(A few weeks ago I posted a review of this book as part of the author's launch team. This post is a part of Celebrate Lit's tour and includes a recipe from the author and an awesome giveway. You can find the link for the giveaway at the end of the post.)

About the Book

Book: The Crushing Depths
Author: Dani Pettrey
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 30, 2020

They know the power and peril of the ocean.
But as they get closer to the deadly truth . . .
An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker, Coast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are flown to the scene thirty-eight miles from shore. Tensions aboard the rig are high, and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the "plague on the environment" from continuing its work. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating on board about an ancient curse lurking in the depths below.

Mounting evidence shows the death might not have been an accident. Was the man killed by one of the activists or, more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only numerous suspects, but also their own haunted pasts and their attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems about to break open, worse news arrives: a tropical storm has turned their way. Now they're cut off from any rescue--right where the killer wants them.

My Thoughts:

The Crushing Depths is exactly what you would expect in a Dani Pettrey novel -- excitement, danger, mystery, romance, hope and redemption -- from the very first page to the last. This second book in the Coastal Guardians series is not for the faint of heart, with multiple deaths, lots of potential suspects, and even a tropical storm and a fisherman's curse thrown in for good measure. And unless you are extra good at solving mysteries, you might be surprised at some of the plot twists! This is definitely a book that you won't want to put down once you start reading.

The characters are all strongly developed and play well into the story. If you have read book one, The Killing Tide, you will recognize some of the characters in this story. Each of the books works fine as a stand-alone, and both are well worth your time if you are a fan of great romantic suspense.

Thanks to the author and her publisher, Bethany House, for providing a copy of The Crushing Depths. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Author

Praised by New York Times bestselling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]" (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).

Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award.

Dani considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves--full of plot twists, peril, love, and a longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com.

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