Helpful Score: 2
It's safe to say at this point in the year that if I could only read books by debut authors I would still be a happy girl. Submerged by Dani Pettrey is yet another example that shows you don't have to be a veteran novelist to write an amazing story! I know it's sort of become cliche to say, "I was hooked from page one..." but there's really no other way of putting it people, I was hooked! At the risk of sounding way cheesy...here goes...you all need to take the plunge and pick up a copy of this book.
Submerged is refreshing in many ways. The book is set in Alaska, the main characters are deep water divers, and Russian history is a big part of the story -- those aren't things that you see everyday when reading a romance and I for one loved it! The most intriguing part of this story wasn't just the tension and chemistry between Bailey and Cole (which was great by the way) but the fun banter between Cole's little sister, Piper and a certain lawman was verrrry interesting. I fell in love with all of the characters in the book and can't wait to meet more in the upcoming book two, Shattered.
The chill of the Alaskan air and the biting cold of the water came to life in this book. It's a big feat to make me, a warm weather loving girl, want to leave 80 degrees and partly cloudy skies for a trip to Alaska and snow but Ms. Pettrey has definitely done that. If you're looking for a great weekend read I highly recommend Submerged, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
*I received my complimentary copy from the author in exchange for posting my review. I was not obligated or compensated to provide a positive review.*
Submerged is refreshing in many ways. The book is set in Alaska, the main characters are deep water divers, and Russian history is a big part of the story -- those aren't things that you see everyday when reading a romance and I for one loved it! The most intriguing part of this story wasn't just the tension and chemistry between Bailey and Cole (which was great by the way) but the fun banter between Cole's little sister, Piper and a certain lawman was verrrry interesting. I fell in love with all of the characters in the book and can't wait to meet more in the upcoming book two, Shattered.
The chill of the Alaskan air and the biting cold of the water came to life in this book. It's a big feat to make me, a warm weather loving girl, want to leave 80 degrees and partly cloudy skies for a trip to Alaska and snow but Ms. Pettrey has definitely done that. If you're looking for a great weekend read I highly recommend Submerged, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
*I received my complimentary copy from the author in exchange for posting my review. I was not obligated or compensated to provide a positive review.*
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is a debut novel you don't want to miss! Author Dani Pettrey grasps the readers attention from the first chapter to the very end of the book. This is a suspense book that you won't want to put down! You have your mixture of intrigue, romance and Christianity that was very well put together. I am telling you, this is an author you will want to be watching for in the future. She pays a great attention to detail and the characters are funny without being stupid. The dialogue is great! The story focuses on Bailey and Cole, who had a past but then they split up. But now Bailey is back to bury a loved one who died in a plane crash. Only, was it a crash? Or murder?
The romance between Bailey and Cole was believable and I enjoyed them. There is a lot of history and hurt in their past and Bailey made me want to cry a couple times. One thing I really liked was the cameraderie between Cole and his siblings. Of course, Landon is a whole different story and I can't wait to see if his future is the next book in the series. Excellent debut novel, Dani!! Love that this is a homeschooling mom who takes the time to write!
The romance between Bailey and Cole was believable and I enjoyed them. There is a lot of history and hurt in their past and Bailey made me want to cry a couple times. One thing I really liked was the cameraderie between Cole and his siblings. Of course, Landon is a whole different story and I can't wait to see if his future is the next book in the series. Excellent debut novel, Dani!! Love that this is a homeschooling mom who takes the time to write!
I received this book as a NRCA Judge or I would never have read it, I do not read mystery so saved it for the last of the books I read and I loved it so much I have already ordered the second book in the series and can't wait for the third. This is a first time author and she did an unbelievable job of catching my interest and keeping it. I guess I better rethink the mentality that I don't do "mystery" because Ms. Pettrey made me a fan.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a page turner. I could barley put this book down! I can not wait for book 2! Romantic suspense.
Helpful Score: 1
What a start to what is sure to be a great series!
Submerged blends a wonderful array of great characters, gripping suspense and a romance that will the most hopeless of hearts at a near sigh.
One would think from the cover that the inside of the novel would be as chilling as the outside, but actually beginning to end, this novel has to be on the easiest, smoothest romantic suspense I believe I have read. Perfect balance in story and tension, romance and suspense. Character portrayals are deep and rise to the challenge of entertaining me as a reader, but also leaving me fulfilled in their journey. The setting is fantastic and I loved how it became a character in this story.
Secondary characters are great! I truly loved how they started their story in this novel, great story angle and perfect for keeping the reader hooked.
Definitely a high concept novel there was so much brought into this story. Russian history. Deep-sea diving. A swallowed city? Russian mafia/bad guys dudes? I admit to getting a little lost in some of the minutia of historical facts, but ignore me, I tend to get that way anyway.
I was thoroughly pleased with this new find. A stellar debut novel and I look forward to returning to these characters (especially secondary characters!!) in coming novels. Hope its not too long a wait!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author and publisher for my copy to review.
Submerged blends a wonderful array of great characters, gripping suspense and a romance that will the most hopeless of hearts at a near sigh.
One would think from the cover that the inside of the novel would be as chilling as the outside, but actually beginning to end, this novel has to be on the easiest, smoothest romantic suspense I believe I have read. Perfect balance in story and tension, romance and suspense. Character portrayals are deep and rise to the challenge of entertaining me as a reader, but also leaving me fulfilled in their journey. The setting is fantastic and I loved how it became a character in this story.
Secondary characters are great! I truly loved how they started their story in this novel, great story angle and perfect for keeping the reader hooked.
Definitely a high concept novel there was so much brought into this story. Russian history. Deep-sea diving. A swallowed city? Russian mafia/bad guys dudes? I admit to getting a little lost in some of the minutia of historical facts, but ignore me, I tend to get that way anyway.
I was thoroughly pleased with this new find. A stellar debut novel and I look forward to returning to these characters (especially secondary characters!!) in coming novels. Hope its not too long a wait!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author and publisher for my copy to review.
This is a great romantic mystery and suspense novel! I really enjoyed the characters, the setting and the story. I loved this book right from the beginning page. It was hard to put down.
The characters are real: Sweet Baileywhat a dear, broken woman. I just wanted to give her a hug. Colea hero on all levels. The McKenna familya strongly knit unit, but always welcoming to those outside of their circle. The town of Yancey, Alaskapeopled with quirky and interesting characters.
Though Submerged is a contemporary Christian novel, the Russian history is fascinating. I think it adds depth to the mystery. This story not only has heart-stopping suspense and mystery and a complex, romantic thread, but it includes many other layers. The spiritual themes of forgiveness and letting go of guilt are realistically portrayed.
Dont miss this book, if you are a fan of romantic suspense!
The characters are real: Sweet Baileywhat a dear, broken woman. I just wanted to give her a hug. Colea hero on all levels. The McKenna familya strongly knit unit, but always welcoming to those outside of their circle. The town of Yancey, Alaskapeopled with quirky and interesting characters.
Though Submerged is a contemporary Christian novel, the Russian history is fascinating. I think it adds depth to the mystery. This story not only has heart-stopping suspense and mystery and a complex, romantic thread, but it includes many other layers. The spiritual themes of forgiveness and letting go of guilt are realistically portrayed.
Dont miss this book, if you are a fan of romantic suspense!
Christian fiction. A romantic suspense - good read. Bailey left a small town in Alaska years ago to escape her sordid reputation. She's put that life behind her. When her beloved aunt is killed in a plane crash, she returns for the funeral. However, she's pulled into the town's mysterious deaths of two deep sea divers and past friendships.
Wow. Where do I start? This book had it all. Love. Romance. Adventure. Thrills. Great characters. Good villain. Nice faith message. It was all good. The plot was fast-paced and I really liked the growth in Bailey and Cole's relationship. The suspense was good as was the story line. I love strong characters which this book had plenty of. I also learned a lot about Russian history. This author is a very good story teller. This was a book that I had trouble putting down. Wow.
