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 … true killer before she becomes the next to die?
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A captivating adventure that gets underway on page one! You don’t have to read to the end to discover the identity of the bad guy, but the ending does have a surprise twist. The cowboy hero, Owen Thorn, is a tough former marine, who has come home with a war injury. Ella Cahill, Owen’s best friend’s kid sister has been falsely accused of murder and he is determined to protect her and clear her name. Will he be able to protect his heart in the process? You’ll discover a story of inspiration, determination, and the bravery of a special young woman. A thoroughly enjoyable story!
One of the best things about this story is the connection between Owen and Ella. They have known each other since they were kids and their bond has grown over the years. I loved Owen and his strong sense of protection. As a marine he has seen a lot but I’m sure he never expected to have to fight to keep Ella safe once he returned home. I loved how the author goes into detail about the injuries he sustained as a marine and how much he honors his country. I would definitely want him as my bodyguard.
Ella is in a lot of trouble when she is accused of murder. Owen is right there to help her collect evidence to clear her name. There is one small problem though. A certain man wants Ella dead and will stop at nothing to accomplish it. I loved how the author described the different types of horses and what type of job Ella does. Working around horses is hard work but Ella loves it and is quite good at her job. I liked seeing the vulnerable side of Ella. It is hard for her to accept help and her pride gets in the way a bit. I bet we can all relate to that in a way. It’s not easy to admit you need help, but the good news is God is always there to lend a hand. The author does an amazing job of keeping the story intense with unsavory characters and close calls that continue to put Ella and Owen in danger. Why does this man want Ella dead? Can Owen keep his promise to keep Ella safe?
The ending is one non stop action packed experience that will have your heart racing. The author delivers a first class story that keeps readers involved with great descriptions of scenes that make you feel like you are right there watching from the sidelines. I am very impressed with how the author delivers a story that reminds us to never give up hope.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Treacherous Trails is the second book in Dana Mentink’s Gold Country Cowboys series, and if possible, is better than the first which is excellent. The intrigue and suspense kept me turning pages and were deftly woven with the romantic thread of the developing relationships between Luke and Ella. Each struggled with insecurities and doubts in realistic and relatable ways. Luke’s family was warm and hospitable without being contrived or cliché. I felt Luke’s and Ella’s frustrations as they hit dead-end after dead-end while trying to prove Ella’s innocence. The plot twist at the end was a surprise, yet as I thought about it realized the author had laid the groundwork for it. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
I planned on reading a few chapters, and soon I was finishing the book, with non-stop action and your heart in your throat constantly, this is one compelling read.
You feel the injustice going on here, and some do no survive, and all the while you want for Good to overcome Evil, and the costs of what happens here, and you ask why? Well greed, of course, the almighty lure into crime, and the casualties that it leaves in its wake.
There is a slight romance story here, and I found myself wishing for it, but is not the main focus of this story, or is it? We do have “love” here, in several different forms, for mankind, animals, family, friends, but will these be enough?
Once you pick this one up you will be page turning right to the end!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
loved the story, if you like romance and suspense you have to read the book
Wow! Have you read any books by Dana Mentink yet? Treacherous Trails was my first and I am hooked. With just the right blend of suspense, action, and romance this story was hard to put down from the start.
Ella was a fantastic, well-developed character. After a period of rebellion and stupidity, she repented and turned her life around, being willing to take up her cross to follow the path the Lord had for her. Her tender heart for her sister who was brain-damaged was admirable and sweet, and yet she had such determination to stand up for herself and not get trampled on.
Owen couldn’t stop himself from acting the hero, despite Ella’s claims to not need his help. I loved his obsession with the weather and the way it kept coming into the story.
I loved Owen’s family as well. The way they stepped in to help Ella with her troubles was heart-warming. Each of the brothers was so protective. But the best one was Owen’s mom. She was so full of love. She also knew how to let her sons do what they felt they needed to without trying to interfere.
Though the story is mostly serious and intense, I laughed out loud at the scene after they got out of the hospital smelling like smoke. The clothes Ella picked out for Owen at the thrift store and the ensuing conversation was great!
I’ve now signed up for this author’s newsletter so I can know when her new books are coming out. You may want to do this as well.
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net
You can read Dana’s guest post at AmongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
Heart- stopping action and suspense. A totally evil villain. Two very broken and real characters trying their best to survive. Heartaches and raw emotions that are sometimes spoken but more often hidden. Dana Mentink sure knows how to produce a page-turner. The plot is fast-paced and gripping, the circumstances Ella and Owen find themselves in almost hopeless. Ella and Owen are such engaging characters – Ella emotionally hurt and struggling to make ends meet while taking care of her handicapped sister, Owen physically hurt and struggling to make sense of his world now turned upside down.
Ella and Owen both learn about sacrificial love – the kind of love that God showed us – and how God can take our sacrifices and turn them into something greater.
Now I need to read the first book in the series and meet Owen’s older brother. Next book in the series is about Jack, Owen’s twin. That should be another great read!
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
“Someone told me taking up your cross and following Jesus means you sometimes say no to what your heart wants.”
Ella Cahill passed up the chance to follow her dreams when she turned down a career opportunity that would have left her disabled sister without a family caregiver. It was the right thing to do. Now, she is facing murder charges and is desperate to find the evidence necessary to clear her name. Appearing by her side is her brother’s best friend, Owen Thorn, home from active duty while recovering from a serious leg injury. It seems right having him by her side, but how long will he stay?
Owen Thorn promised his best friend, Ray Cahill, to look after his sisters, but he couldn’t prevent Ella from discovering a dead body in the trunk of her van. She insists on her innocence and he believes her, but someone wants her to take the responsibility for a senseless murder. They think they have figured out who, it’s just a matter of finding out why. In the mean time, why is Owen finding Ella’s gorgeous red hair and sparkling green eyes so attractive, all of a sudden?
This little story has enough high speed chases to fill several books, so be prepared to ride down some “treacherous trails”as Ella and Owen race towards justice!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publishers. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Treacherous Trails is a great addition to the Gold Country Cowboys series by Dana Mentink. This book centers around Owen, another Thorn brother, and Ella who is the younger sister of his best friend. Ella grew up tagging along with Owen and her brother Ray. That was many years ago and now they are all grown up and at this point Owen and her brother have already been off to war. Her brother is still overseas, but Owen is home because he was wounded. When Ella is falsely accused of murder, Owen and the rest of the Thorn family step in to protect her and her sister and help her find the answers she desperately needs. Readers know who the real bad guy is, but they don’t know who else he has helping him. Who can Owen and Ella really trust?
It’s a race against time for Ella to prove her innocence. There’s plenty of fast-paced action, suspense, and the right amount of romance as Ella and Owen start to see each other in a different light. This can definitely be read as a standalone, but readers should definitely treat themselves to the first in the series as well.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Dana Mentink has delivered another great story. This book was exciting and full of adventure. I couldn’t put it down, and as usual, was kept guessing until the end. I like how the book shows that just because we have certain plans, God may have different plans for us and we might have to give up the dream in order to get something even better. In addition to the main characters, I loved the character of Betsy and how devoted to her Ella was. This was a great book and I would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
Treacherous Trails by Dana Mentink
I always look forward to reading Dana Mentink’s books! She has a way a catching you from the first page and taking you for all kinds of twists and turns right till the very end. This book was no exception. Action packed from the very beginning with suspense that will keep you turning pages. Treacherous Trails is the the second book in the Gold Coast Cowboys by Dana Mentink.
I received a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to post a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
Action-packed and adrenaline-laced, this starts out with a bang and the pace steadily increases as the story progresses! Having grown up together, there is no way Owen believes Ella capable of murder and he sets out to prove her innocence. Honor bound by Ray—Ella’s brother—he will do whatever it takes to keep her out of danger, along with her disabled sister. He’s a tough Marine who puts his all in whatever “mission” he’s assigned to! However Ella begins to resent being just a “job” to do, especially when her heart becomes tangled with his. Can these two life-long friends survive long enough to become something more?
Then you’re surrounded by the Thorn family, big but lovable, and Mama Thorn is the glue that has kept them together. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Thorn brothers, you get a inkling of what they are like in this one & I’m looking forward to their own hard-won happily-ever-afters! Sprinkled in between the tension is the authors own sense of humor. I have to think it’s her way of diffusing a ticking bomb if you will! Over all, faith plays a natural role in each of their lives, especially when Owen learns there’s more to life & God’s plans are always best!
Ella Cahill is accused of murder. Her brother’s friend and former Marine Owen Thorn sets out to help her prove her innocence. The sheriff’s office already believes she committed murder. Then the real murder goes after Ella. Hang on for a thrill.
Dana Mentink always writes a well developed plot, twist, turns and always a good romance. I’ve been a fan of Dana’s for a few years and always look forward to a good read from her books. I received this book as an ARC (advanced readers copy) from the author.
All opinions are my own and I truly enjoyed this book. If you love a book with romance, suspense, a few surprises and characters that will entwine themselves into your heart. Highly recommend Treacherous Trails for a rewarding read.
I received an ARC of Treacherous Trails in exchange for an honest review. The opinions below are my own.
Ella Cahill is accused of Murder And Owen Thorn ( Her brother’s Best Friend and former marine) must help clear her name before someone tries to kill her. Owen must protect her at all cost, even if that means going against her brother’s request to stay away from her.
I absolutely love reading a book written by Dana! She is my top favorite author. If you get a chance read one of her books, you will not be disappointed.
Treacherous Trails is the second book in the Gold Bar Cowboy Series. I could not wait to start reading this one. Right from the start you get suspense and action. There is twist and turns throughout the story. The love that develops between Owen and Ella is so sweet. This series keeps getting better with each new book. I look forward to reading about the other two brothers.