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. ( )

When Maggie’s twin sister finds herself in loads of trouble, Maggie tries to help her out, only to find danger now coming after her. Good thing Maggie’s got a handsome cowboy (who also happens to be her sister’s ex-boyfriend) coming to her rescue. This was such an entertaining romantic suspense story with a terrific cast of characters. The action seemed non-stop, hardly ever letting up. I especially loved hero Liam’s awkwardly adorable dog, Jingles, who stole my heart. Such a fun, fast, and exciting read. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )