat and guessing until the end.
I did enjoy the interaction and friendships between the different characters and the budding romance between Rissi and Mason. Due to the limited time span of the book, there was not much growth or romantic development but hopefully more will be revealed in upcoming books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

( received an advanced publication copy in exchange for review )

While I feel comfortable reading series books out of order, I will admit, that with this title, I did pause after starting and read the first book in the series. Really enjoyed my time with both titles. Highly recommended for summer reading. Perfect blending of storyline elements. Held my attention the entire time. Can easily seeing this becoming a movie.

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 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.”

The Crushing Depths #2 Coastal Guardians by Dani Pettrey

If you enjoy reading Christian fiction suspense, then you will enjoy Crushing Depths. This book grabs you from the very first paragraph! I love the CGIS (Coast Guard Investigation Services) team and the interactions between them. Each member of the team have a specific task and expertise in solving the crimes they are investigating. CGIS agents Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are flown to an accident scene thirty-eight miles from shore aboard an oil rig. They have not even reached the oil rig when tragedy strikes. Thus begins a gripping, non-stop action investigation that brings more questions, mystery and dangerous situations. There are moments that had me holding my breath, laughing and even in tears. There are so many favorite characters in this book/series and a few not-so-favorite characters. I appreciate the back-story on the characters that gives insight into how they became the people they are now. I love the faith elements woven within the story-line which bring an even greater depth to the story. A captivating, gripping story that is now one of my favorite books.

~I received an ARC copy of this book from the author/publisher [and an ARC e-book from NetGalley] (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

Not all dangers for the Coast Guard are from turbulent waters. Threats from nefarious people seeking revenge or defensively protecting criminal activity abound. Join the Coast Guard Investigative Services team on their next adventures by land, sea and air to protect the east coast and each other.

Dani Pettrey extends another flammable edition of the Coastal Guardian series that reads like a roller coaster packed with intrigue on every page. Hopefully, this won't be the last we'll see from this team. A few subplots warrant further storylines. Readers will not be challenged during this imaginative yet realistic world.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

When it comes to suspense, Dani Pettrey is at the top of my list. She is an author who knows how to balance action with character development to create a story that fully immerses you and guarantees you will come back for more. Her newest book, The Crushing Depths, is a hallmark to this exceptional writing style.

The Crushing Depths is the second book in Pettrey’s Coastal Guardians series, and it takes up where the previous book, The Killing Tide, leaves off. We follow Coast Guard Investigative Services team Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers as they seek to uncover the truth surrounding a series of murders on an offshore oil platform. Suspense and danger threaten at every turn as twists and turns create a mystery that keeps you turning page after page. I guarantee you will not want to put this book down!

I highly recommend this book and anything written by Dani Pettrey. She is an author to watch!

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Crushing Depths
by Dani Pettrey
Book 2 in the Coastal Guardians series
Rating: 4/5
Release date: June 30, 2020

Woohoo! I love getting to know what happens next. Dani Pettrey introduced readers to some phenomenal characters in her first book of the series, The Killing Tide, and I was very impressed with how seamlessly the story continues in this second installment. However, you can still read this as a standalone and not feel like anything is missing. Get ready for a thrilling ride!

Coast Guard Investigator Rissi Dawson loves her job but when her childhood friend and crush joins their team, things get a little more interesting. Having just moved from Kodiak, Alaska, Mason Rogers was surprised to find Rissi working for the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). They are sent out to investigate whether a death on a nearby oil rig was an accident or if foul play was involved. Oil rigs are already a dangerous place to be and add in environmental activists, tensions are high and suspect. When the crewmate's death points to murder, can Rissi and Mason find out who is to blame before they hurt someone else or get rid of the evidence? Are the environmental activists involved or is it someone on the oil rig? While trying to solve the case, can Rissi and Mason admit their feelings for each other and keep each other from danger?

I always love Dani Pettrey's characters. Rissi is so strong and resilient after the abusive past she endured. I loved seeing her as a strong and competent agent with uncanny instincts about people. It reminded me of the TV show, Lie to Me, where the main character talked about how victims of abuse can have amazing observational people skills because of what they went through. Rissi knew how to read a room. Unfortunately, Mason did not stand out as much to me in this particular story because there was another subplot regarding Noah (Mason's boss) and Brooke (Coast Guard medic). Mason is still a sweet and strong male lead but because there are so many other characters, I do not think he got as much development. I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing since I enjoyed following all the other characters on the CGIS team, but this is why I marked it down one star.

The story is fast-paced and full of action and intrigue that the reader can't stop reading until the end when all is revealed. There was a certain point in the book where I did suspect who the murderer was but it still was a nice surprise to read. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy clean thrillers with romance and mystery. I'm sure it will be another hit!

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.

Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers, Coast Guard investigators, are sent to investigate a death on an offshore oil rig. Mason has just recently joined the team and he is a childhood friend of Rissi’s. On the oil rig they find all kinds of troubling things happening and have multiple possible suspects. There is a nearby environmentalist group that is hanging around and protesting and also trying to sabotage the operation. There are also strained relationships among the crew. All of this makes for a satisfying mystery and as usual Dani Pettrey delivers. I enjoyed the back story and also the characters on the Coast Guard team. I’m looking forward to a book #3!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

What I appreciate about Dani Pettrey's books is she writes about places and situations that I am unfamiliar with in any interesting way. Not only does the suspense compel me to keep reading, but so does the storyline. The Crushing Depths contained several different subplots that related together.

The location matters. While geography is not the focus, Pettrey does pull readers into the place. I like the fact that the characters explore a bit as a part of the story. And I am still trying to figure out if I would be brave enough to sand surf.

I really had not pondered how challenging life on an oil rig would be. Both daily living and solving a crime would be hard to do. While she only touches on the environmental aspect, the conflict does make you think about your own personal views on protecting the planet. (I am all for it, but I also will admit that I like driving a car!)

What else is great about this book is that the characters overlap. Since this is the second book in the Coastal Guard series, most of the people mentioned are familiar. What that also means is that you can almost predict whose stories are going to be told next. I think this adds credibility to the stories because sometimes if a reader does not have the back story, a relationship can seem rushed and unrealistic. Mason and Rissi definitely have a history, and I enjoyed seeing how God redeemed their pain.

Learning that the characters have struggles and situations to overcome also makes this book more relatable. The theme of this one is overcoming the past. As a Christian suspense book, the characters do grow in their relationships with God. At least most of them do. Will be interesting to see how a few of them move forward from their own stuck places in the next book.

I do recommend this book by Dani Pettrey. Thank you to NetGalley and to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy to read. All opinions are my own.

This book is just another great read from Dani Pettrey. I have read all of her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor, and now this second in the Coastal Guardians series. She is an author who writes with passion and intellect. Her characters are well developed and make you feel like you are right there with them going through the adventure. This book has suspense, spiritual connection, and romance. A great read I will definitely be re-reading. Another home run!!

If you love romantic suspense then Dani Pettrey is the author for you! Her fast-paced plots keep you guessing and not just about the mystery! It is neat to see how she effortlessly weaves Faith in Jesus into her books. Her characters leave a lasting impression. leaving you wanting more. Ms. Pettrey is definitely one of my all-time favorite authors! So grab a pitcher of sweet tea and settle in for an awesome adventure!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

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.

#TheCrushingDepths #NetGalley

I 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 crashes 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.

The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey was a fast-paced, adrenaline-packed, heartwarming adventure full of intrigue, mystery, romance, faith, family, heartbreak, and love. I absolutely enjoy Ms. Pettrey's knack for writing suspenseful books with excellent plots and genuinely complex and realistic characters. I thoroughly loved The Crushing Depths and especially enjoyed the insight into the various rescue personnel and investigative branches of the Coast Guard.
The Coastal Guardians series continues in this book, The Crushing Depths, focusing on the formerly lesser known characters of Rissi Dawson, Mason Rogers, and others introduced in The Killing Tide the first book of the series. Rissi Dawson is a strong, independent, stubborn, and adventure-loving investigator in the Coast Guard, who love her job and has a passion for finding out the truth and bringing criminals to their due deserves. Rissi's childhood was very difficult and painful, but bright spot in her growing up years was her friendship with Mason Rogers, whom she hasn't seen since she was a teenager. When Mason walks into her life as the newest addition to her North Carolina Coast Guard Investigative team, Rissi is shocked.
After a deadly accident on an oil-rig off the coast of North Carolina, Rissi and Mason are assigned to investigate the situation. From the first part of the investigation Mason and Rissi face danger and threats, the very helicopter trip to the oil rig becomes a traumatic and deadly event. There are environmental activists who are threatening and attacking the oil rig, leading to extremely high tensions between all involved. Rissi and Mason are struggling to fit together all the pieces of a mysterious accident, but are even more thrown when many on the rig claim that there is an ancient curse causing all the troubles.
Can Mason and Rissi discover the evidence they need to prove that this death was not truly an accident? Will there be more victims to this curse? Who really is behind all of the disasters? Can they survive this extremely dangerous and mysterious tangle of deception and death? Will Mason and Rissi be able to regain their childhood friendship? Can they survive the extremely dangerous tropical storm coming their way?
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced adventure as well as the suspense and intrigue of the investigation. The Crushing Depths was very well done and I can't wait to read the next of Ms. Pettrey's writings! I hope you have the chance to enjoy this good read!
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

The 2nd book in Dani Pettrey’s Coastal Guardian Series did not disappoint! I loved reading about Rissi and Mason and their past that binds them together while working a case that involves a death on an oil rig. Was it really an accident? Could it be someone involved in an environmental activist group out to cause problems, or one of their own? Things are quickly escalating when a tropical storm appears and they are trapped on the rig with a potential killer.

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

*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!


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!