The Crushing Depths

Title: The Crushing Depths

Series: Coastal Guardians #2

Author: Dani Pettrey

Genre: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Source: Library

Challenge: Virtual TBR

My review:

I had a hard time getting into The Crushing Depths. There are a lot of characters introduced pretty quickly together, so I found it difficult to follow all of them.

However, once I got past that, I found this to be a fast-paced, gripping novel. There is a lot of action and barely time to catch your breath. I enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie among the Coast Guard team. The relationship between Rissi and Mason developed organically, especially considering their past. 

I went back and forth on who I thought the main instigator/bad guy was and wasn't sure until the person was revealed. The events that led that person to do it felt forced and a bit unnatural, although you could see their point of view.

There was quite a bit going on in the main story line. I felt like the smaller plot with Brooke was completely unnecessary and a distraction to the main story. I understand it is setting up the story for book three, which is Brooke's story, but still unnecessary. 

Overall I found this an enjoyable read and was ready to jump into Brooke and Noah's story.

★★★⋆/5

Challenge:

Synopsis:

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

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

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

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