The Deadly Shallows (Coastal Guardians #3) by Dani Pettrey from Bethany House Publishing

My thoughts:  It was fun and interesting to read a book set in the area I was born and raised in - Wilmington, North Carolina. It's a historic Atlantic coast city sandwiched between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. There is a lot of water in the area. Historically, the city is pre-American Revolution and played a key role in the Civil War. During World War II it was riddled with military importance. I say this to give an idea why this story about the Coast Guard contingency in the Wilmington/Coastal area is credible in possibility.

The story begins explosively with an attack at a graduation ceremony that leave multiple deaths - both civilian and military. The characters leap into action investigating and piecing together the bits of information that soon leads to the conclusion that this is more than a deranged individual out to reap deadly horror.

Packed with more than one story line that seem to be separate but in the end the maze leads to centrality. The team of investigators work individually and with cohesive teamwork to determine the who and why and where this deadly criminal activity is headed. The book is  a good, clean read with strong moral compass guiding the individuals. There are strong romantic vibes throughout the book with sweet conclusions.

I found the story intriguing and fun to envision locales familiar to me. 

About the book: 

• A DEADLY ATTACK.
• 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 several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded 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 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 attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

Bestselling author Dani Pettrey again delivers a fast-paced story in an acclaimed style readers have come to love: full of snappy dialogue, thrilling adventure romance, and unexpected plot twists. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.