Featuring authors: Regan Walker, Emma Prince, Maria Riegger, Margo Ryerkerk, Rena Marin, Stephen Bentley and S.J. Francis.
Special Guest – The Photography of Paul Henry Serres
Click the magazine to read!
Uncaged Review – Salvageable by Jean Baxter
Salvageable
Jean Baxter
Young Adult
The trouble with trust is once it’s broken, it changes who you are and who you will become—forever.
If Michael Jarrid thinks the worst has happened when his parents don’t believe him over his pregnant ex-girlfriend’s lie, he is wrong. Feeling alone, he pours all of his heart and soul into a new relationship. What Lacey does to him is even worse …
Now he doesn’t even trust himself. Is his life salvageable?
Uncaged Review: Mike had it all planned out according to his father. Finish school then off to college. Until Mike finds himself in trouble with his ex girlfriend.
I really enjoyed this book as it focused on real life problems. I even found myself getting angry with Mike like I knew him myself.
Reviewed by Jennifer
4 Stars
Uncaged Review – Savage Betrayal by Emily Tyler
Savage Betrayal
Emily Tyler
Fantasy
Princess Kendra, legitimate only daughter of the royal marriage, is destined to be Queen of Keswin but her twin, Kirra, covets the crown. Her lover, Lord Devon, also wants the crown and he seizes it with a bloody coup.
While fleeing to safety, Kendra saves and falls in love with a wounded soldier, Arlan, and when no noble will offer her marriage, she becomes determined to find a way to marry the man she loves.
But Kendra knows she must soon put their potential happiness aside and return and save her throne.
Uncaged Review: Kendra finds out some home truths about her family after her sister tells her of her motives for the crown.
A brutal attack by her own sister’s lover finds Kendra
on the run. I felt this book was very action packed and full of surprises for the reader. A good start to the series and looking forward to reading book two. Reviewed by Jennifer
4 Stars
Interview with Author Madelyn Hill
As seen in the December issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.
Uncaged: You are well known for writing smoking hot Historicals, especially those wicked Highlanders, but you also write Contemporary and Young Adult. Can you tell us more about your different series?
Thank you! My first love is the historical novel. When I was young I read Little House On The Prairie books over and over again loving the way they lived and carved their lives in the land. As I grew older my love for historical romance continued and I really focus on historical romances. My adult contemporary series aren’t yet published, are filled with alpha males and strong heroines who clash until they realize they can’t live without each other. My YA series is a work in progress and always hovering at the back of my mind. I work in education and kids amazing me in so many ways. And the characters have specific interest in art and that is pulled into the series. I actually have interviews set up with a metal artist coming up.
Uncaged: This is our holiday issue – can you tell us of some of your holiday traditions and some things you love to do during the Christmas season?
We do Christmas big in our house. Growing up all of the relatives would come to our house on Christmas Day and it was very fun and there was a ton of food. My love of Christmas has sometimes gotten out of control with decorating, baking and cooking, but I love chaos so it usually works out. We still put our shoes by our bedroom doors on St. Nickolas’ Day (December 6th) and the kids receive gum, candy and Starbucks gift cards. When my daughter went to college, I sent it to her
We bake a lot of cookies and bring them to neighbors, relatives, and work. This is an all-day activity in which we make about eight different types of Christmas cookies. And for Christmas dinner, we have an abbreviated Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes along with family favorites such as tenderloin, roasted Brussel sprouts and tiramisu.
What I love most of all is that we are together.
Uncaged: Christmas in the Highlands was a magical book to me. What I loved about it, is the two stories kept all the characters in both and they both enhanced each other. What inspires your Historicals? How much research do you do for them?
Thank you! I think there is just something magical (at least perceived by readers) about the Highlands and Scottish men in general. The accent, the kilt, the brawn. Those facets come together to create a romantic character. And for me, that means writing historicals because I love the idea of a Highlander sweeping the heroine off of her feet. I’m also very tied to my Celtic heritage and it may be why I’m drawn to Scottish historicals in particular.
I love little nuggets that I can pull into my stories and make them real. With historicals, this is a no brainer, the history must be within the pages of the book in order to create an immersive story for the reader.
When I start plotting a story, I determine the area of the Highlands and see if there is a real clan I can use for my story. If I need to create a clan like, I did for the heroines in the Wild Thistle Trilogy, I pick characteristics of existing clans. If it is a real clan, there is a lot of research to do in order to honor the clan’s history. In Christmas in the Highlands, the clans are real and I found some information about the clan which allowed me to create the conflict in A Family for Christmas. Basics, such as clothing, speech, and food is necessary to get right and create an authentic experience for the reader. My editor is awesome at detecting words that weren’t used during the time period I’m writing, so I research word usage as well (Thank God for Google!).
Uncaged: As a reviewer, I’m always curious as to what authors can take away from the reviews, do you read them and what do you take away from the reviews?
I read all reviews. Sometimes a review can hurt, these are our babies after all. However, I think the best thing to do is see if the criticism is accurate and then use it to better your writing craft. In my opinion, writers should always try to learn and perfect the facets of writing such as characterization, dialogue, and word usage.
Uncaged: Can you tell us what you have coming up next?
Highland Faith, Book 3 of the Wild Thistle Trilogy will be out May 2018. I’m working on a contemporary Christmas story and developing 2 historical series, one is called Highland Rogues based on Shakespearian themes and the other a Regency Mystery Series.
Uncaged: Where do you come up with your characters and their names? How much do you pull from people you know?
I usually start with a title and the hero and heroine’s names. That kicks off the story and then I do a character sketch for each character and plop those right at the beginning of the working manuscript. That way I can keep the characterization accurate and tweak if necessary. I also create a Pinterest board for each book so I have visuals and links to something I researched. Some characteristics of people I know filter into a character, but none are based solely on someone I know. And a few times people have asked me to put them in my books. In my Highland Rogue Series, I have added a clan story teller which is loosely based on one of my co-workers.
Uncaged: What is your favorite parts about being an author? What have you found to be the least favorite?
I love writing, the creative process, and seeing my books in print. Even if I tried to turn my muse off, I can’t, stories pop into my head all of the time. I love meeting writers and forging friendships and meeting readers at signings. One thing I do not love is the everyday minutia of marketing. I’m a bit of a techie, so I try to use technology to help me post to multiple social networking sites at one time and populate my Twitter feed with writing articles. I do love interacting on social networking, but sometimes I lose a lot of time on Facebook and/or Twitter – oh and Pinterest! One can spend a lot of time finding inspiration on Pinterest.
Uncaged: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
I love to read and cook. We spend a lot of time together as a family and now that our children are getting older, my husband and I are enjoying going to events and restaurants in our city on our own. We also have a new puppy named Cannoli who is keeping us very busy and may well become a character in a children’s book in the future!
Uncaged: I know that my favorites change as I read more and more books, but was the last book you loved? The last book you wanted to throw against a wall (good or bad)?
I always give books a chance, even if I want to throw it against a wall, I finish it. Sometimes books improve, but I think the main reason is that I know how much work goes into writing and publishing a book.
As for my favorite book, hmmm, this is tough! I have so many authors I love to read and read all of their books. I think Elizabeth St. Michel’s Duke of Rutland Series and Willa Blair’s historicals are wonderful. I also love Misty Simon’s newest contemporary book Cremains of the Day.
Uncaged: What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?
Thank you for reading my books! An author puts a lot of blood, sweat and tears into each book and when someone clicks that buy button, it makes our day. And when you leave a review? It is the best gift an author can receive.
[symple_box color=”black” fade_in=”false” float=”center” text_align=”left” width=””]Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she’d sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a “closet” writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out there and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn’t be happier! A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They are busy with their 3 children and a puppy named Cannoli! They love to cook, go to the movies, and hang out with friends.[/symple_box]
Uncaged Review – The Reaper’s Kiss by Dale Ibitz
The Reaper’s Kiss
Dale Ibitz
Paranormal
Haunted by painful memories, William turns to a world of sex and poison to forget his status as a shunned reaper with a sordid past. His strategy for survival is to fortify his emotional armor so no one will ever hurt him again, while trying to find redemption for his sins. Natalie, an exquisite human trying to save her sister from the horrors of the Other World, intrigues him. Though adamant she means nothing to him, her kisses reach into William’s soul and her silky skin is a slice of heaven. The damn woman cracks his protective shell. After learning the dark secret of Natalie’s past, how much will he sacrifice to save her soul?
The only thing Leah wants is a family and a place to call home. All she has is a target on her back because her daddy was an angel and her mom a human. Her anger has built for centuries as she goes on the run, hiding from a murdering goddess. Plotting revenge takes a village, however, and she might have to kill someone William loves to make him join her game. Will she exchange her hopes and dreams for a chance at payback?
Natalie needs William’s help to find her sister in the Other World. Her plan is to play him, deciding she’ll go as far as sleeping with the striking reaper if it’ll save her sister. Though his kisses bring on primal urges she’s never felt before, they don’t compare to the fire he ignites when he touches other parts of her body. Then she learns about his murderous past. Is she the one being played, left to die at another’s hand by the man she’s fallen for?
Uncaged Review: William is a reaper who is shunned due to bad choices and an addiction to soul juice. Promising to get back on the straight and narrow, he struggles to try and keep his nose clean. Haunted by his past and painful memories, he has hardened himself.
Natalie is in search of her sister who has been taken to the Other World by Giltine, and will do anything she can to get her back. Even if that means playing reaper William to get his help. Still something about him does things to her she doesn’t expect. The same can be said to the effect she has on him. She threatens to break the shield he has put up around himself.
Will William do whatever it takes to help Natalie? Will she play her game and use William for what she needs or will the urges he sends through her make her forget her plans and let him in or is she actually the one who is being played?
The story of William and Natalie is quite intriguing and fun to read, however, the subplots of so many other characters makes it quite hard to keep up with. At times it feels as if the main story line is lost among all the other characters and their intentions. Although it is a great read, the confusion I felt at times hindered being able to fully enjoy the story to the extent I wanted. Still, I would read this author again. The visuals provided help you envision what is going on and the imagination behind William and his story is very well thought out. Reviewed by Rena
4 Stars
Uncaged Review – Christmas in the Highlands by Madelyn Hill with Excerpt!
Christmas in the Highlands
Madelyn Hill
Historical Highlands
A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS, BOOK ONE
Laird Malcolm Sutherland needs a bride. He has few requirements of his new wife; demands he should have insisted with his former betrothed—namely, honesty, loyalty, and resources.
Lady Rossalyn Gordon will do anything to be rid of her tyrant father, even if that means deceiving the man who offers her an escape. If revealed, those secrets will either bring her mercy, or thrust her back into the hands of the devil who sired her.
When Rossalyn’s bastard of a father arrives at Sutherland Keep, going back on his word and ordering her return, Malcolm must decide if he can forgive his wife enough to listen to his heart and have a family for Christmas.
HIS BY CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS, BOOK TWO
Fiona Sutherland longs for love with the man she has pined after since she was a lass. When he weds another she is devastated, and questions why the man she pledged her heart to has forsaken a vow made in their youth. Could loving her be so hard?
Cameron Munro adores Fiona from afar, knowing her heart has been set on another. She is everything he desires—strong, loyal, and fiery in spirit.
Determined, he pledges to prove his love to her and win Fiona’s heart by Christmas.
Excerpt
(Book 2 – His By Christmas)
“I want to woo a wife.”
Brae tipped her head back and laughed. “You’ll not be needing my help with that, lad. Why, I could go in the kitchen and announce you’re looking for a wife and the lasses would run me down trying to get to you.”
He chuckled, relaxed in his chair, and crossed his arms over his chest. “I want to woo Fiona.”
Abruptly, Brae sobered and then her eyes widened. “Fiona,” she exclaimed with wonder and a bit of surprise. “Are you certain, lad?”
He grinned. Fiona had earned her contrary reputation honestly. “Aye.”
“Well.” That single word held a heavy dose of skepticism. “‘Twill be tricky. She’s hurting and not likely to receive your attention. She’ll refuse you if you push her.”
Aye. Fiona was an independent woman, but with a vulnerability about her and something painful in her gaze that resulted from more than Mal’s so-called betrayal. Cam had witnessed it too many times. When those green eyes turned sad, it broke his heart. For her soul was strong and if sadness lingered, ‘twas a grievous wound within her.
“Lad, you’ll have to go slowly.” A quick smile flashed on Brae’s aged face. “Little things. Things a lass such as Fiona would appreciate. Nothing obvious.”
Aye, from what he knew of Fiona, she wouldn’t want a gift-giving swain made public. “Could you send a meal to her chamber as a courtesy?”
Brae’s smile forced her wrinkles to crease around her eyes. “For certain, Cam. ‘Tis a kind gesture.” She patted his arm and relayed his desire to one of the kitchen lasses.
His wooing would need to be quick, for if Fiona discovered his plan she’d fight him and the desire he kenned she’d have for him if she just gave him a chance.
Aye, he’d court her, gently but swiftly, for he’d only a fortnight.
And she’d be his by Christmas.
Uncaged Review
A fantastic seasonal Highlander that should have a place on all historical lovers lists, and one of the things I loved about these two stories in one, is they follow each other perfectly. In our first book, we get the story of Laird Malcom and Lady Rossalyn who is pledged to him from her cruel father – as a bargaining tool for an alliance with Laird Malcom Sutherland. Unknown to Malcolm, that Rossalyn was once married and has a daughter whom she steals away in the wagons.
The second story follows right after the events of book one, and this one is about Malcolm’s right-hand man, Cam and the feisty Fiona, who we met in book one, whose heart is broken from Malcolm bringing home a wife – believing it should have been her since they were children. A rare treat, is we get to still see Rossalyn and Malcolm and a peek into their life after their arc ended as we also cheer on Cam and Fiona.
The stories don’t feel like shorter novellas, both stories are well developed with interesting and likable characters and the author does a great job having the reader connect with the characters. If you are looking for a nice historical romance for this holiday season, this Highlander would be a great choice. Reviewed by Cyrene
5 Stars
Interview with Author Shanna Hatfield
As seen in the December issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.
Uncaged: In The Christmas Cowboy, we meet Tate and Kenzie, a book full of romance, the rodeo, and a feel-good ending. What inspires you to write in the Western romance genre? I’ve been a horse owner most of my life so I’m intrigued, do you have a background in the western way of life?
I grew up on a farm and always had a horse to ride. My family would probably tell you I was a bit of a horse crazy girl. When I was about three or so, I was supposed to be napping and snuck out of the house so I could ride my pony. I didn’t get the riding pad tight and ended up clinging to it upside down beneath the pony when my mom finally found me. (A girl just wants to ride, right?)
During most of my childhood years, my oldest brother worked as a buckaroo on remote ranches located on the edge of nowhere. He’d return home full of adventurous stories and sometimes bring along a cowboy or two who could use a home-cooked meal and a few days of “civilization.” They’d walk in the house smelling like sunshine, horses and leather and I thought it was the greatest thing in the world.
The western way of life is one I greatly admire and enjoy.
Uncaged: This is our holiday issue – can you tell us of some of your holiday traditions and some things you love to do during the Christmas season?
The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. Growing up, we always made a trek to the woods (which was about an hour and a half drive) to spend the day picking out the perfect Christmas tree. We often hosted Christmas at our house for all the extended family, so we’d go sledding and ice skating and have such fun.
One tradition I started a few years ago is making home-made cinnamon rolls. I try to deliver them to friends and neighbors while they’re still warm, and the frosting is melting over the cinnamon-filled rolls in sweet, delectable puddles. Also, I love to decorate for the holidays and have a theme for each room in the house.
My husband, Captain Cavedweller, and I wed during the holiday season, so it’s just a wonderful, magical, romantic time of the year for us.
Uncaged: You also write in other genres, can you tell us about the different series you have published along with the wonderful holiday selection you have written?
I started out writing sweet contemporary romance then I decided to give writing historical romances a try. Goodness, I love writing both so much! I also have a few humorous books out (one based on my adventurous growing up on the farm), four recipe and entertaining tips books, and my first children’s book, Steve the Mule recently released.
One contemporary series I write is the Rodeo Romance series (The Christmas Cowboy is the first book in that series). The fifth book just released a few weeks ago and all the stories involve hunky rodeo cowboys, sassy women, laughter, heartwarming moments, and holiday cheer. Grass Valley Cowboys is another contemporary series I enjoy writing. It’s been popular with readers. The setting is a ranch in central Oregon owned by the three Thompson brothers. Among the characters are their widowed mother, a few cousins, and their close friends, the Morgan family. (The Morgans just happen to be cousins to Tate Morgan of the The Christmas Cowboy.) The first book in the series, The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan, is about a city girl who needs a change of pace so she comes to Grass Valley to visit her aunt. Trey Thompson needs a new cook and housekeeper after his retired, so he hires Cadi and from there, the holiday fun and romance begins.
I also have a World War II series called Hearts of the War. So far, there are two books out in it, but I have plans to write more. Historical accuracy is very important to me, so it takes a lot of research for these books, but I love every minute of it.
Historical series I write include Pendleton Petticoats, Baker City Brides, and Hardman Holidays. The Hardman Holidays series has been likened to Old West fairy tales and is such fun this time of year. The sixth book in the series, The Christmas Confection, releases December 5. It’s a story about a man in need of redemption and a baker determined to make him smile. Three fairy-godmother like aunts arrive to add to the chaos and holiday escapades.
Uncaged: As a reviewer, I’m always curious as to what authors can take away from the reviews, do you read them and what do you take away from the reviews?
I do read a lot of reviews and appreciate people taking the time to write them. Everyone is so busy, so when people actually take a minute to share their thoughts about a book, I think it’s important to read it. A well-written, thoughtful review can be so helpful to an author, even if it is pointing out something specific the author can do better. Constructive criticism is a great thing. Destructive – not so much. And the great reviews truly buoy our spirits and lift us up when we need a little boost.
Uncaged: Can you tell us what you have coming up next?
Plans for 2018 include releasing books in several of my series. The next installment in the Pendleton Petticoats series and Baker City Brides series will be out in the spring. Most likely, I’ll have a new Hearts of the War book out around autumn. I do plan to release new stories in the Rodeo Romance and Hardman Holidays series, too. Additionally, I have a new secret project I’m working on and hope to have completed before the end of the year.
Uncaged: Where do you come up with your characters and their names? How much do you pull from people you know?
I love names that are different (that might derive from having a name most people don’t pronounce correctly). If I happen upon a name that is unique or different, I save it to a file I keep with character names (and those names include humans and pets!). Some names are inspired by people I know. The name of the heroine in Chasing Christmas is inspired by my niece.
As for developing characters, when I first started writing I tended to draw quite a bit from people I knew. Now, though, I let the characters blossom as I write. Each character is so unique and different, but I usually start by thinking about their personalities and go from there.
Uncaged: What is your favorite parts about being an author? What have you found to be the least favorite?
The favorite part of being an author for me is writing the stories. I absolutely love sitting down and letting the words flow, the characters develop, the story reveal itself. And I feel exceptionally blessed to get up every day and so something that makes me so ridiculously happy.
My least favorite part would definitely be keeping up with social media trends and trying to stay on top of the ever-changing landscape of promotion.
Uncaged: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
Beyond curling up with a good book, I love to bake and try out new recipes. I enjoy photography and like to snap a few photos when time permits. Home decorating and crafts are things I also like to play with. Pinterest is somewhere I could hang out for hours, studying craft projects, home ideas, and beautiful gardens.
Uncaged: I know that my favorites change as I read more and more books, but was the last book you loved? The last book you wanted to throw against a wall (good or bad)?
One of my readers recommended a book to me and I loved it. It’s called the Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof. Just a touching, wonderful story full of love and hope.
As for one I wanted to throw against a wall, I couldn’t do that to a book! I will admit, though, that if a book doesn’t pull me in by page three, I set it aside and don’t come back. I have such limited reading time just for fun, a book really has to grab my interest from the start or I won’t invest my time in it.
Uncaged: What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Fans are awesome and fantastic and so appreciated!
If any of them would like to join my Street Team, we hang out on Facebook at Hopeless Romantics where we share recipes, craft ideas, have weekly giveaways, and I shamelessly promote my books and expect them to do them same.
I love connecting with readers, so I hope to see you online!
[symple_box color=”black” fade_in=”false” float=”center” text_align=”left” width=””]After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with sarcasm, humor, and hunky heroes. When this USA Today bestselling author isn’t writing or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.[/symple_box]
Uncaged Review – Daimonion by J.P. Jackson
Daimonion
J.P. Jackson
Horror/Gay
Dati Amon wants to be free from his satyr master and he hates his job—hunting human children who display demon balefire. Every hunt has been successful, except one. A thwarted attempt ended up as a promise to spare the child of a white witch, an indiscretion Dati hopes Master never discovers.
But Master has devilish machinations of his own. He needs human-demon hybrids, the Daimonion, to raise the Dark Lord to the earthly realm. If Master succeeds, he will be immortal and far more powerful.
The child who was spared is now a man, and for the first time in three hundred years, Dati has a reason to escape Master’s chains. To do that, Dati makes some unlikely alliances with an untrained soulless witch, a self-destructive shape shifter, and a deceitful clairvoyant. However, deals with demons rarely go as planned, and the cost is always higher than the original bargain.
Uncaged Review: I enjoyed this book and was hooked from the start. The author brings the characters to life and there are plenty of twists. Reviewed by Skye
4 Stars
Uncaged Review – The Beekeeper’s Daughter by Jane Jordan
The Beekeeper’s Daughter
Jane Jordan
Paranormal
Annabel Taylor, a beekeeper’s daughter, grows up wild and carefree on the moors of England in the late 1860s, following in the footsteps of her mother, a beautiful witch. Annabel’s closest friend is Jevan Wenham. The son of the blacksmith, he lives his life on the verge of destruction. His devotion to Annabel is full of twists and turns as brutality melds with deepest desire. But when Jevan is forced to travel to London to receive an education, Annabel is devastated…
Then Alex—heir to the Saltonstall legacy and son of Cerberus Saltonstall, the wealthy landowner of the foreboding Gothelstone Manor—comes into her life. Alex is arrogant and self-assured, but he cannot stop thinking about the outspoken girl he encounters on the road to Gothelstone. Not only is he bewitched by Annabel’s beauty, he feels drawn to her by something he can’t explain. Alex and Annabel are socially worlds apart, but that doesn’t stop him from demanding her hand in marriage. When Annabel refuses, she is forced into an impossible situation. Jevan believes she has betrayed him, regardless of the fact that her decision saves him from the hangman’s noose.
As a devastating love triangle unfolds, disturbing revelations thrust Annabel into a startling reality, where nothing is as it seems. Now both her life and Jevan’s are in danger, and her fledging powers may not be enough to save them…
Uncaged Review: I thought I would read a different genre to what I would usually read and this book described as Victorian/witch’s/wizard’s seemed to fit the bill. Though after reading the synopsis on Goodreads I was a little concerned about how much romance would be involved (as it really isn’t my thing) I was pleased that it was not all lovey dovey and there was some darkness in the book coupled with the plot twists that kept you guessing what was going to happen next. I was not disappointed in my selection and would recommed it to those who would like something different to read. . Reviewed by Skye
4 Stars
Uncaged Review – The Christmas Cowboy by Shanna Hatfield with Excerpt
The Christmas Cowboy
Shanna Hatfield
Western Holiday Romance
The combination of Christmas and hunky cowboy
May prove to be more than she can resist. . .
Tate Morgan is as tough as they come. He can handle the wildest bronc on the rodeo circuit, but he loses the ability to think straight around the beautiful woman he keeps running into at the airport. Completely captivated by the uptight executive who makes it clear she detests cowboys, Tate will have to work a little holiday magic if he wants to win her heart.
Married to her job as a corporate trainer for a successful direct sales company, Kenzie Beckett doesn’t have time for a man. Besides, after being burned twice by two-timing losers, she refuses to allow a third opportunity to exist. Unfortunately, no one told that to the handsome rodeo cowboy who catches her eye at the airport. He’ll need more than a pair of fine-fitting jeans, dusty boots, and dimpled smile to break past her resistance and bring her a heaping helping of holiday cheer.
Full of laughter and tender romance, The Christmas Cowboy takes readers on a sweet Christmas adventure to a happily ever after.
Excerpt
“Do you think she’ll come?” Cort asked Tate as he stretched behind the chutes at the rodeo.
Determined to center his focus on the upcoming ride, Tate struggled to block out thoughts of Kenzie.
If he hadn’t been in love with her before last night, he certainly was now.
He kept picturing how tempting she looked in the candlelight at the restaurant, how her skin felt so soft beneath his fingers, how much that one amazing kiss had him wanting hundreds more.
“Probably not.” Tate stretched his legs, making sure the adjustment on his stirrups was just right.
“You sent a ticket to her at the hotel, didn’t you?” Cort leaned against the fence and chewed on a toothpick.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean she’ll be here,” Tate said, annoyed and out of sorts for reasons he couldn’t explain and didn’t want to examine.
More than anything, he wanted Kenzie to watch him ride tonight. He knew she had a meeting, but from what details he gathered, it should be over at seven. If she really wanted to see him ride, she’d have time to get to the rodeo.
His current state of irritability derived from the thought that she honestly wasn’t interested in him.
Cort’s chuckles caused him to look up with a cool glare.
“What’s so funny, man?” Tate asked, looking around for the source of his friend’s amusement. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, all he could see was a bunch of other cowboys getting ready to compete.
“You.” Cort shook his head as he waggled a finger at Tate. “I’ve never seen you so worked up about a girl before and I’ve seen you with a lot of girls.”
“Yeah, well most of them weren’t of my choosing, you know. I can’t help who is in the recent circle of biggest fans or stalkers,” Tate said, continuing to stretch his muscles as he brushed aside a niggling concern over one fan that wouldn’t leave him alone. He was convinced the woman was certifiably insane.
“Whatever.” Cort waved a dismissive hand at Tate. “Admit it, man. She’s under your skin.”
“I’m not admitting anything,” Tate said, knowing Cort was right. Kenzie was under his skin, wrapped up in his thoughts, with an ever-tightening hold on his heart.
If he wanted to win the event, let alone stay on the horse he’d drawn, he was going to have to concentrate on the ride ahead and quit speculating about Kenzie and her feelings for him, or the apparent lack of them.
Later, they sat on a fence watching the grand entry of the rodeo. Cort nudged Tate so hard he almost fell backward off the top rail.
“Is that her?” Cort motioned to the bleachers as Tate regained his balance. Although he hadn’t met Kenzie, his friend shared several photos he took of her with his phone.
Tate’s gaze followed Cort’s pointing finger and his eyes widened in surprise. Kenzie maneuvered her way to her seat dressed in a navy suit and heels.
Quickly jumping off the fence, Tate jogged toward the stands. Kenzie looked around, getting her bearings, as he hustled up the steps and squatted down beside her.
“Dewdrop, I didn’t think you’d be able to make it.” He took her hand in his and squeezed her fingers. The warmth in her eyes as she gazed at him made his heartbeat kick into overdrive. Maybe she cared about him more than she wanted to admit.
The jubilant smile on his face made her glad she raced through her presentation, ran through the hotel as if the building was aflame, and pleaded with the taxi driver to put some hustle in it so she’d arrive at the rodeo on time.
Kenzie smiled at Tate, savoring the feel of his big, rough hand against hers. A bright light twinkled in his blue eyes while the grin on his face was both charming and engaging.
“My meeting wrapped up early so I decided to come. I realize, though, I am probably the only person here in a business suit, so don’t make fun of me,” Kenzie warned good-naturedly.
“No, ma’am.” Tate kissed her cheek before taking a seat on the steps beside her. He’d reserved a seat for her on the end of a row with some of his friends in hopes if she did come, he could sneak in a few minutes with her. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Me, too,” Kenzie said with a sincerity Tate could hear in her voice.
“Is there anything you need me to explain to you?” Tate asked, as they watched the end of the grand entry.
“This ain’t my first rodeo, cowboy.” The western twang she inflected into her voice made them both laugh.
“Okay,” Tate said in surprise. He wondered what else he had to learn about the beautiful woman who just made everything right in his world by showing up to see him ride.
When the bareback riding began, Tate whipped off his hat to hide their faces and gave Kenzie a kiss that made her wonder if her shoes would melt right off her feet.
“For luck.” He stood and settled the hat on his head as those around them laughed or hollered.
“Ride ‘em, cowboy.” Kenzie grinned at Tate with flushed cheeks. Thoroughly embarrassed, his attention also pleased her immensely. He’d just made it known to anyone watching that she was off limits and that was fine with her.
Tate hurried down the steps and behind the chutes with Kenzie’s eyes glued to his jean-covered backside.
A little girl sitting beside her watched her observation of Tate.
“Is he your boyfriend?” the little girl asked.
Kenzie looked down at the blond hair in pigtails, red flowered T-shirt, and jeans tucked into bright red cowboy boots. The cherubic face staring up at her made her smile.
“Not exactly,” Kenzie said, not wanting to discuss her feelings for Tate with a six-year-old.
“Either he is or he isn’t,” the wise child said, staring at Kenzie with tiny arms crossed over her chest and an impatient look on her face. “Grammy says you’ve got to learn to make up your mind.”
“Your Grammy sounds very smart.” Kenzie watched as Tate disappeared into the sea of cowboy hats barely visible behind the chutes from her seat.
“Is Tate your boyfriend?” the cherub asked again. “He’s really nice, and all the girls think he’s cute.”
“He is nice and very cute.” Although she replied to the child, her thoughts remained lost in the kiss Tate planted on her in front of everyone. Normally, she would be mortified at such behavior, but somehow, tonight, it seemed perfect.
“If you let him kiss you like that, don’t you think he’s probably your boyfriend?”
Uncaged Review
This is a sweet romance that simmers slowly and even though it’s not an action packed book, the characters are easy to love and the author infuses enough humor to keep you turning the pages. There was a couple times I wanted to shake some sense into Kenzie, but she does finally get to where she needs to be, and the journey is a fun, holiday romance well worth picking up this holiday season. I also love the idea that one of the supporting cast in this book, has his own story in book two of the series. Reviewed by Cyrene
4 1/2 Stars