I have read several books by this author and they keep getting better and better!

I loved this fast paced, action packed, clean suspense story. Great characters, great storyline, kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Tony, Willow, Baby Bee and Carter are running from danger throughout the entire book trying to stay alive and figure out their next move. I liked that Willows family was also involved in protecting them.

Once you start reading this book, you won’t want to stop! Highly recommend!!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

I loved reading this latest by author Dana Mentink! She has long been one of my favorite LIS authors, and this one was such a blast to read! I loved the fun twist of Tony protecting his brother's children, instead of the more popular secret baby, or widow(er) plot line. This one was a nice change, and made for an interesting story with a slightly different dynamic between the characters!

Witsec suppose to be safe but what happens when it's not. You get Death Valley hideout. This one kept me talking pages because I had to know what happened

"I've enjoyed getting to know the Duke family through the Desert Justice series. Death Valley Hideout is Willow's story, though with this close-knit family, that only means that she has a little more air-time than her protective brothers and cousin.

While I enjoy stories with strong heroines, I'm partial to those who are more human. Who aren't tough and able to conquer every physical challenge. Willow is an everyday woman who got caught up with a man with secrets - Tony. While not possessing supernatural abilities, she did have a strong protective instinct that had her doing all in her power to keep Tony's charges safe. I loved that maternal side of her that cared for them so well.

I also enjoyed Tony, who was hiding from a man determined to destroy Tony's brother who was not afraid to step on anyone who got in his way. Tony's faith was strong enough to carry him through doubts and fears. He also cared deeply for his niece and nephew and was willing to do whatever he needed to protect them.

This fun story started with a bang and only allowed for a few breathers as Willow and Tony did all they could to stay alive. Sweet romance, adorable children, hiding in the vast desert.

Readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a touch of faith will want to read Death Valley Hideout and the entire Desert Justice series. Be sure to read them in order for the most enjoyment.


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

Whew this book was a non-stop action ride. There was so much going on with moments were it felt like any moment of peace is only a trap. It was difficult to figure out who to trust and all of that just made for a great book. Then there was a bit of attraction between Willow and Tony but even if that this book did remain clean which I appreciate. Just such a good book if you like mystery thriller type of books with nonstop action

Death Valley Hideout is part of the Desert Justice series that is written by Dana Mentink. This is book 4 in the series. I have been fortunate enough to read the whole series, but they can be read as stand alones. While previous characters will make appearances the author gives a quick recap when they enter the story.
Willow Duke has befriended Tony Ortega and his two cute little kids. Only to find out that he is not who he says he is. The cute kids, Carter and Bee are actually his brother's children that he is keeping safe in the witness protection program. His brother, who is a mess, has made some people mad. He is trying to blackmail a dark web giant - and thinks that is better then testifying against the man. Now he has put everyone at risk. Willow and Tony are not sure who they can trust in the small town.
The book starts off with action and does not let up for you to catch your breath. I am a huge fan of this author and she always writes such creative stories. Willow's brothers are great protectors and will do anything to help keep their sister safe.
There are two more books in the series, and I cannot wait to read them. The characters are well developed, and the story line packed full of action.
Thank you the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 4th book in the Desert Justice series. I have read and reviewed the first two books in this series, but not the third book. I do think you can read this book as a standalone without any problem. This book is all about one of the main characters being in WITSEC and the other one sees something she should not which puts her in danger. This book is full of suspense and action. I love the characters. This book keeps you guessing, and the characters makes you fell in love with them. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired Suspense) or author (Dana Mentink) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Tony Ortega finds himself in the desert with two small children after his brother's dirty dealings puts their lives in danger. After inadvertently pulling Willow Duke into danger as well, they must together fight for their lives.

A fast paced read that starts with action from the very start, I felt so bad for Tony and Willow who got swept into this whole mess through no fault of their own. I could understand Willow's distrust of Tony, but I liked how they worked together to keep the children safe.

There is a lot going on, with a lot of action, and adorable children. Great tension, and a suspenseful plot that had me wondering if there was any way out. I liked seeing familiar faces from previous books in the series (though you can definitely read this as a standalone), and I admired Willow for her courage and quick thinking.

Overall, this was an action packed adventure that kept me guessing, with strong themes of faith and family. A great installment to the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love being back in Death Valley overlooking the desert in this heart pounding book. The beginning is an adrenaline rush with a helicopter, bullets flying and a child that has been abducted. I held my breath as the chase scene played out. What an opening for a story that promises to give us a ride into danger at every stop.

Willow steps into a web of deceit when she tries to surprise her friend Tony on his birthday. Everything she knew about him is a lie and now she isn’t sure if she is safe or not. I can’t imagine being in the WITSEC program but it looks like Tony and his brother’s children are in it. I could feel chills going down my arms as Willow discovers that she is now a part of whatever Tony is mixed up in. Can you hear her heart pounding? Mine would be as I realized that my life would never be the same again. Willow is a very brave woman and I loved her determination to keep the children safe.

Tony is in a big mess thanks to his brother Ron. What is going to happen now that Ron has disappeared and left his children in Tony’s care? The author does an amazing job of letting us witness the turmoil Tony goes through as his anger surfaces. I would be upset too if a family member left me high and dry. This wasn’t suppose to be Tony’s fight but thanks to his brother he now has to get out of a mess that is dangerous.

I’m not sure when I started breathing again but this story has all the boxes checked off for an exceptionally well written suspenseful adventure. Along the journey we get to witness the struggles that each character faces. Willow has a deep scar of betrayal from someone which keeps her from trusting. We all carry scars but the important lesson is to let God heal those scars and show you that He can always be trusted. Tony has always been there to bail his brother out of trouble. I liked how Tony’s heart opened to love his niece and nephew and give them stability. Tony starts to wonder if he can trust his brother or his uncle that shows up unexpectedly.

This story is special to me because it helped me remember that when we face challenges God is right there with a plan. When we go through a trial it makes us stronger and helps us grow in our faith. Tony and Willow both faced decisions in their lives that took them through danger. In the midst of their battle they found love, trust and the importance of family.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Tense Desert Standoff
This is a tense and suspenseful novel. It is also faith-filled and not graphic in any way. I have not read any other books in this series, this book stands alone just fine. I have read other suspenseful novels by this author and have enjoyed them as well.

Title: Death Valley Hideout
Series: Desert Justice, #4
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Suspense, Christian, Thriller
Publisher: HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Format: Kindle (read), Paperback, Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 214
Source: NetGalley
Cover: Eye-catching but slightly wrong. The hideout wasn’t in an old ghost town.

Description:
Tony Ortega has to keep his little niece & nephew safe and being in WITSEC hasn’t been enough. Willow Duke, a Death Valley resident, and Tony have become good friends but a birthday surprise suddenly goes wrong. The children are in danger.

Willow being a Duke — Dukes don’t back off when trouble comes. Trouble in the form of a hitman after the children and Tony … and …

Review:
Suspense book or a thriller? Death Valley Hideout is both. Danger sweeps in and out of their lives with an occasional good night’s sleep thrown in.

The children in this book are a delight and a tension breaker. Especially endearing, the little girl has a special toy called Moo Moo that needs to be close to her 24×7.

Willow has these brothers and if Willow is in trouble, the brothers are there! If they could be 150% there, they would be. It doesn’t matter if they like Tony or not, Williow is now in danger — little kids are being threatened — so they invoke what I thought of as the Duke Mantra, “if you get one Duke, you get ’em all”. Tons of courage in this set of strong characters. And Tony is in trouble. A lot of trouble.

I’ve chosen to not write more about what happens in this book. If you like suspense with a bit of romance thrown in, you’ll enjoy Death Valley Hideout.

How is the “Faith part” handled?
In many ways, the same way most of us do. Prayers when things are bad. Thank-you prayers, help-us prayers. Faith is a part of who these people are.

I liked this book but it didn’t pull me in. Didn’t grab me which my five-star reviews do. Usually, I can define what was off-putting. Was it the pacing of the story? I didn’t feel the pacing was poorly done. The characters were good. Loved Willow’s brothers. The story was good; it just didn’t hold my interest for long periods. This was my first book by this author; would I read another one? Yes. Will I read this again? No. Thus rating is 3.5 stars, rounded to 4 for sites that only rate in whole numbers.

I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of Death Valley Hideout via NetGalley from the publisher, HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired Suspense. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#DeathValleyHideout #NetGalley #DanaMentink

Dana Mentink has long been one of my favorite LIS authors. Her books always have a lot of action, wonderful characters, interesting plots and perfectly timed pops of humor to lighten some very tense situations. This series centers around the Duke family who all live in Death Valley and all have the knack of running into trouble or knowing someone who does!

In this story, Willow Duke’s friend Tony is the one in trouble. He is in WITSEC with his niece and nephew. Once the hired killer finds out where they are at, the action starts and doesn’t stop until the last page is turned. While I would’ve liked to have a bit more romance between Willow and Tony in this story, I did enjoy the action scenes and guessing whether or not a certain character was good or bad.

Death Valley Hideout by Dana Mentink is book 4 of 6 in the Desert Justice series. It can easily be read as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.

I have wanted to start this series since Book 1 became available.

And now with book 4 I finally got the chance.

When I began the book I didn't realize the series was about the Duke family and each of their Love stories woven into a suspenseful read.

I just wanted to read the books because I love Romantic Suspense and I have wanted to read one by author Dana Mentink.

Even though I jumped in at book 4 it was super easy to get acquainted with the characters and the Duke clan.

Death Valley Hideout was a page turner from page one I was swept in.

And I then only a few pages later I was hooked when Tony flies his helicopter into a Death Valley Canyon and sets it down!

All because the bad was trying to kidnap his nephew.

Willow shows her bravery not in only by chasing the kidnapper and then crawls into the car to save the little boy as it teeters on the edge of a cliff.

And all this is only in the first few pages!

Tony and Willow end up on a wild ride as they play the Mouse in the bad guys Cat and Mouse game.

The bad guys don't give up! Seemingly pulling in help from law enforcement and bribing private citizens. And maybe even Tony's uncle a retired Police Officer.

There are times Tony and Willow aren't sure who they can trust.

Death Valley Hideout has to be my favorite Suspense read of the year.

So far

Because as soon as I get the chance I will be reading the 3 previous books in the series!

I received a Complimentary Copy from the publisher through Net Galley.

“Death Valley Hideout” by Dana Mentink was an interesting read. I had a little bit of a hard time getting into this book, but after I got into it, it was a great read. This book deals with a man placed in WITSEC. The characters were very likeable. This book was a little predicable but was still an enjoyable and easy read.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Death Valley Hideout is a romantic suspense novel written by Dana Mentink. It is book four in the Desert Justice series, but it is not necessary to have read the previous books in order to enjoy this one.

Summary: After a previously disastrous relationship, Willow Duke is determined to protect her heart. But she can’t help but be drawn to Tony Ortega and his sweet children.

Little does she know, his name is not Tony Ortega, they are not his children, and he’s on the run.

When danger comes to Death Valley, Willow must decide if she can overcome the lies and help Tony protect the children she has come to love.

My Thoughts: I liked this book. The entire thing is one action-packed chase scene after another, and there is also plenty of mystery surrounding exactly who is on who’s side. Overall, there is an interesting plot that kept me entertained (even though there are definitely a few unbelievable parts), and I liked the characters (especially Willow’s overprotective family.)

This is a quick and enjoyable read filled with action-packed adventure and a little romance on the side. And, I liked it enough that I am really interested to go back and read the previous books too.

I would like to thank HARLEQUIN – Romance for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you.

"Death Valley Hideout" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the fourth in a series, but it works as a standalone. Tony worked to keep himself and his brother's children safe while a corrupt man tried to capture the children to use them against Tony's brother, who was the main witness in a trial against him. The suspense came from repeated attacks on Tony and his family. Willow wasn't trained to fight, but she's loyal, brave, and resourceful and found useful ways to help Tony and protect the kids. Go, girl.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Tony and Willow worked well together and encouraged each other. (I do wonder, however, where that much water came from since they're in Death Valley.) Tony taught his nephew to pray to God when scared, and both Willow and Tony were Christians. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romantic suspense.