Book Review - Shattered by Dani Pettrey

I read the first book in this series (Submerged) and thoroughly enjoyed it,  making my anticipation for book two intense. Dani Pettrey offers the second book in her Alaskan Courage Series with Shattered.

Piper McKenna couldn’t be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed. Despite the evidence, Reef swears he’s innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he’s also sworn to find the truth, and he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With the sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, pursuing the truth in this case could mean the end of Landon’s career.

As Piper wages her own search, the two head deep into Canada’s rugged back country–and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but the search for answers is becoming deadlier with each step.

I was very happy to see the book followed up on the hinted love story from book one between Landon and Piper. Pettrey's characters are lively and realistic. I love Piper's tenacity countered by Landon's sturdiness. They make an intriguing couple, only deepened by the long history they have as friends.

I found the action and suspense inviting and fast moving. The plot moved along covering many different locations and even more pitfalls. Pettrey writes a great romantic suspense!

Overall, the plot and characters are a hit. A good read.  

However, I did have a few struggles with the writing in other areas. These are personal preferences and did not distract from the story - only the flow for me. I did not have the same concerns in Dani's first book, so it will be interested to see how book three, Stranded, will turn out.  I found myself backtracking in my reading, trying to verify information on more than one occasion. There were not errors or misinformation but I had to go back to check. It disrupted my reading too many times for my liking. I also felt the book had lots of exposition and information scenes. Thankfully the rest of the scenes were so fast paced that it never gave me a chance to put the book down. However, I personally would like to see these "information tidbits" placed a little more subtly. 

Yet, I still would recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense and especially if you read book one and loved Piper and Landon's exchanges. They only get better in book two!  Dani Pettrey also sets the stage for book three introducing Darcy St. James as an interest for aloof brother, Gage. If you want to see another review of this book check out this blog, Edgy Inspirational Romance.

Thank you to Baker Publishing Group for the free copy of Shattered to read and review in exchange for my honest response. 

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