Crushing Depths

Romantic Suspense at its best!

WOW!! I always love Danni Pettrey's books because they captivate me and keep me intrigued and this is becoming one of my favorites!!
And I think that is because of the characters. Rissi and Mason are already a favorite couple of mine!
Their story is special because they knew each other from childhood and their teens, where they shared a special bond, and Mason was like Rissi's guardian at the orphanage, even so young, because he was always trying to rescue her, protect her and soothe her after the beatings she unfairly received. But ten years have passed after Mason left the orphanage and they haven't being in contact with each other, but neither forgets the other.
Rissi Dawson is an agent of the CGIS team (coastal guards) and we met her on the first book "The Killing Tide". That's where we get to see a bit of her past and her nostalgia of Mason. But after a member of the team dies, they need to substitute him with an expert diver, and Mason Rogers is summoned for the job. That's how the first book ends. So now, not only is Rissi still dizzy from absorbing the news of having Mason back in her life, but she can't believe it when they are both sent on a mission together, to uncover what's behind a supposedly accidental death on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean. Rissi has always being a strong and guarded woman, that's how she has survived and thrived in her profession. But will Mason appearance bring down the walls she has erected around her heart?
Mason has always loved Rissi and thought she was lost to him. And now that he has found her, he doesn't want to let her go. How can he show her his love without frightening her? But first, he has to protect her and get her out of this rig alive. But things aren't easy, as they discover that the death on the rig was no accident. The murderer could be an environmental activist, bent on impeding the completion of this rig, or is it a person of the victim's own crew?
This is enough to make a suspenseful and intriguing story, but throw in a dangerous tropical storm, and you won't be able to put this book down since page one, I assure you I couldn't!!
The best part of the story for me was the character's relationship and romance. It was truly sweet and swooning! Mason is truly my hero right now! I loved his quiet strength, his tender love and admiration for Rissi, and his protectiveness, while giving her the space she needed. His love for Rissi was so sweet! And Rissi was equally in love with him, but never imagining he already was in love for her too! I loved how they start opening to each other again, after so many years. This is one of the best romances from Danni Pettrey I've read!
But the romance never dulls the intrigue and suspense, which is always there. I loved that I never quite knew who was the real criminal until almost the end. And this kept me guessing and wanting to read more so I could get to the bottom of the case!
This book with definitely keep you at the edge of your seat and will make you sigh at the same time! And that's not an easy feat for a suspense writer, but Danni Pettrey did it!
I definitely recommend this book to Romantic Suspense lovers. It can be read as a standalone, but it will be richer if you start by the first book. One of the things I love most about this series is the close-knit relationship of the CGIS team members. They are like a family, loyal to the bone, and ready to serve their lives for each other and for their community. I love all these characters! And I hope to get to read all of their stories. I'm particularly interested in Noah's right now! Hopefully, he'll have his own story soon...
Don't miss this series! A total page turner!