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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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! ❣️
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?
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.
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!
Christy Barritt continues to provide her readers with adventure, suspense, entertaining characters, clean romance and interesting storylines! Can't wait for the next installment.
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!
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.
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.
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.