Book Review: The Deadly Shallows

4 Jul

The long wait is over. The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey is available tomorrow! I received an early copy of the 3rd book in Pettrey’s Coastal Guardians series and it is great! As always Pettrey delivers an adrenaline-laced suspense with great romance. Recommended!

A deadly attack.
A stolen weapon capable of immense destruction.
A painful secret that threatens to tear two hearts apart.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be–the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn’t the end game. It was only the beginning.

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly 800,000 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. For more information about her novels, visit http://www.danipettrey.com.

My Impressions:

Wow! What a wild ride Pettrey takes her readers on in The Deadly Shallows, book 3 in the Coastal Guardians series. This book centers on the mass shooting at a Coast Guard base. The event at the beginning of the book is a bit shocking, but Pettrey handles the subject matter in a sensitive manner. That being said, the bad guys are very, very bad and shadowy. It takes the whole team of investigators, plus some, to uncover the conspiracy behind the crime. I like that about Pettrey’s books — her ensemble cast of characters are always well-developed and integral to the plot. This book centers on Noah, the head of the CGIS unit and Brooke, a medic on the scene, but the reader is in for a treat. Caleb, another investigator with CGIS, and Austin, a private investigator, are also at at the center of another investigation. You get two crimes to solve and two sizzling romances in one novel! The suspense and danger are non-stop with lots of twists and turns and the chemistry between the main characters is perfect for lovers of romance. The faith journeys of the characters are naturally portrayed too. You really do get a riveting suspense novel with characters to love.

While this book is part of a series, I guess you could read it as a standalone, but I would not recommend that. Begin at the beginning if you haven’t already. I just hope the next book is coming soon. Fingers crossed!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

First Line Friday — Critical Alliance

1 Jul

Happy Friday! Elizabeth Goddard is one of my go-to, must-read romantic suspense authors. I am excited that her newest novel, Critical Alliance, book 3 in the Rocky Mountain Courage series, will be released in just a few days. (You can pre-order HERE.) It is definitely headed to the top of my Summer TBR pile!

Here’s the first line:

Her world was spinning out of control.

Mackenzie Hanson’s special set of skills opened the door to a successful career as a professor of cybersecurity at a Michigan university, allowing her to put her criminal past behind her. But when a long-ago partner in crime delivers a cryptic message about her father’s tech company being under cyberattack, she heads for Montana to secure exposed assets, close security breaches, and hopefully save lives.

Diplomatic Security Services special agent Alex Knight is back home in Montana to decompress from a mission gone wrong. But even as he’s trying to relax, he’s drawn into another mystery, complete with suspicious deaths, lethal threats, and whispers of espionage that all have one thing in common–a beautiful cybersecurity expert with a dark past.

When the situation turns deadly, Alex and Mackenzie will have to work together to find the answers they need–before someone silences Mackenzie for good.

USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard weaves a tangled web of nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping romance in this fast-paced conclusion to her Rocky Mountain Courage series.

July Book Club Pick — Sunrise

1 Jul

This month’s book club pick is perfect for the hot days of summer. Whether you need a book to take along to the beach or a cool treat for a hot staycation, Sunrise, book 1 in the Sky King Ranch series by Susan May Warren, is the book for you. It’s filled with romance, suspense, action, adventure, and plenty of snow for a vicarious shiver. 😉 If you haven’t read it yet, please join us. If you have, I’d love for you to share your thoughts. Visit the book club’s FB page HERE.

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he’s headed home to the destiny that awaits him. 

That’s not all that’s waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan–a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she’s living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she’s going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won’t be there to find her.
 
When one of Echo’s fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there’s more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

Sunrise is the first explosive volume in a new nail-biting series from USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

If You Liked . . . Breach of Honor

30 Jun

Breach of Honor by Janice Cantore has a lot going for it. Topics like domestic abuse, a woman wrongfully imprisoned, a corrupt police force — a lot to talk about. My book club read it this month and all really liked it. If you liked it too, here are some more reading recommendations.

Domestic Abuse

Center of Gravity by Laura McNeill

The truth could cost her everything.

Her whole life, Ava Carson has been sure of one thing: she doesn’t measure up to her mother’s expectations. So when Mitchell Carson sweeps into her life with his adorable son, the ready-made family seems like a dream come true. In the blink of an eye, she’s married, has a new baby, and life is wonderful.

Or is it?

When her picture-perfect marriage begins unraveling at the seams, Ava convinces herself she can fix it. It’s temporary. It’s the stress. It’s Mitchell’s tragic history of loss.

If only Ava could believe her own excuses.

Mitchell is no longer the charming, thoughtful man she married. He grows more controlling by the day, revealing a violent jealous streak. His behavior is recklessly erratic, and the unanswered questions about his past now hint at something far more sinister than Ava can stomach. Before she can fit the pieces together, Mitchell files for divorce and demands full custody of their boys.

Fueled by fierce love for her children and aided by Graham Thomas, a new attorney in town, Ava takes matters into her own hands, digging deep into the past. But will finding the truth be enough to beat Mitchell at his own game?

Dancing on Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen

In the steamy city of New Orleans in 1974, Amalise Catoir sees Phillip Sharp as a charming, magnetic artist, unlike any man she has known. A young lawyer herself, raised in a small town and on the brink of a career with a large firm, she is strong and successful, yet sometimes too trusting and whimsical. Ama’s rash decision to marry Phillip proves to be a mistake as he becomes overly possessive, drawing his wife away from family, friends, and her faith. His insidious, dangerous behavior becomes her dark, inescapable secret.

In this lawyer’s unraveling world, can grace survive Ama’s fatal choice? What would you do when prayers seem to go unanswered, faith has slipped away, evil stalks, and you feel yourself forever dancing on shattered glass?

Wrongfully Imprisoned

Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley

It’s been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister’s sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn’t actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will’s cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week–including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.

With the perfect mixture of intrigue and nail-biting suspense, award-winning author Patricia Bradley invites her readers to crack the case — if they can — alongside the best Memphis has to offer.

Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start. But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?

Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish – time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.

But Allie’s return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie’s claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.

As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.

Book Spotlight — Fury in The Shadows

29 Jun

I am pleased to spotlight Fury in The Shadows, the latest suspense novel by Rebecca Hemlock. It looks great! It’s available on Kindle Unlimited too! Check out all the details below.

Social Worker Jessica Everett spends her days saving women from abusive relationships and is good at what she does. At least, she thought so until she became the only witness to the murder of a young woman she was supposed to protect. Becoming the killer’s next target forces her to take them on with her bare hands. Barely escaping with her life, she’s running through the woods trying to escape the murderer when her ex-boyfriend, Michael Redman, shows up just in the nick of time.

Jessica has worked hard to forget their painful history and doesn’t want anything to do with him. However, Michael happens to be a Deputy Sheriff and the only one capable of protecting her.
She’s been told since childhood that God had a plan for her life. How was she supposed to believe that while on the run from a killer? Jessica doesn’t have the strength to free herself from the guilt she carries, so how is she supposed to have the strength to guard her heart against the man she never stopped loving?

Rebecca Hemlock is an Award-winning author and has written articles, books, and short stories for many years. She has worked as a freelance journalist for 4 years. She is currently a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have also made it to the Amazon.com #1 bestseller list several times. Aside from writing Romance and suspense, Rebecca enjoys writing children’s fiction. Her first children’s book, The Lost Soldier, was published in 2016 by Westbow Press. She has a total of 3 children’s books, all published under the name R.C. Burch from 2016 to 2017. Rebecca has earned a degree in English and an Appalachian Studies certificate in Creative Writing. Her favorite times to write are early in the morning when the sun is coming up and at sunset. Rebecca lives in Eastern Kentucky with her husband and children.

Book Review: Breach of Honor

28 Jun

My book club read Breach of Honor, a suspense novel by Janice Cantore. An ex-police officer herself, Cantore provides a unique perspective to her law enforcement characters. The result is a very believable scenario. I anticipate a good discussion tonight.

As a police officer in Table Rock, Oregon, Leah Radcliff puts her life on the line to help others every day. But at home, Leah’s battling her own personal nightmare: Brad, her abusive husband, a fellow officer, celebrated hero, and beloved son of a powerful prominent family. Brad’s violent outbursts and suspicious activities have left Leah physically and emotionally scarred, until one desperate action to put a stop to his abuse results in deadly consequences.

Though public opinion seems ready to convict Leah, Officer Clint Tanner is one of the few to believe she acted in self-defense. As he works with Leah’s attorney to produce the evidence they need, new truths about Brad’s dark side come to light—and reveal a deep-rooted problem in Table Rock. There are some who have breached their sworn duty to serve and protect . . . and they’ll do anything to keep their secret safe.

A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. She now lives in a small town in southern Oregon, where she enjoys exploring the forests, rivers, and lakes with her Labrador retrievers, Abbie and Tilly.

Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. 

Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JaniceCantore.

My Impressions:

Breach of Honor was a good reading choice for a number of reasons. It is a credible look at how a woman who kills in self-defense is then convicted and sent to prison. There are a lot of things going on in the novel besides that — criminal activity, corruption at various levels of government — but Leah’s journey from good cop to inmate was what intrigued me the most. Cantore does a great job of exploring domestic abuse. It’s easy to say the victim should walk away from her abuser, but this novel shows how just how complex the issue is. Leah’s spiritual journey is interesting as well. The novel’s timeline is years, not days or months — that really made me think. Leah spent years in prison waiting for her day in court. While most don’t hit bottom in prison, her rejection and then acceptance of God rang true. For those who like twists and turns in their suspense, there are plenty. No one in this book is above suspicion! A romantic thread plays a small part of the novel.

I anticipate a lot of discussion at my book club. There really is a lot to talk about in this recommended read.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased Breach of Honor from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Top 10 Tuesday — Summer TBR

28 Jun

Happy Tuesday everyone! I am actually not planning my reading this Summer. Oh yes, I will be reading — a lot — but I am letting my Summer TBR be spontaneous. That’s certainly a new one for me. 😉 Today’s list will be short — only those scheduled for review or book club. Have any reading recommendations? Bring them on!

For more Summer Reading Lists, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Summer 2022 TBR

Critical Alliance by Elizabeth Goddard

The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey

Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson

The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton

And one of these. Which would you choose?

Bookshop by The Sea by Denise Hunter

The One You’re With by Lauren K. Denton

Shaped by The Waves — Christina Suzann Nelson

Blog Blitz — Her Darkest Secret

28 Jun

Her Darkest Secret JustRead Blog Blitz
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Her Darkest Secret Title: Her Darkest Secret
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired TRADE
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Psychological Thriller with a romance thread

When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly’s blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister’s body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he’s back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that’s fueled Fiona’s career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

EXCERPT

Ty reentered. “It’s done. Death investigator is on her way. Apparently she’s been busy this morning. You want me to come with to interview the husband? You know it’s always the husband.”

“How could it be this time? The feather in her hand.”

Ty shrugged. “I just think you spend that much time with someone…you wanna kill ’em.”

Asa snorted.

“Asa, you don’t have to enlist Fiona’s help, but you owe her a courtesy call.”

Ty was right. But it would ignite a different set of fireworks. The kind that didn’t light up the night sky, but set emotional fires and burned everything to ash. “It’ll put her on a plane out here. Give me some time. It won’t hurt anything.” Asa could move past the Fourth of July, then call and inform her that he was handling things and would keep her updated.

Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be enough for Fiona.

Asa was going to have to pin Scripture verses all over his town house, car and office to keep his temper in check and his heart guarded.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica R. Patch

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.

Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living through her Patch of Hope devotions in her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com.

She resides in the Memphis area with her husband, two young adult children, and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent at Books & Such Literary Management.

CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Her Darkest Secret, Brain Games WHODUNIT: Solve Crime Scene Puzzles Book, & a Shine cross necklace!

Her Darkest Secret JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 28, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 5, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

First Line Friday — The Deadly Shallows

24 Jun

Happy Friday! I just finished an early copy of The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey and I just had to share! This breath-holding romantic suspense will be a great addition to your beach bag. It releases on July 5 — you can pre-order now.

Here’s the first line:

Crisp night air slapped his cheeks, but he’d long since learned to endure the elements.

A deadly attack.
A stolen weapon capable of immense destruction.
A painful secret that threatens to tear two hearts apart.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be–the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn’t the end game. It was only the beginning.

Book Spotlight And Giveaway! — Catching Hope

23 Jun

Catching Hope JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Catching Hope by Kathy Cassel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Catching HopeTitle: Catching Hope
Author: Kathy Cassel
Publisher: Haven Point Publishing
Release Date: March 22, 2022
Genre: Teens/YA, Christian

Catching Hope: A pursuit fraught with danger.

Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together, or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

EXCERPT

Ahead of us, the terrain broke away into a deep gorge. If Levi hadn’t stopped, we’d likely have raced right over the edge. And unlike the crevice I’d been so terrified of earlier, this one was far too wide to jump—at least twenty feet across—while the tangle of green vegetation I could see at the bottom was a sheer drop a good fifty feet straight down.

I could feel the usual panic and dizziness sweeping over me as I stared into the awful depth. I could also hear the shouts of the kidnappers, closer than they’d been. We were trapped!

Then Levi grabbed my hand. “Come on!”

He was tugging me to the right along the gorge rim. From the corner of my eye, I saw Jen and Chad keeping pace beside us before I realized where Levi was pulling me and yanked to a stop again. A few more yards ahead, a dirt-like bridge, no more than a yard wide and covered in mossy vegetation, spanned the gorge. Stalactites overgrown with vines hung from the bottom.

“Are you kidding me?” I exclaimed. “The thing’s made of dirt! We can’t cross!”

Chad was now passing us, Jen on his heels. “Yes, we can!” he shot at me over his shoulder. “If it is dirt, it would have collapsed under its own weight. And we don’t have a choice—unless you see any other way to cross!”

As Chad headed out onto the bridge, Levi grabbed my hand again. “Come on! We’ll go together!”

Chad was already halfway across with Jen right behind him. I glanced back. The kidnappers were now in sight, running full-out toward us, no more than a hundred yards away. I could either cross the bridge now or be recaptured. Worse, I would be getting Levi recaptured too.

As though taking for granted I would follow, Levi stepped out onto the bridge. I kept my eyes on his back as I stepped out after him. Chad and Jen had now reached the other side.

If Jen can, so can I! I told myself fiercely. Levi took another step, and I did too. Then another. Behind us, renewed shouts told me the kidnappers had seen what we were doing and were gaining on our lead.

“Hurry!” I told Levi. He quickened his pace, and so did I.

We were almost to the far side when I felt a slight tremor shake the bridge. I screamed and fell to my knees. My gaze dropped to the terrifying drop below us.

“Go!” Jen screamed from the bank. “Get out of there now!”

Levi turned back. “Grab my hand!”

Even as he yanked me to my feet, I could feel the bridge disintegrating beneath my feet.

“Run! Run!” Jen shouted. “The bridge is going!”

As though we weren’t aware! Levi practically dragged me the last few feet. No sooner had we cleared the bridge than the dirt, moss, stone, and whatever else spilled into the gorge below. As I realized how close we’d come to joining the rubble at the bottom of the gorge, a shudder passed through me, and I began to tremble.

Angry shouts brought me out of my fear. The kidnappers had reached the other side and were screaming with fury at the sight of the collapsed bridge. And with a sheer rock face below them, they now had no way to cross. At least some good had come from our close call.

As though with one mind, we all hurried away from the gorge until we could no longer see the kidnappers. A well-trodden path led through the brush and trees, probably trampled down by animals or even people crossing the bridge.

We heard no sound from our pursuers. They must be searching for a way across the gorge. The relief allowed us to slow down. Once I’d recovered my breath from the desperate race, I looked over at Chad. “That bridge could just as easily have fallen with you and Jen. We could have all died back there. And you wonder why I don’t like heights!”


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Cassel

Kathy Cassel is the author of eleven books for Christian preteens and girls and three Young Adult Fiction books.

Kathy grew up in northern Indiana, lived on three different continents while her husband was in the USAF, and now lives in the Florida Panhandle. She and her husband have eight children, five of whom are adopted, three from Haiti and two from the United States. They also have six grandchildren. Kathy’s favorite activities are those that involve traveling and adventures that include her children and grandchildren.

In order to better relate to the characters in her stories, Kathy has done things such as whitewater rafting, certify in scuba diving, and get her motorcycle endorsement. She draws the line at sky diving.

CONNECT WITH KATHY: Website | Facebook | Instagram


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a $25 BAM card gift card!

Catching Hope JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.