Roughwater Ranch Cowboys Books in Order
Part ofDana Mentink Books in OrderFind Dana Mentink’s Roughwater Ranch Cowboys books in order, with brief summaries, series background, and where to start with the ranch stories.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
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Roughwater Ranch Cowboys books in publication order
4 books
Danger on the Ranch
by Dana Mentink
2019
Former marshal Mitch Whitehorse put his serial killer brother behind bars and tried to disappear into ranch life. When that brother escapes, Mitch must protect his former sister-in-law and the toddler she has kept secret.
Deadly Christmas Pretense
by Dana Mentink
2019
Maggie Lofton is posing as her sister for Christmas, which is dangerous enough before a killer enters the picture. Teaming up with her twin’s cowboy ex may be the only way to survive the holiday.
Cold Case Connection
by Dana Mentink
2020
Private investigator Sergio Ross is sure his sister’s death was no accident. To prove it, he must work with Helen Pike, a woman linked to two old murders and perhaps the truth that could get them both killed.
Secrets Resurfaced
by Dana Mentink
2020
New evidence about a deadly boating accident puts private investigator Dory Winslow back on a case that ruined lives. Working with Chad Jaggert, the father of her secret child, may be the only way to stay alive.
Roughwater Ranch Cowboys books in chronological order
Danger on the Ranch
by Dana Mentink
2019Roughwater Ranch Cowboys, Book 1
Deadly Christmas Pretense
by Dana Mentink
2019Roughwater Ranch Cowboys, Book 2
Cold Case Connection
by Dana Mentink
2020Roughwater Ranch Cowboys, Book 3
Secrets Resurfaced
by Dana Mentink
2020Roughwater Ranch Cowboys, Book 4
Series background & context
The Roughwater Ranch Cowboys books blend western atmosphere with tight Love Inspired suspense plots. These stories stay close to ranch country, where old loyalties run deep, family history never stays buried for long, and danger has a way of showing up at the worst possible moment.
The series brings together cowboys, former lawmen, private investigators, and women who are already carrying more than enough on their own. Danger on the Ranch opens with a former marshal protecting his former sister-in-law and a hidden child. Deadly Christmas Pretense adds mistaken identity and holiday danger. The later books turn toward cold cases and resurfacing evidence, but the same feeling remains: nobody gets a quiet life for long.
These are stand-alone romances, yet the shared setting gives them a nice through line. Expect second chances, family strain, and heroes who may be more comfortable handling livestock than feelings. Mentink uses the ranch backdrop well, keeping the mood grounded even when the stakes get sharp.
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