Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Still Life

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
STILL LIFE

Someone is out there. Watching her. Waiting.

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright -- and changed her life. But six months ago, wen her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit for which her friend modeled. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead -- and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found, and so Avery immediately calls Parker for help.

As Avery, Parker, and their friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

My Review:

Dani Pettrey is one of those authors who can send me into a euphoric tizzy of expectation when she has a new book release. The anticipation is almost as rewarding as the actual reading and it's always bittersweet when I reach the end. And that was exactly the case with this second book in the Chesapeake Valor series. No worries if you haven't read Cold Shot first -- Still Life reads wonderfully well as a standalone but you will get more out of the group dynamics if you read the books in order.

And oh those group dynamics! Love the intricacies of the relationships. Life-long friendships that have had some bumps along the way. Professional respect that results in outstanding teamwork. Attractions that seem doomed to remain only that. Great banter and camaraderie. I absolutely love the way this author digs deep and brings all the characters to life. Yes, this is mainly Avery and Parker's story but Pettrey takes the time to deliver so much more.

Like Kate and her relentless search for her lost love. Just a few scenes that promise more to come in a future book. And Declan and Tanner's awkward circling around an obvious attraction that they don't seem eager to explore. Can't wait for that story! So while Still Life provides satisfactory romantic closure in many ways, there are still some hopeful threads I'm eager to follow in future books.

And then there's the suspense. Gritty. Raw. Creepy. And we even get the villain's point of view which ups the creep factor all the more. Shudder. Procedural police work combined with eerie action scenes kept me turning pages as I tried to follow the clues and put the pieces together before the team did. There is also a secondary suspense thread that will continue in the next book (I think) and I have some interesting theories about that. Can't wait to see if I'm right.

And if all that isn't enough to pique your interest -- the romance between Avery and Parker is toe-curling good. Difficult to be sure as they both struggle with issues from their past. Avery in particular has trouble reconciling who she was with who she is now. As a Christian she understand the principle of grace but she has a hard time forgiving herself and that puts up barriers that are hard for Parker to breech. These two have such an interesting connection -- I loved every precious bit of their love story. Great dialogue, gentle teasing, hidden yearning. And did I mention Parker is Irish? Be. Still. My. Heart.

Dani Pettrey has delivered another stunning romantic suspense sure to please her fans while garnering new ones. A definite must read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Still Life please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 26 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

58 comments:

  1. I have this one on order & certainly can't wait to read it!! I have read Cold Shot, but am thinking a re-read of it is in order once I receive this one to reacquaint myself with the characters.

    Your review has me salivating, Kav!

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    1. And I forgot to mention, Dani Pettry is an automatic must-read-and-order-her-books author...lol!

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    2. Isn't she an amazing author?????? I just want to drop everything and devour one of her books as soon as it comes in. Hope your copy reaches you soon.

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  2. I Have wanted this book for a long time, but also wanted Cold Shot too. All her books look Great. Thanks for sharing with us and for the chance to win. iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Yes -- you need to read them both, Linda...they are soooooo awesome! Good luck.

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    2. Thanks! Do they need read in order or not?

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  3. I LOVE Dani's books! I can't wait to read this series! KAV, thank you for the chance.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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  4. You had my interest at the words Dani Pettrey! Love her books.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. I know -- a thrill just shoots through me whne I hear she has a book out. Woot. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  5. Have not read this one yet. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I can hardly wait to read this one! Thanks so much for the chance to be a winner, Kav!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. It's sooooooooooooo incredibly wonderful I can't even....Good luck, Britney.

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  7. WANT!! I need this for my bookshelf. :D lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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    1. Yes, every bookshelf needs a copy. Good luck, Susan.

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  8. I'd read so many good reviews of Cold Shot, I finally purchased a copy yesterday. Still Life sounds amazing as well. Thanks for the awesome review.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. Oh -- now you need to read them back to back. Good luck, Pam.

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  9. You can't hardly beat a good suspense! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. No you can't! Especially one written by this author! Good luck, Melanie.

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  10. This series is on my must read list! Thanks for the review and giveaway, Kav! betherin02 AT gmail DOT com

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  11. Love Danny's books.
    Thereadmaster(at)me(dot)com

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  12. You had me at Dani Pettrey.:) I am sooo looking forward to reading her latest. Thanks for the great review (as always) and the giveaway.
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. I know -- she's hard to resist. Good luck, Loraine.

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  13. Dan I is a new author to explore with your enthusiastic review and all the comments from other visitors to your blog. I have to find out what I'm missing. Thanks, Kav!

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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  14. Dani Pettrey is such a great author. I have not read Still Life but I would love to!
    1savedfamily@gmail.com

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  15. I've never been blessed yet to read Dani's books. TY for the chance.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  16. Have been wanting to read this book!! Thanks for giveaway.

    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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  17. I haven't read any of Dani's books, but I'm dying to try one!! I love good suspense and romance! mylittlebirdie (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. Then you'll definitely love this one. Good luck, Karen.

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  18. I get the impression I'm really missing out by not yet reading a book by Dani Pettrey. They certainly do sound good. Thanks for giving away a copy of Still Life.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Gasp -- yes you definitely are. Good luck, Pam.

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  19. This is the ONLY Dani Pettrey book I haven't read. I am so eager to get my hands on a copy! Hoping to win... :-) Thanks for at least giving us a chance.
    amylsmith AT bledsoe DOT net

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    1. Phew -- I'm glad you're almost up to date, Aimee. Good luck.

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  20. I'm blown away by all the Dani Pettrey love! I own Cold Shot, but (shamefully) haven't read it yet. I, literally, went and pulled it off my shelf and put it on my currently reading stack so I don't overlook it any longer. :) tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Oh, yes, definitely get started on Cold Shot soon. There's lots to love about Dani's books. Good luck, Terrill.

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  21. Definitely want in on this one, Kav. Thanks!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. It's your kind of read, Cheryl. Good luck.

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  22. I don't read a lot of suspense, but sounds like I need to give this one a try!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. It's a great place to start. Good luck, Patty.

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  23. I love suspense but haven't read any of Dani's books yet. Thanks for this review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. Eeep -- you must give her a try sometime, Donna. She's fabulous. Good luck.

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  24. Sounds like good lock your windows and doors kind of book! I haven't read any of Dani Pettry's stuff yet but after reading everyone's posts I'd really like to! Thanks to Kav for another great review. Jenny
    jennydtipton@gmail.com

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    1. Oh -- goodness -- yes, if you love romantic suspense then you'll love her books. Good luck, Jennifer.

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  25. She is a good author--have this on my TBR list-- sounds like a great Read! Thanks for the giveaway chance. 😊 kjrochon40 (at)msn (dot)com

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  26. I have heard so much about her but somehow have not managed to read any of her books, perhaps as I have focused a bit more heavily on historical fiction. From the review and comments, I see I have really been missing out. Thanks for the opportunity to participate! dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. Oh yes -- if you like romantic suspense (contemporary) you'll adore Dani Pettrey. Good luck, CC.

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  27. I really enjoy books written by Dani Pettrey so would be thrilled to win this. Thank you for including me.
    adult4beckyATaolDOTcom

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    1. Isn't she a thrilling author? Good luck, tickmenot.

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  28. Love her books!! Thanks for the giveaway!

    mo1202007ATyahooDOTcom

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