Review, Author Interview & Giveaway: Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey

Chesapeake Valor Book Three

 

5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that "the wrath is coming," Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She's sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.

Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can't deny, and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell--and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.

My Review

Yeah, so I finished this book at 2 am, my husband was out of town, and I had to fall asleep with the lamp on! Talk about intense! This is one of those can't-put-it-down books, where the pace is quick and the characters don't seem to stop for one second. Well, they do stop for some good kissing, but that's another kind of intense ;) There are two cases being worked by the team of friends, and by now we've gotten to know Griffin and Finley from Cold Shot, and Parker and Avery from Still Life. I've been so excited for Declan and Tanner's story since there was a great lead-in to their current relationship, so I recommend reading the books in order for the best experience. It can also be read out of order since there are no spoilers for the plots of the previous books (which I think is a good choice).

The case that Griffin is leading is creepy and a little gory. There's a lot of angles that the team had to work since it involves some obvious suspects but also options for hidden motives by others. Declan is continuing his investigation from Still Life, and now gets to work with Tanner as his partner, which gives them plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal. There is quite a bit of danger, running from bullets, and taking out would-be assassins. Declan learns more about Tanner's past and why she is so good at her job, and is able to trust that she can indeed handle the scary situations they find themselves in. Tanner sees a lesser-known side of Declan and as his walls come down, they grow closer together. I loved their developing romance and the great chemistry they have together!

I was impressed how the members of the team really lived their faith as they petition the Lord for guidance and safety as they search for clues and follow the leads to obtain justice and protect innocent lives. Another thread is woven in that will lead into the fourth book in the Chesapeake Valor series, and this one has been a long time coming, solving a mystery that was introduced in the first book, Cold Shot. I can't wait to read what I hope will be Kate and Luke's story! I highly recommend this series to fans of romantic suspense!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Interview with Author Dani Pettrey

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My husband Mike and I have been married 25 years. We have two beautiful daughters, two adorable grandsons, one awesome son-in-law, and a one-hundred and twenty-pound Newfoundland puppy who looks more like a bear than a dog, but has the sweetest temperament ever. I love connecting with readers, so please drop by www.danipettrey.com and say hi!

What do you do besides writing?

I spend a lot of time with my grandbabies and girls. I also love hiking, kayaking, traveling, reading, spending time at the beach and am always in search of the world’s best iced mocha.

Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process?

Absolutely. I’m a super visual writer, so I always find pictures of my characters either before I start writing, or more often, as I’m writing. And, there have been times when I’ve changed my inspiration as the character comes to life and I need to find a better ‘fit.’ For Declan, I pictured Henry Cavill and for Tanner I pictured Shiri Appleby.

  
What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

I always make a soundtrack as I’m writing when I hear songs which remind me of the story and my characters. I’ll be sharing Blind Spot’s playlist soon, but in the meantime, a couple of the songs include: From the Ground Up from Dan & Shay and Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

My take-away for Blind Spot is hope. Hope in friendships, family, loved ones and, most importantly, hope in Christ and all that we have in and through Him and His constant presence and love.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

I’m currently working on two projects. I’m revising book four of the Chesapeake Valor series, which will release in July. I’m also extremely excited to be partnering again with Dee Henderson and Lynette Eason on a novella collection. When those projects are complete, I will dive into my new series, Coastal Guardians, which features Coast Guard Investigative Service special agents and is set in coastal North Carolina. I’m thrilled to be able to bring new characters and new settings to my readers in the coming years.

Thanks so much for hosting me!

Thank you Dani for sharing your insights about Blind Spot and providing a copy to give away to one lucky reader!

Entry-Form

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Don't miss the first two books in the Chesapeake Valor series . . .

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet--until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern--a young social justice lawyer missing since spring--and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes 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 murder that crosses continents.

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

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, when 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 and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. 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. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.