Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Treacherous Trails by Dana Mentink

SERIES: Gold Country Cowboys #2
GENRE: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
PUBLISHER: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2018
PAGES: 224

Falsely accused…

Can she escape the real killer?

In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name.

Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her.

But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?

Other Books In This Series

“Someone told me taking up your cross and following Jesus means you sometimes say no to what your heart wants.“

Oh goodness, does that above quote twist your heart a bit like it does mine? Do you have something your heart wants dearly? Something that would just about kill you to say no to if the opportunity to fulfill that dream came across your path? Ella and Owen both face this situation in various ways during Treacherous Trails, and I love how Dana Mentink walked them through that journey in meaningful ways that didn’t overpower the plot.

But this IS a suspense novel, and Mentink is stellar at grabbing your attention right from the start and keeping the tension high throughout the story. The action doesn’t ebb much once it begins – which in this case is pretty much right away – and one thing I always love about this author’s suspense books is that several of her scenes are truly action-movie-worthy. In Treacherous Trails, it’s not so much about figuring out the culprit but instead staying on the edge of your seat, wondering a) how Ella and Owen will survive this and b) how the bad guy will get a satisfying comeuppance. Mentink’s suspense-timing is fast-paced, spot-on and smartly written.

Also woven throughout the novel are moments of humor (the unicorn shirt!) and romance. Ella has loved Owen since they were kids, and Owen has to hide his own feelings because his best friend is Ella’s brother who has made it clear that Ella is off limits to Owen. This gives Ella and Owen an easy, tender, comfortable camaraderie that is also simmering with both sets of suppressed feelings. Swooniliciousness ahead! (I still have not recovered from the purple heart moment. Ah! The romantical feels!!)

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a protective former-Marine cowboy hero, a brave strong heroine, and buckle-up-for-a-bumpy-ride suspense novel, look no further. All of Mentink’s suspense stories are top-notch, but I especially love the Thorn family characters in this series! A quick read, packed with action and a tender message of dying to self, this is a great pick for your weekend!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4.5 stars / love it!

KissingBook Level: 3 / May forget to breathe on occasion

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.

You can connect with Dana on her website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.

Check out my Q&A with Dana Mentink!

Other Suspense Books by Dana Mentink

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

[promosimple id=”ca46″]

This giveaway is hosted by Celebrate Lit, not RimSP
Follow along with the tour for more chances to win!

What about you? Do you most want to ‘meet’ Owen or Ella in this story?