EARLY REVIEW: **I Dared the Duke (The Wayward Wallflowers #2) by Anna Bennett**

I can honestly say that Anna Bennett is on my short list of favorite authors. Her voice speaks to me like a siren song and when I finish one of her books, I am left completely satisfied and with a smile on my face. 

I DARED THE DUKE. the second novel in the Wayward Wallflowers series, begins when Alexander Savage, the scarred Duke of Blackshire, arrives home to discover his beloved grandmother has taken on a young companion, Miss Elizabeth Lacey. Feeling that Elizabeth is unnecessary to his spunky grandmother, Alexander attempts to rid the home of her presence and try to banish his grandmother to the country. Although the duke has his reasons, he doesn't impart that knowledge to Miss Lacey or his grandmother and he and Beth butt heads over leaving London.

Alexander Savage has the dubious distinction of being a phenomenal lover, but the man who was scarred as a child in a fire that claimed the lives of his parents, is so much more than those rumors. Someone is trying to kill him and before danger befalls the woman who nursed him back to health after being badly burned, Alex must find a way to remove her from town.

Elizabeth Lacey is one of THOSE Wayward Wallflowers, a group of odd young ladies who have little hope of snagging a husband of quality. Elizabeth, or Beth as she is called by her friends and family. When the opportunity arises to become a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, Beth gladly takes on the roll and flourishes in her roll. The Duchess adores her and her life has meaning until her rogue of a grandson makes an appearance and upends the balance in more ways than one.

When Elizabeth discovers Alex is being singled out for murder, instead of running to the countryside with the Dowager Duchess, she puts up her dukes and proves to all she is so much more than the nickname given to her. Alex is taken aback by this formidable opponent and beyond all self-control, begins to fall for the puzzle named Beth.

I DARED A DUKE is a supremely written tale with action as well as romance. It's one of those stories to be remembered and shared. Anna Bennett had taken her Wallflowers to a new level and I eagerly await for her next tale to be spun.

~KIMBERLY~ 

A CHRISTI CALDWELL COVER REVEAL **SCHOOLING THE DUKE**

Hi all Book Obsessed Chicks lovelies! 

You all know that I LOVE Christi Caldwell... She is an amazing author and a wonderful friend...She is beginning the new

 HEART OF A SCANDAL SERIES

 and needed the PERFECT debut cover... 

So here it is! 

A few words from Christi

Covers matter. To me, they offer a window into a book. I always want my covers to be an accurate representation of some moment that occurs within the story. My upcoming release, "Schooling the Duke", which is Book 1 in my Heart of a Scandal series is a story of lovers reunited. Upon deep reflection on Graham and Rowena's book, "Schooling the Duke", my editorial team and I made the decision to change the cover. I believe this poignant, tender moment shared is a vividly beautiful capture of Graham and Rowena's love story!

I'm presenting to you the new cover for my upcoming release!! Now, I cannot wait to bring you the actual book!!

One Wild Night: A One and Only Texas Novel by Melissa Cutler

Get ready for the ride of your life...

A cowgirl at heart, Skye Martinez has a rebellious streak she's determined to shake. Especially since she's poised to take the reins of her family's business at Briscoe Ranch Resort. It's time for her to settle down and get serious about her future...right after one last night of fun with a handsome stranger she meets in the resort's stable. But when a midnight horseback ride turns into a red-hot weekend with one of country music's biggest stars, Skye's world is rocked beyond her wildest dreams...

Gentry Wells rode his bad boy image all the way to the top of the country music charts. But churning out hits has dried up his creativity, and he can't remember the last time his life was his own. Skye is a sexy distraction he can't resist, especially since she breathes new life into his music. They bring out the wild side in each other, which is great for Gentry's career--but a major threat to Skye's. Too bad he's fallen in love with her. With their hearts and futures on the line, can Gentry convince Skye to turn their joyride into a real chance to ride off into the sunset together? 

REVIEW

I think Melissa Cutler’s One Wild night is an amazing story for those who love country music, and for those who don’t.  Country fans can see Gentry as an amalgam of their favorite country stars ; non country fans can fall in love with the journey he takes through the course of the story.  But more importantly, even as he points out, the book isn’t his journey but Skye’s. 

Our heroine has a long way to go, from dealing with meddling members of her family and issues in her past that stand in the way of true love and a happy ending.    Thankfully, our hero is larger than life, loving and patient.  And lucky for us as readers, Melissa Cutler can spin an amazing tale, able to keep her readers focused on every single word.  

~~STACEY AGDERN~~

** Unexpectedly Hers (Sterling Canyon Book 3) Kindle Edition by Jamie Beck **

Emma Duffy works with her mother running a bed and breakfast in Sterling Canyon. She is quiet and always considered the “good” girl. Using an alias of Alexa Aspen, Emma lets out her inner vixen one night with snowboarder Wyatt Lawson. It was one of the most amazing nights of her life, the sex was amazing. Once Emma returns home, she decides to write a very erotic book loosely based on her one night with Wyatt. 

Wyatt Lawson is trying to make a comeback. He was off the circuit for two years helping his family out after his brother Ryder, also a competitor in winter eXtreme games suffered a crash and now has traumatic brain injury, rents the bed and breakfast to practice for a comeback. A film crew is also there to gather footage for a documentary of the comeback. Wyatt doesn’t recognize Emma.  

There are a lot of dynamics throughout this story; Emma and Wyatt’s blooming relationship, Emma helping Ryder find his new place in society after the accident, both Emma and Wyatt’s stressful relationship with their mothers, the film crew and Emma and her friends Kelsey and Avery and should Emma tell Wyatt about the book or just enjoy the month she has with Wyatt, lastly, what reaction will her mother and the town have if they find out about the erotic book “good” Emma wrote. I found the story a little slow in the beginning, Emma avoiding any real contact with Wyatt and Wyatt wondering why Emma didn’t like him. The story picks up as Emma finds out about the “real” Wyatt and that he is really nothing like the hero in her book. As the story progresses, we see Emma, Wyatt and Ryder realize that it is ok to not have to make everyone happy and that they are entitled to some happiness themselves. Eventually there is the blowout when it is revealed that Emma wrote a book loosely based on her one night with Wyatt. Wyatt leaves the bed and breakfast angry, Emma’s mother is angry, and Avery and Kelsey are proud of her. There is an HEA to this story for all of the characters involved. This is the third book in the series but can be read without reading the first two books. I look forward to other books in this series.

~~ JANET RODMAN~~

THE IDES OF MARCH with a HARLEQUIN BLOG TOUR ** CATHY MCDAVID**

A BABY FOR THE DEPUTY 

by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Cathy McDavid

A secret, no-strings relationship with Aaron Travers has suited Melody Hartman just fine for the past eight months. The lives of the Mustang Valley veterinarian and the deputy sheriff have always been complicated—and are about to become more so, because Mel is pregnant!

Raising his toddler daughter and protecting his Arizona town are Aaron's priorities. But this unexpected pregnancy is a life changer. The widowed single dad is ready to do the right thing and marry Mel. Can he say the three words she is waiting to hear? Will she think he wants to marry her only because of the baby? Or will she acknowledge that their feelings for each other run deeper than either of them realized?

         A BABY FOR THE DEPUTY

         by Cathy McDavid

Western Romance; March 7, 2017

$5.25 U.S.; 224 Pages
          ISBN-978-0-373-757497

Q&A with Cathy McDavid – A Baby for the Deputy 

1)   How did you come up with the relationship between Aaron Travers and Melody Hartman?

There seems to be a trend these days for young couples to “hang out together” rather than date --- at least, that’s what I hear and what my daughter tells me. I gave Aaron and Mel difficult romantic pasts, which made the idea of a no-strings-attached relationship appealing to them, then complicated things with an unexpected pregnancy because, well, life is complicated.

2)   What is your favorite part about writing Western Romance books?

I truly am a lover of all things western. I owned horses most of my life, grew up watching Bonanza and Big Valley reruns, and lived the western lifestyle for many, many years. For me, there is no sexier, more appealing romance book hero than a rugged, good looking cowboy.

3)   Do you have any traditions you enjoy during early Spring?

You mean besides the mandatory spring cleaning and yard work? Absolutely! I always attend the Glendale Chocolate Affair in February and Tucson Festival of Books in March where local romance writers host two to three days of mega booksignings. I love connecting with readers, both new and those that drop by every year for my latest release. Plus, I’m surrounded by books and authors.

4)   When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Like a lot of authors, I started writing at a young age. For me, it was in high school (I actually won a contest for a children’s book I wrote and illustrated). I didn’t seriously, however, until twenty years later. And it wasn’t until I finished that first book that I realized I’d found my passion. Two years ago, I quite the corporate world altogether to write full-time. It’s been a dream come true.

5)   How long does it take you to write a book?

Two weeks of intense planning and three months to write the book from start to finish. Of course, I always wind up trashing some of those carefully constructed plans in favor of better ideas that strike me along the way.

6)   Where do you get your idea to write about an unplanned pregnancy?

My publisher loves unplanned pregnancy books, as do readers! Plus, I really do enjoy writing them J  All kidding aside, I try to give my couples big, game-changing obstacles to overcome and, let’s face it, an unplanned pregnancy is pretty game-changing. I find writing believable reasons for how a couple finds themselves in this particular predicament and believable scenarios for how they cope with it to be challenging. Then, there’s the love story. My guy is going to do the right thing in the end, but he’s going to do it out of love, not just a responsibility.

7)   How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I’m in the process of writing my forty-second book. I had to look this up. My more recent favorites are Come Home, Cowboy and Rescuing the Cowboy. My all-time favorite is The Gate to Eden, a western historical. It still remains the book of my hear.

8)   What book are you reading right now?

The Sapphire Pendant --- a young adult novel by Audrey White Beyer from 1961. Part of my ongoing goal to read classics, especially young adult classics.

9)   What are your current projects?

I’m currently writing the third book in my newest Mustang Valley series, The Bull Rider’s Valentine. I’m also working on a proposal for a new three-book series in addition to writing a novella for release this summer. Yes, these books will all feature cowboy heroes. What can I say?

10)  What advice do you have for writers?

My best advice is to carefully consider the advice you receive. Gather as much information as you can from a wide variety of sources. Then, be extremely selective when choosing what to follow. Opinions are free and they vary greatly. Trust your instincts. Follow only the advice that makes the most sense to you.

CATHY MCDAVID, made it her goal to read every Walter Farley book ever written when she was in the third grade. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things Western and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With more than 1 million books sold, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author is a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. An “almost” Arizona native and mom to "fairly" grownup twins, she lives with her own real-life sweetheart and spends her days penning stories about good-looking cowboys riding the range, busting a bronc, and sweeping gals off their feet. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice. 

#BOC BOOKS TO READ ** NIGHTHAWK by KATHRYN LE VEQUE **

Nighthawk: Sons of de Wolfe (de Wolfe Pack Book 7) by USA Today and Amazon All-Star best-selling author Kathryn Le Veque.

"Le Veque writes... winning epics...." -- Publisher's Weekly

Publication date: February 21^st, 2017

Genre: Medieval Romance

ABOUT NIGHTHAWK:

1271 A.D. - The Wolfe's greatest son is a man known as NIGHTHAWK.

Patrick de Wolfe is every bit his father's son - cunning, intelligent, and ruthless. An enormous man with his father's dark hair and his mother's pale green eyes, he's the man destined to lead William de Wolfe's great legacy. He is so great, in fact, that the king has personally asked for his service, as one of the king's personal body guards. On the eve of Patrick departing for this auspicious assignment, he finds himself caught up in a skirmish along the Scots border.

And a prize lands in his lap that will change his destiny.

A prize in the form of a Scots captive harboring a deadly and important secret, one that could bring war and destruction upon those who shelter her. When Brighton “Bridey” de Favereux is rescued by the powerful English knight, she is taken back to the massive fortress of Questing Castle, seat of the legendary de Wolfe family. Having known nothing but hardship and cruelty her entire life, she is surprised when they are kind to her. The English, who are supposed to be her mortal enemy, are gracious and generous. For the first time, she understands that people can be kind to each other.

And the kindest one of all is the man who saved her.

Some loves are unexpected while others are instantly realized. The love between Patrick and Brighton is something that comes from a deeper place of understanding and attraction, a powerful love that cannot be denied… but it is a love that may cost them both their very lives when Bridey's terrible secret is uncovered.

NIGHTHAWK EXCERPT & LINKS:

Patrick stopped to look at the source of his sister’s interest and when he did, he was in for a surprise. He’d not seen the lady in the light. When his gaze fell on her, he felt a bolt of shock run through him - illuminated in the torches was a woman of unearthly beauty. She had brown hair, but it wasn’t just any shade of brown; he could see highlights of red and gold reflected in the torchlight. Her face was sweetly oval, as he’d noticed in the darkness, and she had the biggest eyes he’d ever seen in a shade of blue that was reflecting pale in the weak light. Her nose was pert, her skin like cream, and her rosy lips shaped like Cupid’s bow.

He’d never seen anything like her in his entire life.

“This… this is Lady Brighton de Favereux,” he told his sisters, sounding like an idiot because he was so caught off guard by the woman’s beauty. “We saved her from a raiding party.”

“Is she a prisoner?”

“Nay. But….”

Before he could continue his sentence, his sisters rushed forward and pushed him out of the way, taking hold of the disheveled, frightened lady. Patrick found himself overwhelmed by small women, trying to keep hold of the postulate but being summarily removed.

“My goodness,” Katheryn said with concern as she put her arm around Brighton’s shoulders. “What a harrowing experience, my lady. But you are safe now. Come with us and we shall tend to you.”

Another thing about Katheryn that reminded Patrick of their mother was the fact that she could be rather pushy. “Not now, Kate,” he said sternly. “I have many questions for the lady. I must ask now while the situation is fresh in her mind.”

Both Katheryn and Evelyn scowled at him. “Look at her,” Katheryn said, sounding like she was scolding him. “Are you so cruel that you cannot see how exhausted and terrified she is? She needs food and a bath. We shall tend to her and when she is fed and rested, then you may question her. Are you truly so heartless, Patrick, that you would think of your own demands over her comfort?”

He frowned. “This has nothing to do with being heartless,” he said. “I have many pressing questions for the lady and….”

“They can wait,” Katheryn said firmly, pulling Brighton up the stairs with the help of her sister. They were boxed in around her, preventing Patrick from retaking her. It was a rather smart tactical move against him. “Let us feed the woman and make her comfortable. Then you can go on with your tasteless military interrogation.”

Patrick knew he was licked. He shook his head in frustration, watching his sisters escort Brighton up the stairs and into the keep, being most attentive and kind to her. It would be futile to argue with them, he knew, stubborn women that they were.

Amazon https://goo.gl/E3acBG
iBooks https://goo.gl/rLSFm7
B & N https://goo.gl/PMUYsB
Kobo https://goo.gl/5FWYSB

ENTER TO WIN:

Subscribe to Kathryn’s blog, like her page on Facebook, and comment on this post with your favorite thing about medieval romance and you’ll be entered to win any backlist ebook of Kathryn’s!

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Then pop onto Facebook and like Kathryn’s page: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels/

ABOUT KATHRYN:

KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Historical Fiction. She has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES and on USA TODAY's HEA blog. In March 2015, Kathryn was the featured cover story for the March issue of InD'Tale Magazine, the premier Indie author magazine. She is also quintuple nominee (a record!) for the prestigious RONE awards for 2016.

Kathryn's Medieval Romance novels have been called 'detailed', 'highly romantic', and 'character-rich'. She crafts great adventures of love, battles, passion, and romance in the High Middle Ages. More than that, she writes for both women AND men - an unusual crossover for a romance author - and Kathryn has many male readers who enjoy her stories because of the male perspective, the action, and the adventure.

CONNECT WITH KATHRYN:

Website: http://kathrynbouseleveque.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathrynLeVeque

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathryn-le-veque

THE IDES OF MARCH with a HARLEQUIN BLOG TOUR ** CYNTHIA EDEN**

ABDUCTION

by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

 Cynthia Eden

New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden has killer instincts when it comes to breathtaking suspense!

Once the town troublemaker, Sheriff Hayden Black became the teen hero who saved young Jillian West from a savage kidnapper. He never got over their brief affair. Now, Sheriff Hayden Black is an ex-SEAL, and Jillian West is a burned-out FBI agent. They’ve reunited in their Florida hometown and rediscovered their powerful attraction. But as they hunt down a long-forgotten killer, will they get a second chance at happiness?

When a series of accidents begins to plague Jill, Hayden won't let her fall victim again. There's too much history between them—and too much desire.

ABDUCTION

by Cynthia Eden

Intrigue: February 21, 2017

$5.75 U.S.; 272 Pages
ISBN-978-1-335-720856

CYNTHIA EDEN is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She writes dark tales of romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Her books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, and one was named a 2013 RITA® finalist for best romantic suspense. Cynthia lives in the Deep South, loves horror movies and has an addiction to chocolate. More information about Cynthia may be found at www.cynthiaeden.com.

ASK CYNTHIA EDEN

    How did you come up with the relationship between Sheriff Hayden Black and Jillian West? 

 I wanted to create characters who’d met under extreme circumstances—Jillian and Hayden immediately sprang to mind for me. In many ways, the two characters are opposites—and it’s those opposite traits that draw them together.

      What is your favorite part about writing Romantic Suspense books?

  I love writing romantic suspense novels because I enjoy including twists and turns for my readers. I’m all about action in my stories—and romantic suspense novels help me to keep an action-focused plot.

    Do you have any traditions you enjoy during early Spring?  Heading to the beach is a must for me each spring. I’m lucky to live along the coast, so as soon as the temperatures start to climb, my toes are usually in the sand.

     When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

  Too long ago to remember! I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and even when I was a small kid, I was creating stories. I loved to change up the ending to fairy tales. 

     How long does it take you to write a book?

  It typically takes me about six weeks to write a book—but I have been writing full-time for over ten years now. So I have a rhythm when I write, and I’m able to use that rhythm to stay on pace with my deadlines.

     Where do you get your inspiration to write about a foiled kidnapping to tip off the plot?

  I actually saw a news story about the FBI’s CARD team (Child Abduction Rapid Deployment), and once I learned about that group, I was completely inspired. I knew that my heroine had to be a part of that team, and as I developed her character, I realized the reason she was so passionate about helping victims…well, it was because she’d been an abduction victim herself.

     How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

  At last count, I’ve written over 90 books.  I don’t have a favorite though—when I write a book, *that* book I am writing is my favorite. I am absolutely in love with it while I write.  And then I finish that novel and start a new one. The new book then becomes my favorite…it’s a cycle that never ends.

      What book are you reading right now? I’m reading JUSTICE ASCENDING by Rebecca Zanetti.

     What are your current projects?  I’m very excited about my “Killer Instinct” series with HQN. The first book in that series, AFTER THE DARK, will be launching next month—this is a very dark and sexy romantic suspense series.

  What advice do you have for writers?

  Write the stories that appeal most to you. Keep writing and keep reading and never, ever give up on your dreams.