Dani Pettrey

Multi-published author Dani Pettrey recently stopped by my newsletter and blog to share some about her writing life.

Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
My love for mysteries began when I read Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie when I was eight, and my enjoyment of whodunnits and suspense stories has remained strong ever since. When I was a young adult, I started reading romance novels, and while I thoroughly enjoyed them, I missed the puzzle of solving a mystery. I missed the adrenaline rush of watching the couple falling in love in the throes of danger, and seeing their love grow stronger through it. Romantic suspense combines both genres I love and wraps them up in one satisfying story.

What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress?
I’m at my favorite place while I type this. My happy place and sweet spot for writing or reflecting on my work-in-progress is the beach, hands down. There’s something so soothing yet inspiring being by God’s majestic creation. The rhythmic splash of the waves and the squawk of seagulls in the air still my thoughts on everything else and allow me to put my full focus on my story. I often head to the beach near my book deadlines to have a “story power week,” as I call it. I write close to double my daily word count while at the ocean. Thankfully, I have a gracious friend with a beach house, so I’m able to visit often.

What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing?
Starbucks. Actually, any coffee beverage. I’m a self-proclaimed coffee fanatic, especially when it comes to long writing days. When I need a breath of fresh air, I’ll hop in the car and open the sunroof (weather-depending) and head for a Starbucks run. The combo of a scenic ride and some strong espresso always brings me back to my desk refreshed and ready to go.

What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense?
They think we have very interesting discussions at the dinner table as I plot ways to hide a body or talk through the best way to stalk someone. Don’t worry, my kids are adults. In all honesty, they take it in stride and buy me coffee mugs that say things like: Pay no attention to my browsing history. I’m a writer, not a serial killer.

About Dani
Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author Dani Pettrey has sold 800,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Connect w/Dani
Website: www.danipettrey.com

The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey

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.