Raging Waters

By Dana Mentink

Book Overview

As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.

When Mackenzie Bardine's brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing "Bullseye," the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron's best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he's certainly not interested in helping her after he's already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron's fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it's clear to Gideon she's in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can't bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

"A masterful blend of high-octane suspense and heart-pounding mystery."--LYNETTE EASON, on Fire Mountain

"Danger explodes onto the page . . . An action-packed, gripping suspense."--ELIZABETH GODDARD, on Fire Mountain

A gripping, clean romantic suspense featuring enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and high-stakes investigations set in small-town Washington, sweeping readers away on a turbulent wave of thrills and chills. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, wilderness survival, protective heroes, and justice-driven heroines.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800746538
• ISBN13: 9780800746537
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Race Against All Odds

First of all get buckled in as you will feel like you have been on the most dangerous white water rafting trip you can imagine when you are finished reading this humdinger of an adventure you are thankful you survived. Gideon gets sucked into the abyss of this story when McKenzie bursts into his wilderness survival course. Coming face to face with your deceased best friend’s sister and her destructive intent to expose the drug kingpin that caused her brother’s death becomes a harrowing fight for survival. The descriptive writing has you reaching for a blanket to stop your teeth from chattering as they face onslaughts of rain, flood waters, and depleted food supplies. They each face the self blame game and learn that choices dictate destiny. Gideon is a great hero as he chooses to stand by Zee through thick and thin and as trust and romantic tension build can she learn to trust that God is still writing her story. A nonstop thrill ride that you will not want to put down until you read the final conclusion. This will satisfy your adventurous spirit so pick up a copy and snuggle in. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Riveting Suspense

Raging Waters by Dana Mentink is the second book in her Elements of Danger series. Mackenzie’s podcast dedicated to exposing the drug cartel that killed her brother has now put her in danger. Gideon has a lot of guilt over the death of Aaron. Protecting Mackenzie wasn’t what he wanted but someone had to do the job. Wow! What an intense ride! As if battling a drug lord wasn’t dangerous enough; Mackenzie & Gideon had to take on the frigid flood waters of the broken dam. As their trust blossoms the dangers around them escalate. With their faith renewed will they survive long enough to see justice? I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

On the edge of your seat suspense

I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a positive review. WOW! What a fabulous story that had me from the first sentence. Gideon, Aaron and Mackenzie had been friends since childhood. When Aaron was killed, Mackenzie blamed Gideon. Join Gideon and Mackenzie (Zee) as then embark to find out the truth of Aaron's death and bring the person responsible to justice. This book will have you guessing until the very last page. Everytime you think you have it figured out, Ms. Mentick has another plot twist that turns everything upside down.

A fantastic, danger-infused, inspirational suspense

If you like intense, action-packed, danger-filled suspense, Raging Waters fits the bill. This story kept me glued to the edge of my seat. I wondered whether the next brutal onslaught would be from the weather or the people trying to do away with the main characters. The hero and heroine are old friends who must overcome, not only the perils they are facing, but also misplaced guilt and blame related to her brother’s death. Will they learn to trust each other and God to escape their precarious situation? I highly recommend this book. It is definitely on my list of best suspense reads. I received an advance copy from the publisher and the opinions expressed are mine alone.