SYNOPSIS:~

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.

Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

NECEE’S TAKE:~

“She’s on watch.” “In this storm?” Emmy asked. “We’re talking about the Coast Guard. When everyone else heads home, we go out.”

Intense. Riveting. Suspenseful. Romantic.

This is a multilayered story between members of a Coast Guard team known as CGIS. Though I loved the storylines, I did find it a bit confusing catching up with all the players and their POV’s. However, once I caught up, I found it rich, entertaining, and gripping with suspense. I look forward to the continuing stories of this dynamic team. Learning about CGIS tasks was interesting and educational, as not many authors have written about their impressive team work, investigative skills, and rescue efforts. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters’ banter, layered feelings, and deep commitment to team work. It was interesting learning about the contention between environmental efforts and oil rig work in the oceans, too.

“He’d dreamt of this moment more times than he could count and now that it was here, he didn’t want to rush a thing. After a decade, he was finally kissing the woman he loved.”

Did I mention romantic? The brimming feelings for a few of the team members kept me engaged and looking forward to the rest of the series. However, Mason and Rissi’s relationship was a truly inspiring romance and stole the show. I loved their adventure with beach, sand, and ocean scenes that had me longing for a seaside trip. Their long ago friendship moved the relationship quickly and I loved getting to know their hearts. Their shared ways of overcoming a difficult past was filled with a beautiful finding faith element. I was intrigued with how God had worked on healing their hearts and pasts before reuniting them, too. The spiritual side of this novel was beautifully interwoven between all the characters.

“Thank you, Jesus. This was all you. How can I thank you for all you’ve done?”

Inspiring and courageous, this couple will have you wanting to conquer all your fears to reach for all God has to offer. The simple prayers of thanks, need for help, and wisdom was encouraging. The strong desire to work as a team even through difficult relationships was awesome. I can’t wait for more adventure and romance from the rest of this CGIS team. If you love adventure, romance and learning about the Coast Guard, I think you’ll love this series.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and a print copy by Bethany House Publishers. All opinions given in this review have been given honestly.

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than 400,000 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). 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 danipettrey.com

Relz Reviewz Extras
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Visit Dani’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: The Crushing Depths or Koorong