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Lipstick and Lead #2
Deadly
Second Chances at Love Can Be Deadly
Meg McKenzie has been responsible for her sisters since she was twelve when her mother died. While she longs to have a normal life like all young women, she must dress in pants and take on a man’s job as a bounty hunter in order to provide for her sisters. In this western historical romance, she has her pistols set on one last bounty to pay off the farm and began to live her dream. But one man stands in her way. One man that can’t see past her bounty hunter façade to see the true woman inside.
Sheriff Zach Gillespie has a secret. In the small Texas town of Zenith, there is only one woman who could calf rope his heart. Unfortunately, Meg McKenzie has the opportunity to expose his secret to the world. In the past, she’d already left him vulnerable, naked, and tied up and now she’s on the prowl again. He must choose what kind of man he is, a law-abiding sheriff or an on the run outlaw. Will her belief in him lead him down the right path? Will she give him a second chance to show he’s the only man for her?
Meg McKenzie has been responsible for her sisters since she was twelve when her mother died. While she longs to have a normal life like all young women, she must dress in pants and take on a man’s job as a bounty hunter in order to provide for her sisters. In this western historical romance, she has her pistols set on one last bounty to pay off the farm and began to live her dream. But one man stands in her way. One man that can’t see past her bounty hunter façade to see the true woman inside.
Sheriff Zach Gillespie has a secret. In the small Texas town of Zenith, there is only one woman who could calf rope his heart. Unfortunately, Meg McKenzie has the opportunity to expose his secret to the world. In the past, she’d already left him vulnerable, naked, and tied up and now she’s on the prowl again. He must choose what kind of man he is, a law-abiding sheriff or an on the run outlaw. Will her belief in him lead him down the right path? Will she give him a second chance to show he’s the only man for her?
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2014
233 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia McDaniel
190 books651 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sylvia McDaniel has published more than forty western historical romance, contemporary romance and even a few sci-fi novels. Known for her sweet, funny, family-oriented romances, Sylvia is the author of The Burnett Brides a historical western series, The Cuvier Widows, a Louisiana historical series, Lipstick and Lead, a western historical series and several short contemporary romances.
Former President of the Dallas Area Romance Authors, a member of the Romance Writers of America®, and a member of Novelists Inc, her novel, A Hero’s Heart was a 1996 Golden Heart Finalist. Several other books have placed or won in the San Antonio Romance Authors Contest, LERA Contest, and she was a Golden Network Finalist.
Married for over twenty years to her best friend, they have two spoilt dachshunds that reign supreme over the house. She loves gardening, hiking, shopping, knitting and football (Cowboys and Bronco’s fan), but not necessarily in that order.
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Former President of the Dallas Area Romance Authors, a member of the Romance Writers of America®, and a member of Novelists Inc, her novel, A Hero’s Heart was a 1996 Golden Heart Finalist. Several other books have placed or won in the San Antonio Romance Authors Contest, LERA Contest, and she was a Golden Network Finalist.
Married for over twenty years to her best friend, they have two spoilt dachshunds that reign supreme over the house. She loves gardening, hiking, shopping, knitting and football (Cowboys and Bronco’s fan), but not necessarily in that order.
Sign up for Sylvia’s newsletter
Visit Sylvia at www.SylviaMcDaniel.com
Follow Sylvia on twitter
Join Sylvia on Facebook
Goodreads
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 20, 2015
I had read the author's trilogy, Cuvier Widows, and loved them so I was happy to pick up another book set in the past. This time the excitement happens west of the Mississippi and involves three strong, feisty and determined sisters who have turned bounty hunter to help save the family farm and earn them a livelihood. Light kitchy western dialogue and world building with scorching hot passion and a terrible hard choice sum up this story.
This is the first book in the series and of course the reader can start here, but I felt like I was stepping into an already established story. I was curious so I checked and indeed, there is a prequel novella that gets things started for the sisters that name their bounty hunting enterprise, Lipsticks and Lead.
The story opens with oldest sister, Meg and her sister, Ruby, getting set to bag their latest bounty, a man wanted for murder dead or alive. They're doing fine until Sheriff Zach Gillespie shows up and takes their prisoner while also exacting a bit of revenge on Meg for her stunt of dragging him out of the bath, tying him up and leaving him naked in the center of Main Street. Meg lost her temper over Zach's hurtful comment about a woman who would wear pants and now she is fuming again. Ruby begs her to be cautious, but Meg is now determined to thwart Zach and get her bounty money. Zach's actions make her wonder if there is more to this than just petty revenge against her especially when he and that prisoner aren't on their way to the closest jail cell.
Zach is risking everything including his reputation and job to fulfill a promise. He takes Simon from the MacKenzie sisters and heads out to leave Simon in a safe place while he investigates the truth. If Simon is guilty then he will face the law, but Zach is entrusted to prove his innocence. Meanwhile he must play cat and mouse with the wild fury that is Meg. He was all set to marry her and he loves her still, but she can't stand him after he made that comment about preferring his women in dresses. Her involvement complicates things as does the real possibility that he won't be able to prove Simon innocent. Zach knows he has a tough decision to make and it will have to be soon.
From the beginning, this one struck me as a story that one couldn't take too seriously if it was to be enjoyed. This was just zany and fun. Not one that the reader should pick up it they are looking for a serious western romance that gives attention to the details of setting and culture. There is a western cheesiness to it and Meg is over the top wildcat. The antics of her and Zach run like a romantic comedy in a western setting. The three sisters are all vastly different in personality, abilities and outlook, but they are loyal and strong when working together. It was a nice twist to see lady bounty hunters. The serious part of the story was Zach's moral dilemma over what he will do if the prisoner Simon is innocent or guilty. Will he honor the law or obligation to a family member?
Zach and Meg are a crack up the way they went about their romance. A night of truth or dare with the whiskey bottle leading to mean hangovers in the morning. Later, they teased and tormented their way into the bedroom for a hot smexy night only to be awoken in the morning at the point of her sisters' guns. I swear if there were gift registries back then theirs would have tons of rope on the list. They were always leaving each other tied-up to make an escape.
Meg is stubborn and lets her temper get the better of her. She grudges on the fact that Zach criticized her choice to put on pants and take a very non-feminine job. I'm okay with feeling hurt that he publicly put her down especially since she felt she didn't have any choice. However, she made the comment more than once that the reason she didn't have a dress was because she couldn't afford one. They only had enough money for her two sisters to have them so she sacrificed. Um, the gals were close to paying off a mortgage and making hundreds and thousands of dollars on their bounties which totaled ten at this point, surely they can afford a few yards of cotton that was cents on the dollar? There were a few things like this that made me raise my brow.
All in all, it was mildly entertaining with lots of sass to make one chuckle a few times. I would recommend it to those who want something lightly engaging with a few people who put the 'wild' in Wild West.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the series and of course the reader can start here, but I felt like I was stepping into an already established story. I was curious so I checked and indeed, there is a prequel novella that gets things started for the sisters that name their bounty hunting enterprise, Lipsticks and Lead.
The story opens with oldest sister, Meg and her sister, Ruby, getting set to bag their latest bounty, a man wanted for murder dead or alive. They're doing fine until Sheriff Zach Gillespie shows up and takes their prisoner while also exacting a bit of revenge on Meg for her stunt of dragging him out of the bath, tying him up and leaving him naked in the center of Main Street. Meg lost her temper over Zach's hurtful comment about a woman who would wear pants and now she is fuming again. Ruby begs her to be cautious, but Meg is now determined to thwart Zach and get her bounty money. Zach's actions make her wonder if there is more to this than just petty revenge against her especially when he and that prisoner aren't on their way to the closest jail cell.
Zach is risking everything including his reputation and job to fulfill a promise. He takes Simon from the MacKenzie sisters and heads out to leave Simon in a safe place while he investigates the truth. If Simon is guilty then he will face the law, but Zach is entrusted to prove his innocence. Meanwhile he must play cat and mouse with the wild fury that is Meg. He was all set to marry her and he loves her still, but she can't stand him after he made that comment about preferring his women in dresses. Her involvement complicates things as does the real possibility that he won't be able to prove Simon innocent. Zach knows he has a tough decision to make and it will have to be soon.
From the beginning, this one struck me as a story that one couldn't take too seriously if it was to be enjoyed. This was just zany and fun. Not one that the reader should pick up it they are looking for a serious western romance that gives attention to the details of setting and culture. There is a western cheesiness to it and Meg is over the top wildcat. The antics of her and Zach run like a romantic comedy in a western setting. The three sisters are all vastly different in personality, abilities and outlook, but they are loyal and strong when working together. It was a nice twist to see lady bounty hunters. The serious part of the story was Zach's moral dilemma over what he will do if the prisoner Simon is innocent or guilty. Will he honor the law or obligation to a family member?
Zach and Meg are a crack up the way they went about their romance. A night of truth or dare with the whiskey bottle leading to mean hangovers in the morning. Later, they teased and tormented their way into the bedroom for a hot smexy night only to be awoken in the morning at the point of her sisters' guns. I swear if there were gift registries back then theirs would have tons of rope on the list. They were always leaving each other tied-up to make an escape.
Meg is stubborn and lets her temper get the better of her. She grudges on the fact that Zach criticized her choice to put on pants and take a very non-feminine job. I'm okay with feeling hurt that he publicly put her down especially since she felt she didn't have any choice. However, she made the comment more than once that the reason she didn't have a dress was because she couldn't afford one. They only had enough money for her two sisters to have them so she sacrificed. Um, the gals were close to paying off a mortgage and making hundreds and thousands of dollars on their bounties which totaled ten at this point, surely they can afford a few yards of cotton that was cents on the dollar? There were a few things like this that made me raise my brow.
All in all, it was mildly entertaining with lots of sass to make one chuckle a few times. I would recommend it to those who want something lightly engaging with a few people who put the 'wild' in Wild West.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
I received the book from the author for an honest review.
Meg McKenzie, the oldest sister that took the responsibility of her two younger sisters seriously, was a bounty hunter that needed one last criminal to pay of the debt on their farm before she could live her own dreams. Always standing back to give her sisters the best even if she had to suffer, bearing her responsibilities with pride even if she was the joke of the town.
Hunting Simon, a cold-hearted murderer, was no easy task though. Her path would lead her on adventure, revenge and doing the right thing no matter if your heart is breaking. When her path crossed with the town sheriff, Zach Gillespie she certainly met her match. He too, had decisions to make: family or justice. And, at times you wonder if his choices were sound.
The tug and war between the two caused for some light hearted moments as they fought about this criminal who Zach was eager to take in himself. His reasons unknown to her.
I could really identify with Meg in so many ways. Her character was realistic, fun and very witty. She took her responsibilities serious, know what was right and was not afraid to stand for it even if it cost her heart ache. The relationship between the sisters were like any normal family would be, with biggering between them when they disagreed with each other but standing together, especially when one was in danger.
A wonderful story, an interesting plot, fast paced and well written that takes you into the heart of Texas and life in the past.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Meg McKenzie, the oldest sister that took the responsibility of her two younger sisters seriously, was a bounty hunter that needed one last criminal to pay of the debt on their farm before she could live her own dreams. Always standing back to give her sisters the best even if she had to suffer, bearing her responsibilities with pride even if she was the joke of the town.
Hunting Simon, a cold-hearted murderer, was no easy task though. Her path would lead her on adventure, revenge and doing the right thing no matter if your heart is breaking. When her path crossed with the town sheriff, Zach Gillespie she certainly met her match. He too, had decisions to make: family or justice. And, at times you wonder if his choices were sound.
The tug and war between the two caused for some light hearted moments as they fought about this criminal who Zach was eager to take in himself. His reasons unknown to her.
I could really identify with Meg in so many ways. Her character was realistic, fun and very witty. She took her responsibilities serious, know what was right and was not afraid to stand for it even if it cost her heart ache. The relationship between the sisters were like any normal family would be, with biggering between them when they disagreed with each other but standing together, especially when one was in danger.
A wonderful story, an interesting plot, fast paced and well written that takes you into the heart of Texas and life in the past.
Thanks for the opportunity.
August 31, 2015
2 ½ stars. I expected and wanted a story about bounty hunting. I didn’t get it.
This is book 2 in the series. I read Desperate (book 1) which is the back story before the three sisters became bounty hunters. I was eager to read about their first attempt at bounty hunting in this book. I wanted to see how they learned what to do, the mistakes they made, and how it worked out. I was hoping to see feminine style hunting. I was so disappointed to see that this book skipped a year and simply states that the sisters brought in twelve bounties during the past year. It skipped the bounty hunting activities. Wow. That is not what I hoped for.
So, what is this about? Meg and Ruby catch Simon, but Zach the sheriff takes Simon away from them. Then Meg follows Zach and takes Simon again. It’s mostly Meg and Zach’s relationship, wanting each other and fighting each other - with the bad guy Simon as a secondary story. The relationship was fun to watch, but for some reason I skimmed a lot. It didn’t hold me the way a good book should.
Zach was not logical in his actions regarding Simon. That might be ok. I don’t require perfection.
I did not like the big misunderstanding. Zach should have told Meg something earlier. When she found out she went nuclear. It felt exaggerated to increase the conflict.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 3,239 (301 pages per Amazon). Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: 1877 Texas. Copyright: 2014. Genre: western historical romance.
This is book 2 in the series. I read Desperate (book 1) which is the back story before the three sisters became bounty hunters. I was eager to read about their first attempt at bounty hunting in this book. I wanted to see how they learned what to do, the mistakes they made, and how it worked out. I was hoping to see feminine style hunting. I was so disappointed to see that this book skipped a year and simply states that the sisters brought in twelve bounties during the past year. It skipped the bounty hunting activities. Wow. That is not what I hoped for.
So, what is this about? Meg and Ruby catch Simon, but Zach the sheriff takes Simon away from them. Then Meg follows Zach and takes Simon again. It’s mostly Meg and Zach’s relationship, wanting each other and fighting each other - with the bad guy Simon as a secondary story. The relationship was fun to watch, but for some reason I skimmed a lot. It didn’t hold me the way a good book should.
Zach was not logical in his actions regarding Simon. That might be ok. I don’t require perfection.
I did not like the big misunderstanding. Zach should have told Meg something earlier. When she found out she went nuclear. It felt exaggerated to increase the conflict.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 3,239 (301 pages per Amazon). Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: 1877 Texas. Copyright: 2014. Genre: western historical romance.
August 31, 2019
Zach and Meg
This is a well written story about sorrow, honesty, hard work, adventure, excitement, trust and love. Meg and her sisters have turned to bounty hunting to save their farm. Zach has discovered his half-brother is being accused of murder and there is a five hundred dollar bounty and wanted poster. The girls go after Simon, Zach’s brother, and the bounty money. The best laid plans never go with out a hitch. You’ll enjoy reading about their adventure.
This is a well written story about sorrow, honesty, hard work, adventure, excitement, trust and love. Meg and her sisters have turned to bounty hunting to save their farm. Zach has discovered his half-brother is being accused of murder and there is a five hundred dollar bounty and wanted poster. The girls go after Simon, Zach’s brother, and the bounty money. The best laid plans never go with out a hitch. You’ll enjoy reading about their adventure.
December 2, 2020
Oh, this man had done her wrong! Joking and laughing at her exspence with his buddies. Revenge is is so sweet at the time, but this pants wearing, gun toten little lady has no choice then turning bounty hunter to keep her family together just don't leave a gal much time being a lady. Sheriff Zack didn't know what a special lady Meg is until it's to late...now he just has to convince her she's the gal he wants, right down to the lead and lipstick. As Zack and Meg play a game of cat and mouse with one Simian Trudeau who is wanted for murder. Sparks start to fly between Zack and Meg and sizzling passion blaze as they find falling in love with that special someone is not an easy road to travel in Deadly. Sylvia McDaniel weaves a story of the Old West that is a beautifully written romance that brims with tension-building twists and turns, remarkable emotions, characters that are well thought out and you find yourself drawn into their story, humorous and intriguing plott, and great and witty dialogue that will keep you reading until the end.With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly.
December 11, 2022
This book wasn't what I expected, so maybe it's my fault I'm rating it so low. Meg and her two sisters have taken up bounty hunting to pay off a loan on their ranch. Forced to dress as a man, Meg only wants to become a dressmaker, but her nemesis Zach, the local sheriff, keeps stealing the last bounty they need. This idea for the story is good, but there was too much back and forth with each side stealing the bounty from the other (it turns out he's Zach's brother). So the story dragged. Neither Zach nor Meg were written as particularly appealing for me; both were too stubborn and their behavior with the other too inconsistent.
April 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. I am excited to read the next one tonight.
Meg and Zach have a fun romance that has a lot of humor.
I enjoyed the first book which was the back story a lot- so much so that I sent it to my Nana.
I think the first one ahving no romance will help set her up for this one whcih turns up the heat just a little.
Anyway this book was really fun.
Meg and Zach have a fun romance that has a lot of humor.
I enjoyed the first book which was the back story a lot- so much so that I sent it to my Nana.
I think the first one ahving no romance will help set her up for this one whcih turns up the heat just a little.
Anyway this book was really fun.
June 22, 2019
I started this book with a lot of expectations, small town, supposedly nice characters but I couldn’t identify with any of it and the story seemed to drag on. I only managed to finish the book because I wanted to find out the date of one character that wasn’t even one of the main or secondary characters . First and last book I read from this author
March 19, 2021
Sizzling hot! Strong female lead. Meg McKenzie is the oldest of three sisters and, with their father recently deceased, she is now responsible for the family. After trying other options for making money to save the family farm, she and her sisters turn to bounty hunting. The sheriff, Zach Gillespie, catches Meg's attention, but she's also got bounty hunting on her mind. The passion is strong, the chemistry is hot, and the action is tremendous. Great read!
March 21, 2022
Tied Up
This was a great tit for tat book First Meg had Simon and then the Sheriff had Simon. But, the most cherishing part of this wonderful book was the love that was such a great part of it. The love of a mother, sister, brother, friend and lovers. They all meshed to make this a super book.
This was a great tit for tat book First Meg had Simon and then the Sheriff had Simon. But, the most cherishing part of this wonderful book was the love that was such a great part of it. The love of a mother, sister, brother, friend and lovers. They all meshed to make this a super book.
May 18, 2018
That book that opens my heart to all Sylvia McDaniel's works. Okay, it's actually Desperate but since the book is the opening line, this book is that IT one that grabs me through and I am now seeking for other works by this author.
June 9, 2019
This is an old-time western romance between a bounty hunter and a small town sheriff. I didn’t realize there were women Bounty Hunters in the Wild West.
Besides the on and off love story, this is a book about family loyalty, integrity, and forgiveness. Over-all 3.75 Stars
Besides the on and off love story, this is a book about family loyalty, integrity, and forgiveness. Over-all 3.75 Stars
October 29, 2020
Addictive story about love and the choices we make in life
An addictive enemies to lovers story. Great banter between the hero and heroine. Highly recommended. Can't wait to read the next one.
An addictive enemies to lovers story. Great banter between the hero and heroine. Highly recommended. Can't wait to read the next one.
April 13, 2021
Good read. There were a lot of gaps in the plot that irritated me but overall, it was a good story. I’m don’t think I could have been as forgiving as Meg given that Zach wasn’t very remorseful for his actions and lies.
October 19, 2023
Meg
A fun read as the women prove they are intelligent and capable of doing more than cleaning and raising children. Meg and Zach lead you on an adventure filled with sarcasm and humor and love.
A fun read as the women prove they are intelligent and capable of doing more than cleaning and raising children. Meg and Zach lead you on an adventure filled with sarcasm and humor and love.
January 10, 2018
Meg and Zach's story is intense. So many secrets and emotional conflict. Will Zach make the right choice?
March 2, 2020
Somehow, even with the back and forth; this still managed to keep me reading until the early hours. Ending was definitely worth it. On to book 3
September 7, 2020
Good read
This was a good adventure, with a fair amount of action involving three women defiantly overcoming the gender roles of the time. Enjoy 💜
This was a good adventure, with a fair amount of action involving three women defiantly overcoming the gender roles of the time. Enjoy 💜
December 6, 2014
Meg McKenzie has been taking care of her sisters since their mother passed away and their father was killed. Trying to pay off the farm Meg and her sister Ruby became bounty hunters. One more bounty and they should have the farm paid off. But sheriff Zach Gillespie keeps screwing it up. She thinks Zach wants a dress wearing tea party kind of lady. Not a mens clothes wearing bounty hunter. He doesn't know Megs dreams or how that's not the real her. She is just doing what needs to be done. And what needs to be done now is taking Simon Trudeau in to collect the bounty. Zach keeps taking Simon from the girls and Meg is determined to keep taking him back and get to the bottom of what is going on. Zach has a big secret and he his determined Meg isn't going to find it out. But he has been on the wrong side of her temper before and he doesn't look forward to being there again.
I loved Meg she is a strong women in a time when women were supposed to sit back and let men take care of them. She has her own hopes and dreams and she would loved to share them with Zach but she doesn't think she is the kind of women he wants. Zach is trying to keep a secret that could cost him his job. Bad enough it is costing him the one women he can see spending the rest of his life with. He tries to convince Meg how he feels for her without revealing her secret but that's not how Meg lives. The truth is important to her. Can he trust her with the secret and an Meg allow Zach to make up his own mind about what is right. I loved the book. Lots of humor, quite a few misunderstandings and hot sex scenes.
I loved Meg she is a strong women in a time when women were supposed to sit back and let men take care of them. She has her own hopes and dreams and she would loved to share them with Zach but she doesn't think she is the kind of women he wants. Zach is trying to keep a secret that could cost him his job. Bad enough it is costing him the one women he can see spending the rest of his life with. He tries to convince Meg how he feels for her without revealing her secret but that's not how Meg lives. The truth is important to her. Can he trust her with the secret and an Meg allow Zach to make up his own mind about what is right. I loved the book. Lots of humor, quite a few misunderstandings and hot sex scenes.
December 20, 2014
Deadly (Lipstick and Lead #1) by Sylvia McDaniel
4 Stars
Desperate to pay off the loan on their farm after the death of their parents, Meg, Ruby and Annabelle were forced into bounty hunting, the fastest way to make a decent amount of cash. With only one more bounty needed to pay off the loan, Meg is determined to catch a violent criminal named Simon. Not too difficult a task and it isn’t long before Meg and Ruby find him and take him into their custody.
Local sheriff, Zach has a few secrets, firstly he is fascinated by Meg, she is tough smart, beautiful and dresses like a man, but for personal reasons he cannot let her hand over Simon to the authorities where he faces death by hanging if found to be guilty. He is soon on the hunters trail and forces them to hand over Simon to him.
The story continues with a bit of a slapstick feel when Meg chases Zach and gets Simon back, then Zach chases Meg and takes Simon again etc, all the while inflicting embarrassing stunts on one another as a form of revenge for something that happened between them some time ago. The pair of course love each other but wont admit it and there is the issue of Simon’s capture creating a wall between them…..will it ever be resolved? Erm let me think!!!
Deadly is a fun, if predictable read. The characters feel real and the dialogue reads naturally. The story itself did drag on with a lot of repetitive reinforcing of how the characters felt in certain situations to the point where it did become tiresome constantly being told the same thing, but overall it is a great adventure romance.
Copy supplied for review
4 Stars
Desperate to pay off the loan on their farm after the death of their parents, Meg, Ruby and Annabelle were forced into bounty hunting, the fastest way to make a decent amount of cash. With only one more bounty needed to pay off the loan, Meg is determined to catch a violent criminal named Simon. Not too difficult a task and it isn’t long before Meg and Ruby find him and take him into their custody.
Local sheriff, Zach has a few secrets, firstly he is fascinated by Meg, she is tough smart, beautiful and dresses like a man, but for personal reasons he cannot let her hand over Simon to the authorities where he faces death by hanging if found to be guilty. He is soon on the hunters trail and forces them to hand over Simon to him.
The story continues with a bit of a slapstick feel when Meg chases Zach and gets Simon back, then Zach chases Meg and takes Simon again etc, all the while inflicting embarrassing stunts on one another as a form of revenge for something that happened between them some time ago. The pair of course love each other but wont admit it and there is the issue of Simon’s capture creating a wall between them…..will it ever be resolved? Erm let me think!!!
Deadly is a fun, if predictable read. The characters feel real and the dialogue reads naturally. The story itself did drag on with a lot of repetitive reinforcing of how the characters felt in certain situations to the point where it did become tiresome constantly being told the same thing, but overall it is a great adventure romance.
Copy supplied for review
January 9, 2015
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review of the material.
Meg McKenzie has been taking care of her sisters since she was young. Strong, smart and determined they become bounty hunters after the untimely death of her father. With one last job standing in between ownership of their homestead and the life Meg longs for they set out to find their last criminal. Unfortunately, for Meg she did not bank on all the twist and turns this journey will take her on. Especially when the person standing in her way is Sheriff Zach Gillespie…
Sheriff Zach Gillespie thought he had things all figured out but he is intrigued by the beautiful woman in men’s clothing. In this battle of wits and growing affection, Zach will discover who he really is and loves greatest desire. She has already left him naked and hogtied in a bathtub in the center of town but that doesn’t stop him from pursing Meg or getting even a few times. In this historical romance, you will find yourself cheering for the happy ending they all deserve.
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. The need for multi-dimensional female leads is much needed to say the least. We are women and we are awesome in our purest form. We can be strong, smart, beautiful and loving all at the same time. One does not have to outweigh the other and Sylvia McDaniel did an excellent job creating this heroine. I look forward to reading the rest of the Lipstick and Lead Series. Five stars and wine glasses for everyone!!!
Meg McKenzie has been taking care of her sisters since she was young. Strong, smart and determined they become bounty hunters after the untimely death of her father. With one last job standing in between ownership of their homestead and the life Meg longs for they set out to find their last criminal. Unfortunately, for Meg she did not bank on all the twist and turns this journey will take her on. Especially when the person standing in her way is Sheriff Zach Gillespie…
Sheriff Zach Gillespie thought he had things all figured out but he is intrigued by the beautiful woman in men’s clothing. In this battle of wits and growing affection, Zach will discover who he really is and loves greatest desire. She has already left him naked and hogtied in a bathtub in the center of town but that doesn’t stop him from pursing Meg or getting even a few times. In this historical romance, you will find yourself cheering for the happy ending they all deserve.
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. The need for multi-dimensional female leads is much needed to say the least. We are women and we are awesome in our purest form. We can be strong, smart, beautiful and loving all at the same time. One does not have to outweigh the other and Sylvia McDaniel did an excellent job creating this heroine. I look forward to reading the rest of the Lipstick and Lead Series. Five stars and wine glasses for everyone!!!
November 12, 2014
Meg McKenzie is the oldest of 3 girls. And she basically raised her two younger sisters after their mother passed away. Their father was a bounty hunter and was killed. Now money is tight and they could lose their farm. So she has now taken up bounty hunting to make money. She has always dressed in men’s clothing due to money. But she longs to be viewed as a woman and she longs to feel like a woman. One particular man can’t seem to see past the men’s clothes to the woman waiting to break free.
Sheriff Zach Gillespie has had a taste of Meg’s temper before. They may have been married today if he wasn’t such an idiot. But he has a secret he is hiding. It is a secret that can cost him his job and the woman who has his heart. It can also label him an outlaw. What choice will the good Sheriff make? Will he make the right decision and will Meg give him another chance?
Phew! This book was AWESOME! I love ALL of Sylvia’s books and I am already in love with this series! The McKenzie’s are a feisty group of sisters and I love their spunk! If you like romance, cowboys, suspense, and humor, this series is a must read for you! Great job Sylvia! LOVED IT
Sheriff Zach Gillespie has had a taste of Meg’s temper before. They may have been married today if he wasn’t such an idiot. But he has a secret he is hiding. It is a secret that can cost him his job and the woman who has his heart. It can also label him an outlaw. What choice will the good Sheriff make? Will he make the right decision and will Meg give him another chance?
Phew! This book was AWESOME! I love ALL of Sylvia’s books and I am already in love with this series! The McKenzie’s are a feisty group of sisters and I love their spunk! If you like romance, cowboys, suspense, and humor, this series is a must read for you! Great job Sylvia! LOVED IT
January 12, 2015
I received this as an ARC. Sylvia McDaniel has a way of creating characters that you can relate to. I've read several of her books and what I enjoy the most is when the heroine saves the hero, which happens a lot in Deadly. Meg is smart and resourceful instead of sweet and homey, and in order to save the family land she takes up bounty hunting to earn a large amount of money quickly. In the process she ends up tangling with Sheriff Zach. What I enjoyed the most is that these two characters are well developed and not trite. I laughed a lot reading this book. It sets you up for the rest of the series as Meg has two sisters who are very similar to her. Sylvia McDaniel writes about regular people trying to make a life and I like that, when faced with trials they make good and bad choices and you understand why they make those choices. Whether it is a historical or a contemporary book she has written, I always know that I will have a good time reading it. I'm excited for the rest of the series.
April 19, 2015
My mom prefers light hearted romance novels. I love a good mystery with some romance added in. But I also like to explore other genres as well. Sylvia McDaniel brings both a mystery and a romance read to the first tale in the Lipstick and Lead series...Deadly.
Think three daughters, basically raised by a single father, who happens to be a bounty hunter. Then one day they loose their daddy and are left to their own devices and the knowledge of bounty hunting he left them with. Deadly is the story of the oldest girl Meg, the reluctant bounty hunter.
McDaniel lends real quality to her characterizations through her story. There is humor in her work as both main characters struggle for the upper hand in bringing a bad guy to justice. These characters have misunderstood one another for quite some time and there is a lot of growing tension and frustration between them.
Although I prefer a romance with quite a bit less sexual explicitness, I found the twists within the story enjoyable and the overall story fun and pleasurable.
Think three daughters, basically raised by a single father, who happens to be a bounty hunter. Then one day they loose their daddy and are left to their own devices and the knowledge of bounty hunting he left them with. Deadly is the story of the oldest girl Meg, the reluctant bounty hunter.
McDaniel lends real quality to her characterizations through her story. There is humor in her work as both main characters struggle for the upper hand in bringing a bad guy to justice. These characters have misunderstood one another for quite some time and there is a lot of growing tension and frustration between them.
Although I prefer a romance with quite a bit less sexual explicitness, I found the twists within the story enjoyable and the overall story fun and pleasurable.
December 23, 2014
3.5/5
This was a fun story with great characters. They are interested in each other, but different circumstances keep putting obstacles in their way that keep them apart. The plot was interesting with a slightly predictable twist. There are a lot of great scenes in the book and I couldn’t help, but laugh at Meg and Zach taking turns tying each other up. Great HEA. There is nothing better than a romance where all your dreams come true.
Now the bad….the book could use quite a bit of editing. The errors made the reading a little rough and impossible to really get into the story. A few phrases are repeated verbatim (or nearly so) from one paragraph to the next. There are extra/unnecessary words that you stumble over as you read. Or there are just typos where the word ‘know’ is used instead of ‘known’ and it messes up the flow of the story. I would have easily rated this at least a star higher with a little more editing.
This was a fun story with great characters. They are interested in each other, but different circumstances keep putting obstacles in their way that keep them apart. The plot was interesting with a slightly predictable twist. There are a lot of great scenes in the book and I couldn’t help, but laugh at Meg and Zach taking turns tying each other up. Great HEA. There is nothing better than a romance where all your dreams come true.
Now the bad….the book could use quite a bit of editing. The errors made the reading a little rough and impossible to really get into the story. A few phrases are repeated verbatim (or nearly so) from one paragraph to the next. There are extra/unnecessary words that you stumble over as you read. Or there are just typos where the word ‘know’ is used instead of ‘known’ and it messes up the flow of the story. I would have easily rated this at least a star higher with a little more editing.
December 14, 2014
Zach Gillespie is the sheriff of the small town of Zenith and he loves his job. Meg McKenzie is one of three sisters running their farm. To pay off the mortgage Meg and Ruby become bounty hunters, while Annabelle takes care of the farm. Meg has been responsible for her sisters since she was young. She is always in mens clothes and people make fun of her because she doesn't wear dresses, but they don't know she can't afford one. She puts all extra money into her sisters. This story is set in the old west and its' really good. Zack and Meg really like each other but they pretend they don't. There is some sex scenes in this book. If that doesn't offend you then I know you will enjoy this story. As Meg and Zach hunt a killer who is Zach's brother, they both have to learn what is more important in life, family or the love of your life. Its a tough decision to make.
January 14, 2015
I really liked Meg. She is a strong character, but still has a vulnerable side. She has made her way in life on her own terms and essentially raised her sisters. I loved Meg and her sisters, they are supportive of each other, but also call each other on their BS.
Meg and Zach have a history, and she hasn't quite forgiven him for it. Zach, for me, was a weak character, and I am not really sure he was good enough or made enough changes to be with Meg. He keeps messing up and making choices that really devalue Meg. When he is with Meg he is great, but he seems easily swayed when others come into the picture. That being said, I did like the banter between them and the way that they kept getting revenge on each other.
I received this story, on behalf of Sylvia McDaniels, as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Meg and Zach have a history, and she hasn't quite forgiven him for it. Zach, for me, was a weak character, and I am not really sure he was good enough or made enough changes to be with Meg. He keeps messing up and making choices that really devalue Meg. When he is with Meg he is great, but he seems easily swayed when others come into the picture. That being said, I did like the banter between them and the way that they kept getting revenge on each other.
I received this story, on behalf of Sylvia McDaniels, as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 8, 2014
RECEIVED THIS AS AN ARC COPY.
First of all I just love Westerns. Grew up with them.
What an absolutely brilliant story. Felt like I was watching a movie and I was there with them. so lifelike.
Love Zach..so hot and Meg.. so feisty.
Three Sisters Meg Ruby and Annabelle having to survive the best way they can. Sheriff Zach just loves Meg and sparks do fly. so loved the banter between them. like a game of cat and mouse.
Zach has a brother Simon..A bad Un as the say. so sad for Zach. He is loyal to simon but he has to make a choice.
could not read this story quick enough and the loving between Zach and Meg was so gentle and caring and hot. as it should be.
Just loved this and for me...perfect.
First of all I just love Westerns. Grew up with them.
What an absolutely brilliant story. Felt like I was watching a movie and I was there with them. so lifelike.
Love Zach..so hot and Meg.. so feisty.
Three Sisters Meg Ruby and Annabelle having to survive the best way they can. Sheriff Zach just loves Meg and sparks do fly. so loved the banter between them. like a game of cat and mouse.
Zach has a brother Simon..A bad Un as the say. so sad for Zach. He is loyal to simon but he has to make a choice.
could not read this story quick enough and the loving between Zach and Meg was so gentle and caring and hot. as it should be.
Just loved this and for me...perfect.
December 16, 2014
I have enjoyed all of the books by Sylvia McDaniel that I have read, and I have read three others besides "Deadly." I like a book that can make me laugh; I like a book with a strong female character who can take care of herself if she has to; and I like a book that is written well. I also like a book that is written with good conversation between the characters instead of paragraph after paragraph of narrative. I laughed at the situations between Meg and Zach; and the story moved quickly because of the use of dialogue
After teaching high school literature for forty years, I now read for personal pleasure and escape. I enjoy Sylvia McDaniel's books and would recommend "Deadly" to others.
After teaching high school literature for forty years, I now read for personal pleasure and escape. I enjoy Sylvia McDaniel's books and would recommend "Deadly" to others.
September 25, 2016
This was such a fantastic read I totally enjoyed it. After her fathers death Meg McKenzie picked up her father's profession of bounty hunting. The eldest of three sisters she's left with no choice , no means of supporting themselves and time is running short , the bank is ready to foreclose on their home .
Hunting her outlaw she finds resistance from the local sherif Zach Gillespie , but he has a secret that if revealed might cost him his badge.
Sparks fly between Zach and Meg and what follows is one hoot of a story with lots of witty banter and crazy antics between Zach and Meg.
I highly recommend this story ! Sylvia McDaniel has a gift and draws you in until you've turned the final page!
Hunting her outlaw she finds resistance from the local sherif Zach Gillespie , but he has a secret that if revealed might cost him his badge.
Sparks fly between Zach and Meg and what follows is one hoot of a story with lots of witty banter and crazy antics between Zach and Meg.
I highly recommend this story ! Sylvia McDaniel has a gift and draws you in until you've turned the final page!
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