Deadly Christmas Pretense

By Dana Mentink

A cowboy to her rescue…

but she’s not who he thinks she is.

Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Love Inspired
• Release date: Nov 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781488040788

Dana Mentink

Dana Mentink is a national bestselling author. She has been honored to win two Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion, and a Reviewer's Choice award. She's authored more than thirty novels to date for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Harlequin Heartwarming. Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her at www.danamentink.com

Reviews for Deadly Christmas Pretense

[nancyluebke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this clean, Suspenseful Romance. I bought this at a goodwill store and I voluntarily chose to review this story. This pulled me in at the beginning and had all the twists and turns to keep me reading. Just had to find out what happened next. There were tear jerker moments and moments of joy. There are more than one bad guy in this story. The first is easy to figure out, but can you figure out the second one. I've given this a 5* rating.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's a high stakes adventure in this fast paced story filled with intrigue. I have always been fascinated by twins whether they be fraternal or identical. They sense what the other is feeling or thinking. In this story we meet Maggie and Tammy who are fraternal twins. Maggie finds herself in a dangerous cat and mouse game as she tries to help her sister out. Will pretending to be Tammy cause Maggie's life to be in danger? Maggie is a very smart character who is a bit leery of her ex- boyfriend. Why is Liam so insistent in helping Maggie? The chemistry between Maggie and Liam was interesting to read. I wasn't sure if I trusted Liam and wanted him to prove what his true motives were. Liam's relationship with his dad was written with a peek into his soul. You can feel the pain of abandonment and the need for his dad's love. It helped me to understand Liam more and see how much he wanted to be accepted by Maggie. He has this desire to save the world and keep people safe. The more I read about him, the more vulnerable he became. Even the strongest person can have feelings of rejection. Liam has been good about hiding those feelings but how long can he keep it hidden?I love how the author takes characters and exposes them so we can understand their thoughts and emotions. Maggie's need to protect her sister stems from something that happened when they were seventeen. I almost think Maggie feels guilty for surviving back then and it has haunted her all these years. The story is intense at times and filled with unexpected twists.The quest to find the jewelry that someone is willing to kill for is a race that have characters scrambling for their lives. I enjoyed Jingles the dog and thought he was a great addition to the story. Jingles becomes part of a heart pounding rescue when Maggie's life is hanging by a thread. Get ready for an ending that will have you on the edge of your seat."Sometimes you have to take risks to protect what's important."I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[kimpotter-309059 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Deadly Christmas Pretense by Dana Mentink is the second book in her Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series. How far would you be willing to go to protect a family member? That’s what Maggie Lofton must decide when she finds out her twin’s life is in danger. Working with her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike, Maggie will put her life on the line to save Tammy and solve the mystery of the missing jewelry. Returning to Roughwater Ranch was like returning home. Although the storyline centered around Maggie and Liam we got to see some old friends from the previous book. I love Aunt Ginny and Uncle Gus. Their love for each other is so sweet. Although Liam has a few problems he finally learns to move past them and find true love and freedom. This was a great story, full of romance, danger, mystery, and cowboys!I received this book from the author for my honest review.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second Roughwater Ranch Cowboys book involves mistaken identities, missing jewelry, a troubled cowboy, a loyal pup, a whole lot of danger, and a touch of holiday spirit—it’s a fun read, indeed!When Maggie Lofton shows up, Liam Pike mistakes her for her twin sister Tammy—and his ex-girlfriend. Even without knowing her, Liam cannot resist the urge to play the protector as Maggie desperately needs help to fix the mess Tammy created. The more that their story unfolds, the nearer the constant threat of danger looms—and the suspense of it all makes guessing what could happen next a challenge.With a bond forged through danger, Maggie and Liam have an undeniable connection, but of course, Tammy as Maggie’s twin and Liam’s ex makes a relationship complicated, to say the least. Add to that Liam’s insecurity with his hearing loss, and the pair has plenty through which to sort before the end of their story (as if the danger didn’t make it tough enough already!). Yet, they persevere admirably and grow through the challenges, making for an entirely satisfying conclusion.Deadly Christmas Pretense is a quick, action-packed romantic suspense story, perfect for this time of year. Though not too Christmas-y, it delivers some great, heartwarming moments and will delight readers in need of a holiday read.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a story that has non-stop action, and most you never see coming, and what is the cause, my guess greed!The author drew me in with cars trying to push others off the road, falls, shots, and more!Now this is the second book in this series that I have enjoyed, being pulled into the story, but they can stand alone with no problem.We are given some sweet romance, but with some taboo, and then bombshells are dropped, and you might not see most of them coming!I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One Green Beret turned cowboy. Two young women, identical in looks, but so different as human beings. When this cowboy sets out to protect these twins you know that danger is involved--physical danger and danger to the heart. Deadly Christmas Pretense starts out with heart-pounding action and the adventure never lets up. As Liam rushes in to protect Tammy (or is it Maggie?) the danger escalates and the mystery deepens. Liam Pike is the perfect hero...dependable, strong, and loyal but he has endured so much. Losing his mother when he was seven, taking care of others, and now facing a future of total deafness. Maggie and Tammy Lofton are identical twins but they are very unalike: Maggie is steadfast and trustworthy and Tammy is like a 'leaf blowing in the wind'. Liam had dated Tammy but as the story continues, a sweet but intense attraction develops between Maggie and him. I couldn't help hoping that they might have a future but there is so much to overcome. Will Liam completely lose his hearing? Would this matter to Maggie? Can the 'bad guy' be identified and stopped? Will Liam allow his doubts and fears to rule his life?This is the second book in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboy series but Deadly Christmas Pretense is definitely a stand-alone novel. If you enjoy romantic suspense and never-ending action and if you love a book with a faithful dog companion (Jingles is a treasure!) you will want to read this book. This is another winner from Dina Mentink!I received a complimentary copy but a favorable review was not required. These are my own opinions.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am loving this series. I love this rancher family. The suspense is some of my favorite part of this story. Maggie and Liam form a wonderful relationship once they get over the fact that Liam had dated her twin sister. There are many twists and turns that happen. I cannot wait until the next rancher brother gets to find his true love. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Any story involving twins is always fun to read, perhaps because, as a child, I wished I was a twin. Maggie and Tammy are fraternal twins, but still look enough alike that they could be mistaken for each other. This just brings problems since Tammy seems to have an affinity to trouble. Between jewelry theft, explosions, kidnapping and almost being pushed off the road this page-turner will keep you at the edge of your seat until finished! Questions as to who really was guilty of these things kept me wondering through most of this well written suspense. An unexpected love was a lovely addition to the plot.I received this copy through Harlequin Enterprises and CelebrateLit. This positive review was in no way solicited.