Act of Valor by Dana Mentink – Book Review, Preview

My dad cooked a handful of things when I was growing up, and only that handful.

Pancakes – which he cooked but didn’t mix the batter. He always had fun making them into shapes for us. Looking back, I wonder if this was to cover up the fact he couldn’t make perfect circles. . .

Meat on the grill – no need to expound

Omelets – though his form was more like what is considered a scramble.

Pizza – again, he wasn’t the one to make the crust or the sauce but he was a pro at cooking the sausage, grating the cheese, and chopping the veggies.

I got very spoiled by the pizzas my dad made – they had so many toppings. Oh, yum!

We never needed to set the timer for the pizza. If the enticing aroma didn’t alert us that it was done, the juices dripping onto the heating element would trigger the fire alarm every single time he made pizza!

Act of Valor
by Dana Mentink

Series: True Blue K-9 Unit
Published by Love Inspired Suspense
Publication Date May 1, 2019
Genres: Action/Adventure, Christian Fiction, Clean Romance
Setting: New York Contemporary
Written for: Adults
Pages: 224

Synopsis:

She saw something she shouldn’t have…

A True Blue K-9 Unit story

When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she’s thrust into the crosshairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone’s gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too…especially now that she’s gone from friend to the woman he’s falling for.

I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

Also in this series: Shield of Protection

Zach was a very good cop. He was dedicated, in great physical shape, and loved what he did. He was, however, prone to breaking things and was a horrible cook. Enough so that his family nicknamed him The Incinerator.

I loved Zach and Violet’s story! Suspense filled the story from start to finish as Violet attempted to keep from getting killed and Zach tried his best to protect her. With Eddie, the drug detection beagle, added to the mix, it was a great combination of romance, humor, and action.

One of my favorite moments occurred after Eddie chewed Violet’s couch to pieces when left alone as Zach was off saving Violet’s life. (Again!) Having discovered the damage, Zach proceeded to reprimand Eddie as if he was a human officer. So funny!

I really enjoyed seeing the diversity of the various jobs police dogs have. Eddie was specifically trained to sniff out drugs. Seeing the way he and Zach worked together and the way they approached the various situations was very interesting. Who knew that beagles could be so smart? (Yeah, Snoopy, my Aunt Lois’ beagle, surely didn’t display this kind of intelligence!) The ribbing the Zach got from his brothers who had more traditional police dog types about his cuddlier partner added levity.

If you enjoy action-filled stories with bullets flying and best friends falling in love, be sure to grab a copy of Act of Valor!

More from Dana

Cops and killers and beagles, oh my!

It was a ton of fun writing the second book in the new True Blue K-9 Continuity series. First of all, I had the honor of working with some AMAZING authors. (It’s challenging creating a world together and keeping all those details straight!) I had the privilege of following the amazing Lynette Eason, so that’s always a plus!

Second, I learned all about the astonishing world of beagles!  Those critters are just amazing. For instance, the original beagles were tiny, only 8 inches tall and could be carried in a pocket, which is why they called them Pocket Beagles. I need one of those!

The name beagle comes from the French, which is translated “wide throat” or “loudmouth.” This is well earned by Eddie in my story, who will occasionally let loose with the trademark baying. The beagles small size, general friendliness, and ferocious scent drive, make it the perfect dog to sniff around airports and get into compact spaces. Eddie enjoys doing just that with Zach, his handler and best friend. He earns those gourmet treats that Zach bakes up for him. Best of all, Eddie was rescued from death before he became a canine cop star!

It’s just awesome when you can twine fact with fiction to come up with a tail wagging suspense story! I hope you enjoy the second installment in the series!

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