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Rogue Rescue #2

Crush Depth

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He has almost everything he could ask for – but he wants more.

Dolphin shifter Pete Sutherland has a problem: he’s in love with his best friend.

Make that two problems: his best friend’s also his cousin.

Okay, three problems: they’re practically brothers.

And even though they live together, play together, serve together on a covert rescue unit, swimming more tightly than any team their commander’s ever seen…

Jay’s just never going to see him as more.

Pete’s in deep. How long can he stay before he gets crushed?


He wants more – but asking for it could mean losing everything.

Jay Ito is the luckiest dolphin shifter alive.

He has a great job, a cool houseboat, and awesome hobbies, and he shares all of them with Pete.

Pete, his best friend.

Pete, who was adopted into Jay’s pod when they were kids.

Pete, who had just lost his whole family and was floating, injured, on the open ocean when Jay discovered him.

They’ve been inseparable ever since, and Jay’s willing not to ask for the one thing they don’t share, even though he dreams of it. Because you don’t question luck.

Not until luck turns on you, threatening to take away the one person you can’t live without.

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CW: depictions of sea rescues; memory of parental deaths

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CRUSH DEPTH, a standalone novel in the new ROGUE RESCUE series, steamy paranormal romances featuring marine-shifter heroes:
1. COURSE CORRECTION
2. CRUSH DEPTH
3. ENTRY SHOCK

ROGUE RESCUE Series
Saving lives is their mission.
Saving each other will be far more dangerous.

ebook

First published November 13, 2018

96 people are currently reading
170 people want to read

About the author

Mia West

49 books189 followers
Epic romance, two heroes at a time! My story universe features warriors and blacksmiths, rescue swimmers and hockey players, treasure hunters and time travelers, and quite a few shifters. My favorite kind of hero: a grumpy f*cker who’ll do anything for the man he loves.

Read my entire universe free on AO3!

Novel-length ebooks are free on wide vendors.

Happy reading :)

~ Mia

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5 stars
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73 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,459 reviews
November 22, 2018
4.25 stars

The second book in this series was well written but I'm so looking forward to finding out what Vince and Nadine have up there selves for the Shifter Rescue Unit.
Profile Image for Candice.
2,955 reviews134 followers
January 3, 2020
HATED Vince. Like legit can't stand that guy.

The only person I actually liked was Jay. He was fun.

Don't even get me started on Brackett.
187 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2018
Not related

I absolutely loved this book, can't wait to read the next one.I thought the first one was good,but for some reason this story hit all of my buttons.I loved the happy ending 😍
Profile Image for Toni K.
630 reviews8 followers
Read
May 17, 2021
Second book in a series. Does not work well alone. These two really are dolphins. Not much made sense and it was a bit immature.
Profile Image for Naomi (aplace_inthesun).
1,178 reviews36 followers
September 22, 2023
The second of this series, this one has much more depth to the relationship of Pete and Jay and it really dealt with the connection, feelings, and fears. It’s a friends to lovers (well Pete was adopted by Jay’s aunt after they rescued him following the death of his parents). It’s shows the progression of their relationship and the tenuous reaching out of both men at the risk of ruining their friendship. Really, neither identified they were already in a relationship given there was no one else, they just hadn’t unpacked their feelings and communicated the kind of love they felt for one another.

Jay is the winner in this book. He’s the best character. I have to question his shitty relationship with his brother and wanted Vince put in his place. He was just nasty the whole of Jay and Pete’s lives … I don’t care what paltry excuse was offered.

I felt this instalment was much better than book 1.
36 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2024
I absolutely adored Pete and Jay! I enjoyed following along as they figured out their feelings for each other.
I’m looking forward to starting on Mackey’s book!
Profile Image for Diane.
1,233 reviews58 followers
January 9, 2019
2.9 Goodreads; 3.4 Amazon. NA-ish romance w/unusual starting dynamic.

I'm still not quite sure how I feel about this relationship, with the whole "raised like brothers" thing. I also hadn't realized from the blurb that Pete wasn't born a shifter, though the change certainly wasn't against his will. Jay and Pete have been inseparable since they were preteens, and now they're finally taking steps toward "more". As well as they know each other in some ways, they still manage to get tangled up in doubts and presumptions.

They're likable guys (though I'm not much for pranks, which is what they're up to when this volume, their book, begins), but both are inexperienced at romantic relationships, having scarcely spent a moment apart. I appreciate having that necessary stage of growing into oneself addressed, though the angst threatens to tear them apart from each other.

I don't know how plausible it is that a duo like Jay and Pete would actually get used in a military (Coast Guard) social media promo effort, but the human-nature-at-its-most-tasteless portion of the resulting comments *is* all too plausible given the premise.

I must confess that I also don't really know what to think of Jay's older brother Vince. He's apparently meant to have good intentions, but I can certainly understand why Jay has a hard time believing it: supportive communication is *not* his strong suit, as witness the hint re. his own breakup.

Overall, this one was just an okay read for me, despite the smooth and well-edited writing (I didn't note a single error!) and some sweet or grin-worthy moments, but ever-serious shark-shifter Mackey is next, and that could be interesting.

(BTW, we'll once again ignore the improbability of so many guys in the already small subset of regional sea-creature-shifters being homosexual, and put on the same team. Such is the nature of series romance, though it could make team dynamics more complex and significant if there was more variety.)
764 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2021
Ok so... I wanted to give this book 5 stars. It was the book out of all the Rogue Rescue and Grizzly Rim ones that I was most looking forward to. I love the characters of Pete and Jay. I think they make such a good team, I like the history between them, the (adapted) family link and the story behind that. Unfortunately, for me personally I couldn't get behind the main 'problem' the two face in the story and Vince's involvement in that.

****SPOILERS****

I'd been built up through the whole first half towards a hatred towards Vince... then suddenly he drops a bombshell about what he really does for work and then next thing Pete is happily taking an 8 week break to do a different job on his own! For me, it came out of nowhere - there were no signs of Pete being restless and unhappy so why did he immediately pounce on the chance to leave alone? And logically I know it was to show that Jay couldn't be so reliant on him...but I liked that about their dynamic. I felt Jay was right to be annoyed and upset. And because I was then firmly on Jay's side, I didn't really feel the love for the crew on the boat (who I know will be forming the second spin off series). I'd have much preferred they face some drama over a rescue, something other than an 8 week cold-turkey separation because, to be honest, I still haven't forgiven Pete...and I've finished the book! I also haven't forgiven Vince so it'll take some doing for me to warm up to him when he gets his story!

Overall, it was a well-written book. I do love the characters (well, most of them) and I completely understand that not everyone will have the same reaction as me. I just hated the separation and how Pete almost seemed to change into someone different but then still wanted it all with Jay after basically abandoning him for 2 months.
I will read the next book in the series because I want to see Mackey get a HEA and hopefully I'll get over my grudge with Vince before I read the next spin off series!
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,635 reviews267 followers
December 4, 2018
This is the second exciting story in the Rogue Rescue series, a shifter unit under the auspices of the Coast Guard that helps with human rescues. It's a secret unit, and each member has their own unique skills to bring to the table. For dolphin shifters Pete and Jay, their task is to buoy humans in the water until rescue is at hand and they work hand in hand (or make that flipper to flipper) to save lives.

Pete and Jay have an interesting history. Pete was human when Jay rescued him from a shipwreck that left him as an orphan. He was adopted by Jay's aunt, who decided to live a wholly human life to support Pete. As teenagers, Pete had gotten a little too interested in Jay's sex life and ended up becoming a shifter himself. Best friends, they share an attraction that they can no longer deny. This leads to some sexy and intimate experiences between them, both physical and emotional.

Of course they worry about losing their strong friendship when they become lovers and when Pete is given the opportunity to do something different away from the Rogue Rescue team, they get to examine their feelings for each other and decide whether they should go back to being friends or pursue something more. Jay's brother Vince has a big role in this story (he also has some interesting secrets!) and I hope we'll see more of him in the future. The other members of the Rogue Rescue team have their parts to play and I'm very interested in shark shifter Ian Mackey and where his story will lead! This is an exciting story with water rescues, team building and a sexy romance to pull it all together.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,404 reviews36 followers
Read
November 10, 2018
Most of this book was slow for me and o had to push myself to get through it in 4 days. Books don’t take me that long to finish unless they are slow, or hard to connect or and don’t make sense. For me at first it’s like I had to read the first book to understand what the heck is going one and when I finally figured out who is who and how Pete came into the family unit as a human but became a dolphin at a later strange in life by a risk, then it started to come together for me but when these two came together then it started to get interesting.
Jay saved a human Pete from drowning when they were 10, Pete’s parents were in a storm on a boat as he was an only survivor. jays aunt adopted Pete as her son hence cousins, but not by blood. Jay’s brother Vince will get into his head and say thing to change Jay into what he is as an adult. That being said that’s where it got confusing for me until it was straightened out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,226 reviews25 followers
November 13, 2018
Jay and Peter find their relationship as adopted cousins undergoing a change.
Jay Ito and Peter Sutherland are dolphin shifter who work for a specialist water shifter team that work with the Coast Guard on rescues. When a drone appears over a rescue site the two dolphin shifter put on a show once the people are safe then dive deep then Mackey the shark shifter jumps up biting it to destroy it. The video goes viral and their captain punishes them sending them to record a promotional video for the Coast Guard. While filming Jay gets jealous and fearful that Peter might chose someone else and he will lose him. The two have lived as cousins since Jay's aunt had adopted peter after the loss of his family but recently Jay has found his feelings deepening. As the filming comes to a close jay grabs Peter and gives him a deep lover like kiss and the recording Hits the internet with an explosion of interest. A different sort of shifter story to relax and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
145 reviews
November 15, 2018
Crush depth n. The submerged depth at which a material or object will collapse due to surrounding water pressure. Book two is Pete and Jays story. These two are inseparable and way to cute together. The are Dolphin shifters and work with the rescue team that helps out the coast guard. After there antics in book one Brackett has them work with a crew to make a promotional video for the coast guards and during the end of the shooting Jay kisses Pete then freaks out and runs. On their way off the ship Jay is accosted and questioned about his diving suit being fully intact after claiming he had to ditch it when attacked by a shark at the shooting of said video. Once back on duty Brackett black mails them into creating a live blog show due to all the hits they got on the video they shot for the coast guards. In this book we get to see how what we perceive isn’t always the truth. I loved that Jay and His brother Vincent were able to clear the air. Great book and a phenomenal series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
181 reviews18 followers
January 18, 2019
If I thought the first book was choppy in comparison this one simply flowed.
Jay and Pete grew up together. They share everything, just not what they feel toward each other. They are dolphin shifters, so it figures that they are mischievous and prone to pranks.

There is no hard edge of arousal in this story like in first one, this one was softer and gentler. They know each other. They are close but still unsure in each other and if they want to be more than they already are to each other. So they hover on a bring of something and need a push from outside to start something.
The storyline was pretty flat until the last third which managed to interest me in the book once again. Both Jay and Pete make some changes in their lives. The only thing constant is their devotion to each other.

They got their happy end and while I didn’t like this one as much as the first, it was solid read.

I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
Profile Image for Enirehtak  Melas.
744 reviews34 followers
November 20, 2018
I liked this one a lot. I did. However, I have 3 issues.

1. Brackett. Blackmailing your employees and forcing them to do a video stream or they face consequences made me so uncomfortable and angry. How is that a leader? I don’t like her one bit.
2. Vince. He basically told his brother to always expect people to leave him. That he wasn’t good enough. That Pete would chose something else over him.
3. Lachlan deserves better. If Vince gets a book, I think I’ll skip it. His entire character was a lie and he was a stranger and bully to his own brother. Also, their mother knew that and dismissed it. Such toxic family dynamics that went unaddressed. Lach deserves so much better than Vince and I hope Lach gets a book. Vince and Brackett can be killed off for all I care. A little harsh but , I just cannot stand their characters. You can be a leader without being a complete conniving dick thistle.

Would have been 5 starts had it not been for Brackett and Vince’s selfish actions honestly.
240 reviews
November 1, 2018
Argh! Such a lovely, lovely friends to lovers story. This is the second installment of Mia's Rogue Rescue series. This time we get ItoSu's story.

Jay Ito and Pete Sutherland are dolphin shifters. They grew up together as cousins and were recruited onto the same Search and Rescue team. They are in such sync that their teammates refer to them as one person. I loved the descriptions of Jay and Pete swimming together. I was right there with them, twirling and spinning and tunneling through the water. It was magical.

Jay and Pete have next level co-dependancy issues that are strangely charming. I could not help but smile the whole way through because darn it! They are such great guys you have to love them. Seriously. You are gonna love them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kirsty Mckenzie.
195 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2018
Omg I am so in love with this series even though this is book two I know book three will deliver just aswell. This one is about Itosu which is Jay and Pete. They have such a bond that has kept them strong together for years, since they where teenagers. Jay saved Pete's life when he was just 13, and since then they have been inseparable. We get to know them so much more than from before in book one. Which is awesome because all the characters are pretty amazing, I can't get enough of them all.
I can't wait for book three I am eagerly awaiting it, literally sitting on the edge of my seat for it.
This is a must read, plus book one, for sure. Grab it asap.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
288 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2018
Pete and Jay are dolphin shifters, have been best friends for many years, and they look out for each other. Pete has secretly been in love with Jay, the playful jokester for a long time. An event happens that has Jay thinking and feeling differently towards Pete but the shift from friends to more is slow and confusing.
This story reunites us with the characters from the first story, adds new ones, and finally gives Pete the chance to love Jay fully. The characters are unique and the storyline is interesting, it is full of laughs, teasing, and sweetness. There are some ups and downs and uncertainty, great family and friends, a long awaited love, and a sweet HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicoletta Tsalafaos.
433 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2018
Crush Depth (Rogue Rescue #2) by Mia West is an MM, Paranormal Romance. Dolphin shifter Pete Sutherland has a problem not only he’s in love with his best friend but he happens to be also his cousin. Pete was adopted into Jay’s pod when they were kids and they’ve been inseparable ever since, and Jay’s willing not to ask for the one thing they don’t share, even though he dreams of it Another great read, with lots of chemistry and steam. The second book in the series didn' disappoint. Well-written with awesome characters and a storyline with plenty of action, passion, and steam. Couldn't put it down. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
977 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2018
Jay team clown, impulsive, insecure, hopelessly in love with Pete. Jay a natural born dolphin shifter.
Pete has been in love with Jay almost since he rescued him when they were 13. At 15 Pete had Jay help him turn dolphin shifter, from human.
They finally took the step from friend to lovers. This is their journey can they survive a separation? The have not been apart since the redcue. Read their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,697 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2018
Good story of evolving and long lasting relationships. Pete and Jay have been friends, family, co-workers and finally lovers. Crush Depth is a lesson on not holding on so tight to people, learning to let go and trusting that two people can live separate lives without losing each other. An enjoyable read and introduction of other characters I'd love to read about.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
16.7k reviews155 followers
November 15, 2018
They are brothers and been since his pod found him injured and without his pod. They share so much but they want something more but neither of them will talk about it as they are both afraid it will ruin what they already have. Will they ever speak those words each one to hear from the other? Follow them and see how they will get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenny Hockings.
456 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2018
OH, WOW !!!!
THIS STORY PULLS AT YOUR HEART STRINGS ! IT WILL HAVE YOU IN TEARS AS YOU READ JAY AND PETES STORY!!
YOU WILL SECOND GUESS EVERY THING YOU READ ABOUT THEM AND HOW THEY REACT TO SITUATIONS !!!
RIGHT TO THE END YOU WILL BE UNSURE OF THEM AND THEIR ROLES .... BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU ......, THAT YOU WILL FIND THE ANSWERS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Morgan  Skye.
2,775 reviews28 followers
December 5, 2018
I liked books 1 and 3 better - but this was a lot of fun. I appreciate the shifting and the magic so much but I didn't love their "love" story as much as the others in this series.

I seriously dislike Brackett in this story and she gets worse and more strange acting in book 3... She would seriously influence my overall enjoyment if it weren't for the rest of the crew being so awesome.


3. 5 stars
Profile Image for Dawn Siemer.
1,319 reviews7 followers
September 18, 2019
Plot made no sense

I liked Pete. I mostly liked Jay. I'm not sure they're right for each other, and I'm really confused by how Vince and Brackett are involved.

A lot of the decisions characters made in this book confused me. Were they acting out of character? Either that or their motivations were not sufficiently explained. That goes for Pete and Jay's moms. It goes for Vince. It goes for Pete. And it goes triple for Brackett.
Profile Image for Killeena Savola.
51 reviews
November 13, 2018
This book was a bit different for me but I enjoyed it just the same. Parts of this book were heart wrenching. Where the two men had to come to terms of who they were to each other and find there way without each other to be better for one another.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
763 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2018
Love Pete and Jay these two pranksters finally come together yet Jay struggles with everyone knowing. Jay must overcome the idea that Pete will leave him for something better.
Am loving this series and look forward to the next instalment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
November 16, 2018
Crush Depth (Rogue Rescue #2) by Mia West is an awesome story to read. I am so glad I read this story I fell in love with the characters and the story line. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
November 16, 2018
Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Drfoolish.
315 reviews
October 29, 2019
The angst in this book felt just right, and we got a little glimpse of the underlying, hidden plotline that'll probably be explored in a spin-off series. Still felt as if this book was lacking compared to the other two, possibly because of my personal preferences and the characters' already existing relationship. But definitely worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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