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Vanishing Ranch #6

High Stakes Deception

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Former Texas Ranger and rodeo champion Ainsley Tatum will do whatever is necessary to figure out the truth surrounding her brother’s death in a terrorist bombing fifteen years ago. When her boss at Vanishing Ranch hands her the opportunity to find answers, Ainsley is all in—except for one caveat.

In order to discover the truth without raising suspicions, Ainsley has to go undercover, pretending to be newly married to the man who once broke her heart.

Carter Winslow knows his father’s fatal car crash was no accident. When he agrees to work with Vanishing Ranch to find answers, he never imagines what’s in store for him. Pretending to be married might not be so bad . . . if his fake bride didn’t despise him.

With thousands of lives potentially on the line, Ainsley and Carter must find a way to get past their differences and pull off the biggest charade of their lives. But when the deception around them deepens, the stakes grow higher and more dangerous than either could have imagined.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2022

501 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

339 books1,702 followers
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

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5 stars
743 (74%)
4 stars
204 (20%)
3 stars
42 (4%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Holly.
713 reviews21 followers
November 23, 2022
I have to be honest here, it took about 20-25% through the book before I started liking the characters. For some reason it took me awhile to connect with them.

Around 25% through the book they clicked for me and then I had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep!

The action was great and of course the romance was special. Especially the theme of forgiveness that was woven throughout the story. The best part was how Ainsley gets them out of the toughest of situations.

I do highly recommend reading this series in order. Although in many ways they stand independently there is an underlying story that ties them together. This book is a critical piece to that puzzle.

Disclaimer: I did receive the book from the author, but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for C.S. Wachter.
Author 11 books105 followers
January 16, 2023
Ainsley Tatum is no stranger to risk. As first a female bull rider, then a Texas Ranger, she has faced fear and danger with courage. Now as a Vanishing Ranch operative she goes undercover to bring down the powerful and wealthy man responsible for the deaths of many including Ainsley’s brother. But perhaps the greater threat she faces comes in the form of hazard to her heart as she goes undercover posing as the wife of the man who had betrayed her love years before.

As with the other books in this series, though a bit formulaic, I appreciate the way Christy Barritt creates a story where action drives the plot forward without sacrificing the underlying romance. I continue to enjoy the series and recommend it for anyone looking for clean, contemporary romance suspense with Christian themes.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books413 followers
November 17, 2022
Ainsley Tatum has to pretend to be married in order to investigate and try to stop further deaths—only the person she is sent to partner with happens to be her former boyfriend, who once broke her heart. Can Ainsley and Carter Winslow work together and discover and stop the dastardly plot before it’s too late? The story takes place at an elite ski lodge near Aspen, Colorado, with plenty of suspense and danger. This series is best read in order because the books do build on the past novels, but they can also each stand alone as an intriguing tale. Another fast-paced drama, Christy Barritt delivers a winner again. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
February 9, 2023
My thoughts: HIGH STAKES DECEPTION is book #6 in the Vanishing Ranch series but it easily stands alone, Carter and Ainsley are former lovers but their romance died and they went their separate ways. Now in order to protect Carter they must pretend to be newlyweds. But a former stalker apparently reappears, so who is protecting who? This book will keep you guessing and keep you reading as the stakes and the danger keeps raising higher. Will Ainsley and Carter survive this encounter? Who is the real target? Ms. Barritt has a writing style that makes her books quick reads, You won't be able to read this book fast enough. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
1,470 reviews12 followers
November 17, 2022
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Ainsley Tatum former Texas Ranger who now works for Vanishing Ranch goes undercover as wife to Carter Winslow who was asked to finish his father’s encryption program. They are to go to a weekend meeting at a resort. Before they go, Carter’s lawyer’s car blows up killing her in front of Carter’s house. Christy Barritt is a gifted storyteller, and this book really holds your interest with lots of intrigue and suspense. I highly recommend reading it.
144 reviews
February 28, 2023
Once again, Christy Barritt has written a terrific story in the Vanishing Ranch series. The main characters, Ainsley and Carter, investigate a powerful situation involving a devious individual that is manipulating many people to achieve his evil goals. Many situations occur throughout the book that challenge Ainsley and Carter. There is a lot of suspense throughout the story. I highly recommend this read.
1,676 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2022
Intense romantic suspense

This is an intense romantic suspense, getting off to an explosive start and ending in a dramatic showdown. Ainslie and Carter are on a joint mission and need to work together and try to overcome their last connection. Can they have a second chance at romance? Highly recommended.
302 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2022
action packed

This book started out with a lot of suspense and fast paced action and never let up till the very end. I really enjoyed Carter and Ainsley’s story. It had a lot intrigue with some romance thrown in to make me happy. Excellent book with few surprises thrown in. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Robyn Seitzler.
218 reviews6 followers
November 27, 2022
Buckle Up!

Carter and Ainsley have a history, and it’s not good. Now they have to pretend to be loving newlyweds. Can they pull this off in order to put a decades old bombing to rest? Bombs are not the only explosions happening here! This book is full of twists and turns and shocking surprises. Enjoy!
222 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2022
Another Christy Barritt Blowout

Ainsley and Carter knew each other sixteen years ago. Now Charlie Soldier has paired them together to try to bring down a king pin who might have been responsible for a hotel explosion years ago. They are to pretend to be married, and get hold of secret computer thumb drive. Exciting, tension and a bit of romance. Barritt has done it again!
257 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2022
The Huge Aquarium spanned the ceiling of the Ski Chalet!

Wow! I don't know how this wonderful author comes up with so many "diverse" and "spectacular" mysteries/love stories. I do not normally read romance but cannot put any of her books down and am never disappointed. Thank you Christy Barritt! ❣️
198 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2023
Ainsley and Carter don't want to be in the same room together, let alone pretending to be married, but they both have their own reasons for going undercover and deceiving everyone. As the danger mounts, their cover is fragile, and tensions arise, Ainsley and Carter know they have to depend on each other to survive and to solve both mysteries. Can they do it?
Profile Image for Kim.
728 reviews14 followers
November 19, 2022
It's unpredictable and a captivating multi-hour read. Stay tuned for the shocking setup for the next edition of Vanishing Ranch. Christy Barrier secures another fan favorite with this series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
362 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2022
Its getting pretty deep at Vanishing Ranch

Thought Anisley was the agent to solve the mystery surrounding the bombing and closer to answers for her & Carter & Charlie. But more twists come in, but then things are never as they seem with Christy Barritt's books!
148 reviews
November 30, 2022
Another winner!

Christy Barritt continues to provide her readers with adventure, suspense, entertaining characters, clean romance and interesting storylines! Can't wait for the next installment.
42 reviews
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February 20, 2023
Christy Barritt had continued the story line but it still can be a stand alone book. It has mystery and suspense but also a story of forgiveness and love. How misunderstandings can be fixed. I highly recommend this story!
Profile Image for Dana Leet.
41 reviews13 followers
June 10, 2023
amazing book

This book have to guessing till the very end. And all the surprises in neat new character development was absolutely amazing. I am loving, absolutely everything this author writes.
832 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2022
Startling ending

And so much suspense in getting there. Love the series and this book is one of the best. Highly recommend.
12 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2022
Love this series!

I love all of Christy Barrett's books! The Vanishing Ranch series is no exception. She's a great suspense writer! I always anxiously await her next book.
20 reviews
November 24, 2022
Truly a "a can't put down book"

Enjoyed the twists in the story . characters were interesting And varied. Another winner for sure. The very end was a complete surprise.



982 reviews6 followers
November 28, 2022
Finding Answers

Hoping to find answers to the deaths 15 years ago Charlie send two people with a history out together. Read to follow a dangerous undertaking.
480 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2022
Blown away!

This book has more twists and turns in the plot. I do not want to say too much but buckle your seat belt.
777 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2022
Carter and Ainsley

Lost love, having to work a case, find a murderer, solve the mystery. And the story continues. IF you are able, read it all the same day. Enjoy
Profile Image for Susan Moody.
296 reviews
December 17, 2022
Love this series

This series is great. Every book grabs my attention with immediate action and doesn't let go until the end. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Karen O'Herron.
222 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2022
Never disappoints

Another great book by Christy Barritt. This a wonderful series and can't wait to read the next book. I am so glad I already have the next books in this series.
Profile Image for Barbara Carter.
470 reviews20 followers
December 20, 2022
Reconciliation? or not?

High stakes plots, murder and mayhem. VR needs to figure out another mystery. Who’s involved? Who’s on the side of right? Who’s deceiving who?
299 reviews
December 25, 2022
Excellent storytelling

Another great book by Christy Barritt. Great characters with suspense and romance make this a must read. I can't wait to read more!
11 reviews
January 3, 2023
Awesome story

Good story line. Easy to follow. I like to see some characters as well others from early books.
People that like to read good mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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