Release Day Bliss With JOCIE MCKADE & Yankee Tenacity (Mayson-Dickson Mystery Series Book 2)

Following the latest cryptic message that might lead them to the truth about their parents, Emme Mayson and Jackie Dickson are pulled into another murder investigation when a man dressed in a kilt falls from the sky onto their truck. 

As if a dead body isn't enough, FBI Special Agent Chris Meechum and sexy caretaker Sam Fender try to rein in their sleuthing, but the sisters are determined to solve this murder. Men in kilts, Renaissance Faires, and a few mobsters in all the wrong places complicate the case. 

Emme Mayson is a Southern charmer from Alabama. Jackie Dickson is a straight-forward professional from Boston, they aren't exactly a match made in heaven. The only thing keeping them from starting another war between the states is the mystery surrounding their parents, and their own lives. 

Mayson-Dickson - Northern logic, Southern charm, and murder! 

Yankee Tenacity Excerpt

Jackie Dickson glanced behind her at the long truck bed. "Why would you buy a pisser like this?"

"Don't you be calling my pickup a pisser. That is just not nice." Emme patted the dashboard. "I like Cleo, and I've missed having my truck."

"Cleo? You realize this is a machine, right? Nuts, bolts, an engine, nothing more." Just when she thought her "maybe" twin sister, that was still to be determined, was going to be tolerable to live with, she goes all Alabama redneck.

"At least, it's more practical than that little skateboard you bought." Emme snarled at her.

"Skateboard? That blue beauty is a Z4 BMW roadster that tops out at a 165 MPH." Patting the dashboard of the truck sarcastically, she moaned. "What does this tank do? A slow crawl through Dixie?"

"It ain't all about the speed. Cleo can pull a boat, haul anything you want, lets me see over traffic, and as a bonus, I can run right over your puny little Beamer." She smiled.

Such was life with Ellie May Clampett. Jackie wondered what karmic debt she owed to have been sent here. It must have been a whopper.

"Did you put those coordinates into the GPS?"

"No, I'm just riding shotgun, while throwing biscuits to Jethro in the back."

Emme swerved a bit to the right, driving through the center of a huge pothole. The sudden impact jolted Jackie off her seat, crunching her elbow against the door. Then a loud thud hammered the back of the truck sending a shudder through the metal. The truck swerved, and Emme fought the wheel.

"Being a smart ass is one thing, trying to kill me is another." Jackie snapped.

"It wasn't me," Emme pulled the steering wheel hard. "I think we blew a tire." Easing the truck onto the side of the road, she pushed the four-way lights on and slid out. Tilting her head to one side, she looked at the tires, gave a shrug, started to walk to the back and stopped dead in her tracks.

Emme's hazel eyes grew large, the color drained from her tanned face and every part of her body was frozen into place.

This was one of those moments when Jackie had to decide if she really wanted to look behind her or not. They probably ran over some poor woodland animal. Those beasts were all over the place down here in the south. It's remains were probably scrambled over the side of the truck, and this miserable humidity would make it start stinking.

Emme stood on tip-toes, tilted her head to one side, and crooked her finger motioning Jackie to get out. Damn, there was no way of getting out of seeing what carnage was underneath the truck. Shoving open the door, she stepped onto the gravel shoulder, turning.

"Holy shit, what is that?"

"I think it's a body."

They walked toward the bed of the truck where booted feet hung over the side. The edge of the truck's bed was now a funky 'U' shape, the feet were perched at odd angles, and the branches of several pine trees nearly covered the rest of the body. At least, Jackie hoped there was a rest of the body.

"No. Hell no. Not another dead body. Seriously? Who the hell did we piss off so bad?" Jackie shook her head. Three dead bodies in a matter of weeks wasn't normal. Normal? Ha! It was downright screwed up.

"Eww, eww," Emme peered into the truck bed first. "That is nasty." Walking to the back, she stepped up on the bumper.

"What are you doing?" If she thought it was nasty why was she getting an even better look?

"Huh, will you look at this." Two cars sped past, their breeze making Emme hang onto the tailgate. "What do y'all think this is a NASCAR race?" She shouted after them.

Jackie hesitated. They'd seen enough mangled bodies recently to last a lifetime. Just a few weeks ago, they hadn't known each other existed. Jackie was a happy executive with a pharmaceutical company in Boston, and Emme was an architect working in Alabama. Then they both received a cryptic letter to come to Washington, D.C.

Since then a man was assassinated in front of them, they'd been shot at, moved to a 'safe' house by some agency - they didn't know which one - told their recently deceased parents were spies, and decided to open a private investigation office as a way of hiding their search for the truth about their parents. That was all it was supposed to be a PI agency that acted as a good cover story in their search. PI credentials opened doors.

Then they solved a high profile murder after a dead body slammed into them. That gave them a good paycheck, let them help the local cops put a murderer behind bars and put them square in the PI business. They had managed to keep their names out of the paper, barely. Publicity wasn't a good thing for people in a jacked-up witness protection program.

Jackie was hoping for nice little cases that involved cheating spouses or worker's comp fraud, not real dead bodies.

Standing on the bumper beside Emme she looked at the surprisingly intact body. It was a man in his mid to late thirties, Caucasian, brown hair tied in a ponytail, and dressed in, wait, what? A Scottish kilt.

"What the hell?" They exchanged glances. Jackie took one of the pine branches and lifted the kilt.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm checking to see if he was a real Scotsman." She dropped the branch.

"And you think looking at his junk is going to tell you? That is just rude." Emme jumped down just as a convertible sports car stopped.

"Hey, sweet thing do you need some help?" The driver's bald head glistened in the sun, his neon blue mesh tank top had been blown to an odd angle off one shoulder, and he was in serious need of a shave. He gave the engine a few revs.

"We sure do, honey." Emme pointed to the truck. "We could use some help dumping this dead body." The man the floored the convertible for all it was worth.

Did her sister really just tell that man there was a dead body in their truck? Yes, dammit she did.

"You know that man is calling the cops right now."

"My call will trump his." Emme smiled. "I have Agent Meechum's private number."

Meet The Author: Jocie McKade

Jocie McKade is an Amazon bestselling author, scriptwriter, and journalist. She lives in the Midwest with her family and Diesel the Wonder Dog. 

I write romantic comedy because, well, most of my real life could be a comedy, so I go with what I know! 

I am a grower of ArnoldSchwarz-a-weeds, which I call my garden guardians (no one wants to raid a garden with THOSE kind of weeds)and I am a camping goddess - I love camping and hey, I may not rock a bikini, but I can make a back-pack look good!!!

Visit Jocie's website to join her newsletter, get the latest news on releases and giveaways.

Guest Reviewer AMY COMPTON ~ The Pleasure of the Rose: The MacNeil Legacy - Book One by Jane Bonander ~

Fletcher MacNeil, half Comanche Indian and half Scottish, was raised on the stories of his Scottish ancestors and homeland even though he lived his whole life in Texas. When Fletcher was 15, his father remarried and Fletcher, feeling that he was just in the way, set out to make his own way. Unfortunately, he gets into a bit of trouble and finds himself sitting in an army jail cell, accused of murder, and awaiting the gallows. The last thing he expected was Gordon Geddes, a Scottish solicitor, arriving to inform him that he was the only surviving heir to Castle Sheiling on the Isle of Hedabarr. In order to claim his inheritance, Fletcher escapes and sails to Scotland, a new world.

Rosalyn Geddes, sister of Gordon, is the housekeeper at Castle Sheiling. She is shocked when she first meets the savage duke, as she refers to him. His dark skin and long braids are so unlike the people on the island. Yet, a strange feeling settles in her whenever she looks at him. Rosalyn’s brother reveals to Rosalyn and Fletcher that there is another stipulation to the will. Fletcher must marry and produce an heir within the year or all the fortune goes to an idiotic cousin. Fletcher agrees, but is concerned for his half siblings he left behind in Texas and vows to return to look for them if they are not located soon. Rosalyn vowed she’d never marry again. Her first husband was a heinous man whose cruelty resulted in the death of her daughter. But after an unexpected intimate encounter with Fletcher, Rosalyn concedes to the marriage. As Rosalyn and Fletcher face the day to day life of running the island, they begin to learn more about each other and are more open to the possibility that their relationship could be more.

There were several things I really enjoyed about this story and I would actually give 3 1/2 stars if Goodreads allowed that rating. Fletcher’s introduction to his duties as earl were comical. He was shocked to discover that the position of earl mostly required common sense as many of his duties were no more than settling arguments among the islanders.

I also enjoyed the initial banter between Fletcher and Rosalyn. She saw him as a rude, crude, and ill- mannered savage who liked to parade around naked. While Fletcher saw her as haughty and with cool superiority. Just the kind of woman he avoided. They often toyed with one another just to aggravate the other one.

I especially got a kick out of some of the secondary characters. The decrepit, gassy butler was pretty amusing and I liked the side romance that occurred between Rosalyn’s brother and her best friend. Fletcher’s siblings were likeable characters as well, and will hopefully have stories of their own.

As I said, there were lots of enjoyable elements to the story. I gave it 3 ½ stars because it just fell flat for me for a few reasons.

The conversations at times didn’t seem to fit the environment or the time period and just felt a little bland. The intimate scenes fell flat for me as well just seeming to be too abrupt and not really eliciting romantic feelings. I felt like the romance aspect was often overshadowed by other events in the story. There were other parts of the story that seemed resolved too quickly- Fletcher’s adjustment to the island and his sister’s adjustment as well.

Overall, it was an enjoyable novel but just fell short for me in some areas. As I said though, the secondary characters were good and I would be interested in reading their stories in the future. I was given and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

~AMY COMPTON~

Guest Blogger, SISSY MAE'S Review of Passionate Pursuit (Dangerous Desires #3) by Tina Donahue

'Passionate Pursuit' by Tina Donahue is book three in the "Dangerous Desires" series. This is the story of Beatriz and Tomás. I have read the other books in this series: Loving Lies and Wicked Whispers, but I easily feel this is a standalone book. It does have the other characters from the previous book so I did enjoy catching up with them. 

Beatriz is running from her father and his arranged marriage he has made for her. Beatriz father is a unfeeling mean person and only made the arrangement to better himself. So now Beatriz is pretending to be a servant for Tomás. Tomás has found Beatriz to be very beautiful and caring..not to mention that he is highly attracted to her. So he has been complex in how to move forward with her. As a servant and he the owner he shouldn't have any relationship with her but he can't resit her. Beatriz feels the same way so they start a friendship of sort but it quickly moves to something else. But Beatriz knows there can never be anything else so she tries to end it while Tomás tries to get her to marry him. 

I so loved this book...it might be my favorite one yet in the series! I just could not put it down! 

~SISSY MAE~ 

Review posted on:

https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordpress.com/2016/08/07/passionate-pursuit/

A Spring Deception by Jess Michaels

Miss Celia Fitzgilbert is more than a tad wary of after her engagement to a titled gentleman is broken, leaving her more relieved than distraught. After all, her breaking that engagement assisted her sister in finding true love with the brother of her former fiance. Now watching her sister, Rosalinde and husband Grey constantly fawn over one another, Celia feels saddened, wondering if she will ever experience that kind of love.

When Aidan, the Duke of Clairemont, makes and unprecedented return to society after  being hidden away for many years, the ton is all aflutter. Even Miss Celia Fitzgilbert is impressed by the handsome gentleman who at first meeting evokes feelings within she never knew possible. But all is not as it seems with the resurrected duke, for when the actual Duke of Clairemont, who was suspected of treasonous activities winds up bludgeoned to death, the crown sends in its best spy, John Dane, to masquerade as the duke and discover the who is behind the illegal activities.

Playing his part all too well, Aidan falls for Claire so deeply, that all could be the end of him. But no matter how hard he tries to keep his feelings at bay, Celia makes him desire her more than anyone or anything in his life to date. Celia has already been through so much heartache in her life. With her evil grandfather holding the identity of Rosalinde's and her father for ransom and the only way for her to discover who their father is, would be to marry a titled gentleman, the Duke of Clairemont would be not only the answer to her heart's desire, but the answer to the burning question. 

A SPRING DECEPTION, the second book in the SEASON'S  series by the wonderful author, Jess Michaels is a brilliant intriguing suspense and well as sizzling romance. I have adored every book I have read by Ms. Michaels so far, but this book is definitely a favorite with it's twists and turns. This book has me biting nails and swearing throughout as Celia, so completely deceived but so deeply desired discovers she cannot take everything in front of her for fact. Aidan/John is a fascinating character with a past that will melt hearts. A SPRING DECEPTION by Jess Michaels is a tale, not to be missed.

~KIMBERLY~

KATHRYN LEVEQUE'S WORLD OF DE WOLFE PACK.... ~ Sarah Hegger's BAD WOLFE ON THE RISE ~

Immerse yourself into the fabulous worlds created for USA Today and Amazon All-Star bestselling author Kathryn Le Veque’s World of de Wolfe Pack Amazon Kindle World! Based off Kathryn’s epic saga, seventeen authors have written and released new stories using Kathryn’s original settings, characters, or plots for a re-launch of the world. You’ll find incredible authors with books of Time-Travel, Highlander, Conquest England, Regency, and Contemporary Romance just to name a few. This launch is covering all of the bases of Historical Romance and more. Read on below to get to know one of the featured authors and their book in the Wolfe Pack. To learn more about the other authors and books included, you can follow the World of de Wolfe Pack on Facebook.

BOOK AND AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Bad Wolfe On The Rise by Sarah Hegger

Publication date: September 6^th, 2016

Genre: Historical Romance

ABOUT BAD WOLFE ON THE RISE:

A woman from his future will unlock the key to his past.

Oliver Fitzwilliam lives to wreak his revenge on William De Wolfe. Raising his sword to kill the man who has caused such horror in his life, Oliver finds himself wrenched eight hundred years forward into the future. Now he must find his sword, get back home and complete his revenge. Only one thing stands in his way, the beautiful Doctor Laura Rose.

Laura Rose is completing the final eight months of her hated internship at Deer Fallows Home for the Mentally Unstable. Patient Oliver Fitizwilliam disturbs her on so many levels, and when he is up for release, Laura fights to keep him contained. Oliver is too clever, his responses too pat for her to believe he is no longer a danger to himself and everyone around him.

In a battle for possession of the time-traveling sword, Oliver and Laura find themselves propelled back into the past. Now Laura must fight not only to find her way home, but to keep Oliver from taking a life and the subsequent regrets. Trapped together, their simmering chemistry ignites in a recipe for disaster that needs to traverse eight hundred years to find their happily ever after.

BAD WOLFE ON THE RISE EXCERPT:

A brilliant blue sky stretched above the crowd. Oliver turned his face up to the sun’s warm caress. A beautiful day to die. De Wolfe’s men would not let him escape once it was done. Purpose coursed hot and strong through his veins. Finally, he stood ready. Strong enough to challenge the mighty de Wolfe and win.

“Wolfe! Wolfe! Wolfe!” More voices joined the swelling chorus welcoming their hero home. Folk hung over the ramparts of Questing Castle, straining to catch a glimpse of the man they adored.

“See how he rides ahead of the men?” Mother stood on her toes, clawing his forearm as she whispered in his ear. “He believes no one can conquer him. Such is his overweening arrogance. Do you see?”

He put precious inches between him and Mother’s needy clinging. It stifled him, made the breath tighten in his throat. Like too-tight swaddling her need wrapped around him. Knowing what she required of him, he stood ready and resolved. “You should not be here.”

“Where else would I be?” She frowned. Year after year she brought him here in preparation for the day he would exact their revenge.

As he led his small column of men through the throng of villagers, William de Wolfe, the people’s savior, their precious soldier-god and hero sat astride his destrier like he and the beast were of one mind. People reached out to brush de Wolfe, believing that a mere touch would afford them protection.

Would they still chant their worship if they knew de Wolfe had tried to kill his own child?

“He is so tall.” Giggling, a girl grabbed her friend’s arm. “They say he is so handsome a maid would swoon at the sight of him.”

If they hung about de Wolfe they would not remain maids for long. Murderer of babes, defiler of maids, cruel, vicious brute. So mired in the lure of de Wolfe’s foul magic, would they believe if he told them?

Above the crowd noise rode a woman’s shrill scream. “I love you, de Wolfe.”

Fever bright, Mother’s gaze darted this way and that. Her cheeks bore a high flush as she pressed the cold steel hilt of the sword into his hand. “It is time.”

The pommel, so familiar in his hands, warmed to his touch. Driving him forward, the sword sang in his blood, Oliver pushed through a knot of de Wolfe’s blind worshippers.

“Watch yourself.” A man turned and snarled. Wide-eyed, he stepped out of Oliver’s way, tugging another with him.

The chanting died down. Carrying Oliver with them, the crowd surged closer to de Wolfe.

Graceful in his full armor, de Wolfe dismounted, and removed his helmet. Sunlight struck his dark hair as he glanced about.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON!

ENTER TO WIN:

Enter to win a Kindle Fire pre-loaded with all of the World of de Wolfe Pack Amazon Kindle Worlds re-launch books. That’s seventeen amazing stories ready to read when you get your Kindle in the mail! You’ll find incredible authors with books of Time-Travel, Highlander, Conquest England, Regency, and Contemporary Romance just to name a few. This prize covers all of the bases of Historical Romance and more.

Enter to Win!

ABOUT SARAH HEGGER:

Born British and raised in South Africa, Sarah Hegger suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust. Her match? A hot Canadian engineer, whose marriage proposal she accepted six short weeks after they first met. Together they’ve made homes in seven different cities across three different continents (and back again once or twice). She currently lives in Utah with her husband, two daughters, and two Golden Retrievers.

CONNECT WITH SARAH HEGGER:

Website: http://sarahhegger.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahheggerauthor

CUFFED AND CLAIMED PRE-ORDER EVENT

Cuffed & Claimed

  What's better than an Alpha man in uniform? Ten of them. Turn up the heat with ten BRAND-NEW law enforcement stories from some of the hottest USA Today, Amazon, and International best-selling romance authors around. These commanding men in uniform will fulfill your every sinful fantasy, and leave you panting for more. Featuring stories by: Caitlyn O’Leary, Daisy Philips, Elle Boon, Fiona Archer, Holly Roberts, Jenika Snow, Lori King, Lynne St. James, Sherri Hayes, and Sydney Lea  

http://cuffedandclaimed.com

Preorder for 99 cents!

 

Amazon <<>> Amazon UK

Amazon CA <<>> Amazon AU

Nook <<>> Kobo <<>> iBooks

---

  Her Hearts Protector by: Caitlyn O’Leary It’s the worst case scenario for David Sloane as a Military Policeman. An earthquake has rocked Las Flores, leaving devastation in its wake. The local government leans heavily on David to lead the manhunt to recapture the escaped convicts. In the midst of the chaos, former army nurse Sarah Kyle arrives with the International Aid Workers. As David comes face to face with the woman he’s never forgotten, danger continues to escalate as the desperate prisoners do anything they can leave the island. When conditions deteriorate will these former lovers survive, let alone have the happily ever after they deserve?

Read an Excerpt

  Arresting Submission by: Daisy Philips Cat Conroy had fallen for a bad boy before and it hadn’t ended well. Scott Weston was trouble with a capital T. He claimed to be a CPA but in Cat’s experience, accountants rarely carried guns to work. Undercover FBI agent Scott loved Cat from the moment he met her. Unfortunately, the lies he had to tell were driving them apart. Would she be able to forgive him when the truth finally came out?

Read an Excerpt

Delta Rogue by: Elle Boon Hailey’s tired of seeing men she considers her brothers nearly killed. The Navy was the one place she considered home, until now. Maddox is used to playing cat and mouse, his job is to keep the United States safe from terrorists. However, the ends always outweighed his own needs. Only this time, with Hailey’s life hanging in the balance 

it wasn’t the same. As threats escalate, and Hailey is placed under his care 24/7 will he be able to keep things professional? Or will it all fall apart as secrets are uncovered and the threats are closer than either thought?

Read an Excerpt

    In His Custody by: Fiona Archer English teacher Mercy Jones has sworn off men, especially the edgy ones. So why does the new substitute history teacher have to be dangerous, raw, and challenging—on every level? His uncompromising masculinity and questioning mind captivate Mercy, tempting her to risk her heart. Detective Aidan Shaw is a cynical bastard. But when working undercover to eradicate a high school drug network, Aidan meets an intelligent, feisty blonde. Mercy’s warmth and generous spirit awaken a part of him buried deep for too long. But as he closes in on the criminals manipulating innocents for profit, the stakes grow ever higher.

Read an Excerpt

  Street Justice by: Holly S. Roberts Street Justice combines a sexy alpha cop, a bohemian woman with a heart of gold, and a half-Shepard half-Poodle mix with a leg-humping need to prove who’s top dog in the neighborhood. With suspense, humor, and steamy romance Street Justice will have your alpha-cop fantasies on full alert.

Read an Excerpt

  Yes, Sir by: Jenika Snow Brittin I had no choice but to come back. I knew I’d run into Law, my bear-shifting ex, and the man I still loved. I thought I could move on. I was wrong. Law Brittin is the only woman I will ever love. She is it for me, even if she broke it off. I screwed up when I lost her, and I spent the next two years regretting it. Now she’s back, and it’s my chance to show her I can be the man she deserves.

Read an Excerpt

    The Lawman’s Lover by: Lori King A divorcee whose broken dreams are buried so deep she can’t remember where she put them. A Deputy Sheriff with a mountain of responsibilities weighing him down. A fling. No strings attached. No plans for the future. Until someone’s heart gets broken. Find out how Deputy Colby Bricker and waitress Elizabeth Newcomer take their shared past and build a new future, in this sister story to the Crawley Creek Ranch Series.

Read an Excerpt

  House Arrest by: Lynne St. James Ethan Price thought a job as a small-town police detective in Willow Haven would be easy after five years as a pilot in the Air Force. Then a rash of break-ins puts the entire department on alert and the woman he loves at risk. Anna Taggart is smart, stubborn, independent, and doesn’t think she needs anyone. Having her heart broken before, she refuses to give in to her feelings for Ethan no matter how hard he pursues her. Will Ethan be able to convince Anna life is too short not to love?

Read an Excerpt

  Seducing the Detective by: Sherri Hayes When Detective Janey Davis is sent to the small town of Liberty to consult on a recently discovered John Doe, she’s paired up with Deputy Kyle Reed. She’s run into his type before—handsome, overly confident, and he has the ladies fawning all over him. It should be easy to resist her attraction to him. If only someone would tell that to her heart.

Read an Excerpt

  Dirty Liars by: Sydney Lea Undercover FBI agent Nikolai has been treading a fine line between right and wrong for the last few years and everything he has worked for is thrown into utter chaos the moment he risks it all to save Harper. Harper’s life has just been turned upside down, and now she must rely on the one man who has been lying to her from the moment they met. Can they overcome all the dirty lies told between them?

Read an Excerpt

To Redeem a Rake (The Heart of a Duke Book 11) by Christi Caldwell

Jam packed with emotional trials and tribulations, Christi Caldwell's eleventh installment in the HEART OF A DUKE series, TO REDEEM A RAKE, is one of my favorite Christi Caldwell books to date and is bound to be one of your favorites as well. 

Miss Daphne Smith spent her childhood enjoying every aspect a reckless young girl could possibly partake of. Many times, these adventures were shared with her neighbor, the young Daniel Winterbourne who also shared her sense for excitement. All that came to an end for Daphne when she was thrown from her horse at the age of ten and irreparably shattered her leg. That day, Daniel was there to carry her home, but their friendship would never be the same. Other tragedies widened the rift between the two and for over a decade their lives took very different paths.

Now over a dozen years later, left alone in the world, Daphne must find a way to support herself or be turned out from the cottage she grew up in. With her father's death still fresh in her heart, Daphne seeks employment at a school for girls near her home, but it quickly turned down for lack of references. How does one get references if no one will take a chance on her? Knowing that her crippled leg is her main disadvantage, Daphne tries never to use it as an excuse or a crutch. After being turned away from the school, Daphne discovers that her former friend,  Daniel Winterbourne's sister, Alice has been let go as a student of the school and is waiting in vain for her brother to collect her. Daphne is angered on Alice's behalf and makes her way to the Winterbourne residence to give the former friend turned profligate rake, Daniel a piece of her mind. What she finds, is a glimmer of the boy she once knew so well, a man who has tossed away good sense for a life of debauchery.

Daniel Winterbourne, the Earl of Montfort's adult years to date have been filled with self gratification in every way, but when the self proclaimed rake is reunited with his childhood best friend, Daphne, his conscience begins to nibble away at his calm and cool exterior and those feelings her once had as a boy for his friend, threaten to come back full force if he doesn't watch himself.  But does he honestly want to hold back?

Left with a unwanted sister who will get in the way of his wicked ways, Daniel hires Daphne to be Alice's companion after his uncle gives Daniel the ultimatum of curbing his depravity and finding Alice a husband. Should he achieve that, he would be the recipient of the 8,000 pounds his mother left for Daniel.  Easier said than done? Maybe... but maybe not. 

Having to leave the countryside for London and the Season terrifies Daphne, who suffered humiliation and a personal scandal at her own come out when she was seventeen. Putting those fears aside in order to help Alice, and finally get those references she so ardently covets has Daphne doing her best to stay strong. When that scandal comes back to slap her in the face, Daphne has no idea the bear she awakens in Daniel, who finally is faced with with a spectrum of emotions he kept forever hidden.

TO REDEEM A RAKE by the brilliant Christi Caldwell is a magnificent book filled with heartbreak and triumph. This book allows us to understand how things that happen in our lives can make or break us if we allow them to. This book also allows us to understand that anyone can overcome any adversity with determination and love. Even though Daniel and Daphne were separated by over a decade of suffering and hardship, that friendship they shared as children is a building block for a bright future. All they have to do is open up and let those emotions flow. 

~KIMBERLY~

Only For His Lady (The Theodosia Sword Book 1) by Christi Caldwell

***Please note, "Only For His Lady" was previously featured in the "With Dreams Only of You" collection. It now features a prologue and epilogue!It is an approximately 30,000 word novella. 

Generations of strife between two families stemming from the theft of a broadsword is theme for this inventive and entertaining tale by talented author, Christi Caldwell.

Ever since the Rayne family lost the Theodosia broadsword  to the Renshaw family, who stole it many years prior, the Raynes have had nothing but bad luck in so many aspects of their lives. Now, Lady Theodosia Rayne, who takes her namesake to heart, is determined to retrieve that which was stolen from her family and restore some luck and perhaps some happiness.

Damian Renshaw, the current Duke of Devlin, is formidable man. He incites fear in many due to his reputation and an ugly scar marring his otherwise handsome visage. Usually bored  with the balls held at his home, this time something catches his attention. Well maybe not something, but someone, attired in masquerade wear attempting to look like a man, but clearly a woman with generous assets.  His interest piqued, Damian follows the woman and discovers her in the midst of a mess, trying to steal his sword.

At first Theodosia has no idea she has been cornered by the Devil Duke himself, thinking he is assistance, sent by a friend to abscond with the broadsword. When she realizes he is one of the enemy, she clearly states her purpose without fear or chagrin. Damian is fascinated by the fearless Theodosia and allows her to escape. And so begins the cat and mouse game between the Devil Duke and his not so unwilling prey.  

Now if that doesn't grab your attention and make you one-click this wonderfully written story, I don't know what will. ONLY FOR HIS LADY is a novella that packs a full story into few words. Ms. Caldwell grabs the reader's attention and doesn't let go. The Devil Duke and Theodosia are brilliant characters with great personalities, and their tale just may might just mean the end of a feud, but you need to read it to find out!

~KIMBERLY~

RELEASE DAY BLISS WITH TRACY BUCHANAN

How far would you go for those you love the most?

When Louise McKenzie’s mother is reported missing after the Boxing Day tsunami, Louise leaves her young family and travels to Thailand. There, she finds a bag containing her mother’s passport and a book filled with beautifully illustrated maps: The Atlas of Us, belonging to a woman named Claire. 

Who is Claire? How was Louise’s mom connected to her? And might the atlas help Louise find the answers she needs – and her mom? 

As Louise pores over the keepsakes hidden amongst its pages, she pieces together the mystery of a love affair, a dark tragedy and a secret both Claire and her mother would go to the ends of the earth to protect. 

How does it feel to be published in the US? 

When I discovered I was going to be published in the US, I was so delighted, especially because in my capacity as a travel magazine editor a few years back, I had the opportunity to visit the gorgeous country. And one city held a special place in my heart: San Francisco. I just adored it, from the heart-stopping zigzag taxi drive down Lombard Street to the walk I enjoyed on a beautiful clear day past the city’s famous ‘painted ladies.’

 

While there, when I was scribbling notes down for the article I was due to write, in the back of my mind I knew those same notes would be used one day to write a novel. And when the idea for The Lost Mother came to me, I just knew San Francisco had to play a role in it. When it came to writing the novel, I delved into the city’s history and was drawn to those tragic days of the earthquake. It felt totally natural for Claire, one of the main characters in The Lost Mother, to end up living in this beautiful city, herself scarred from tragedies of her past and ready to start healing.

 

I’ll leave you with an extract from the chapter based in San Francisco and maybe one day, I’ll return to the city and see someone reading The Lost Mother as they look out over the Golden Gate Bridge...

 

‘Look at me, Jay,’ she said, gesturing to her designer dress and shoes. ‘Is this the Claire you met two years ago, the colour-clashing mess who placed more importance on the memories her clothes held than how they looked? We’ve both said how right it is that we’re here in San Francisco considering it was ravished by an earthquake but was able to rise from the flames. But you do know there are still scars in the earth from the earthquake, don’t you? They do an Earthquake Trail so people can see them. It’s like us. The scars will never go away, no matter how much we try to paper them over. We have to accept them, dig down to our true selves, not try to cover the pain with gloss.’

‘We?’

‘Yeah. You, you deal with your mum’s death by dating one gorgeous stick-thin model after another. And me? I work harder, party harder. And now here we are, waiting for the century to tick over at a party to end all parties, packed with the great and good of San Francisco’s media set. It’s just—’ – ‘

A man walked past. A dash of brown hair, pale skin, dark stubble. He slowly turned and Claire held her breath, heart like thunder.

Blue eyes.

It wasn’t Milo.

‘Just what?’ Jay asked.

‘Oh, I don’t know.’

She turned to stare at her face in the reflection of the window. It blended into the ocean below. A gust of winter wind swept over the water, the ripples creating scars on her skin.

Book Obsessed Chicks Inside Romance Spotlight on Audio Book Narrator *** TIM CAMPBELL ***

Greetings all and welcome to Book Obsessed Chicks "Inside Romance" Spotlight with narrator, Tim Campbell. Tim is the voice of some of my favorite romance books by Christi Caldwell and Julie Johnstone, and his voice is addicting. It's a great thing to grab the latest title by either Christi or Julie and feel right at home with Tim Campbell's distinctive voice. Not only that, but Mr. Campbell is also a big soccer fan, which makes him way awesome in my book. 

I don't know about you, but I am fascinated by audio book narrators and their craft.  Since I think it takes a special person to be able to do this special job, I thought it would be fun to "meet" Tim Campbell. I hope you enjoy this Q&A and if you're so inclined, please leave comments and questions for Tim.

Hi Tim! Welcome to Book Obsessed Chicks! Please tell us a bit about yourself!

How did you begin doing narrations? 

I started listening to audiobooks when I was really young.  In fact, my both my parents and my grandmother, who lived with us when I was young, read to me from a very early age.  When I was 13 or so I wrote down a list of dream jobs, and after Astronaut, Baseball player, Soccer player, and Directing the Lord of the Rings Movies (before they were actually a thing...), was “audiobook narrator”.  Fast forward 15 years and three college degrees later, and I was working as an opera singer and musical theater actor in Los Angeles.  I needed a part time gig to fill in the gaps between stage productions, and I remembered my top five dream jobs list.  I was staying with some good friends while doing a production of Jekyll and Hyde out in San Bernardino, and I literally googled “How do I become an audiobook narrator”.   Just about a month earlier, Audible had started a contracting site (ACX). I did some auditions on a USB mic in my friends' office, and out of my first five auditions I booked three stipend titles through ACX.  Since that week in 2011 I have been recording full time, about 135 titles so far and about 20 more scheduled before the end of the year.

What was the first audio you ever listened to? 

I honestly have no idea.  I started listening at such an early age I can't even remember when I began.  Some of my favorites when I was young were the Ender Wiggin Saga, by Orson Scott Card, Dune,  and the production of The Chronicles of Narnia with all of the BBC and RSC greats.  Really though my earliest production of Narnia was my Grandma.  I think she read it aloud to my sister and me about three or four times when we were little.  She lived upstairs and we would go up to her room and sit on the arms of her big reading chair and beg her for “just one more chapter” night after night after night.  I dearly love those, some of my earliest, memories.

What was your first audio performance?

My first book was called “The Napolean Secret” by Gregg Loomis.  I went on to do the rest of his Lang Reilly Thrillers that first year I was narrating. When I listen now I can't help but cringe at myself, figuring things out and learning the ropes.  I was SO lucky to book that series and for the publisher to take a chance on a completely unknown newbie.  I did my best, but I would love to go back and re-record just about everything I narrated for those first couple years.

What's your favorite genre to narrate and why?

I have been and always will be, been a huge SciFi and epic Fantasy nerd.  I LOVE narrating fantasy novels and sci fi books.  My main skill set comes from the acting/dialects/character voices side of things, and I feel like that's where I do some of my very best work.  Also, it's relatively new for me, but I've started to narrate some really interesting non-fiction titles for Tantor Media.  I feel like an expert in certain subjects I never had the faintest clue about, and I love learning new things!  I almost NEVER listen to non-fiction books, but I surprisingly really love narrating them!  But yeah, fantasy and sci fi are my first and forever loves!

Do you read the books first? Or dive right in?

Read the books first.  ALWAYS.  ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS.  Not a word by word reading, like I would if I was consuming the book for fun, but at least a cursory read to get everything sorted.  Then I do searches for key terms and characters and such, I have a whole list.  But definitely, always, in some form, I go through the text first.

Are there any special treats or drinks you must have when you narrate?

Nope!  Although I will say, some books these days are so poorly edited that I may have a nice Scotch in the evening to help me forget about the unmitigated horrors perpetrated upon the English language by SOME (definitely not most) independent authors and editors. ;-). Oh, and COFFEE. COFFEE COFFEE COFFEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!  MMMM. I want coffee now... but it's 8 pm and I have to get up at 5:30 am tomorrow to record so I had better not...

How do you feel about narrating the romance genre?

I LOVE narrating romance novels.  I often played the young (tortured or otherwise) hero in stage productions and in operas, so it's not much of a stretch narrating devilish dukes and daring duchesses.  I work mostly in Regency and Medieval Romance, but I do some modern romance as well.  Everyone adores a good love story, and frankly I'm EXTREMELY lucky to get to work with writers like Christi Caldwell and Julie Johnstone, who have a real knack for capturing honest, truthful relationships, and writing complex characters, within the confines of the “romance” genre.  A good narrative is a good narrative, whether it has aliens or elves or ballroom dance scenes!

You know I HAVE to ask…. How do you keep a straight face while narrating THOSE scenes? 

Acting!  It's an actor's job to stay in character and get to the heart of whatever moment they are portraying, whether it be onstage or behind the mic.  I did a production of Don Giovanni once where I walked around stage snorting cocaine and molesting teenage girls for three hours, then died of a heroine overdose.  Obviously, that's not me, or anything I can relate to... but you stay in character and play the moment, whether you're describing an act of violence, of torture, or (God forbid!!) the naughty bits!  And honestly, you're not really thinking of the nature of what you are saying... you read the words as truthfully and authentically as you are able, you are living through the characters.  Simply, you don't really think about it any more than you would an action sequence or a dialogue scene or any other part of the story.

What’s the hardest accent to do?

Probably, for me, the different variations of African languages are difficult.  Likewise the differences in the different Scandinavian accents.  It's less about one specific accent being difficult, and more about the difficulty differentiating between characters from similar but differing regions... etc.  It can depend on the day too... sometimes you just slide right into a dialect like putting on your favorite T-shirt, and the next day your tongue decides to go on vacation without telling you and everything sounds like an Irish-Jamaican!

How do you research these accents? 

INTERWEB.  Forvo, Audio Eloquence etc. etc.  There are innumerably more resources now than there were even five years ago.  It's incredible.  And I know/teach a lot of accents/dialects myself... so unless it's fairly obscure I can usually do it with minimal brush up.

What are your hobbies?

I am totally and completely obsessed with my wife, so catering to her each and every whim takes up a good deal of my time. Seriously though, she's unbelievably amazing.  I play on three soccer teams and a softball team, as well as working out twice a week (I'm still trying to get Julie or Christi to put me on one of their covers...).  I sing with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and LA Opera Chorus, and as a concert soloist in Los Angeles, which aren't hobbies but do take up a good many of my evenings and weekends.  I love to hike and travel, and I do all of the cooking in our house, which is more out of necessity (so we don't starve) than any real love of cooking. And I listen to audiobooks ALL THE TIME... dozens each year.

What would you like my followers to know about you?

Just how grateful I am that their patronage allows me and the authors I work with to basically live our dreams, working in a field which brings us so much joy and fulfillment.  Without people buying and listening to the work we create from somewhere very deep inside of us, we would have to sell out and get “real” jobs.  So, thank you so much for your support of our industry and our artform.  Storytelling is as old as the human experience, and of all the myriad things that divide our world today... politics, religion, war... it's only by listening to each other's stories that any true healing and reconciliation can come about.  Even the silliest story has the power to shed the light of understanding on someone's experience.  And you might just see a little bit of yourself in that stranger's story. To quote F. Scott Fitzgerald, “That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.”  For me, that's the beauty in storytelling, and why I do what I do.  To build human connection, to entertain and bring happiness, and to, hopefully, make the world a little more joyful place.  And all of that is due completely to people like you, who take the time to listen to a good book and be swept away in the magic of it all. "

You can find Tim Campbell on his WEBSITE

ROMANCE TITLES TIM CAMPBELL HAS NARRATED

LEAVE A QUESTION OR COMMENT FOR TIM CAMPBELL AND YOU COULD WIN ONE OF THE TITLES HE'S NARRATED BY EITHER CHRISTI OR JULIE