Although this is the third book in the Dive Team series, it is the first one that I have read and I really enjoyed it. There were some gaps about the characters that made me wish that I had already read the other two books first, but nothing that was big enough to disrupt my enjoyment. This is the story of Gabe Chavez and Anissa Bell. Gabe is an investigator and Anissa is a dive team captain who are thrown into investigating the same shooting when it happens on the water. Gabe and Anissa have a past that they have to overcome in order to build a romance together, and I enjoyed how Ms. Blackburn built their relationship together slowly. I liked the intriguing plot and the surprising ending; I was not able to guess who the villain was although, upon reflection, Ms. Blackburn did leave subtle clues. This is the first Blackburn book that I have read but it will not be the last because it included all that I look for in Christian romantic suspense. It was a clean read and very satisfying! Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this book, but I do recommend reading the other two books in the series first.

Ahhhhhhhhh!! I love love love Lynn Blackburns writing!!!!!!! She does an amazing job of layering mysteries upon mysteries in her books all while making them believable and having you on the edge of your seat. I loved Gabe and Anissa's love story and that we got to see them together throughout the book. I also liked being able to see the other couples who were in the previous books. I hope the dive team investigation series continues, it would be fun to read about the married couples solving crimes!

I love Lyn Blackburn’s writing and she has outdone herself with the Dive Team Investigation series. One Final Breath is the third book in the series and I’m going to go out on a limb and say it is the best of the series. Simmering romantic tension between the two lead characters, three investigations with ongoing twists and a strong camaraderie between the Dive team and their respective significant others, makes for a thrilling and fantastic read.

Anissa Bell is the Dive Team Captain, so she is familiar with death and murder. But when she and her friends respond to shots fired in the Lake and must rescue a young girl and the young man she was with, it all hits too close to home and brings up some unwanted memories. Together, Anissa and her team, including Investigator Gabe Chavez, must pull together the threads of the case, even when there is little to go on. But when a seemingly innocent event indicates someone is attempting to hurt Anissa, the case gets personal.

Gabe and Anissa have been arguing, bouncing off each other and ignoring the depths of their growing feelings for the past two books in this series. They make a great team — even if they sometimes drive each other a little crazy. I loved every moment of their interactions, especially when they are verbally sparing, and watching them grow closer and brave enough to open up about their feelings.

But it is not just Gabe and Anissa’s romantic relationship that makes this book so special. Throughout the Dive Team series, we readers have got to know Anissa and her team well. They have such a strong friendship, deep faiths and commitment to finding justice.

The mysteries in this book, of which there are many, are both thrilling and intriguing. It was easy to get swept up in the threads of the story. And there was so much in this book. Just when I thought things might be wrapping up, I realised that I was only half way through and there was so much more to come in the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed One Final Breath, as I have enjoyed the Dove Team Investigations series. I highly recommend the series, which should be read in series order for maximum effect, to readers who enjoy suspense novels.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Dive team captain Anissa Bell has a love/hate relationship with investigator Gabriel Chavez. In One Final Breath, they are thrown together to discover who killed a teenage boy in Lake Porter. Anissa and Gabriel must work through their differences to work as a team to search for clues. As they spend more time together, their feelings change towards each other and grow into something new. Author Lynn H Blackburn is a master storyteller weaving suspense and intrigue throughout the story line. This story will keep you enthralled through every twist and turn.

Since book one in the Dive Team Investigations series released, I have been dying to read Gabe's story. And now I can finally say I have!

Maybe it's due to the extreme anticipation for this book, but it ended up being a bit of a let-down for me. I was expecting to learn more of Gabe's backstory and learn about what makes him tick as a character. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. While this is a sound story, the plot focuses so much on the current mystery and issues, that we don't ever really understand the characters' past that defines them. We definitely heard a lot of drama about Anissa's past and how it defined her, yet Gabe remained a very one-dimensional character, although we all know that, based on the previous two books in the series, he could be so much more. So in that regard, I was pretty disappointed.

The story nonetheless is quite captivating and interesting, although there were parts that dragged on and lost my interest. I expected quite a bit more suspense from this suspense novel. Yes, the climax was very intense but was abruptly cut off by the end of the chapter, then the reader suddenly finds themselves in the epilogue, weeks down the road. That was the most disappointing aspect of this book. I would have much rather seen (or rather, read) the action play out than hear it second hand as the characters rehash it in their heads in the epilogue.

All in all, while I enjoyed finally reading these characters' story, I feel that so many aspects of this book could have been written and edited more thoroughly. However, I loved the other books in this series and am excited to read what Blackburn writes next!


FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Wow! What an amazing ending to a finominal series. I have loved every book in this series so far and I have looked forward to Gabe and Anissa's story for so long. I couldn't wait to dig in and I was not disappointed!

love that we got to see the characters I fell in love with in the previous books again. It felt like a beautiful reunion.

This story gripped me from page one and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. There were so many twists and turns that I never saw coming.


I cannot recommend this book and series enough. They can be read as stand alone novels, but they are so amazing, you'll want to read them all.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

"One Final Breath" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the third book in a series, but it works as a standalone. There were several cases that the team had to work on and which touched on each other in unexpected ways. Several crimes occurred on or near a lake, and the dive team had to search underwater several times for evidence that was potentially dropped into the lake. The suspense came from physical danger to multiple people and from relationship tensions.

The main characters were kind, determined people who reacted realistically to the situations. I cared about what happened to them. The hero and heroine were attracted to each other but they didn't feel like they were good marriage material. They had to overcome some personal issues before moving beyond friendship. The hero and heroine were strong Christians, but they struggled with guilt over past actions and accepting and giving forgiveness. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I would recommend this enjoyable, exciting suspense novel.

Since book one in Lynn H. Blackburn’s Dive Team Investigations series, I’ve been rooting for Gabe’s story. Y’all, it’s here and it does not disappoint.

Three investigations converge in One Final Breath. And readers finally get to discover what the contention between Gabe and Anissa is all about. If the twists and turns that leave you guessing or the building romance aren’t enough for you, the entire dive team returns. Leah, Ryan, Sabrina, and Adam all step in when needed (including a touch of matchmaking from the ladies and ribbing from the guys. Let’s face it, Gabe deserves a little payback).

Blackburn excels at putting the reader into the investigation—from underwater to feet to the pavement—we’re kept in the dark right along with the team until their big break in the case…or is it?
After two books, this team is like family and book three is much like a reunion with people you haven’t seen for a while. You don’t want to miss the Dive Team finale. If you haven’t read any of these books yet, now’s the time to savor them all together. Plus, now you won’t have to wait to find out more about Gabe.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

One Final Breath is the third and final book in the Dive Team Investigations series by Lynn H. Blackburn. While you could probably read this as a standalone, I feel like you would likely get more from the book if you've read the previous. The characters from those books play a rather large part in this one, and having that back story on who they are and their relationships to each other makes the story that much better. While you could likely catch up, I think you might feel a bit lost at points.

I have been in love with this series since reading book one nearly a year and a half ago, so I was naturally THRILLED to finally read the last installment... though I must admit, I could read more and more! This book is absolutely fantastic, just as the rest of the series had been. In One Final Breath, we get to see the romance between Anissa and Gabe. Readers who've read the previous book will already be very familiar with these characters, and will enjoy getting the chance to learn more about them and watch their relationship blossom. They'll also love having the chance to see where the couples from the previous books are now too!

Romantic suspense is my absolute favorite genre, and Lynn H. Blackburn does it so well. She offers the perfect blend of romance with suspense to keep us intrigued. Though there were parts of the 'whodunnit' that I was able to figure out (vaguely, though not specifically), it for the most part kept me guessing right through the very end. I love a book that keeps me in the dark--- that's part of the fun of suspense! Within that, romance is certainly at the forefront. I love the characters created--- all with their own unique strengths and flaws that really made me as a reader root for them.

Being a Christian book, I love how seamlessly faith is weaved into the story. I feel like this series does tend to have a bit more of that content than some other books in the genre might, but it's weaved in very effortlessly as we see the characters pray and talk about their faith throughout. It doesn't come across as preachy to me, but rather how I might imagine these relationships with God would play out given the situations at hand.

Overall, this was a fantastic book that I would highly recommend. While I am sad to see the series end, I could not think of a better way to close it out. I will be anxiously awaiting more great stories from this author in the future!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own.

One Final Breath is the perfect finish for the Dive Team Investigations series! Once you start reading, you will stay up past your bedtime. Lynn Blackburn hits every button perfectly, from the diving to the suspense to the romance and friendship. I want to join the team and be a part of their circle of friends! Characters are revisited from the series, but reading the previous books isn't necessary to enjoy this one. I truly appreciate when an author includes the previous characters. When you can see the development of characters and relationships all the way until the final chapter of the last book, it gives you the entire picture and a satisfying conclusion. 

Gabe and Anissa's story is not just a development between the two of them but also an awakening within themselves. They have a "professional" history with an intriguing twist and they both view it from a different perspective. This is a truly a fantastic read and I highly recommend this book and the others in the series. If you are a fan of Lynnette Eason, Colleen Coble or Cara Putman, then you have found your next read. 

Although I read this series on my kindle, I have all of the books in my personal library. The covers are stunning!

One Final Breath is a terrific book. Loved the well developed plot and characters. This is has been a terrific series. This one really kept me on the edge of my seat. I stayed up all night finishing it. If you enjoy suspense you will not want to miss this book. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Lynn Blackburn finishes up the Dive Team Investigations series with the very best yet! Fans of the series will have no choice but to fall in love with Gabe and Anissa’s story.

Anissa Bell, captain of the dive team investigators, has had a problem with Gabe Chavez since before he was on her team. He worked undercover and would only dive once or twice a year, not enough in her opinion to stay up to speed with the rest of the team. Anissa was a missionary kid growing up until she went to college and her best friend was murdered and the three-year-old child she was watching disappeared. From that moment on, she spent her time trying to solve the case leading her to be with the dive team and around Gabe. When an investigation surfaces into the death of a young boy on the lake, they must figure out how to put their issues with each other aside and work to solve the case.

With each book in this series I have seen Blackburn come alive in her writing. One Final Breath brings the best of the series and gives readers even more to love. The suspense is top notch, the romance is right on point and the story flows without even trying. Each character brings just the right amount of believability to the story to make it an easy enjoyable read. I loved everything about this series and am sad to see it come to an end, but happy to say it is a satisfying end. Gabe and Anissa have been mentioned in the other books but this one is devoted to them and their story, and oh what a story it is! Both have a past that wasn’t the easiest, but they use that past to fuel them going forward making them a great team. Each of the main characters from the previous books have a role here and it lets us see how those relationships have progressed as well. The ending was my favorite in every way. The suspense was at its peak, and the romance was there without getting in the way of the tension driving the story forward. This is by far Blackburn’s best novel to date, fans of hers will love the conclusion to this series. Readers that enjoy Lynnette Eason, Dani Pettrey and other Christian Romantic Suspense authors will want to add Lynn Blackburn to their list of go to authors. Even though this is the third in the series, it could be read as a stand-alone without feeling lost. This is one of those books I wish I could rate more than five stars. I highly recommend this to fans of romantic suspense and all those that enjoy a good clean, quick read.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

One Final Breath by Lynn Blackburn is categorized as a romantic suspense. The suspense element was there and started in the first chapter after a "family" cookout, which was a good thing. The writing was top notch. I enjoyed seeing the different perspective of Gabe and Anissa as they told their story. They both had flaws and had to learn to overcome them in order to make way for their happily ever after. The main issue the plot carried for me was the romance. It was the main focus of the novel. Readers will see more about Gabe and Anissa trying to figure out their budding romance and their romantic feelings than the suspense. The suspense felt like an afterthought; the romance was the main leading storyline. Also, the motive for the bad guy felt cheap. It didn't really justify, to me, why he was chasing the heroine. I shook my head in disbelief. Overall, One Final Breath by Lynn Blackburn is an okay romantic novel with hints of suspense. Not really one for the books. Fans of Elizabeth Goodard, Irene Hannon, and Colleen Coble might really enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of One Final Breath by Lynn Blackburn from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

One Final Breath has everything that makes a great suspense-mystery that I was not able to figure out, action and danger, likable, real characters and romantic attraction/friction. I have enjoyed this series that centers around a group of members of the Carrington County, North Carolina Sheriff's Department Dive Team. Lynn Blackburn has created a group of friends who not only work together but enjoy each other's company on their downtime and even attend the same church. This third book is the story of Anissa Bell, dive team captain, and Gabe Chavez, one of the members and former undercover officer. One evening while spending time on Lake Porter at the home of team member Ryan and his wife, Leigh, a nurse, they hear a gunshot. A young man was shot and died as he and his friend are swimming near a dock across the cove. The team is all there so they take a boat out and grab the teenagers but it was too late for the young man. As the team investigates the crime, things start happening to Anissa that are suspicious and eventually it becomes apparent that someone is after her. Gabe and Anissa barely tolerate each other but are actually are attracted to each other so there is tension in their relationship as the stress of the situation amps up. This is a mystery has a complicated plot that kept me guessing to the end and the pages turning. It has a feel good warm resolution to a bad situation. Another winner for the series.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

One Final Breath completes the Dive Team Investigations series by Ms. Blackburn with a bang! The book will leave you guessing what and who until the end. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but you will get to revisit with all of the other characters in the previous two books. This book focuses on Gabriel and Anissa (who are in the previous books as secondary characters). Anissa has secrets from her past that she doesn’t share openly with others, but are what drives her as a dive investigator. If you enjoy romantic suspense books, you will love this latest addition! Another aspect to this book is the theme of forgiveness and grace. Not only must we forgive others, but ourselves. This book had surprising twists and turns! I highly recommend this book. I recommend you have plenty of time set aside to read this, because you will not want to put it down!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Three mysteries converge. Will Dive Team Captain Anissa Bell and Investigator Gabe Chavez solve them before anyone else dies? With the help of their friends and co-workers, they just might, but there will be a multitude of surprises along the way. In addition to providing readers with a wonderful mystery, Blackburn deals with the theme of dealing with one's fears and feelings of inadequacy. I highly recommend this book, this series (Dive Team Investigations), and this author.

I am grateful to have received a copy of One Final Breath from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

'You need to get it in your head that someone is trying to kill you and they don't seem likely to stop trying anytime soon.'

Lynn Blackburn finishes off her Dive Team Investigations series with Gabe and Anissa's story and she definitely saved the best for last! I was captivated from the very beginning and could barely stand to put the book down when life intruded. I was completely surprised by the culprit, too. Blackburn weaves this story so seamlessly and the reader is swept away with each word! She blends the intrigue, danger and romance effortlessly to make for a wonderful read! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment! Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

“She glared at him for a moment. Oh, he made her so mad sometimes. But then he smiled. And that smile . . . That smile was the thing dreams were made of.”

With the perfect blend of romance and suspense, award winning author Lynn H. Blackburn’s highly anticipated conclusion to her popular Dive Team Investigations series will leave readers cherishing the story long after the final page. One Final Breath is an unforgettable tale of forgiveness and grace, the power of friendship, and discovering true love. Ever since I read Beneath the Surface (book one in the series), I have been eagerly waiting for my favorite dive team member, handsome and charismatic Investigator Gabe Chavez, to get his own story. One Final Breath has been my most anticipated book of the year, and it will be on my list of top 10 books of 2019. Gabe and Anissa’s story was definitely worth the wait.

One Final Breath can be read as a stand-alone novel, but to fully appreciate the deep friendship between the dive team members and their heartwarming relationships with their significant others, it is highly recommended to read the entire series. You won’t be disappointed!

In the stunning conclusion to the Dive Team Investigations series, Investigator Gabe Chavez is determined to uncover the mystery behind the seemingly random homicide of a teenage boy. As the investigation begins, dive team captain Anissa Bell discovers a link to her past and suddenly her life is in extreme danger as she becomes the killer’s next target. As Anissa and Gabe’s relationship quickly heats up after years of animosity toward each other, Anissa’s past and present collide, leaving them in the fight for their lives.

One Final Breath is highly recommended for readers of romantic suspense, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason, Rachel Dylan, Natalie Walters, and Elizabeth Goddard. It is bittersweet to say goodbye to this incredible series and cast of characters, but I will treasure the opportunity to revisit old friends in the future as One Final Breath will enjoy a permanent spot on my keeper shelf.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

“She’d been pushing him away since . . . well . . . since that first dive. She’d never met anyone like him. She knew his type. So confident. So sure. So . . . dangerous to her heart.”

The third in the Dive Team Investigations has dive team captain, Annisa and Investigator Gabe racing to solve several crimes that may or may but be related. Readers will enjoyed this highly suspenseful story as the team works together. Annisa's background will be revealed a tensions arise in the case. I love the camaraderie between the team and the deep love and understanding they have for each other. I love the faith of Mr. Cook and the guidance he gave Annisa. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommended!

Every book in this “Dive Team Investigations” series has been outstanding, but this one is now my favorite. I’ve been waiting for Gabe and Anissa’s story, and it was well worth the wait. This book was riveting. There was never a time during the course of the story that you could take a breath and feel that Anissa was safe. I’m not sure which chapter had the most tension—the first chapter or the last one. I loved the complexity of this storyline and the way that all the seemingly random pieces came together at the end. I’ve appreciated the way that each character’s faith in God influenced their actions, and the faith thread in this book fit very naturally into the storyline.

This book is a clean and has no steamy scenes. It’s a pleasure to read a great story that has no need of swearing or gratuitous scenes to make it a great book. One more note: You do not need to have read all the other books in the series to appreciate this one. But I predict that after you read it, you’ll want to read them all.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.