(Gold Country Cowboys)

Mass Market Paperback, ebook

March 6, 2018

by Dana Mentink

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

ISBN-13: 978-1335490247

Falsely accused…

Can she escape the real killer?

In this Gold Country Cowboys story, 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?

My thoughts: Ms Mentick covered all the bases in this romantic suspense. Cowboys and military wrapped up in the same wounded hero. This romantic suspense is different than most in that we know who the bad guy is, we know why, and we even know there will be a happy ever after since it is of course, romance. What we don't know is how the bad guy will be caught when he has the whole community of small town America wrapped around his little finger. Reed, doing something wrong, nah, you're wrong, you're lying, you did it and are trying to frame him... Even the entire police force are in on the we love Reed song anddance.

Ella and Owen are kind of in-your-face hero and heroine. There was nothing soft about them. I didn't like them and I didn't relate to them. I did like secondary character Betsy, and I hope Owen's brother has his own story coming, but as for Ella and Owen, no. Despite their strong characteristics they were still very easy for Reed to manipulate.

I liked the ending, and I don't want to give away a spoiler, but with everything the way it was I am not convinced it was really a HEA in the truest sense of the word. That's all I'll say about that. It left my mind whirling with what-ifs and that's not a good way for me to close a book.

There is little to no faith message. I didn't notice one at all, but it might've been weak and I missed it.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

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About the Author

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 via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, friends! I am so thrilled to be galloping into the second book in the Gold Country Cowboy series with you. This book was a hoot to write. It’s got a nice twisty mystery and plenty of danger! Our hero, twin Owen Thorn, is a Marine doing his darnedest not to fall in love with his brother’s little sister, but you know how these things go, don’t you, partners? There’s trouble ahead in cowboy country and this story will take you on a wild gallop to the happy ending! God bless and thanks for coming along!