Blind Spot (Chesapeake Valor)

Wow! I just finished a wild ride! Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey, the third book in her Chesapeake Valor series, ramps up the action as the ensemble cast introduced in the first two books are on the trail of not one, but two cases. This novel introduces a new mystery of an apparent murder-suicide involving a close friend and mentor of the group. But the on-going investigation of human trafficking and terrorism was what really captured my attention. The focus is on Declan and Tanner’s story, but fans of this series will be glad to hear that a loose thread that has been tangled up in each book is finally revealed. Is everything resolved? No, but that’s a plus because that means another book by Pettrey!

Declan Grey and Tanner Shaw are on show more the trail of human traffickers and terrorists as they investigate the murder of an FBI agent. As they get closer to the truth, the bad guys become more daring and desperate. Meanwhile, investigators and police are looking into embezzlement and murder, a case that is all too personal. Both plot lines were well-developed and kept me engaged and turning the pages as fast as I could. Although plot-driven, Blind Spot has so many great characters. Their stories and romances unfold amidst the danger the author so deftly creates. Faith is an important part of their lives, and Blind Spot weaves the two main characters’ faith seamlessly into their lives — both the mundane and the out-of-the-ordinary aspects. Blind Spot is of course a romantic suspense and there is plenty of chemistry and kisses for fans!

I really liked Blind Spot and recommend it, but you really need to start with book 1, Cold Shot. There is too much backstory to just jump in. Books 1-3 are all available and quick reads. The real problem is the wait for book 4! I can’t wait to see what Pettrey has up her sleeve with that one!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author and Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

Loved this story. I recommend reading books 1 and 2 first but this was the first I read in the series and I could follow the storyline but it probably would have been better if I had read the first 2 books in the series. I love the characters and that there were 2 storylines. This had many twists and turns within the suspense. Love and hate the ending since the next book won’t be available for a while. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I haven't been very impressed with any Dani Pettrey books I've read so far, but while there were elements of Blind Spot I did not like, I did enjoy the story overall.

4.5 stars for storyline
3 stars for characters
2 stars for romance

I am very much a character person and love character-driven stories. Unfortunately for me, characters are not Pettrey's strong suit. While I did like Declan, I really wasn't a fan of Tanner, and never really connected with any of the characters in this series. They lack depth and personality and I find myself yawning at times due to their one-dimension-ness.

The story, on the other hand, I did very much enjoy. The plot kept me on my toes throughout each page, and I couldn't put it down at times. My one show more complaint would be that Pettrey often has soooo many different storylines going at once that often distract and frustrate me, and don't seem connected to the main story arc. Overall, though, I did enjoy the storylines involving Luke and the terrorist attack. Yikes! Quite intense.

The romance. Just please no. I found myself so disgusted with all the over-the-top physical attraction that I wasn't rooting for the couple at all. I basically skimmed all those parts. I did appreciate Declan's gentlemanliness in that area. He was very respectful and laidback in that regard, which is so Declan. I also greatly disliked how the couple slept in the same roomsame house unchaperoned a few times, even if it was for "protection" and Declan slept on the floor. Made me very uncomfortable.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, but not really the romance or characters.

CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 17 due to romance and violence. Mentions of a serial killer who rapes his victims, a character is tortured, mentions of gunfights and violence, terrorists, terrorist attacks. Also, a lot of physical attraction and kissing between the couple, and a few thoughts about intimacy after marriage. show less

I was brand new to this author, but when Bethany House contacted us about checking out Blind Spot I was intrigued by the plot summary and cover depicting an FBI agent. I'm a sucker for a good mystery/suspense/thriller story; especially ones featuring intelligence agencies, spies, or espionage. It wasn't until after I received the book that I saw that it is the third in a series called Chesapeake Valor (and of course I've not read #1 or #2) and it is billed as "Romantic Suspense". Well, I had a pretty good idea that I wasn't in the target market for this book but I decided to jump in regardless.

This novel is a fast-paced, action-packed narrative centering around FBI agent Declan Grey and several colleagues as they investigate a smuggling show more operation which turns out to be much more. The story is made up of a pretty intricate plot that has a whole lot going on. I was able to track with most everything with the exception of a few minor things due to the lack of backstory which I assume was laid out in the previous books in the series. Those few instances were not huge deals and I was able to figure out nearly everything as the story progressed.

True to the label on the package, there is a liberal amount of romance that seemed a bit sappy and overly sweet to my taste. There is no explicit content, but the romantic moments seemed to happen at the oddest times and detracted from my enjoyment of the story a bit. The "suspense" half of the labeling is also present in high doses. Grey and company find themselves involved in car chases, exchanges of gunfire, ticking bombs, and much more. All of these high-energy moments keep the story moving along at a pretty good clip.

Speaking of car chases and the like, there is also a significant amount of violence in the story. There are numerous deaths (some of which are described quite vividly), kidnappings, and lots of gunplay as alluded to previously. None of these bother me much, but I want to give a fair warning in case you are sensitive to those sorts of descriptions. Despite all the violence and crime found in the book, there is no foul language, which I found refreshing.

The characters are fairly well-developed, though I never really felt a connection or attachment to any of them. With very few exceptions, they are relatively black and white; the good guys are good and the baddies are bad. No major internal conflict or struggles to make them easily relatable. It's not a huge deal, but worth mentioning.

Pettrey's writing is great for the most part. I enjoyed her style and the pacing of the story. With the exception of a few instances of cheesy dialogue and slightly fantastical plot elements, I really enjoyed the story. Her language is not flowery or poetic, nor is it dumbed down. It is very approachable and conversational and has a perfect balance of technical jargon where needed and everyday vernacular for easy readability as one would expect from a modern fiction book.

If you enjoy suspense thrillers featuring counterterrorism investigations with lots of non-stop action coupled with a little romance then you'll most likely really love Blind Spot. If this review piqued your interest, you may want to start with Book 1 of the series so as to not miss out on the full story arc. But if you choose to jump in at Book 3 you should still be able to enjoy this well-written novel. show less

I jumped cold into Blind Spot,book three of the Chesapeake Valor series,by Dani Pettrey. The only things I had to fear were terrorists, human trafficking, drugs, and ruthless crime lords. No fear of being lost because I hadn't read the first two books, no bad language or situations. Yay!

This is the story of Declan and Tanner and their journey towards God and each other in a harrowing line of work. Yet it is also the continuation of the story of a group of friends;of a lost love;and the foundation for more spine-tingling danger and romantic suspense yet to come.

Do expect nail-biting suspense. Don't expect all the answers to be revealed.The plot is much grander than the characters or we readers know. I am a new Dani Pettrey fan as of show more this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I am not under an obligation to provide a review, positive or otherwise. show less

FBI agent Declan Grey has cracked some pretty tough cases but this is the toughest yet and the most dangerous. He (and his close FBI friends) continue trying to fit together all the pieces of the puzzle that will lead them to the core of the terrorist cell that’s threatening an attack on American Soil. Tanner Shaw is a champion to those who are hurting or in need. After helping the refugees, the FBI hires her to work as a crisis counselor, which means working a lot closer with Declan. There’s always been a kind of tension between them but lately it’s felt a lot more like an attraction. Before they can explore that avenue, Declan and Tanner find themselves working hard at not only staying alive, but also uncovering the information show more that will help them put an end to the attack.

Fasten your seat belt and hang on for one wild ride. Once you pick up this book you will be hard-pressed to put it down. It’s loaded with lots of unexpected twists and turns and edge of your seat moments. You’ll find yourself holding your breath a lot throughout this story. I would definitely classify this as ‘fast paced’ and it will keep you turning pages long into the night. We got to know Declan and Tanner in the previous story but now they are the lead couple. Both are complex characters that you enjoy getting to know. The relationship between them is a slow and steady build and felt very natural. I loved the chemistry between them. This is a series that needs to be read in order due to a continuing thread running throughout each of the books. The interaction and dynamics between the close knit group of friends/agents continues, which I absolutely loved. Danger and suspense run high from beginning to end and then you’re left with a cliff-hanger that will make you long for the last book; Dead Drift. I can’t wait!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Bethany House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite quotes/moments:

He [Declan] found her savvy wit and intelligence both impressive and sexy. Yes, much to his chagrin, he thought Tanner Shaw all those things and more. He admired the woman, and she’d come to mean a great deal to him.

She [Tanner] halted a few feet from it and looked up at Declan with the thought that she still might be able to get him to back off. His expression told her that wasn’t going to happen…but, man, was he breathtaking. Rugged, tall, exuding strength, and yet as she’d just reflected, a gentleman. He was intelligent, loyal, hardworking - but what she loved most about him was his strong relationship with Jesus.

“It’s interesting,” Declan said. “Not what I picture a fellow Fed drinking, but I suppose not everyone can handle the real stuff.” He winked. She smirked. “So plain black coffee is the real stuff?” “Yep.” “I beg to differ.” “Of course you do. And what would your definition of the real stuff be?” “Espresso with a dollop of whipped cream.” “Strong and Sweet.” “Yep.” He smiled. “Rather describes you.” “I suppose I could say the same of your drink of choice.” “Oh? How do you describe black coffee?” “Strong, no frills, and hot.” She winked. He nearly choked on his drink but very ungracefully sputtered in bemused surprise.

“I believe God gives us all gifts to use for His glory.”

For more information about this book or other books by Dani Pettrey, I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.danipettrey.com. show less

I have really enjoyed reading this series and seeing how the characters grow, but you can still understand the story if you haven't read the other books. The suspense was very much there as you wondered what Declan and Tanner would run across next as they try to seek out a terrorist. Declan and Tanner have to work at working together even they know that they need to do what they can to be successful and Declan knows that Tanner is his best bet in following a lead that he has. A great read.
I received a copy of the book from the author, the review is entirely my own.