Framed in Death Valley (Desert Justice, 1)

High-intensity excitement from beginning to end!

Beckett Duke has been framed for murder. He thinks it would be best to let go of his attachments—until, of course, his wife’s life is put in danger. Together, they must navigate a series of twists and turns to stay alive, uncover the truth, and even save their marriage.

Dana Mentink’s Framed in Death Valley delivers her to-be-expected brand of romantic suspense that does not disappoint. I enjoyed getting to know both Beckett and Laney throughout this reading experience, and my heart hurt for them as I began to know their troubles and hurts. It was a pleasure, too, to visit the unusual Death Valley.

All in all, an entertaining read, and I recommend it.

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.

Love Inspired Suspense Books are a favorite series of mine.
Dana Mentink is probably my favorite author of the Love
Inspired Suspense Books. Dana is back with a new series
Desert Justice and Framed in Death Valley is Book 1 in this series.

Newlyweds are supposed to be happy and enjoying life. Well,
for Beckett Duke, who is a firefighter, is arrested for murder just
4 weeks after getting married. Laney Holland, his new wife, is
the only one who believes he is innocent. Laney is served with
divorce papers while Beckett is in prison. He is ultimately let out
of prison due to a Police mishap. He reveals to Laney that he served
the papers to protect her. Laney's life is in danger and Beckett knows
he will do anything to protect her and their unborn child. Will there be
a reconilation for Beckett and Laney? Will Beckett prove that he was
framed for murder?

WOW, another FANTASTIC book from Dana Mentink. I was literally
on the edge of my chair with all the twists and turns. I really loved
how Laney stuck to the vows and marriage and stuck by her husband
while he was in prison. The book is short, but has a lot of action and love
packed into it! I am SUPER Excited about this series and cannot wait until
more books are released!

Framed in Death Valley is an exciting start to a new series! I really felt for both of these characters. Beckett and Laney each carried wounds from when they were younger. Beckett had long been ostracized by the community due to a tragic accident that he was part of. Then, when he was framed for murder, he lost everything dear to him. Laney struggled with abandonment issues, making Beckett’s attempt to divorce her for her own protection extra painful. The fact that these two were also expecting a child together made their fight for their lives even more terrifying.

The chemistry between this married couple was definitely still there. They loved each other, but there was nothing easy about their journey to their happily-ever-after. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

"Framed in Death Valley" is a Christian suspense novel. After accidentally seriously injuring someone in high school, Beckett was labeled a monster by many of the town's folk. When he found a dead body and the evidence pointed towards him, little effort was made to look elsewhere. Wanting to free his wife from being married to a man with a horrible reputation, he sent her divorce papers. He's released on a technicality, but the relatives of the dead woman are determined to get their own revenge, starting with Beckett's wife and unborn child. Laney's heart was broken when she received the divorce papers, but she accepts Beckett's protection and begins to realize how deeply Beckett hates himself. Laney struggles to trust him with her love even as she helps him learn to forgive himself for past mistakes and to see his own worth.

The suspense came from the ongoing danger to both Beckett and Laney, the relationship tensions, and the mystery of who really did kill the murdered women. They must discover and prove the true murderer to clear Beckett's name and stop the attacks. The main characters were more developed than is typical for a short romantic suspense like this, and I enjoyed how the characters grew as people and learned to build each other up. The focus was on Beckett and Laney's relationship and their surviving the attacks while the mystery of whodunit was mostly solved by another character. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I recommend this enjoyable suspense novel.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Framed in Death Valley by Dana Mentink is the first book in her Desert Justice series. Beckett Duke was framed for murder. Knowing that the real killer is still at large, he vows to protect his wife even though he could be the next victim. The suspense in this story was intense. Beckett and Laney both had to make some hard choices and face the consequences of previous mistakes. And as we all know that can be very hard. Sometimes forgiving your self is the hardest of all. Ms. Mentink has created another great series. I thought I had this story all figured out but the twist at the end was a big surprise! I love those kinds of surprises! I can’t wait for the next installment.

I received this book from the author for my honest review.