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Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit #4

Undercover Assignment

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From USA TODAY bestselling author Dana Mentink.

This K-9 will stop at nothing

to keep a child safe

When a little boy is threatened, Officer Daniella Vargas and K-9 partner, Zara, are assigned to pose as his nanny to uncover the culprit’s identity. Suspecting one of the guests in his inn, widower Sam Kavanaugh’s only option is to begrudgingly trust Daniella and Zara to help. But can they solve the case and its mysterious connection to Sam’s late wife before it’s too late?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit

Book 1: Detection Detail by Terri Reed
Book 2: Ready to Protect by Valerie Hansen
Book 3: Hiding in Montana by Laura Scott
Book 4: Undercover Assignment by Dana Mentink
Book 5: Defending from Danger by Jodie Bailey
Book 6: Tracking a Killer by Elizabeth Goddard

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2022

185 people are currently reading
223 people want to read

About the author

Dana Mentink

205 books2,219 followers
USA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.

Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
3,920 reviews1,763 followers
July 6, 2022
Whoa, Dana Mentink's storytelling keeps getting better and better with each new release. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite but Undercover Assignment would definitely be in the running.

She delivers so much 'oomph' into a shorter word count. From the suspense to the romance to the carefully issued backstories of both hero and heroine...well, I'm nearly speechless. Impeccably well written, meticulously thought out, the plot's pace is measured but compelling.

This isn't an 'inciting incident in every chapter' kind of LIS, but each chapter builds up the suspense, even the 'quieter' ones. That doesn't mean there isn't action and danger -- it's just doled out in well-placed doses. All the better to amp up the tension without drowning out the story.

And, of course, since this is Dana Mentink, there's humour and dog whispering to bring a nice balance to that aforementioned tension. :-)

Undercover Assignment is the fourth book in the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit continuity series and the author does a fabulous job of catching new readers up on the over-arcing suspense thread while keeping the focus on the intriguing mystery unique to this book. You won't feel lost or left out if you haven't read the other books but they've all been fabulous so I recommend that you do!

I was over-the-moon thrilled to be able to listen to the audible edition of this book (I wish more LI and LIS were available in that format.) Narrator Eva Kaminksy did a great job of bringing this story to life.
515 reviews
June 4, 2022
This story was everything I’ve come to expect from a Dana Mentink story. It was full of suspense, nicely paced action, wonderful characters, and perfectly timed pops of humor, which I love.

Daniella scared me a bit at first because I thought she might be too snarky, but I ended up really liking her. On the other hand, I loved Sam from the get go! He had been through so much and I loved how protective he was of his son, Ollie. As I usually do, I thought everyone was guilty at one point or another in the story. The mystery was different and kept me guessing until the end.

The faith thread was woven seamlessly throughout the story. This was one of my favorite quotes,

“The definition of faith, he thought. To trust, even when you don’t understand. But trusting didn’t mean it didn’t hurt, sometimes more than he could stand.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
June 28, 2022
Really good suspense here as Dana Mentink takes us to a lodge high in the mountains with a murderer on the loose. A cop is playing the part of a nanny to a three year old, with her K9 dog, as she gathers clues. It’s not long before her life is threatened, too. What exactly is the murderer after? Can she figure it out before it’s too late?

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own. 'I feel like I'm in a nightmare I can't wake up from.'
Profile Image for Debbie Wentworth Wilson.
375 reviews38 followers
May 18, 2024
Daniela Vargas did not want to take the assignment of trying to find out who has been breaking into Sam Kavanaugh's inn, but Kavanaugh's three-year-old son Oliver seems to be a target. Daniela takes her K-9 Zara with her as she poses as a nanny. The five guests of the inn and one of the workers are high on her list of suspects, but the reason for the attacks remain elusive.
I enjoyed the story. It was high on suspense. Metink developed Daniela's, Sam's, and Oliver well. It was a quick read, a good choice for anyone who likes Christian romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Amanda Geaney.
534 reviews339 followers
July 25, 2022
One of the best LIS books I've read. Great pacing and depth of character.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,942 reviews42 followers
January 3, 2023
Solita lettura veloce e piacevole: non so perché, ma i libri di questa collana della Harlequin, pur essendo inspirational romance, mi piacciono sempre molto. Anche queste serie multi-autrici sono sempre una piacevole sorpresa: ultimamente sono dedicate alle unità cinofile e sono sempre interessanti, poi non puoi fare a meno di innamorarti dei cani... Come in questo libro: chi non vorrebbe una cagna come Zara? Non male anche i due protagonisti con il loro passato "pesante" in una maniera o l'altra.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,080 reviews133 followers
June 20, 2022
This story is filled with danger and suspense that kept me from doing anything until I finished the book. With no breaks I read as fast as I could because I wanted to keep up with the investigation. I love that this series highlights K-9 dogs and how disciplined they are. The dog in this story is very well trained and has good instincts which helps Daniella in her job. The focus is on who is trying to harm a sweet little boy . What I found intriguing is that maybe there is something hidden within the lodge which is where the danger really lies.

Daniella and her dog are on a mission to keep Sam and his son Oliver from harm, but too many unexplained accidents keep her on her toes. Going undercover as a nanny is tricky when Daniella isn’t really comfortable around children. Her past gives us a peek into why she is guarded around people and the decision she made a long time ago that still causes her to reflect on what might have been.

Sam is someone I liked right away because he is a good father and very focused on making his son happy. Even though they have suffered a great loss, he tries his best to show how much Oliver is loved while trying to keep Oliver’s mother’s memory alive. Sam is not ready for a relationship he thinks but maybe God has opened a door where healing is for him and Daniella. I love how the author brought these two main characters together with fractured lives to help each other out. Sometimes we feel alone but God is always there to comfort us. He sometimes brings someone into our lives to help us in our time of sorrow and pain.

The author does an amazing job of leaving hints for readers but I still couldn’t figure out who was behind the danger. What I like about this author’s writing is that she writes a suspenseful story that gives you just enough to try to piece together the crime but doesn’t give it away so easily. Her style is unique by very focused with characters that you cheer for and have compassion for. The faith thread in the story is well placed and once again I’m impressed with a story that checks all the boxes for readers who love suspense, faith and a hint of romance.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Becky Lewis.
1,058 reviews59 followers
June 26, 2022
“Sam had done more than gotten under her skin. He seemed to have burrowed right into her heart.”

My nurturing heart loves this story! Mentink has a great understanding of toddlers, plus has done her police K-9 research well. Both act as great buttresses to the actual romance. Mentink so vividly describes the wonders of southwestern New Mexico and the Gila National Forest that the reader will put it on their bucket list to visit. IF they can disassociate the terror and suspense of Undercover Assignment from the park itself!

You can’t help but fall in love with three year-old Oliver, whose widowed father, Sam, runs a desert lodge. Sam and his FBI-assigned officer, Daniella Vargas, vie for control of protecting the inn and especially sweet Ollie. Each avoids letting others too close due to very different painful pasts. However, both Sam and Daniella share a strong faith and are learning to trust God even when they can’t understand why God works as He does. “He’d come to a place of acceptance that God had not saved his wife, but he certainly didn’t understand it. The definition of faith, he thought. To trust, even when you don’t understand.”

Book four of The Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit series, there is a thread presented that apparently ties all the books together. However, it is loose enough that you can enjoy Undercover Assignment as a stand-alone, which I did.

Sometimes Mentink just makes me smile, which is a great thing amidst romantic suspense.
“You’re a nanny of many talents.” She waved an airy hand. “Mary Poppins has nothing on me.”
and, “If there was a booklet on how to drive people away, she could probably be a coauthor.”
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I received an ARC of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit, plus I pre-ordered my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
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Notable Quotables:
“God loved all His children, dirty or clean, poor or comfortable, in the suffering and the sunshine.”

“People who were determined to do evil would find a way no matter what the circumstances.”

“If you don’t like the path you’re on,” she’d say, “you got two choices. Learn to like it more, or find the new one God’s got for you.”
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,778 reviews46 followers
June 23, 2022
I have been a fan of Dana Mentink of a couple of years. Dana's books are always intriguing, suspenseful, and fun. Undercover Assignment is her latest book that I have read. The book is Book 4 in the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit. I have not read the other books in this series, although this seemed to flow well and read well as a standalone book.

Daniella Vargas is an Officer and she has a K-9 Partner, Zara. Officer Daniella and Zara are given an Undercover Assignment as a Nanny for a 3yr old whose life has been threatened. Sam Kavanaugh is a recent widower and owns an Inn. He needs the help of Undercover Police to find out who is threatening his son's life. Daniella agrees to take on the task, although she is not very fond of children. Officer Daniella is focusing on the guests of the Inn and thinks there may be a connection to Sam's late wife. Will the mystery of the threat be solved? Will Sams and Oliver be safe from harm? Will there be a Romance between Daniella and Sam?

Dana Mentick has done it again, another AWESOME book! I really like LOVE Inspired Suspense books. The books are not very long and I usually finish them in a couple of hours. The LOVE Inspired Books really pack a lot of story into the books. I really enjoyed Daniella's character. She was very strong and very wise. She truly loved her job, even when it was something that wasn't something she normally does. Sam is still grieving his late wife when he now has to protect his son from threats. Sam isn't ready for another relationship, but he does find himself falling for Daniella. I really like how the Author slowly grew their relationship. I was on the edge of my seat at many points in the book as the book wasn't very predictable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Suspense, Romance, and Faith-based books! FABULOUS BOOK!
2,041 reviews
June 27, 2022
I always enjoy an author Mentink book and this one was a little bit different. Yes, there was the usual suspense and the danger, but this one had a bit more of a mystery, with the who done it detective vibe running through it.

Sam is a widower not only raising his little boy alone after his late wife died of cancer, but also running their dream inn. But someone is scaring and putting his little boy, Oliver, in danger and he needs help to find out who.

Officer Daniella and her dog Zara are assigned to the case. This is not the case Daniella wants, she is posing as a nanny, and she doesn't really want a babysitting job. Due to her past, she believes she is not cut out to be with kids and she wonders if a lot of what is happening to Oliver is his imagination. However, Sam is scared for his son, and he needs for his business to pick up and he does not want his guests terrorized either.

And he has a wide range of guests, interesting ones, and anyone of them could be the culprit. Daniella is determined to get this case solved so she can move on, but when the attacks turn more dangerous, she understands there is something really sinister going on. I enjoyed this who done it suspense and growing love story between two people who were least expecting it. Especially considering they did not seem to get along too well at first.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...
25 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2022
Daniella Vargas and her K-9 partner, Zara, are assigned to find the source of the threats against three-year-old Oliver Kavanaugh. Playing nanny is not at all appealing to the tough, strong-willed cop, but she accepts her mission. As soon as she ferrets out the culprit and brings him to justice, she can move on.

But Daniella finds that she really doesn’t want to move on. Her softer, tender side emerges, and she soon falls in love with the little boy—and very possibly his widowed father as well. But she has to solve this case without endangering the man or the child before she can explore new options.

Undercover Assignment by Dana Mentink is the fourth book in the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit Series, but it can certainly be enjoyed as a stand-alone. I loved the New Mexico setting and the vivid descriptions of Cliffside Lodge and the surrounding area. Widower Sam Kavanaugh is a strong, capable, and caring man, who is very easy to fall in love with. Little Oliver is adorable. But I really admired Daniella Vargas. She came from rough beginnings and worked hard to turn her life around. She became a woman of faith and carved out a successful career for herself. I enjoyed her blend of toughness and tenderness and tracking her growth as the story unfolded.

Dana Mentink has a unique way of blending romance, suspense, and faith in all of her novels. Undercover Assignment is no exception. Readers will be captivated from the very first page and remain spellbound until the end. The book earns five stars—easily!!
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,881 reviews47 followers
June 28, 2022
Undercover Assignment is written by Dana Mentink. Ms Mentink is one of my most favorite authors to read. If you have never had a chance to interact with her on social media, you are missing out. She is so funny, she will keep you laughing. Especially when it comes to her animals.

Undercover Assignment is a Love Inspired Suspense book .This is part of the Rocky Mountain K-9 Series. I have not read all the books in the series, but I will. The books can be stand alone books, but characters from previous books are mentioned. Officer Daniella Vargas and K-9 partner, Zara are sent to go undercover as a little boys nanny. Daniella comes across as all business and not overly kid friendly. She feels like her talents could be used elsewhere and at first thinks that innkeeper, Sam Kavanaugh is overreacting.... Until she realizes he is not.

True to Mentink style, the books contains a lot of action, suspense and heart pounding scenes. This is a book where everyone is a suspect. Who would want to harm little Oliver? (The cover design team at Harlequin did such an amazing job with this cover). I loved the who dun it vibes through the book as Daniella and Sam try and figure out who is behind all the chaos.

This book is well written and contains well developed characters. The book is full of action and suspense. I could not put this one down. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,346 reviews122 followers
June 13, 2022
This is an enjoyable romantic suspense featuring a K-9 officer. Daniella is a good heroine. She is brave and tough and loves her faithful K-9 companion. She is not ready for romance, however, as she has guilt and pain from the past to overcome. Sam is a lodge owner under attack and Daniella is assigned his case and is required to stay on site. Sam has shut his heart to romance since the death of his wife. I like how God has a loving way of healing then both, preparing them for a new venture.

The mystery plot is a bit complex. Someone wants something in the lodge. The suspects include all of those staying at the lodge. Mentink gives us hints but it is not until near the end and a murder happens that the clues come together. The pace is consistent as suspicious activities continue to happen.

I enjoyed this novel. The characters are fine, especially sweet little Oliver. The character development shows how barriers to romance can be broken. The mystery is sufficient while it, along with the romance, is accelerated to a quick conclusion at the end.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Penelope.
1,465 reviews15 followers
October 19, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 3-3.5. I listened the audiobook of UNDERCOVER ASSIGNMENT as I worked on my outside chores. The time passed quickly. I purchased the audiobook (as part of a pack) during a sale and was overall satisfied. (Readers who particularly enjoy the interaction of small children in their fiction might rate this higher than I). This is a Clean Inspiration Suspense novel.

(1=DNF/What was that?; 2=Not for me; 3=THIS WAS OKAY; 3.5=I ENJOYED THIS; 4=I really liked; 5=I really loved this! 5 is rare for me).

Southwest, New Mexico ~
Denver Rocky Mt K-9 mobile response unit Officer Daniella Vargas with her K-9 partner, a Belgian Melinoir, Zara has been sent by her team leader to a sporting and hiking lodge in southwest New Mexico following the attack of the owner and the apparent attempted kidnapping of his small child. Daniella’s job is to observe and locate the guilty party. To explain her presence at the lodge, Daniella is posing as the boy’s nanny.

Cliffside Lodge owner Sam Cavanaugh, a widower of 2yrs, single father and former military explosives expert isn’t comfortable having a police officer in his business and home. But since his return from overseas service which was followed by the death of his wife, Sam has been dealing with worry, grief and hasn’t been getting much sleep. If he forget to lock a window or a door and that is why his son was left vulnerable to attack, Sam is willing to accept the help of additional eyes and ears to rid his home of the current threat. When items inside the lodge and property buildings show signs of being searched, it begins to appear that one of the guests might be the perpetrator. They are apparently looking for something in Sam’s lodge but Sam has no idea what that item might be. Neither he nor his wife own anything of value. Another attack occurs.

Comments ~
I just finished UNDERCOVER ASSIGNMENT, bk4 by Dana Mentink, in the Inspirational Suspense anthology titled The Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit series. I listened to the audiobook performance nicely done by Evan Kaminsky. My audio was a pack of 3 books (books 4-6) in the 9 book series which contains both an over reaching series arc and individual conflicts and plots in each book. Although I was obviously missing pieces in the series arc (from books 1-3), UNDERCOVER ASSIGNMENT worked as a standalone story well enough with plenty content of its own. This was my first book by this author.

Overall the story kept my attention as I worked. I thought a lot of suspicious stumbling around in the dark occurred (haha) and it seemed the characters withheld feelings and unvoiced regrets until the very end (lack of communication) but the story moved along nicely enough keeping me engaged. I kept refining my suspicions regarding who might be causing the trouble, which also kept me listening. Of the 3 books I purchased in the set, I enjoyed books 5 and 6 more. But I will probably listen to all 3 again sometime in the future. I will watch for sales for the other books in this series as well.

Recommended to readers who enjoy:
> Stories about service dogs and/or K-9 dogs.
> Easy reading Contemporary Romance Suspense.
> Law Enforcement Contemporary Suspense.
> Inspirational Suspense fiction.
> Characters with imperfect pasts who live through it to become better people.
> Seasoned characters (mature rather than juvenile).
> Clean Inspirational fiction (characters quietly praying through situations).
> Stories featuring widows and/or single parents with small children.

READER CAUTIONS ~ None. This is a Clean Inspirational Suspense novel.
PROFANITY - None.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Not described in a dark or graphic manner.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.




Profile Image for Sheila.
3,089 reviews123 followers
Read
December 7, 2022
This was a good book. Daniella, Oliver, Zara, and Sam are great characters.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
December 25, 2022
Undercover Assignment is the best read so far from the series. I love undercover stories and think this was a good one. The dog was amazing! I loved how protective she was and she was definitely my favorite character. :)

All in all, this was a good read and makes me eager to continue the series.
Profile Image for Sarah.
639 reviews56 followers
May 17, 2022
“Human predators were good at surviving and thriving too, she thought, sometimes hiding in plain sight.”

Aside from the fact that I love Dana Mentink’s writing, the first thing that attracted me to this book was its focus on dogs. As strange as it may sound, that also made me nervous because I can’t bear to read stories in which any harm comes to the dog, even if it’s a work of fiction. Thus I both applaud and cringe when I come across a new book—or better yet, a series—that spotlights working dogs. This is the first book in the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit series that I have read, the fourth book in the series, and it can easily be a standalone. Furthermore, for any readers who share my concerns, I’m very happy to report that the canine comes through unscathed. Admittedly, this is just about the most important part for me! While I’m familiar with service dogs, I am less well acquainted with police canines, and “Undercover Assignment” offers a glimpse into the life of a K-9 officer and her four-legged partner.

A seemingly eclectic mix of characters greet the reader within the pages of this suspenseful yet heartwarming tale. Officer Daniella Vargas finds herself at the remote Cliffside Lodge in New Mexico with her K-9 partner, Zara, posing as a nanny in order to investigate strange goings-on there while keeping owner Sam Kavanaugh’s young son, Oliver, safe. What Daniella thinks is a humiliating waste of her time soon proves to be a true mystery with real dangers, and it’s somehow connected with Sam’s late wife. In spite of their different personalities, he and Daniella share a similar predicament: they have each erected nearly impenetrable walls around themselves to protect their hearts. Strength and perseverance can become handicaps when we close off our hearts and don’t rely on God for our daily needs or allow Him to be our strength. This is just as important during our grief as it is during our joy, and it always involves stepping outside of our comfort zones, even when it doesn’t make sense, as Daniella observes: “From what she knew of Sam, he’d fight and scrap to make the best of what God had given him, just like she had.” Often, the biggest blessings come after determining to endure. What we lose might just pave the way for a blessing that we never expected, and sometimes it takes the loyalty and devotion of a dog to help us realize that.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
93 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2022
Undercover Assignment by Dana Mentink grabbed my attention at first by the cover. I love children and dogs. K-9 dogs are some of my favorites because of all the things they do for us. The Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit series books have been amazing so far. They all tie together but they are all single reads as well. K-9 officer Daniella Vargas and her partner K-9 Zara take on the undercover assignment of "nanny" to a little boy, Oliver, because of danger at his family's lodge. His dad, Sam calls in a favor from Daniella's boss when his son is threatened. He is a single dad who is trying to keep his late wife's memory alive with the lodge and one of the guests could be the culprit causing issues. So many things happen in this book. Is there a connection in all of this to his deceased wife? Mystery break-in, things tossed, Daniella is poisoned, an attack occurs during an excursion with the guests, a huge stork and so many other twists. Get the book and read it. You won't be disappointed. I thought I had it figured out and then turned the page and saw I didn't. You will enjoy this read.

Dana Mentink writes the most amazing suspenseful reads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and comments about this book here are all my own.
Profile Image for Jeannine Bennett.
Author 7 books105 followers
June 21, 2022
If you like Christian suspense books that include a strong female lead and a working dog, check out Undercover Assignment by Dana Mentink.

Daniella is an officer with a K-9 partner named Zara. Daniella poses as a nanny for a young boy named Oliver, who has been threatened. The culprit is believed to be a guest at the inn where the boy lives. Sam, the boy’s father, a recent widower, and the inn owner, must trust Daniella and Zara to keep his son safe and solve the case. However, that proves to be challenging at times.

The story gets interesting when evidence is found within the inn linking Sam’s late wife to the case.

The book was a fantastic page-turner staying true to the suspense genre. I welcomed the many but unexpected twists and turns throughout the story. I also found the mysterious link to Sam’s late wife a great addition, making the story even more intriguing.

Finally, I appreciated how the author was able to weave in Christian elements throughout the
book. Sprinkled throughout the story are God’s timing, healing, and love.

Excellent read. I give Undercover Assignment 5 out of 5 stars.

Note: I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for sharing my thoughts. I am disclosing this per FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,108 reviews17 followers
June 25, 2022
Undercover Assignment is a fun novel that gives you murder and mystery and suspense as well as some love story and a sweet dog. Well, I mean the dog is also trained and can keep you safe, but he’s cute and sweet too. He will definitely protect the little boy.

In this story, we find a police officer going undercover as a nanny to keep a little boy and his dad safe as bad things are happening around them. When Daniella starts to become attached to the job she knows something has to give. Can she distance herself from this little boy? What about when she has to leave? Can she keep her heart intact and get her job done?

But more importantly, can she keep everyone safe and solve who is behind the destruction and murder attempts? What are they after?

I loved this story and did not want it to end. I want to go back and read more of course but that means I have to find the next book in the series and hope they give me a few morsels from this couple. Grab your copy today and enjoy!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Susan  Faloon.
1,130 reviews
June 13, 2022
Dana Mentink's characters tell the story. Daniella Vargas is reluctantly on an undercover assignment with her partner, K-9, Zara, at The Cliffside Lodge in New Mexico. The law enforcement officer from the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit is antsy to be back trying to solve an important murder and kidnapping investigation. Her boss is adamant that she stays as an undercover Nanny for Sam Kavanaugh's little son, Oliver. Something strange is going on at the lodge and the Kavanaugh duo are in danger.
There is a motley crew of suspects from honeymooners to a college friend of Sam's late wife. Each of the several guests and Sam's employees are under Daniella and Zara's scrutiny as the team watches over Oliver. Mentink paves the way with her subtle clues while this reader tries to figure the mystery out. (I had it almost correct. I love solving fictional crime.)
I enjoy the search and descriptions of the area which enabled me to 'see' the mountains and landscape around the lodge. This is another entertaining read and stand-alone part of the suspense series. I received this book from the author, and this is my own unsolicited opinion of it.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,196 reviews
June 24, 2022
When strange things start happening around his inn and endangering his young son, Oliver, Sam Kavanaugh reaches out the local police to help.

Daniella Vargas grudgingly takes a job guarding a child along with her K-9, Zara. But as the unsettling events become more frightening, Daniella and Sam must work together to keep Oliver safe and figure out the source of the threats before someone gets hurt.

Engaging and intriguing, this was a book that I picked up easily and didn't want to put down. Sam is an excellent father, protective of his son, and full of faith. Oliver is such an adorable kid, I loved how he instantly takes to Zara and welcomes Daniella into their lives. I enjoyed how this book was more of a mystery than a guns blazing suspense, wonderful pacing, as well as the great interaction between the characters, and how I grew to love them more as the story progressed.

Overall, this was a wonderful read, entertaining with strong faith, mystery, and well developed, compelling characters.

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

Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
1,001 reviews52 followers
June 25, 2022
A great story! This one had me stumped like no other I’ve ever read. Could not figure out the ending, and I don’t ever cheat by skipping to the back. So, I read this one rather quickly because I wanted to know who the culprit was and what they were after. And I did meet new friends.
Daniella, a police officer with the K-9 unit, meets inn keeper Sam when she’s assigned to his Cliffside Lodge when break-ins and other mysterious things begin to happen. Could one or more of the five guests have an agenda other than having a place to vacation at the lodge?
I especially loved Sam’s three year old Oliver and Daniella’s partner Zara. Pretending to be Oliver’s nanny gave Daniella a reason to be there without any other suspicions by any of the guests. Oliver learned that every night before Zara would settle down, Daniella read a verse of scripture to her. That was Zara’s cue that it was bedtime.
I challenge you to read this engaging story and see how much of a detective you are. That is certainly not my calling!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
6,155 reviews
May 20, 2022
Undercover Assignment is the fourth installment and Dana Mentink’s contribution to the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit series. It is exactly what I would expect from her books. I thought it was a quick and entertaining read that kept me wondering what will happen next for Daniella and Sam. Of course, Zara, had to have been my favorite. I did not find the story to be predictable I was often guessing of what events would happen in the scenes to follow. I loved every single page.

Undercover Assignment will be getting five plus stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean suspense filled stories. I look forward the next installment from the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit series, Jodie Bailey’s.

I received a digital copy Undercover Assignment from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rachel DeVaughn.
1,088 reviews31 followers
June 14, 2022
I have read several love inspired suspense books by this author and have enjoyed every single one! I am especially excited about this news Rocky Mountain K-9 unit!

This awesome K9 story involved Sam and his son Oliver, Daniella and her dog Zara. They were all likeable characters, especially the little boy and dog.

Daniella and her working dog go undercover as Oliver’s nanny so they can figure out why someone keeps breaking into Sam’s B&B and why mysterious, life harrowing, things keep happening. As the story progresses, it becomes a guest “who dun it” mystery which kept me guessing from beginning to end.

Steady action and suspense all throughout-I loved it! I highly recommend this fun, love inspired clean suspense book.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
1,887 reviews
June 21, 2022
Take a widowed husband with a three-year-old son, add a K-9 police officer and her dog along with an inn and you get Undercover Assignment. This book kept my interest. I loved getting to know Daniella Vargas, her dog Zara, Sam Kavanaugh, and his son Oliver.

Sam served in the military, so when he feels like he and his son need protection, Daniella becomes and Zara becomes tasked with protecting them by Daniella serving as a nanny. This book took twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I loved watching how the characters and plot developed throughout the book.

So if you enjoy books with danger, twists and turns, and a gentle amount of second chance at romance thrown in, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bouldin.
Author 45 books706 followers
June 23, 2022
Dana Mentink has done it again. She's taken characters who go straight for the heart and put them in peril so that I'm forced to read every page. And I loved every minute of it. Sam and Daniella created quite a bit of drama between themselves with their equally determined personalities. I loved watching them clash on page and gradually come to a better understanding of each other. The threat was just as real as always but felt a bit more subdued and leaned more into the mystery as Sam and Daniella attempt to uncover which guest is ransacking the inn. Zara felt like she was her own character. Her devotion rang with sincerity and loyalty. Another great story. I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
June 13, 2022
Undercover Assignment ( Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit #4 )
By: Dana Mentink
Undercover Assignment is the fourth Installment to Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit #4 series.This book can be read alone with no problems. Love the story and the characters, both were well written. Really some good suspense and mystery as a little boys life is threatened and office Daniella and her K-9 partner, Zara, is assigned as his undercover nanny to find the culprit. Now the little boys dad is trying to raise his son, run a lodge, and having a hard time getting over his late wife. Can office Daniella find the culprit and keep the son and dad alive before it’s too late? Ollie and Zara were the highlights in this wonderful story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Betti.
1,370 reviews37 followers
June 17, 2022
‘She had been brought here by the Lord to protect this child and his father, and maybe to learn a few lessons about herself on the way.’

Daniella and her K-9 partner, Zara arrive at Cliffside Lodge as part of an undercover job - one she is not so sure she is ready for, but is sent anyway. Unexpected things are happening. Accidents, masked trespassers, broken locks and more will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering if that darling little boy and his single father will survive to keep the Lodge open.

In learning more about herself, will Daniella be able to focus on who is looking for what in this old family lodge? An ARC was received through Love Inspired Suspense and CelebrateLit. These comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,559 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2022
“Undercover Assignment” by Dana Mentink is a clean romance and a mystery. I was kept reading because I had to know how the story ended and what an ending it was. It was defiantly a surprise. But I loved it! I was kept guessing as to whom the bad guy was till the very end. I really like Dana Mentink' s books. She writes so well that I have a hard time putting her books down until the last page. I recommend this book to readers who likes police stories and clean romances and clues that once the story is done, the reader is like "Wow" I should have seen that as it is in plain sight, well kinda of.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
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