Member Reviews
Great introduction to a new author for me, and a wonderful addition to our collection for our patrons. I look forward to more! THANK you!
I have been hooked on this series from the first line of the first book. Is there a way to make a rule that authors need to release the entire series together so I don't have to wait forever as it seems for each and every book to come out? Maybe? No? Okay. Sigh. I guess I shall have to learn to practice patience.
You know those books that you pick up and you just can't set down? The ones that you don't or can't move your eyes away from the page? They are so full of suspense and the characters have fully captured your heart and you just simply can't leave them.
This is one of those books!
I literally could not put it down. Knowing that it would likely be this way, I've read the other two books in the series and I know myself, I waited until after I had put the kids to bed to start it. Don't worry, my husband was gone so he wasn't even there to ask when I was going to put the book down and come to bed!
Let's be honest, I wouldn't have put the book down even then. I was too embroiled in the story of Noah and Brooke. If you've been around the series you've seen them before and know some about them but you get their full story in this book.
In this book you're going to get love and suspense. Romance and murder. Misunderstandings and gunfights. But centered throughout it all you get a view of God and His love as well the characters growing in their relationships with Him.
I have to say you need to read this novel. If you really want to you can read it as a stand-alone novel but trust me when I say you'll get the best and most from it by reading the entire series!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
“Noah prayed they’d catch the men responsible. Every case was important, but this one hit on a profoundly personal and painful level.”
A mass shooting that threatened to tear them apart or draw them closer. I thought this was an intense read. The team’s chemistry was engaging. Their relationships have developed into a well-oiled machine. Then add in romance and it made for a riveting read. I really enjoyed seeing Noah’s story, too.
“What was it about this man that had gotten under her skin in the most delightful way?”
Ripped from the headlines, Pettrey kept me on the edge of my seat with this contemporary mystery and I loved the romantic build up, too. . Though this is the third book in The Coastal Guardian series, it could be read as a standalone. However, the other books really set the story and I really enjoyed the teamwork as these coworkers share life as Coast Guards. I liked the romance and faith elements woven into the story, too. I recommend this to readers that enjoy a mystery with a dash of romance thrown into it. The element of a mass shooting could be a trigger for some, but was handled very well by the author.
I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions are my own and have been given honestly.
Wasn't sure what to expect with this one, and unfortunately it was not my cup of tea.
Positive thing(s) first:
- The plot was interesting enough to keep me reading...
But not enough to keep me at the edge of my seat, as I expect for a thriller/mystery novel. It was a steady plot; pretty linear. New information related to the various cases was added throughout, and the characters took it, made use of it/understood it right away, so it didn't do much to add to the suspense.
I think the main thing that I did not care for in this book was the characters. They were stiff, shallow, and essentially one-fault humans, and that 'fault' wasn't necessarily about them as a person or character, but of (for example) a physical attribute in one case, and in another, a messed up relative.
Another thing that was stiff was the dialogue. And repetitive at times. One character said "thanks" about 5 times within 1.5 pages.
As far as the romance, there are so many mentions of loving other characters, but no real reasoning for it...if that makes sense? It just seemed like it came from nowhere. There wasn't much for backstory leading up to the loving. It was like "I've known him/her for two months and he/she is attractive and has such and such good qualities", then "I love him/her" a few chapters later.
Also, couples would kiss for the first time, then nothing would happen as far as a conversation afterwards or anything. The pov would change right after that happened. Strange. Besides those things, the romance was kinda cute, I suppose.
Anyways, that's my two cents on this book. Could be I'm just not the target audience? Dunno. Like I said before, not my cup o' tea.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC (I'm really late on posting this, but better late then never!)
A fantastic, exciting romantic suspense by a master of the genre! Dani Pettrey’s newest release in her Coastal Guardians series had me completely captivated from beginning to end, with high-adrenaline suspense that kept me riveted to the pages, turning them as quickly as I could! The Deadly Shallows is not only a thrilling tangle of mysteries, but also a romance rich in chemistry and heart!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Coast Guard Investigative Services Team · Double Romance Featuring Two Highly Skilled Couples · Team Camaraderie and Deep Friendships · Faith Elements · Thrilling Suspense at a Great Pace · Explosions, Murders and Abduction · Faith-Based Fiction
WHAT I LIKED:
Over the years, I’ve read every single book Dani Pettrey has penned and I haven’t yet found one I do not like. In fact, her books were instrumental in my love for the romantic suspense genre. The Deadly Shallows, like the other books in this series, features a unique focus on the Coast Guard in the beautiful setting of Wilmington, NC. I enjoyed this aspect immensely and found the characters, a team of CG investigators, to be lovable characters that I couldn’t help but like. Each character’s personality brings something unique to the team and together, they work hard to unravel who’s behind a shooting that took place at CG graduation and the dire, action-packed events that follow. Their investigation leads to thrilling suspense that moves throughout the story at a fast-pace which kept me highly engrossed.
Pettrey opens this story with an explosive event and wraps it up with another… The tangled web she wove was exciting and kept me guessing. In addition, she mixed in not just one, but two, highly charged new romances between different members of the CGIS team that I thoroughly enjoyed. While Brooke and Noah’s romance was tender and sweet, Austin and Caleb’s blossoming romance was fresh and new! Pettrey’s characters had depth and differing backgrounds, were steadfast in their faith and relied on each other, giving the team a deep sense of friendship and camaraderie that I found admirable.
SUMMARY:
A solid four stars! Dani Pettrey delivered the perfect mix of romance, suspense, faith and intrigue in The Deadly Shallows. She is truly a master of the genre and it shows well in this story. This story is clean and considered Christian fiction but one that I believe secular readers will enjoy as well. Readers who enjoy stories by Irene Hannon, Colleen Coble, Lynn Blackburn and Lynette Eason will likely enjoy this novel as well. I do recommend reading this series in order to have the full experience of the Coastal Guardian series, however, please know this does read as a standalone.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
I read this book in one sitting if that is any inkling as to how much I enjoyed the story! Noah and Brooke were such happy fantastic characters. I told my husband as I was reading that it was like I was reading an episode of FBI (a show I love). I couldn’t put it down!! Pettrey’s writing style is so good. She pulls you into the plot, adds twists and turns, and doesn’t let up until the very end. I also love that every so often she throws the bad guy’s POV into the mix. I love seeing both sides!! Again - just like watching an episode of FBI!!!
No only is there tons of action, a fast paced plot line, and a sweet romance in these pages, there’s also a beautiful woven in faith theme. Pettrey just puts in into the story so effortlessly, and I am here for it! It’s not preachy, it’s just a natural part of conversation for these characters.
I highly recommend starting the series from the beginning. You see some recurring characters and it’s good to get everyone’s back story. But even if you just jump into this one, I don’t think you’d be lost. You’d just be missing out on some great stories ;)
Bottom line - this is a must read suspense novel that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend!! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Noah and Brooke are witnesses to a mass shooting. Noah fights his attraction, but circumstances (and the mystery) bring them together.
I wish I would have had the opportunity to read the the first books in the series. Even without reading them, though, the story was intriguing and still able to be followed without me feeling like I was missing key information.
This was a great book. I loved the character development and how the story grew.
The Deadly Shallows was a good read and one I really enjoyed reading. I liked the characters and the banter that they had with each other. :)
The romance stories were nice. I did get a little confused at times, but I think that was due to life and distractions.
The ending was good and I am eager to read the upcoming novella, as it is about a certain relationship and I am curious how it will wrap-up.
All in all, The Deadly Shallows was a good book and I think fans of the genre will enjoy it.
*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.*
Dani Pettrey is one of the masters behind a good suspenseful christian book. Deadly Shallows is book number three in her Coastal Guardians series. Although I liked this book and still would recommend the series to anyone, I felt the need to frequently put this book down and take a break for the lagging points. You need to read the first 2 in order to figure out some of the characters in the book, as each book follows a select amount of characters in each book. Love romance? of course, that is thrown in too! Enjoy this captivating series and don't let a little slog in this book be the defining factor in the writing brilliance of Dani Pettrey!
Another great romantic suspense from Dani Pettrey. I really enjoyed getting to know Noah and Brooke better as they raced against the clock to figure out who was targeting the Coast Guard. The plot was intricate and the villain was difficult to pick out, even with the villain's voice in the story. Caleb and Austin were involved in a subplot within the story; it was interesting but sometimes it felt like too much was happening at the same time for me to keep the two plots straight. I was a little disappointed that Logan and Emmy did not get a lot of spotlight in this book, but they're getting their own novella next year so I am definitely looking forward to that.
Filled with action, plot twists, camaraderie, and faith, this book will pull you in from the first page. I do recommend that you read the books in order so that you can fully appreciate the men and women who make up the Coast Guard Investigative Service. I received the book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
I believe I can legitimately say that I've read every book that Dani Pettrey has ever written. The Deadly Shallows was a great addition to her booklist!
Attending a graduation ceremony should NOT be a dangerous thing, especially not one being held on a Naval base. Brooke Kesler only attended to watch the woman who has been shadowing her as a flight medic get her diploma. When Molly is one of the first ones shot in the ambush, Brooke runs directly for the stage, trying to save her friend. As bullets fly around her, and more people are picked off, she does what she can to keep her friend alive.
Noah Rowley and his team, arrive at the graduation facility after the shooting begins, but it doesn't take them long to take down the men still shooting. When he sees Brooke on the stage, administering help to a fallen graduate, his heart nearly stops. As medical help arrives, Brooke is tasked with flying out with the only surviving gunman. Can she keep him alive long enough to be interviewed? Or will what he tells her put a target on her back?
It seemed like every little bit in this book, another person died - from good guys, to bad, they all died, some at the hands of their own comrades. I enjoyed the intricacies of the investigation and how accurately they were able to hone in on the culprits. I also enjoyed Noah and Brooke as a couple.
Readers who love non-stop action will love The Deadly Shallows. This one twists and turns, and just when you think Brooke or Noah is a goner, they come out on top. I absolutely recommend!
Deadly Shallows is the third book in the Coastal Guardians series by Dani Pettrey. A severely wounded criminal whispers a secret to Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler during the flight to the hospital. This secret puts her life in danger, and she enlists her friend and Coast Guard Investigation Services agent, Noah Rawley, to protect her and solve the mystery. Pettrey has created well-rounded characters and a terrific suspenseful plot.
I read this before reading the first two books, and I feel like I should have read those first. Still, it was an enjoyable story and I’m eager to read the first two books.
Deadly Shallows is the third book in the Coastal Guardians series. An attack on a Coast Guard base leaves Noah Rowley’s CGIS Team scrambling for answers. But when the investigation is barely underway, Brooke Kesler’s disappearance is almost more than Noah can take. Getting Brooke back, keeping her safe, and trying to unravel the mystery of who carried out these attacks and why turns up one dead end after another. When a lead finally points to another imminent deadly attack, will Noah’s team get there in time to stop those responsible?
Deadly Shallows is full of action from beginning to end. I found it exciting and always wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next. There are a few romantic story lines going on in this book. The chemistry between the characters is strong. There are also strong spiritual elements woven into the story, and although this book does have plenty of romance, the author keeps it clean. The book can be read as a stand-alone novel. I have not yet read the first two books in this series, and I was able to understand and enjoy this book. However, I believe I would have had a better understanding of the characters and their dynamics if I had read the first two books prior to reading this book, so that would be my recommendation. But I did thoroughly enjoy reading Deadly Shallows.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I honestly read this book several months ago and have had a terrible time trying to write a review for it. I remember reading it super quickly! It is very fast-paced and kept me racing to the finish. I’m thinking that I found Noah and Brooke’s relationship rather abrupt, if you haven’t read the prior books in the series. There was this big issue keeping Noah from pursuing a relationship and it was solved in 2 pages. I really enjoyed the suspense, as well as Austin and Caleb’s relationship (before anyone reading this is concerned, Austin is a woman).
Though the characters are CGIS, how the team worked together and the investigation greatly reminded me of the television show NCIS (which I really enjoyed in its middle seasons). So if you’re a fan of the show or enjoy stories in that vein, I would highly recommend this book! I would also recommend reading the prior 2 books so you have a bigger picture of the characters.
*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a very good book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and had me binge reading into the wee hours of the night. Sleepless nights are good, right? I loved the characters, I loved the story line, I loved it all! I couldn't recommend this book more. The only thing I didn't like is that it had to end at all. Great job Dani! I could not get enough of this!
This book took me on a suspenseful ride from start to finish! The first chapter has several dead bodies and the action to solve the murders continues until the very last chapter. There were so many twists and turns I could not predict the final outcome. I really liked reading about Noah and Brooke; they were able to progress their relationship despite all the fast-paced action. The secondary story is just as exciting and I’m amazed at how the author manages to develop her characters even with so much mystery going on in the story. This novel stands well on its own but it is fun to learn more about the team in previous novels. I really liked the suspense and action in this novel and I highly recommend it to those who want a page turner!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A tragic shooting and deadly waters, leave the Coast Guard scrambling to find answers and keep their team safe.
A wonderful addition to the series, filled with action, and suspense. I loved the friendship and teamwork, as Noah and Brooke get to know each other while working with familiar faces from previous books. There is a lot going on, and the characters are well developed, with strong relationship building.
Noah is a CGIS agent investigating the shooting, while Brooke is a medic. I loved their dedication to protecting their comrades, as well as seeing them come to trust each other more and more.
I loved how this book also followed Caleb as he and Austin work on the other case, as we have seen them in the background of previous books, so I was happy that they got a bigger part of this book.
Overall, a entertaining mystery suspense, with great characters, themes of faith, duty, and love. Excellent for fans of Christian romantic suspense!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey is book 3 in the Coastal Guardians. I have so enjoyed this series learning more about the Coast Guard and its related organizations. Ms Pettrey writes phenomenal suspense and this book is no exception. I highly recommend this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own
This is an amazing book. It kept my interest from the very first word until the last. So much kept happening that you don’t want to put it down, this is a real page turner. There were two romances going on, the main characters Noah and Brooke and minor characters Caleb and Austin. Along with the romance there is suspense as they try to find who was behind the mass shooting and the contaminated water. I really enjoyed this book.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.