About the Book
Title: Cowboy Bodyguard
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Western, Mystery
Release Date: July 3, 2018
In this Gold Country Cowboys novel, Jack Thorn gets a surprise call from the woman he married in secret years ago. Shannon Livingston needs his protection for herself and the baby she’s hiding from a biker gang targeting the mother. Now Jack must help Shannon, even if shielding her means pretending to be a true husband to the only woman he’s ever loved.
Guest Post from Dana Mentink
I’ve spent a bit of time in emergency rooms lately. Not to complain, mind you. The asthma related treatments worked like a charm and we were blessed by good care, so I am not grateful. There’s a bonus, too. The emergency room is a great place for people watching! Hour upon hour I spent surveying patients, relatives, nurses and doctors. I came away pondering what it must be like to work in the strange bustle that is an emergency room. That’s where character Shannon Livingston was born.
The E.R doc and nurses must be brilliant problem solvers with nerves of steel because they never know what will roll through their doors. Since they are not responsible for follow up care, they have only a short term relationship with their patients. But what would happen, my fictional mind wanted to know, if one emergency room treatment ensnared Shannon in a “run for your life” scenario? And what if her incredible life saving skills weren’t nearly enough to save her own life, or the baby she’s suddenly become responsible for? Ah me! The perfect scenario for a suspense novel, no? I hope you enjoy Cowboy Bodyguard. I can promise it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
About the Author
Dana’s Bio: 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.)
The story starts with danger and continues throughout the story. Working in an emergency room can be dangerous as Shannon finds out. She knows the news she is about to deliver will not be pleasant but she is determined to not let the Scarlet Tide motorcycle group intimidate her. I felt so bad for the young woman Dina. It looks like she is being blamed for the accident.
I thought Dina was brave to escape from the Scarlet Tide with her baby. She must rely on Shannon to help her get to safety before they find her. When Shannon makes a plea to her estranged husband, I could just imagine his shock. Jack couldn't believe the message on his phone. Just when he was getting use to the idea that a divorce was imminent, Shannon calls him for help. Shannon and Jack have their hands full when Dina bolts and leaves behind her baby. The intense drama is excellent as they figure out how to keep ahead of the Scarlet Tide. There is a funny line that I can't overlook. When the leader of the group catches up with Shannon, she is with Jack a very tough and protective cowboy. The leader asks Jack, "So, who do you think you are? John Wayne? " If ever there was a well known tough cowboy, it would have to be John Wayne. I had this image of him standing there staring the leader down with an attitude that would scare anyone. Jack sure fits that image as he addresses the leader. I think Shannon has found someone who she can depend on.
Jack and Shannon are in for a bumpy road as they try to out maneuver the biker club. There is a leak somewhere because they can't seem to stay ahead of them. I really enjoyed the relationship between Jack and Shannon. Who gets so busy with their life, they forget to file divorce papers after seven years? There is definitely some trust issues and insecurity going on and I couldn't get enough of their story. I liked the story line very much. I have been around Harley's all my life and this story is something I was hoping an author would write about. The biker group does have a code of honor and I'm glad the author included that detail in the book. The story is good and portrays bikers in a realistic way.
This is one book that doesn't stop with twists and danger until the very end. I knew there was a mole somewhere, but the author cleverly kept me guessing. There is one thing I
have to mention. As certain characters were traveling up to a remote rustic cabin, the woman is worried about snakes. The man tells her not to worry because it is springtime. I live in the country and believe me springtime is when you need to be very careful of snakes. They make their grand appearance in the spring with lots of little babies.
Maybe Shannon will realize she has thought of marriage wrong. Shannon needs a good talking to by someone. My goodness she has strung Jack along for way too long, but Jack believes in marriage so readers we will see what happens. I was a bit impatient with her at times and so hoped she would consider her marriage a covenant and not a contract.
Overall the book was good with a strong faith element which I appreciated. Readers prepare yourself for a bumpy and thrilling ride as two biker groups take on a small town of cowboys who honor God and protect their family. I think this is the best book the author has written. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Blog Stops
Reading Is My SuperPower, July 12
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 12
Lighthouse Academy, July 13
Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 13
Just the Write Escape, July 14
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 14
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, July 15
Power of Words, July 15
Genesis 5020, July 16
Jen Around the World, July 16
Daysong Reflections, July 17
Remebrancy, July 17
proud to be an autism mom, July 18
Janices book reviews, July 18
Carpe Diem, July 19
Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 19
Pause for Tales, July 20
Have A Wonderful Day, July 20
Bibliophile Reviews, July 21
Book by Book, July 21
History, Mystery & Faith, July 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 22
A Baker’s Perspective, July 23
margaret kazmierczak, July 23
Bigreadersite, July 24
Texas Book-aholic, July 24
Godly Book Reviews, July 25
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 25
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a Mentink Bundle that includes a horse tote book bag, a three book collection, and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ced1/cowboy-bodyguard-celebration-tour-giveaway
This sounds like a good story!
ReplyDeleteLots of big readers in my family and most with different genres. I appreciate the tour and getting to read about some awesome books.
ReplyDeleteVery good and thorough review! An estranged marriage for 7 years makes the premise sound so interesting. Can't wait to read!
ReplyDeleteA nice review Deana. I'm blessed to be your friend!
ReplyDelete