Tag: Steel Cindy

The Bodyguard Fall + Giveaway

Her stalker is getting closer. So is her bodyguard.

I know how to write murder mysteries.
Dead bodies? Great. Blood and gore? Even better.

Romance? Absolutely not.

Unfortunately for me, my production company disagrees. After years of writing cozy crime dramas, I’m suddenly being forced to write a flannel and cider romantic screenplay filled with pumpkin patches, maple festivals, and happily-ever-afters I don’t actually believe in.

Especially not after months of terrifying messages from a stalker who seems to know way too much about me.

Which is how I end up back in my hometown of Autumn Ridge, under the protection of Tate Walker—my older brother’s best friend, a cop, and the same overprotective pain in my neck who spent most of my teenage years telling me what I could and couldn’t do.

Tate is temporarily off-duty and back home recovering from a dangerous undercover operation that left him injured and drowning in guilt. And somehow protecting me has become his newest assignment.

Now I’m living on his family’s hay farm while police attempt to catch my stalker. Between boxing lessons, tractor rides, and cozy autumn outings that feel suspiciously like dates, I start finding inspiration for my romantic screenplay in the one place I never expected:

My bodyguard.

But as the threats escalate and my stalker gets closer, so do Tate and I. And falling for the man assigned to protect me might be the most dangerous plot twist of all.

My Review:

Wheee, this is the kind of rom/com that takes you from full belly guffaws to toe-curling swoons in a nanosecond. And we all know that an avid suspense reader’s fancy turns to stalker themes in the Fall. 🙂 Love that extra little kick to this story, though I consider ‘The Bodyguard Fall’ to be more contemporary romance then suspense. Like a 70/30 split in favour of rom/com. Which is chockfull of delightful tropes – fake dating, forced proximity, he’s her brother’s best friend and there’s one more I can’t mention because it’s a nice surprise well into the book, but most every romance reader I know is a fan.

Steel captures all the heartwarming elements of small town life in the autumn and I especially love Tate’s lively family. His brothers’ conniving is priceless! And the messaging back and forth between Tate and Olivia’s brother are hysterical! The comedy beats throughout this story are so well paced.

Grab a fan and clear off your fainting couch because this author delivers romance. Flirty banter and witty dialogue mask an undercurrent of emotions that gradually simmer to the surface as the story progresses. Gentle readers might want to be aware that there are a few detailed kissing scenes, still definitely fits the Closed Door Romance criteria, but just a bit more…expressive…than I’m used to. Also of note, there is a bit of very mild cussing.

A great introduction to the ‘Falling for Autumn’ multi-authored series. Looking forward to more visits to Autumn Ridge this fall.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US –  paperback or ebook – winner’s choice 

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Bodyguard Fall, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 29 2026.

Faking Christmas

Indie!

One little white lie.

That’s all it took. Now I’m suddenly having to fake-date my work nemesis to get me through a week at a Vermont Christmas lodge with my family.

The problem? I can’t stand Miles Taylor. Not only that, but I don’t date people I work with. But I can handle it. I’ve had practice faking my emotions for years. So it shouldn’t matter that Miles never lets me get away with anything. And that he happens to boil my blood hotter than a steaming pot of wassail. So when he throws his annoying grin my way or forces me on dates he knows I’ll hate, I’ll just grit my teeth and smile.

Or maybe not. Did I mention that Miles is the one person in the world I can’t seem to fool?

When my emotions begin feeling less like a sham and his arms feel way too comfortable, it makes me think that maybe Miles had a plan of his own. And I’m starting to like it a lot more than mine.

My Review:

published in 2022

Sarcasm and witty banter abound in this entertaining holiday rom/com.( I listened to the audio edition and narrator Justis Bolding’s performance really enhanced my ‘reading’ enjoyment.)

At first I thought Olive was way too uptight and judgemental and while she kinda was, she also has reasons and she has an epiphany further into the story which just added to my emotional investment in the romance. And, goodness, but her inner dialogue regarding Miles was hilarious!

The fake dating trope is played to perfection as it (almost) seamlessly weaves into the real thing. There are a few hiccups along the way, but Steel keeps even the darker moments lighter in honour of this being a seasonal read, I think, which I so appreciated. I was never on tenterhooks, anxiously worrying and angsting over Miles and Olive — I could just settle back and enjoy the show. Loved that.

Miles is definitely book boyfriend material. I am stifling the urge to list all the reasons why because you should definitely discover him for yourself, one delicious quality at a time. Let’s just say fainting couch recommended with smelling salts on hand. And be prepared for vigorous toe-curls. 🙂

This is a sweet, clean (kisses only — but oh my they sizzle!) romance with lots of holiday cheer and comedic action.

Book available on Kindle Unlimited and the audio book is on sale for $2.99 at Chirpbooks.