Landon & Piper from Submerged by Dani Pettrey

Having just read Dani’s first book, “Submerged,” I immediately started in on her next book, “Shattered” which continues with the lives of the McKenna clan and their friends just a few months later. I thoroughly enjoyed, “Submerged” and am happy to share that I liked “Shattered” even better!

It was great to have Cole and Bailey, stars of the first book, also have an active role in this one, with the relationship for the characters that will star in the third book (Gage & Darcy) getting a kick start as well. I absolutely love how Dani has built up the lives of her characters in this way. Their overlapping stories, weaving together as it is in real in life. By the time I finished “Submerged” I was chopping at the bit for Piper & Landon’s story, thankfully Dani had kindly sent me copies of both so I already had it on hand. Dani, you’ve got me hooked! I can’t wait to read your next book, “Stranded.”

So, back to “Shattered,” the story takes place in the winter over the holidays so it would be a great one for a cold winter’s night, or if you need to cool off, one for a little “Christmas in July.”  But don’t let me give you the impression that it’s all candy canes and sugar plumbs, once again there’s a mystery surrounding a murder with a cold-blooded killer at large.  Not to mention, the wrong man behind bars.  It’s up to Piper and Landon to discover the truth in order to absolve Piper’s somewhat estranged brother Reef, of the murder charges.  Will they be able to find the proof they need in time?  Dun-dun-dun!

Piper’s problem is Landon, and Landon’s problem is, he wants to kiss Piper.

Piper & Landon’s story is great.  It’s always fun to have a couple characters who think they have each other figured out suddenly realizing they don’t.  Before the start of the book Landon has already recognized his changing feelings towards Piper, but true to life, it isn’t easy for him to express himself.  While Landon struggles with fear and doubt, Piper remains happily clueless at first to the depth of her own feelings towards him.  Landon’s inner struggle makes him exceptionally likeable, but right from the get-go Piper is one of the most likeable characters you’ll find in any story.  She’s perky, spunky, bright, athletic, but also tender-hearted and loyal.  Definitely the kind of girl you’d want for a best friend.  I won’t add too much more about Landon, but I did find a great spotlight on his character on the Fiction Hero blog, so if you’re so inclined, check it out.

Fiction Hero spotlight- Landon Grainger

http://www.fictionherofeatures.com/2013/02/landon-grainger.html

“Shattered,” was a hard story to put down and I finished it pretty quickly.  There was a good balance of action vs. romance.  The great plot to keep the story moving and true depth of character to keep you emotionally invested.  I highly recommend it.

There's quiet a bit about snowboarding in the book, so here's Piper ready to hit the slopes!

If you haven't visited it, Dani has a fun pinterest page up with photos to go along with “Shattered.”

http://pinterest.com/danipettrey/shattered/