Review: RAGING WATERS by Dana Mentink

On March 4, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800746537

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:03/03/2026

Series:Elements of Danger , #2

Pages:336

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

When Mackenzie Bardine’s brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing “Bullseye,” the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron’s best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he’s certainly not interested in helping her after he’s already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron’s fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it’s clear to Gideon she’s in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can’t bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

My Thoughts

Wow! This book kept my heart pumping wildly and my pulse pounding, too, as I read about all the danger that Mackenzie and Gideon faced as they try to survive waters rising and a drug dealer with his henchmen. Mackenzie (called Zee) is determined to get revenge for her brother Aaron’s death, so she is trying to find the head of the drug cartel that lives in the small town where Gideon, Aaron’s good friend, has a wilderness survival school. The adventure begins from the first page and their harrowing escapes from one threat after another continues throughout the story. The story was original, creative and terrifyingly realistic as the flood waters rose at the same time that the drug dealer’s lackeys got closer to finding them and killing them. The themes of the story include a quest for revenge, an issue with trust, the help of friends and letting go of the past to move into an uncertain future. I loved every minute I spent whirling and twirling in the “raging waters” with Zee and Gid, and I really enjoyed meeting the secondary characters who contributed so much to the central story. This is a book that was suspense-filled with escalating tension and a tightly written plot. With some jaw-dropping twists in the mix, this novel kept me guessing and shaking my head as I wondered what was going to happen next. The drama is believable as are the characters and I enjoyed the exploration of the emotional depth one suffers after the unexpected death of a loved one. This is a fascinating thrill ride to a deftly crafted and insightful conclusion. I would highly recommend this page turner to anyone whose heart is strong enough to withstand the propulsive pace and who enjoys a thought-provoking inclusion of faith as a firm foundation to an unforgettable story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian fiction, Rated PG for intense suspense

About the Author

Dana Mentink lives in California where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Her family includes two daughters (affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo.) Papa Bear is retired from the fire department and he met Dana doing a dinner theater production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Ironically, their parts were husband and wife.

Dana writes in two genres, cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author as well as a two time ACFW Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion recipient. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is honored to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell, and Poisoned Pen Press. For more information about Dana and her books, you should check out her website at Dana Mentink.com

Purchase Links

bit.ly/4tsjIGN (Baker Book House)

amzn.to/4qvxg1m (AMZ)

bit.ly/4tqQAiV (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/4kx48FH (Books-a-Million)

bit.ly/4afIT7W (Christian Book)

bit.ly/4aQ2pab (Google Play Store)

adbl.co/4kzqvKA (Audible)

Sending deep appreciation to Revell, Netgalley and author Dana Mentink for the advanced reader copy to enjoy.

Tuesday’s New Releases with Five Stars

On December 30, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo2 Comments

I highly recommend each of these books and give them each five stars. You can read my complete reviews on Goodreads or Book Bub, but here are a books a snippet of each review.

I really loved that the main characters got a second chance at love and also that they were older and still actively engaged in life and helping others. The bloodhound Arthur is a favorite canine now, since he is older, heroic and an intrepid investigator on his own.

Rated PG for intense suspense but G for content

The story captivated me from beginning to end and is a must read for fans of well-crafted romantic suspense.

Rated PG because of intense suspense and G for content

The story of Brenna, her emotional support dog named Lulu and her second-chance-at-love hero, Owen McCaw, is one that is heartwarming, filled with secrets and a need to be honest, and a story packed with action and some unexpected twists.

This book offers a sweet romance, a lot of family love and drama and plenty of mystery, too as the Lemmon brothers are involved in a lawsuit that may end up with their losing the ranch that they love dearly.

So, where can you purchase your copy of any or all of these new books? Just follow the links below directly to Harlequin. There you will also find the links to other retailers.

Purchase Links

The Cowboy’s Claim

An Unexpected Texas Reunion

A Killer in Texas

Scent of Sabotage

My Book Bub Profile (to check out all of my reviews)

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/1339019570

My Goodreads Profile (to check out reviews and follow me)

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/20457633-vickie

Review: DETECTING CONCEALED EVIDENCE by Dana Mentink

On August 26, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

A panicked call sends detective Chase Wolfe and his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Tank, racing right into the path of his neighbor—who’s just barely escaped an abduction. But Pilar Alonso has no idea who’s after her or why. Now she must rely on Chase to keep her safe while they work together to track down the unknown assailants targeting her. Only, their investigation reveals layers of a much more sinister agenda, and danger is rapidly closing in. Drawn into a web of deceit, can they untangle the mystery…before they’re permanently silenced?

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335957221 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:Security Hounds Investigations , #5 Pages:208

My Thoughts

This book was impossible to put down and an entertaining and easy read. Pilar Alonso is an accomplished, talented cellist with a lot of talent, but she has been forced to go home to take care of her father with dementia and try to earn a living with whatever jobs she can find. One of her jobs is as a delivery driver and I certainly never expected her to be shot at, kidnapped and then stalked for some mysterious reason. The surprises in this book keep coming as Chase Wolfe, her neighbor, comes to the rescue of reluctant and stand-offish Pilar. Most of the characters are bearing the burden of secrets that they want to keep deeply buried, but discovering those secrets might help keep Pilar alive. I loved the riveting suspense in the novel and the characters were all lovable and relatable, even the spunky and forgetful Mr. Alonso. My favorite character was Tank, the canine superhero who is laid back and seems somewhat disengaged until there is danger and then he enthusiastically protects Chase and Pilar. The storyline was creative and absorbing, and the characters made me want to meet them in person. Great story written in an original way and with plenty of surprises along the trail to the happily ever after.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. I also purchased my own copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for intense suspense, Love Inspired Suspense

About the Author

To Purchase a Copy

Harlequin and links to other retailers

Audible

Vickie Approved, Vickie Recommended

Review of FIRE MOUNTAIN by Dana Mentink

On July 2, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she’s suddenly in possession of someone’s baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he’s the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn’t want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he’s in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby’s missing mother–all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

More Details

ISBN-13:9781493450664 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:07/01/2025 Series:Elements of Danger , #1 Pages:320

My Thoughts

The pace of this book is so fast that I could not flip through my Kindle pages quickly enough! The characters are regular people who are faced with insurmountable challenges and who rise to the task, the biggest one to take care of an infant while fleeing a volcano and avoiding bad guys who want to kill all of them. Kit Garrido is a semi-truck driver who is dedicated to her business and not looking for anything except success. Cullen is fixing a roof of his cabin when he sees Kit wreck her truck, so he rushes to her aid. Thus begins the story of the two intrepid warriors against nature and evil! When Cullen discovers a baby in the living compartment of Kit’s truck, Kit is flabbergasted about how she got there, since the accident that wrecked her beloved truck also stole her memory. Discovering that the accident was a purposeful action of sabotage since a bullet hit the truck, Cullen makes it his goal to keep Kit and the baby safe from whomever is trying to harm her. I loved the way the two of them bonded with the baby whom they called “Tot” and I was totally invested in the realistic character of Archie, a veteran who is a friend of Cullen’s and who is wise and snarky, too. The race to save themselves from the volcano and from the villains is realistically portrayed, with all kinds of extra dangers along the way and problems like no shelter and limited food, along with horrible air quality due to the erupting volcano. The twists keep coming and just when I thought Cullen and company were safe, another threat arose and had my heart pumping and my pulse racing. The plot was complex with multiple layers that were expertly woven together into a satisfying conclusion. The romance is one that simmers since the hero and heroine are a little busy running for their lives and watching over Tot. This is a powerful, breathtaking story of honor and sacrifice as well as a propulsive thriller that took off like a jet plane from the first chapter and flew high for the entire book. With escalating tension and a gripping story, combined with nail-biting suspense and unique, relatable characters, this book is a real winner for me in the Best Books of 2025 category. The author did a remarkable job of including faith and the tough topic of human trafficking all while staying on course to captivate me with the active volcano and the bad guys who were nothing short of pure evil. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would because it didn’t just entertain, but it also educated and made me think about life choices and consequences.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction with Intense Suspense, Rated PG-13

About the Author

Dana writes in two genres, cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s a USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon bestselling author as well as a two time ACFW Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion recipient. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is honored to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell, and Poisoned Pen Press

Purchase Links

bit.ly/3ToBtWt(Baker Book House)

https://bit.ly/4nrSmNQ(Amazon)

bit.ly/3ZUq6cL (Target)

bit.ly/3FWlCLM (Books-a-Million)

bit.ly/3HFO2Ky(Christian Book)

bit.ly/4e4AcgU (Barnes and Noble)

adbl.co/4lcywEt (Audible)

Review of TRAPPED IN YOSEMITE by Dana Mentink

On February 24, 2024February 24, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781335009043

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:02/27/2024

Pages:304

When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets and unknown dangers are exposed…

The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake.
When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.
Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation…

My Thoughts

So, first of all, I have never been to Yosemite, but after reading this book, I truly want to go and see the sights, just without all the danger that the characters in this book faced. Stella Rivers is meeting a client in the park when the earthquake occurs and her life is thrown into chaos. Not only is she in danger from the ravages of nature, but there also seems to be someone intent on killing her for some unknown reason. Not to worry because there is a hero ready to protect their, none other than her former ex-fiancée Von Sharpe. Von is a K-9 handler and has the most amazing and well trained dog named Bear. Bear was one of my favorite characters in the book because he is so protective and intuitive about when someone is in danger. In fact, all of the characters are well developed and all of them are stuck together in a small camp in Yosemite, trying to survive natural disasters as well as man-made threats. I enjoyed the constant feeling that something new and dangerous was always about to happen, even when all seemed peaceful. I really liked the red herrings and misdirection provided by the author that led me on a merry chase of continually guessing incorrectly who the villain was. Mostly, I enjoyed the lightning fast pace of the story and getting to know the characters who jumped off the page into my heart and mind. This is compelling romantic suspense with a touch of thriller and a lot of mind-spinning twists. Yes, Yosemite is on my bucket list now to visit as it was so well portrayed by the author. I just don’t want to get trapped there, by nature or a killer.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her review team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”