The Bull Rider's Keeper by Lynn Cahoon ~ Review and Spotlight~

Wow, this was something new for me and I really enjoyed this take on a cowboy!

Jesse Sullivan is a champion bull rider, but he is also a very talented art student  at a nearby college. Taylor DeMarco is the privileged daughter of a wealthy family who have dabbled in the arts for generations. Taylor has proudly worked at the family gallery for years, and has high hopes of taking over and continuing the legacy her grandfather left for her.

When a gorgeous model appears in Jesse's art class as the subject for their art lesson, Jesse gets more than he bargains for in an attraction to the beauty, who just happens to be his art teacher's daughter. Is she off limits? Hmmmm.... Taylor finds something very interesting about the cowboy who loves art, but she can't figure out whether to open up to him, or remain wary of the all too handsome Jesse. She has after-all been burned by her fiance in the worst possible way, and a repeat of that just will not do for Taylor.

Without her knowledge, Taylor's parents decide to sell the gallery leaving her shocked and betrayed when she finds out that the buyer is none other than bull rider/artist, Jesse Sullivan. What can she do to stop this sale? What can Jesse do to prove to Taylor he's not just some conniving man ready to steal her dreams? Oh boy does Jesse have some work to do, especially when he brings in his unconventional mother and his manager into the mix, who create their fair share of drama.

I loved the stories that show the reader that there is so much more than meets the eye when you come face to face with the characters. Their unpredictability makes the read all the more enjoyable, as is the case in THE BULL RIDER'S KEEPER by Lynn Cahoon. Jesse's relationship with his mother is very interesting considering their lackluster past and it gives so much depth to the tale at hand. As so many point out to Jesse, he could have any woman he wants, but Jesse is over that and he shows it in how he treats Taylor. I love that. Taylor may may have had a privileged upbringing, but she is no snob, and the devil on her shoulder may be the one to prevail in this story. This is the first book I have read of Lynn Cahoon's and it will not be the last. I gave already added her previous Western Romances to my Kindle and they are raring to go. 

~KIMBERLY~

SPOTLIGHT ON AUTHOR LYNN CAHOON

Welcome to Book Obsessed Chicks and thank you for answering my questions.

    Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m an author of small town romance and mysteries. Living in a small tourist town myself, I get the best of all worlds. I’m an air sign that loves the water.  My favorite color was blue but now is moving darker into purple. I love deep and hard, so don’t cross me or those I love. J I’ve been married six years to my own hero, a reformed bad boy who shaved his head when I lost my hair to cancer treatments.  I’m a native Idahoan, so The Bull Rider’s series is set in my old stomping grounds.

   When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I toyed with writing during and after my divorce.  I took MFA classes and worked on the literary journal where I found a love of reading the slush pile.  Then I put away my dream until I had time. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I realized time isn’t promised anyone. So I started writing again in 2007 and made the time.

   Tell us about your upcoming work?

The book after THE BULL RIDER’S KEEPER returns my fans to South Cove California and THE TOURIST TRAP MYSTERY series.  MISSION TO MURDER will release July 31^st.

Here’s a tease…

In the California coastal town of South Cove, history is one of its many tourist attractions—until it becomes deadly…

Jill Gardner, proprietor of Coffee, Books, and More, has discovered that the old stone wall on her property might be a centuries-old mission worthy of being declared a landmark. But Craig Thomas, the obnoxious owner of South Cove’s most popular tourist spot, The Castle, makes it his business to contest her claim. When Thomas is found murdered at The Castle shortly after a heated argument with Jill, even her detective boyfriend has to ask her for an alibi. Jill decides she must find the real murderer to clear her name. But when the killer comes for her, she’ll need to jump from historic preservation to self-preservation …

    Do you have any mentors? Heroes?

I’m blessed to have a writing mentor who writes romance and mystery. Laura Bradford  aka Elizabeth Lynn Casey has been my rock during the ups and downs of getting published and staying that way. 

   Can you tell us your favorite character from your books so far and why?

From The Bull Rider series it has to be Jesse. The little brother who’s always in trouble and getting everyone else in the same boat.  But he’s more than just a bull rider. I love that he has doubts and concerns even if he doesn’t express them. And when he found his dream, I almost cried.

    Was it difficult for you to get published?

Define difficult?(lol) A large publisher had the first book in The Bull Rider series for two years and had expressed interest in publishing if I could get the edits right.  Well, after all that time, I didn’t get the edits right. I still target for this publisher and maybe someday.

After getting my final rejection, I sent the book to Crimson Romance which was my first e-publisher I chose. They were part of the Writer’s Digest family, so I knew I could trust them with my book. A week later, I had an offer.  And the same week, I got an offer from Lyrical to publish A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, my paranormal witchcraft novella. In 2012 I released three books and sold six. 

Now I’m working on the next step, a Big 6 (or 5) publisher.

  Who are your favorite authors/reads?

Sometimes it’s whoever I’m reading.  I’m into King again after devouring his DOCTOR SLEEP during my Christmas vacation. Now I’m listening to his 11/22/63 as I commute to the day job. I love Nora’s latest, THE DARK WITCH. And I’m drawn to small town stories like Robyn Carr’s THUNDER POINT series.  And Heather Graham.  Love her.  If we’re talking mysteries….I’ll stop there.

  Hobbies?

I love visiting our local antique shops and flea markets. It’s my finished- a-project treat on weekends. I love finding a unique piece that I could add to my collection. Last month my husband (who collects cars) got a 1974 issued penny bank in the shape of a car.

  What is your dream job?

Working at a university and talking books and training all day.

 Do you have any favorite TV shows?

Anything Project based. Project Runway (and the spinoffs), Top Chef (and the spin offs), The Next Food Network Star, American Idol, and on and on…. My guilty pleasure is Drop Dead Diva.  No redeeming value at all in that show… just fun.

  What’s next for you?

I’m finishing a Nashville based modern western contemporary while my agent shops my recently finished new cozy series a culinary paranormal mystery set in Idaho.

Then it’s back to South Cove to write the next three books.

  Where can we find you?

Links –

Goodreads -http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5857424.Lynn_Cahoon

Twitter - https://twitter.com/LynnCahoon

Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/LynnCahoonAuthor

Website and blog - http://lynncahoon.wordpress.com/

Amazon author page - http://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Cahoon/e/B0082PWOAO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

  What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m smart, sassy, and a bit of a wild card. My characters can make me cry and I hope have the same affect (in a good way) on my readers.  I love writing and enjoy talking writing to anyone I meet.  

GUEST REVIEWER ~JANET RODMAN~ BEAUTY AND THE CURSE by K.M. FAWCETT & CATHY TULLY

Seeing her necklace around the neck of Anabel Charming, dubbed "The Freak of Park Avenue" by the tabloids,, Chase Singleton's Grandmother sends him on a quest to get it back.

Chase's Grandmother had many eccentricities, including an antique crystal ball, the ability to predict the future and belief she is a witch. After seeing the necklace in the paper, Gram explains to him that fifty years ago she had given her heart to her one true love, Maxwell Charming, Anabel's father. Gram tells Chase that he must get the necklace back from Anabel or she is going to die on Halloween, two days away. "How will I do that?" Chase asks. Since Chase worked for his father's security firm, Gram suggested that he barter a security system for the necklace because Anabel was having issues with the paparazzi. Chase arrives at Anabel's penthouse. He believes that this will be a quick deal and then he could leave. When Anabel opens the door, he is surprised by her appearance. She is hunchbacked, has a short leg and covers her face with a black veil. Anabel feels like he is like all of the others and mocking her appearance.

Chase offers a security system for the necklace. She refuses. He then explains that the necklace belonged to his Grandmother and that she gave it to her one true love and needs it back to heal. Anabel tells him that she doesn't need an alarm system, she needs sex to break her curse and doesn't have much time left, only until Halloween and would give him the necklace if he had sex with her. Since Chase didn't believe in magic, he thought she was joking. Needing the necklace to save his grandmother, Chase agrees to the deal.

After Chase agrees to have sex with her Anabel is unclear what to do next. She asks advice from her pet, a fire breathing Dragon, Jinxy what to do. Jinxy is a Grease fanatic and uses movie references to help Anabel try to seduce Chase. The first few attempts fail until Jinxy suggests dancing to put Chase into the mood. This works. All of a sudden Chase starts to begin feeling something towards Anabel. They talk, and he finds out that they have a lot in common, including a love for art that Chase gave up after going to work for his father. As they talk more, Anabel finds out that Chase didn't like his job and that his passion was actually doing physical therapy and he was getting his Master's so that he could eventually open up his own practice. Anabel tells him the story of her mother's jealousy towards her and that she cursed her to become uglier as she grew older, this way no one would love her, not even her father. Chase tells Anabel that she is brave like his grandmother because she won't compromise herself for what she believes. Chase begins to develop feelings for Anabel. After having some wine, Anabel passes out. Chase realizes that he wants to show Anabel tenderness in bed and wants to go slow. He doesn't have time, he needs to get the necklace to his grandmother. He plans on leaving a note for Anabel telling her he will be back after he gives his grandmother the necklace. As he goes to take the necklace, he meets Jinxy and realizes that she actually has a fire breathing dragon and magic does exist. Chase and Jinxy bond. Eventually Anabel and Chase make love. When Anabel wakes up, she sees a portrait that Chase had painted of her. she was beautiful. When she looked at herself, she was the same. Anabel is furious about the portrait thinking he is mocking her and blames him for the curse not being broken. Chase tries to explain to her that this is how he sees her, " the artist paints the beauty he sees". Anabel doesn't believe him, words are exchanged and she gives him the necklace and tells him to leave.

Chase leaves and returns the necklace to his grandmother who puts it on and becomes healed. Believing this could help Anabel, Chase grabs the necklace and heads back to Anabel. No woman understands him like she does. She is surprised that he returned. He gives her the necklace to try and break the spell like it did for his grandmother. Anabel explains to him that it is too late and her mother never taught her any magic any way so she wouldn't know how to use it. Chase tells her that he doesn't care if the spell is broken, that he wants to be with her because he loves her. All of a sudden the necklace glows and the spell is broken. Five years later we find Anabel and Chase married with a little girl. Grams has moved in with them and Chase has become a physical therapist.

Ms Fawcett and Ms Tully have written a love story that focuses on the ideal that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Anabel is physically handicapped due to a curse and Chase is handicapped by his inability to follow his true passion because of his parent's expectations.. Over a weekend, they both find the strength to overcome their handicaps through love. I enjoyed this story because I liked the way Chase slowly came to realization that he loved Anabel despite how she looked on the outside because of what she was on the inside. She gave him the strength to pursue his dream to become a physical therapist with his own practice. If you are looking for a feel good story, I recommend you read Beauty and the Curse. I give it a 4 because of the message it leaves with the reader, "true beauty is found in the heart".

~JANET RODMAN~

AN UNWILLING HUSBAND by TERA SHANLEY (May 5, 2014 Release)

Margaret Flemming returns to the only place she truly ever felt was a home to her, following the death of her mother. Texas bound from Boston, where she lived under the ruling thumb of her disagreeable, uptight and insulting aunt, Maggie hopes her "father" will be happy to see her after so many years. Not able to live comfortably in the West, Maggie's mother retreats to the comforts of Boston society, taking her daughter away from the kindest man she could ever call father and her best friend, a young Garret Shaw.

Now years later, Maggie is back, but her happiness is short-lived when she comes across a much altered Garret Shaw, who is cynical and angry, he doesn't even recognize Maggie, which cuts her in two. Tragedy strikes when an accident takes Maggie's beloved father away from her almost as soon as she arrives and she is left alone. 

When the cold Garret informs Maggie that they will immediately be married,  he gives her orders on which dress to wear for the wedding ceremony which takes place the day after Maggie's father dies. In defiance, Maggie wears a red dress, because no one is going to tell her what to do, especially after she ran from Boston to get away for that over-bearing aunt. Deep down inside, marriage to Garret is all she ever wanted since she was a little girl. She compared every man she ever came across to him, but when faced with the extremely bossy and ornery Garret, she is taken aback and doesn't know what to do. 

Garret is sure than when the going gets tough, Maggie will get going, much like she did back when they were childhood friends. His mistrust of her intentions causes such a rift, but Maggie is determined to prove Garret wrong, and with the help of her new Indian girlfriend Lenny, who takes Maggie under her wing and shows her what it takes to get Garret to respect her.

AN UNWILLING HUSBAND by Tera Shanley had me rooting for the underdog named Maggie from the first. Garret put the blame on her for leaving him high and dry, like she didn't have a mother who put her on a train back to Boston. Maggie Shaw shows her husband a lesson or two that make him take notice, and when the male townsfolk take even more notice of the saucy redhead, steam starts to flow from Garret. I really enjoyed this story, it was nothing I ever expected with it's twists and turns. This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by author, Tera Shanley and it won't be the last.

~KIMBERLY~

TO TAME A HIGHLAND EARL (A MACLEAN HIGHLANDER NOVEL) by TARAH SCOTT

Tarah Scott is one of those authors that constantly has you thinking about what could possibly happen next. She did not disappoint with TO TAME A HIGHLAND EARL. 

Miss Eve Crenshaw awakens to find a rather bulky body on top of her in her bed. Before he knows it, Lord Erroll Rushton has a pistol firmly sticking into his ribs thanks to Eve. When her family burst into the room to find Eve in a compromising position with Rushton, her father insists upon a wedding. Eve's younger sister, Grace Crenshaw cries foul because she wants him for her husband, going so far as to concoct a story that she was compromised by the Earl. Oh boy. 

Neither Erroll nor Eve wants to marry anyone, but Erroll especially doesn't want to marry Grace who is just a little too eager. Eve devises a plan to get Erroll to Gretna Green and married to her younger sister all the while ignoring the little voice in her head telling her to open her eyes to the attraction she has for him. Of course her harebrained plan backfires and places her in an odd spot. 

Two stubborn people constitute one very exciting tale by Tarah Scott with TO TAME A HIGHLAND EARL. I have to say I so wanted to hit Eve over the head a few times to say nothing of the persistent sister, Grace. I loved Erroll from the first. Rogue that he is, I found him quite honorable and committed once he realizes what has to be done. This tale is like no other. I love that about Tarah Scott, she always brings something fresh to whatever subject she writes about. 

~KIMBERLY~

GUEST REVIEWER, DEANA POTTER'S REVIEW OF ~FEARLESS by K.M. FAWCETT~

As someone who reads a lot, I am always on the lookout for something different and exciting.  Ms. Fawcett gave me just what I have been looking for in the second book of her The Survival Race series, FEARLESS.   Not only is FEARLESS a compelling romance, Ms. Fawcett has magically weaved in many of the sub-genres of the romance world in this exciting tale.

FEARLESS is a unique blending of romantic suspense, fantasy and science fiction with a very historical feel.    I know what you are thinking right now.  HOW?  I honestly don’t know how she was able to do what seemed like to me, brings the past, the present and the future all in one place and time. I love world building.  Ms. Fawcett’s world of the Survival Series is unlike anything I have read before and thoroughly enjoyed get caught up in all the craziness!

Our star couple of this story are very much alike but yet so different at the same time.  Kedric is sexy, strong and determined.  Lord of the escaped humans, he is truly trying to make life better for all humans.  Kedric has very good intentions but in the eyes of some is going about it the wrong way.  Myia is still finding her place as a shaman.  She’s a sweet woman with a huge heart.  She too wants nothing more than the good of her people.  Myia makes it her mission to heal the Lords soul so he will stop taking her people.  Both of these characters have an amazing depth and wonderful personalities to them.  Kedric and Myia both are willing to go the lengths for what they believe is the right thing to do.  As the attraction and sexual tension begins to develop, Ms. Fawcett shows the readers that opposites really do attract.

Hands down FEARLESS by K.M. Fawcett is an adventure of a read.  Believe me you will be staying up past your bed time reading this one.  From the first page I was sucked in like a vortex and could not put the kindle down.  The mixing of so many aspects of the romance has created a compelling world that is described with vivid detail that I happily got lost in.  Myia and Kedric made me fall in love with them before they were a couple and even more so after.  I will say this FEARLESS is a romance read like no other.  If you are looking for a different kind of read that still has all the heat and passion this is your book.  I highly recommend this books to anyone who likes the follow: paranormal, historical, suspense and sci-fi!

~DEANA POTTER~

HOW TO LOSE AN DUKE IN 10 DAYS (WHAT HAPPENS IN SCOTLAND) BY KATE MCKINLEY ~OUT APRIL 21, 2014~

After being snubbed at a ball six months prior, Miss Pippa Wellby awakens to find the object of her public snubbing with her tradesman father in his library. When Pippa is told by the arrogant Duke of Arlington that he is there with the intent on being married to Pippa, she is taken aback. Surely he must be jesting, for all those months ago when she was so eager to meet Lucas Alexander, instead of engaging her in conversation, he turned and walked away from her, leaving Pippa to deal with the public aftermath.

Lucas Alexander was intrigued with Pippa Welby from the get-go, but she is also the offspring of a wealthy tradesman father who will be willing his daughter a very coveted coal mine. So which is the impetus for this marriage? Lucas wants her, and he believes that just because he wants her, he deserves to have her. So determined is he, that when Pippa throws up her arms in  disgust at the situation, he hands her an invitation to her own engagement ball. Oh I truly love his cockiness.

Pippa thought she was able to push her initial feelings aside for the handsome Duke, but when faced with him again all of those feelings of want flood right back and she fights an inner battle with whether to give in or resist. His kisses throw her off balance, they instill a need in Pippa that she never knew could exist. The Duke's stubborn and arrogant attitude, however, could be his downfall if he doesn't open his eyes and see what's before him.

HOW TO LOSE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS by Kate McKinley is a thrillingly exasperating tale. I loved both Pippa's and Lucas' characters. They both had endearing as well as infuriating qualities. As a huge fan of the alpha male, Lucas is a delight to me, especially when this man takes over in the bedroom. Kate McKinley's intimate scenes sizzle with the ingenue and the alpha and as a new reader to her work, I am adding Ms. McKinley to my TBR pile now. Have a peek at the short and sizzling HOW TO LOSE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS by Kate McKinley, you won't be sorry!

~KIMBERLY~

One Night with an Earl (House of Trent #2.5) by Jennifer Haymore

I begin by saying that I truly love the House of Trent series by the brilliant, Jennifer Haymore. Miss Haymore changes the game completely when writing romance and I for one am happy to be along for the ride.

Widowed for sometime now Beatrice Reece has been shunned bu the ton and accused of having to do with the murder of her abusive husband, the Marquis of Fenwicke. Two years after his death, she exists away from society in solitude. Her dear friend Jessica, insists she attend Madame Lussier's masquerade ball as the Greek goddess Persephone, to if only a while let down the wall of loneliness that Beatrice has been secured behind since her terrible marriage. There is complete anonymity, Beatrice can pretend to be free of all the societal misconceptions  that have her all but in a noose since her husband's demise.

Andrew Sinclair, now the Earl of Weston dislikes mixing with the ton, preferring to be ensconced away with his love of botany. When Madame Lussier herself, insists that Andrew make an appearance at the masquerade ball, he begrudgingly agrees only to appease her. Making his masked appearance at the ball breathes new life into Drew when he sees the Greek goddess and knows exactly who it it under her mask. He had always been in love with Beatrice Reece and even had a notion to ask for her hand in marriage before he found her betrothed to the Marquis of Fenwicke. Now years later and after seeing her from across the crowded room, she has once again piqued his interest and stirred feelings he had forgotten he had  for the lady who he knew had been terribly misused by her husband before his death

Behind their masks they both lower the shields and bask in the romance that anonymity has provided. He knows who she is, but she has no clue who is behind his mask, only knowing that she is attracted to him like she has never been to any other in her life and wants to immerse herself into the moment for as long as she can, for once he finds out her identity, he will toss her aside like the rest of society has.... or will he?

ONE NIGHT WITH AN EARL by Jennifer Haymore is teeming with romance and excitement. I fell in love with Drew from the get-go. Such intensity his feelings for Beatrice that I was wishing I could be in her place. Jennifer Haymore has such an innate talent for writing such depth and feeling, even in a novella. I am consistently in awe of Miss Haymore and crave the next dose of her medicine in the form of her written word.

~KIMBERLY~