The Deadly Shallows

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI

THE DEADLY SHALLOWS

A mass shooting, 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 he learns of a mass shooting raging on his Coast Guard base. He and his team stop the attack, but not before numerous innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he determines to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates the scene of the shooting in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. Gravely wounded, the 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's 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 mass shooting wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

My Review:

If you could only see the Cheshire Cat grin on my face. I think I might even try purring from the bibliophile contentment reading this book has brought me. My, oh, my, but I do so love the way Dani Pettrey tells a story. And this one is exceptionally well done.

And so romantical!!!! As in two well developed romances!!!! I love how neither was an afterthought to the suspense elements. The author achieved a perfect balance between toe curls and hair raising. :-)

There's action and drama and lots of intricate investigation work. The pacing -- danger, 'aha' revelations, team banter -- put me in mind of an NCIS episode. Has that same kind of balance, and lots of opportunity to get to know the characters really well. And the complexity of the various suspense threads that lead to a heart stopping climax still have me agog with wonder. How on earth did the author plot all that out without, well, losing the plot? :-) Completely captivating!

'The Deadly Shallows' is the third book in the 'Coastal Guardians' series but reads well as a standalone. We get the whole team together a lot, including former heroes and heroines so it might take a chapter or two to feel like you know everybody and their individual jobs, but I don't think it would feel overwhelming. If you are up-to-date with the series, you will have a blast reconnecting with the team and watching the romances develop.

And, woohoo, there's still one more book coming out in May 2023 and there's a bit of set up for it in this one which has me all kinds of impatient to read it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Deadly Shallows, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 12 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Crushing Depths

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
THE CRUSHING DEPTHS

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

My second ever preordered audible book. So exciting to wake up in the middle of the night and check to see if your book has downloaded and when it has...squuueeeeeee! I said goodbye to slumber and hello to gripping romantic suspense! Which is how I managed to listen to an 11 hour audible book in one day. :-) Stina Nielsen's narration made it that much more unputdownable.

The Crushing Depths is the perfect blend of police procedural, romance and suspense. Absolutely loved the pacing. Pettrey gives us lots of page time for developing relationships -- both with the team and the romance. There's lots of exceptional team dynamics (which put me into the bibliophile giddy zone.) And there's even the beginnings of another romance with it's own secondary suspense elements that added heaps to my readerly bliss. Not to mention there are sparks flying around other team members that promise delightful fruition in future books. It all makes my romance-lovin' heart soooo happy. :-)

Rissi and Mason make quite the team. Love their back stories and their youthful connection and the way it makes them both instantly in-tune and awkwardly hesitant with each other. The way their relationship builds as they work through the intricacies of a very complicated case is sheer storytelling genius.

I love the way Dani Pettrey builds the tension with intriguing clues and dangerous situations. And I loved the way she switched from the main suspense to the secondary one, always leaving me wanting more of one while being thrilled to find out what happens next in the other. (Hope that makes sense...can't figure out how else to explain it.)

I don't watch many police shows but The Crushing Depths put me in mind of NCIS -- especially the episodes where they had to fly out to a ship on an investigation. It's got the same kind of camaraderie and romantical tensions within a cleverly executed, detailed suspense plot.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Crushing Depths, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 11 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Killing Tide

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
THE KILLING TIDE

A corpse that only leads to secrets. An old flame with danger written all over her. Things are about to get very complicated.

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

The already volatile situation is complicated even further by the arrival of Gabby Rowley -- Finn's boss's sister and an investigative reporter with unrelenting questions about the crime. Now that she's returned, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, she fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My Review:

Warning: you will need scuba gear complete with extra oxygen tanks to make it safely through this read! Yes, The Killing Tide is that breath-snatchingly good!

Pettrey has done a great job of setting up all the key players in this first book of her Coastal Guardians series. There are a lot of characters to meet up front which overwhelmed me a bit at first but I found it easy enough to sort them out as the story progressed. Loved how she gave each one some unique qualities that made them memorable. And the team dynamics are supremely divine! This is something that Pettrey excels at -- the camaraderie and banter, good natured jibes and competitive spirit. Men and women working as a cohesive unit and I'm busy fan girling the whole team! (And the author who created them.)

The reunion aspect to the romance is sublimely toe-curling and temperature rising! There's no question that Gabby and Finn care for each other but they were caught in a snarl of career vs love and Gabby cut and run because investigative reporting is in her blood. Now that she's back in a kind of protective custody arrangement, everyone is worried about her breaking Finn's heart again. And believe me, once you meet him, you'll become his champion too and you'll want to keelhaul anyone who dares hurt him!

But these two have more pressing problems on the horizon -- like murder and mayhem and some really evil villains (I don't know how the author sleeps at night!) And a twisty turny trail of clues that made me want to set up my own white board! I'm pretty proud that I kinda guessed the uber bad guy, though, -- full disclosure -- that's because I pretty much suspected everyone. :-)

One thing I found different from other books I've read by this author is her use of really short scenes -- some of them are just a few paragraphs and they switch among various points of view. I found it a bit choppy at first, but once I got into the rhythm I felt like it really enhanced the frenzied tension in the plot and encouraged me to read voraciously. So much so that I finished the book in one sitting.

In one word, The Killing Tide is unputdownable!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Killing Tide, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 19 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Cost of Betrayal

GIVEAWAY

HENDERSON, DEE
PETTREY, DANI
EASON, LYNETTE
THE COST OF BETRAYAL

Faith will be tested. Trust shattered.
Three best-selling romantic suspense writers reunite for novellas of deadly betrayal.

Dee Henderson -- "Betrayed" -- After serving six years of a twenty year sentence for a murder she didn't commit, Janelle Roberts is finally freed. But the truth is still waiting to be discovered, and a murderer is still at large. Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another act of treachery.

Dani Pettrey -- "Deadly Isle" -- Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callan Frost be able to identify and stop a killer before they become the next victims?

Lynette Eason -- "Code of Ethics" -- When Detective Isaac Martinez lands in the ER with a gunshot wound, he pulls through thanks to trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John. But as the witness to a crime and possible corruption, Martinez is at risk from someone intent on silencing him -- and those around him -- forever. When he barely survives another attack while recovering, both he and Ruthie must flee, trying to outrun deadly killers while locating the evidence they need to end the danger.

My Review:

What a clever theme to bind a collection of suspense novellas together! And how amazing that when you give that theme -- betrayal -- to three different authors they each come up with a totally different twist on it! That's literary awesomesauce right there. But it gets better because each novella has the same 'oomph' that you'd find in a full length novel! Incredible pacing filled with tension and danger and a trail of clues to be pieced together. I read each novella in one page-turning frenzy of a sitting!

Henderson's "Betrayed" features Ann and Paul Falcon (one of my favourite suspense 'power' couples ever!) as they unexpectedly stumble onto a mystery that leads them to question a murder sentence. Lots of scrumptious police procedural stuff that I find so fascinating. And that ending...phew...I wish I could say more but not going to post any spoilers!

There is something deliciously shivery about a super storm that cuts off communication to the outside world. Especially when a killer's on the loose. Cue the sinister background music and grab your security blanket and some soothing chocolate before you hunker down with Pettrey's "Deadly Isle."  Love the mix of romance and suspense and the breathless race to find a killer!

Blue Justice fans will be thrilled to get up close and personal with the St. John family again in Eason's "Code of Ethics". A definite edge-of-your-seater has Ruthie (the only sibling not in law enforcement) gets swept up in a dangerous web of corruption as she strives to help a wounded patient. Of course, it isn't long before her sibs gets involved in an unusual kind of family reunion. Great suspense liberally dosed with romance -- and some great sibling humour!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Cost of Betrayal, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 9 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Dead Drift

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
DEAD DRIFT

The final countdown to stop an imminent attack has begun.

Burning debris littering to the ground...smoke plumng in the acrid air...this is just the beginning if he fails.

Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target's latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.

Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster.

Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next mark?

My Review:

Oh wow -- stellar (but bittersweet) conclusion to this epic series! The only thing that keeps me from drowning in the depths of despair as we come to the end of the Chesapeake Valor books is the author's promise of a new series in our future -- Coastal Guardians -- which will undoubtedly be awesome too. Trouble is, Dani Pettrey has the power to create such memorable characters that it's hard to let them go when she wraps up a series. And that results in me wallowing in the separation-anxiety-blues. Sniffle.

Sublime action and suspense! Two suspense plots, actually, and both so riveting that I read Dead Drift in one sitting because how could I possible leave the team in that situation? Or that one? Or-- gasp -- nooooooo, I can't go to sleep until we get the all clear! Talk about nail-biting intensity! And plot twists galore. And don't get me started on the romance...my pulse is still erratic and my toes painfully curled. But I'm prepared to make such sacrifices in the interest of quality romantical interludes in a story -- I'm dedicated like that. :-)

Reading Dead Drift was exquisite torture -- because I wanted to read it s-l-o-w-l-y in order to draw the experience out but I couldn't summon up enough willpower to do that so it was over way too soon! Sob! So, if you like to be tortured by excellent storytelling this is definitely the book for you.

Oh -- and I should mention that I do think it`s best to at least have read the previous book -- Blind Spot -- before reading this one since the last part of that story really sets things up for this one and they flow seamlessly together. But, honestly, you really should read all the Chesapeake Valor books in order so you can truly bask in all the literary awesomeness!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Dead Drift, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 18 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Cold Shot (Take two)

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
COLD SHOT

Four best friends and then one went missing...

In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore Police Department, Declan Grey would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would study to become a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world -- and friendship -- crumbled.

Now years later, Griffin has left the police and his friendships behind. Still trying to forget a case that went bad when he was a SWAT team sniper, he's living a quiet life as a park ranger at Gettysburg. Quiet until skeletal remains are uncovered near Little Round Top -- and they aren't Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Grey steps in to take over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he -- and those he cares about -- are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

My Review:

published in 2016
My thanks to my public library for providing me with an audio version of this book read by a marvelous narrator - Therese Plummer. I'm about to read the last book in this series and when I saw that the library had this recorded version of the first Chesapeake Valor series I thought it would be a great way to reacquaint myself with the gang. Stellar recording! Therese Plummer has a real talent for telling a story and portraying different characters in such a way that it's easy to tell who is who just by the slightest inflection. And her voice gets all fast and tense at the suspensey bits and the way she portrays Griffin...blissfully toe-curling! So if you don't have your own copy of Cold Shot or -- gasp! -- you haven't read it yet, here's your chance.

Exceptional start to a new series. I have to admit to being gutted after I read the last book in the Alaskan Courage series. I didn't want to leave the McKennas and I was mildy put out at the author for not making that clan bigger so there could be more books. :-) However, Dani Pettrey has redeemed herself with this magnificent start to a promising new series and a new host of swoonworthy heroes.

The stars of the Chesapeake Valor series aren't from the same family, but they are a brotherhood...of sorts. Fractured relationships are the result of past tragedies but they are beginning to move towards restoration. In Cold Shot they are united by a common goal -- solving a complicated cold case.

Pettrey provides delectable hints of background that she slowly reveals throughout the read. There's still plenty to learn about these intriguing men though, which has me rabidly anticipating the release of the next book.

So for now we'll concentrate on Griffin -- a taciturn and gruff park ranger who is carrying around a world of hurt and bitterness. He doesn't make a good first impression on Finley...or a good second, third or fourth one either. It is sheer delight to be privy to their inner thoughts as they size each other up. Finley's unsettled by her attraction to Ranger Grumpy until she burrows beneath the gruff exterior and catches glimpses of the real man. Be still my heart -- I was swooning way before she started (mind you I had the advantage of 'hearing' his musings about her.)

A delectable romance with loads of promise ensues. Pettrey develops it slowly, teasing her readers with just a glimpse of what is in store. Finley and Griffin learn to work together, respecting each others' strengths and weaknesses before gradually unbending enough to engage in some heart-to-heart talks that lead to a deeper relationship. Unexpected humour and compelling faith conversations make their love story even more thrilling.

As to the suspense -- intense, complicated -- the kind that keeps your heart racing and breath puffing out in shallow gasps from time to time. "Duck!" and "No!" became a kind of reading chant as I raced along plenty of hair-pin plot turns. Phew! Still catching my breath.

And I can't forgot to mention the road trip loving Irish wolfhound. Yes, I said Irish wolfhound. I might have swooned more over the dog than the hero. :-)

A definite 'must read' if you enjoy romantic suspense. Dani Pettrey fans will be ecstatic and she's sure to garner new ones with this enthralling story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:


If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Cold Shot please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 21 2018.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Blind Spot

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
BLIND SPOT

The wrath is coming, but they don't know where -- or when.

"The wrath is coming" were the final words that FBI Agent Declan Grey heard the suicide bomber say. Now Declan is in the chase of his life -- but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after or when the threat will be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation's best clue leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw for assistance. She's sought justice for refugees and the displaced around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.

Tanner Shaw his joined the FBI as a crisis counselor...meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. As they work together to uncover the mounting threat, the tension betwen them also includes a spark she can't deny -- and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything more can develop, they find themselves in a race against time to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.

My Review:

Warning : reader whiplash is inevitable. Book future chiropractor appointments accordingly. Because this is the most amazing, twisty-turny, gasp-out-loud, swoon-on-the-run read. That whoosh you hear? That's me finally releasing my pent up breath now that I've reached the end. I'm feeling rather light-headed and discombobulated so this review might not make any sense but I'll do my best.

First off this is the third book in Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series and while you don't have to read the first two books I think you'll enjoy it more if you have. The author has been developing relationships and setting up a far-reaching suspense plot through these first three books. And, mercy, this is edge-of-your-seat stuff. I'm not sure if my heart can handle the fourth book. Of course I'll still read it. I just might need counseling afterwards.

One of the things I love the most about Blind Spot is that there's just as much romance as suspense. And it's there right from the very beginning. A desperate unrequited yearning that both Declan and Tanner try to keep at bay. They aren't very successful much to this reader's delight. And this has been developing over the course of the series so it's especially satisfying when this hero and heroine finally let their barriers down.

Tons of action, intriguing suspense (two different cases that involve heroes and heroines from previous books) and some gobsmackingly surprising revelations about Tanner Shaw will keep you feeling like you're riding a tilt-a-whirl right to the very last page....which is somewhat of a suspense cliffhanger. Anxiously waiting for Dead Drift which doesn't release until July 2018.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Blind Spot, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 17 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

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!

Sins of the Past : a Romantic Suspense Novella Collection

GIVEAWAY

HENDERSON, DEE
PETTREY, DANI
EASON, LYNETTE
SINS OF THE PAST : A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVELLA COLLECTION

Secrets and lies. Danger that will never go away. Join three beloved masters of romantic suspense for novellas where the past will not stay buried.

Missing by Dee Henderson -- A Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing from her retirement community. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two soon launch into a race against the clock when they realize something dark may lie at the heart of the disappearance.

Shadowed by Dani Pettrey -- Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young Alaskan fisherman nets the body of a Russian open water swimming competitor. Another swimmer who'd been the dead woman's roommate years ago, is pulled into the search for answers as it grows more and more clear that something sinister is at play.

Blackout by Lynette Eason -- A young woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong finds herself at risk years later when the real culprit is up for parole. The loot taken that night has never been found and he believes she knows where it's hidden -- only her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety?

My Review:

A trifecta of talented romantic suspense writers! Seriously, don't you just want to swoon at this lineup? And they don't disappoint. Three compelling novellas with a central theme of 'sins of the past'. Really interesting to see how each author interprets that and delivers a page-turning read in the process.

Missing by Dee Henderson -- A close look at meticulous police work. Love the way Henderson sets the force in motion  Procedures and policy and heart. Police Chief John Graham is out of his jurisdiction upon his return to Chicago when his mother goes missing. Lieutenant Sharon Noble is in charge of the case but she's also sympathetic and willing to let him assist. Professional courtesy turns to respect and develops into friendship as they chase down clues. Henderson packs a lot of detail into this novella and I was on tenterhooks right to the end. Case solved and the hope of romance in the future. Sweet perfection.

Shadowed by Dani Pettrey -- Fans of the Alaskan Courage series be prepared to scream yourself hoarse when I let you into on a secret. There's a McKenna connection in this novella. You might say it's the beginning of it all. Ben and Libby's journey to romance is fraught with danger and intrigue in delicious Pettrey style. There's plenty of wilderness action and some near death experiences as they try to catch a murderer. Not to mention some toe-curling romance. An awesome combination for sure.


Blackout by Lynette Eason -- How's this for a spellbinding first line: "Macey Adams wished she could remember the sins that haunted her." Eason engaged my interest and kept it right to the end of this action-packed, cat-and-mouse suspense where danger lurks at every turn. Neighbour and police detective, Chad Latham is the perfect ally -- especially since he's been interested in getting to know Macey better for the two years they've lived next door to each other. Now he's beginning to understand why she has kept herself aloof from his advances. With the barriers down there's a chance for romance to flourish...as long as they can stay alive long enough!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Sins of the Past : a Romantic Suspense Novella Collection please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 15 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Cold Shot

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
COLD SHOT

Four best friends and then one went missing...

In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore Police Department, Declan Grey would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would study to become a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world -- and friendship -- crumbled.

Now years later, Griffin has left the police and his friendships behind. Still trying to forget a case that went bad when he was a SWAT team sniper, he's living a quiet life as a park ranger at Gettysburg. Quiet until skeletal remains are uncovered near Little Round Top -- and they aren't Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Grey steps in to take over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he -- and those he cares about -- are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

My Review:

Exceptional start to a new series. I have to admit to being gutted after I read the last book in the Alaskan Courage series. I didn't want to leave the McKennas and I was mildy put out at the author for not making that clan bigger so there could be more books. :-) However, Dani Pettrey has redeemed herself with this magnificent start to a promising new series and a new host of swoonworthy heroes.

The stars of the Chesapeake Valor series aren't from the same family, but they are a brotherhood...of sorts. Fractured relationships are the result of past tragedies but they are beginning to move towards restoration. In Cold Shot they are united by a common goal -- solving a complicated cold case.

Pettrey provides delectable hints of background that she slowly reveals throughout the read. There's still plenty to learn about these intriguing men though, which has me rabidly anticipating the release of the next book.

So for now we'll concentrate on Griffin -- a taciturn and gruff park ranger who is carrying around a world of hurt and bitterness. He doesn't make a good first impression on Finley...or a good second, third or fourth one either. It is sheer delight to be privy to their inner thoughts as they size each other up. Finley's unsettled by her attraction to Ranger Grumpy until she burrows beneath the gruff exterior and catches glimpses of the real man. Be still my heart -- I was swooning way before she started (mind you I had the advantage of 'hearing' his musings about her.)

A delectable romance with loads of promise ensues. Pettrey develops it slowly, teasing her readers with just a glimpse of what is in store. Finley and Griffin learn to work together, respecting each others' strengths and weaknesses before gradually unbending enough to engage in some heart-to-heart talks that lead to a deeper relationship. Unexpected humour and compelling faith conversations make their love story even more thrilling.

As to the suspense -- intense, complicated -- the kind that keeps your heart racing and breath puffing out in shallow gasps from time to time. "Duck!" and "No!" became a kind of reading chant as I raced along plenty of hair-pin plot turns. Phew! Still catching my breath.

And I can't forgot to mention the road trip loving Irish wolfhound. Yes, I said Irish wolfhound. I might have swooned more over the dog than the hero. :-)

A definite 'must read' if you enjoy romantic suspense. Dani Pettrey fans will be ecstatic and she's sure to garner new ones with this enthralling story.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Cold Shot please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 14 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Sabatoged

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
SABOTAGED

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light.

Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die.

Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

My Review:

Sob! The Alaskan Courage Series is over! I don't know how I'll cope without any McKenna escapades to look forward to! I wonder if the author cried as many buckets of tears as I did when she reached the conclusion of this epic series. Sniffle. I still feel slightly waterlogged. In fact, as eager as I was to devour this book in one sitting I made it last...and last...and last. Took my time savoring every scene, taking reflective pauses often, closing the book and leaving pages unread in a desperate bid to keep the McKennas in my life a little bit longer. Seriously, you know when an author has talent when you feel compelled to pray for her characters. LOL

And, honestly, Sabotaged is a wonderful grand finale. The suspense is solid, the burgeoning romance between Reef and Kirra absolutely delicious and Pettrey provides plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of favourite heroes and heroines from previous books. And, be still my heart, she provides an exquisite scene at the very end that is sure to bring emotional closure to fans of this series. I can't thank her enough for that.

No worries for the few souls out there who haven't read any other books in The Alaskan Courage Series -- Sabotaged reads really well as a standalone. Guaranteed though, that once you have read it you'll be determined to backtrack and catch up with the rest of the McKenna clan. I can't say much more except if you love romantic suspense all five books in this series belong on your keeper shelf.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Sabotaged please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 1 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Silenced

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
SILENCED

Jake Knew Something Was Wrong.
But He Never Guessed How Wrong.

A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him.

Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine.

My Review:

I honestly don't know what I'm going to do when this series is over and there is only one book left! One brother's story left to tell. Sniffle. I feel a mourning period coming on. I am so attached to the McKenna clan that I can't bear the thought of losing touch with them. Am I crazy? Probably, but happily so.

For readers who have not read any of the Alaskan Courage series, no worries that you'll feel left behind. Silenced reads well as a stand alone. However, die-hard fans will be thrilled to learn that they get to attend two McKenna weddings in this book. Two! Be still my giddy heart!

I have to confess that I have been waiting for Kayden and Jake's love story since...forever! Honestly, there were such choice bits between them in the other books that I was sure their story would be next and it never was. Talk about amping up the suspense! I found myself in the delectable dilemma of wanting to read slowly so I could savor every word and wanting to read like a speed demon because I just couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen next!

Rich characterization drives this story. These characters live and breathe and bleed. I care for them more than my own family (slight exaggeration). I want to be adopted into their family (no exaggeration). A solid suspense plot with so many twists and turns I have whiplash put Kayden and Jake and the rest of the McKenna's through their paces until the explosive, nail-biting conclusion. This is the kind of book you feel bereft after finishing because you simply don't want it to end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Silenced please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 11  2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this incredible book.

Stranded

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
STRANDED

When Her Friend Goes Missing,
Every Minute CountsDarcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover on the trail of a big story. But when Darcy arrives, she finds her friend has disappeared. Troubled by the cruise ship's vague explanation, Darcy uses her cover as a travel reporter to investigate further.

The last person Gage McKenna expects to see during his summer aboard a cruise ship leading adventure excursions is Darcy. And in typical Darcy fashion, she's digging up more trouble.

He'd love to just forget her--but something won't let him. And he can't help but worry about her as they are heading into more remote regions of Alaska and eventually into foreign waters. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they push, the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

My Review:

Oh my goodness but I LOVE the McKenna clan and that means I LOVE the Alaskan Courage series! I get a thrill just knowing that there are still more stories to come because I can't get enough of these characters. Pettrey has brought them to life and each one has captured my heart to the point that I feel like I'm reader-stalking them when I devour each book. Yes, I'm that much of a groupie! Bordering on creating a McKenna Clan fan club. I haven't been this attached to a fictional family since the O'Malleys. :-)

And the suspense is riveting...exasperating...breath-stealing. Intrepid Darcy kept giving me heart palpitations! That girl is like a dog with a bone when she's hot on the trail of trouble. With blinders on and no sense of self-preservation. It's no wonder Gage was a tad bit taciturn. The poor man has my sincere sympathies. It's a wonder we both didn't come out of Stranded with gray hair!

Rich characterization and realistic dialogue made this read an emotional one for me. I love the way Pettrey's characters aren't afraid to share their love of the Savior. Their faith is a seamless part of who they are and the author has written a beautiful reckoning with God scene that is gritty and real and uplifting all at the same time.

If you haven't guessed by now -- I think Stranded belongs on the top of every romantic suspense lovers TBR pile.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Stranded please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 20 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Shattered

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
SHATTERED

Piper McKenna couldn’t be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed. Despite the evidence, Reef swears he’s innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he’s also sworn to find the truth, and he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With the sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, pursuing the truth in this case could mean the end of Landon’s career.

As Piper wages her own search, the two head deep into Canada’s rugged backcountry–and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but the search for answers is becoming deadlier with each step.

My Review:

A page-turning, enthralling read with plenty of twists and turns to leave this reader fighting for equilibrium right to the very end. I love the McKenna family. Love the way Pettrey takes the time to show us their relationship, lets us into each individual life. While Piper and Landon are the main characters of this novel, there are plenty of fascinating secondary characters just waiting for their turn in the spotlight. I get the feeling the McKennas are going to become as well known as Henderson's O'Malleys in the Christian fiction world.

The suspense is nail-biting and filled with red herrings. Reading Shattered was like watching a really good crime drama but with layers of romance added in. There are some real toe-curling scenes and plenty of emotional angst to add even more reader satisfaction to the mix. This is a not-to-be-missed read for romantic suspense lover.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Shattered, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 24 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Submerged

GIVEAWAY

PETTREY, DANI
SUBMERGED

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.


One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart...but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.
 
My Review:

It is easy to see why Lynette Eason and Dee Henderson have endorsed debut suspense author Dani Pettrey -- she writes like a pro! There's so much to recommend about Submerged I hardly know where to start.

The suspense is intriguing -- exotic even -- and totally different from anything I've read in a while. Loved the diving aspect, and the added edge of danger that lent to the plot.

Pettrey has created an incredibly endearing and complex clan in the McKennas. Siblings bound by loyalty and love but each with unique (and frustrating) personality quirks that will lend themselves to some exciting exploits when it's their turn to shine. (At least I'm hoping that's Pettrey's plan for the series.)

Cole is such a rock. An anchor for his family, his faith and Bailey if she'll let him. But Bailey is the victim of a troubled past -- one that she has since forsaken and sought redemption from through Christ. She knows she's saved but she's still wrestling with feeling worthy of that supreme sacrifice.

There's just so many rich layers to dive into (pun intended) that you really don't want to miss this stunning debut suspense!

Giveaway Opportunity:

 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Submerged, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please make sure to put the title in the address line so your entry is easy for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 20, 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

 
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".