Cathy Maxwell is the Austin-based author of over thirty best-selling historical romance novels. She writes a monthly column for BookPeople. Visit www.cathymaxwell.com to learn more.
I heartily endorse February as being Heart Month. One thing we need in the world is more love. So, here are some books that I know you will love.
Beyond Scandal and Desire by Lorraine Heath: Lorraine Heath kicks off a new historical “Sins for All Seasons” series with Beyond Scandal and Desire. This is one of her best. Heath is known for writing that twist of the heart that brings a love story to life. Set in the Victorian period, she captures all the nuances of the time. There is an illegitimate son anxious to destroy the legitimate one and a heroine who craves adventure. Hits the mark on all counts! Oh, and did I mention Heath is a Texan? We have so many wonderful writers around here.
Heat by Donna Grant: Speaking of Texans, Donna Grant’s latest paranormal/fantasy Heat features another of her Dragon Kings. There is always an edge of mystery, always suspense, and plenty of action. Heat is the twelfth book in the series but you won’t be lost. Here, Nickolai finds himself protecting MI5 agent Esther North whose memory has been damaged by magic. He is the only one who can help her and yet, even as powerful as he is, there is a danger lurking that can destroy them both. Grant is also the author of the contemporary “Sons of Texas” series.
Tempest by Beverly Jenkins: Moving out of Texas, if you are a fan of Westerns, you will celebrate Tempest by the fabulous Beverly Jenkins. This book has spunk, and I adore spunk. It makes for many enjoyable reads. The tag line says it all: “What kind of mail-order bride greets her intended with a bullet instead of a kiss?” Set in the Wyoming territory, Regan Carmichael realizes that marrying a widower she has never met might be a mistake. Look, sometimes marrying people we do know turns out to be a mistake … and yet there is something about that Dr. Colton Lee. Two people fall in love and build new dreams. The best of romance.
Final Tidbits:
♥ Remember my Lisa Berne recommendation? You May Kiss the Bride was picked by Publisher’s Weekly as one of the top romances for 2017.
♥ Tessa Bailey’s contemporary Indecent Exposure is getting fun press. I haven’t read it—yet. But if you like sex appeal, secrets, and police officers, this should be on your list.
♥ OSRBC Austin meets the third Sundays of the month at 3:30 pm on the third floor of BookPeople on Lamar. All are welcome! For details and info on what book we are reading, check out our Facebook page.
♥ The Romance Book Club at the New Central Library will be reading The Thing About Love by Julie James. Should be good fun. March 13th at 6:30 p.m. Click here for details.
— Cathy Maxwell
BookPeople 