Dangerous

Lipstick and Lead #3

by Sylvia McDaniel

The Hunt of a Lifetime Becomes a Journey of the Heart

Annabelle McKenzie stays at home and takes care of the farm and the bookkeeping for their family bounty hunting business while her two sisters take all the risks. Except that she’s grown bored and longs for adventure. The chance to show her sisters that she’s just as capable of bringing a man to justice and collecting a bounty as they are. When opportunity bumps into her at the bank, she recklessly follows her prey out of town. Only she soon realizes she’s chosen the wrong man to hunt.

Beau Samuels has a dark secret that goes beyond the price on his head. And now there’s a wanted poster with his face plastered in every small Texas sheriff’s office. As if things couldn’t get worse, now he has a novice in a skirt brandishing a gun and determined to collect his reward. Could he get away from this spitfire with his heart intact?

When Annabelle unlocks the secrets to his heart and reveals the true man behind the wanted poster, can she lay aside her scruples and allow herself to love an outlaw?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Western Romance, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Historical

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2015

About the author

USA 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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Reviews

[Alanna Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous was a bit of a change from the norm for me. I’m normally in the habit of reading Regency romances, and have only read rancher-style books in the past when they’ve been written by Sylvia McDaniel.

Dangerous was an incredibly pleasant diversion from my normal reading. I enjoyed the change of scenery that it provided and the slightly more modern angle that it could get away with.

Annabelle was a great character to read. Her background (wanting to live up to her sisters’ reputation) was so believable from the outset, and provided great motivation for her otherwise questionable actions throughout the story. Her leading man Beau was equally enthralling, and someone that I’m sure many a female reader would appreciate.

The plot itself had me reading the book from start to finish in about 3 hours flat. I literally didn’t put it down. There was a little bit of everything to keep most readers interested - romance, danger, family and humour.

I wasn’t aware of the Lipstick and Lead series that Ms McDaniel had started, but you can be sure that now I am aware, I’ll be reading the other books in the series before too long.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/19/2023)! 🎁

[Jennette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another charming story by Sylvia McDaniel, this was a fun read, not too complex, great for a little escapism into post-Civil War Texas. The author does take some liberties with history, but nothing so outrageous that fans of this style or writer could criticize too much. Annabelle McKenzie is young and supposedly trained to be a bounty hunter, but her inexperience and overconfidence lands her in a huge pile of trouble. Her naiveté, no quit attitude, and endless mistakes are strangely charming. Her flaws are what make her annoyingly likable.  Beau Samuel, the outlaw bounty she sets herself to bring in, is like that bad boy that we all know we shouldn’t fall for but just couldn’t help it.  Only it turns out every time one would expect him to be bad he is protective and irresistible. The author does a nice job at building the tension and chemistry between the two until I wanted to shout “just kiss already” and then “get a room”.  

Annabelle has some sisters and a cousin that are also in the bounty hunting business, the author teases us with glimpse of these women  giving  just enough to peak curiosity in the next book in series without distracting from Annabelle and Beau’s story. I loved the ending and of course I can’t tell you about it, but I really wish I could. The only real negative for me was I would have enjoyed seeing a few more laugh out loud moments similar to those the author has elicited from me with her previous stories.

To be honest and fair, I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous (Lipstick & Lead #2) by Sylvia McDaniel

4 Stars

Annabelle McKenzie is fed up with staying home looking after the farm while her sisters get to go out and hunt criminals for a living, so when she bumps into a man she has seen on a wanted poster she sees it as an opportunity to get in on the action. Deciding to go after, and catch him herself to collect the $500 bounty, Annabelle follows Beau Samuels out of town.

Though Annabelle is a great shooter, her hunting skills leave a lot to be desired which leads her into all kinds of trouble. Beau spots her following him pretty early on and once she sets up a make shift camp for the night he manages to sneak up on her and capture her instead. With secrets of his own and a bigger danger on his tail than Annabelle, Beau has no option other than to keep her with him and it isn’t long before sparks begin to fly.

This is the second instalment of the Lipstick and Lead series, and is another witty adventure from a great romance writer. The final outcome is predictable, but who cares? I enjoyed the read it was quick and fun and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Copy supplied for review

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book for an honest review.

This is the second book in the A Lipstick and Lead series. Annabel is tired of being the sister that stays on the farm. She want to join her sisters in the bounty hunting business. Have a little adventure. She is tired of talking to the chickens. When she goes to town one day and walks into a man coming out of the bank, she thinks he looks familiar. She just can't figure out where she has seen him before. Then it comes to her, she saw him on a wanted poster for bank robbery. How hard can it be to bring him in and collect the bounty. She will show her sisters that she is just as good as them. Beau Samuel isn't about to be taken in by the little slip of a women. After escaping from her in town he didn't think she would mount up and come after him.

Cute story. The attraction between Beau and Annabel is pretty much immediate. They both fight it. Annabel doesn't want to get involved with an outlaw and Beau can't afford to get his head wrapped around a women. There is more to Beau then meets the eye. Annabel has trouble resisting him. This has been an enjoyable series of books and I am looking forward to reading the next one.

[Donna Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Lipstick and Lead series. If you remember Lipstick and Lead is the name of the McKenzie girls (Meg, Ruby, Annabelle) bounty hunters business. Annabelle was in town going to the bank when she ran smack into a very handsome man. She couldn't figure out why he look familiar. After he left she remembered where he saw that face. She went to her saddlebags and pulled out the wanted posters. There he was Beau Samuels bank robber with $500 reward. Annabelle who usually stays home and takes care of the farm takes off after Beau thinking she can get the bounty and save the farm. He turns the move on him and he gets her gun and fakes being hurt and when she runs for the sheriff he takes off. She takes off right behind him. She doesn't realize he is running from the dangerous Harris gang. Annabelle catches up with him and he gets the jump on her again. Now she has to go with him. What a journey they have. This story does have a little sex in it, but I just loved this story. You will too.

[Cissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book for an honest review.

Annabelle is the sister of Meg and Ruby, the bounty hunters. She is the one who stays and manages the farm while her sisters are out hunting for reward money. Annabelle craves excitement, however, and when she visits the bank, she spots a man who is wanted by the law.

Beau Samuel has a reward on his head and he is captivated by the spunky Annabelle. When Annabelle follows him, things get difficult. Beau and Annabelle strike up an interesting relationship as they travel and you'll have to read Dangerous to see where that relationship goes.

The book is an easy, fun read and it is nice to see strong females in western times. I look forward to reading Ruby's story in the next book.

[CharmaineW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC COPY for honest review.
Oh Sylvia.. you have done it again :-)
Annabelle and Beau..wow. Loved book 1 but this book 2 is even better. Annabelle wants some excitement in her life and after "bumping" into Beau in town realises he is an outlaw. only one thing to do...get that man.
After trying to capture Beau he captures her and off they go ...on the run to Fort Worth.
With a really bad gang after Beau he knows he has to protect anabelle. So much drama, excitement, Lust ,shocks ,mother nature ! well I could not put this story down. So sad when I finished the story because I want need more. Fantastic sums it up.

[Teri Lenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle sets out on her own as a novice bounty hunter, much to the chagrin of the man she's hunting. As Dangerous opens, we watch Annabelle simply follow her bounty out of town on a whim, unprepared and unschooled in what her sisters have been doing to support the family ranch for years. Who is this man that she is tracking and what has Annabelle gotten herself into?

[BROWN2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best so far....

I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series but this has to be my favorite so far. Action, adventure, falling in love with an outlaw, what more can you ask for. Well, what about Frank and Jessie James. I love how Sylvia McDaniel tied this in to the story. Great book. You feel like you are along for the ride. Impatiently waiting for the next.

[Ronda Blanke Geiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again I truly enjoyed this book. Ms. McDaniel has a really good series of historical western romance going here. I look toward to Ruby's story as much as I enjoyed Meg and Annabelle's stories! Kudos to you Ms. McDaniel!

[Mel Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Dangerous. It has a little bit of everything, romance, humor, suspense. Beau and Annabelle are strong wonderful engaging characters. Would definitely recommend the "Lipstick & Lead" series. Looking forward to Ruby's story.

[Jack Washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

On to Ruby

This was as great as the first two stories. I enjoyed Annabelle's escapades while trying to bring Beau in for the reward.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and Suspenseful! I love when a book grips me and takes me on a heart stopping rollercoaster ride as in Dangerous. Sylvia McDaniel weaves a story of the Old West from beginning to end that comes to life with all the violence, turmoil and with a outlaw gang who is looking for their money with a vengeance. It's an action-packed romance that brims with tension-building twists, remarkable emotions, characters that are well thought out and you find yourself drawn into their story, clever, witty and funny banters. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly. Never threaten a little gal with a kiss or you might find out you've bitten off more than you can handle! That's just what Beau Samuel, that man was built for sin, has done with one Annabelle, sassy-mouthed bounty hunter. Annabelle sees a wanted poster on Beau and decides her life is dull and boring and decides she's going to bring the outlaw in for the reward just like her two sisters do. How hard could it be to catch and bring in one outlaw? As the two travel together tempers flared, sparks fly and stubborness is the recipe in this passion filled romance packed with drama, adventure, family love and as the tensions escalates the suspense builds and uncertainties abound that will make you hold your breath until the end in this outstanding story.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the other books in this series and wasn't lost, so a standalone. I did enjoy the banter between the MC's. The H underestimated the h and it was enjoyable watching him be surprised.

I couldn't understand the H not telling the truth. There was no reason not too especially after he came to know her.

Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 3 out of 5.

Some suspense, violence and twists. I felt the ending was abrupt and that was disappointing. This ended about 93% on my e-reader so the author could have used that to give us more in their future. I understand that will probably take place in the next story.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance, and a tad of steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)

[Terryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok story, I guess. The heroine and hero's continuous banter was starting to annoy me especially in the beginning. He is a Pinkerton agent undercover as an outlaw to try and catch a gang of thieves. She is a wannabe bounty hunter who bumps into the pretend outlaw and tries to arrest him. They end up together and desperately try to outrun the outlaw gang. When they finally come to the end of their journey she leaves thinking he no longer wants her. Months later she discovers she is pregnant with his child. Eventually he seeks her out, tells her the truth of his identity and asks for her hand in marriage. HEA ending.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia McDaniel has become a favorite author. Her books are thrilling, the females are strong/skilled/smart/tender all at the same time, and the action is non-stop. In Dangerous, Annabelle McKenzie is the middle of three sisters who run the Lipstick and Lead Bounty Hunters business. Usually content to stay at home, one day she spots a wanted criminal, Beau Samuels, and she takes after him alone. Can an outlaw and a bounty hunter find love? This book is a really great read.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely great.

I've read many many books in this genre, and this is probably one of my favorites. I loved the characters, the story, the whole book. It is well written. I typically don't review books, i think it's a waste of time, but this book made it worth it. This book is a must read, even if you don't read the other books in the series.

[E Oygard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violet or sapphire blue eyes?

A fairly good story although I could not understand why Beau had to keep certain information from Annabelle. I know it strung the story along but I though it was o or as a plot. Also when Beau remembered her eyes they changed co!our!

[A. Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each book in this series gets better and better.
I loved this one.

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau and Annabelle

This is a well written story. The plot and the characters, recurring and new are well thought out. I loved the tale and I think you will too.

[Melissa Dobbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This book is an adventure that taught the heroine just what she is capable of, and what she really wanted. Enjoy 💜

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better than the first.

[Serina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Great read. Definitely dangerous and mysterious. Loved the intrigue and the love scenes mixed with the threats of a lifetime.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. I read the first one and while it needed a little editing, it was a great start to the series with a decent plot and great characters that left me looking forward to this story. The characters in Dangerous were still great characters like they were in Deadly. The plot was better in this one with a less predictable twist at the end of the story. I liked the relationship between Beau and Annabelle where they are attracted to each other and like each other, but each feels that they shouldn't be attracted to each other and that they don't fit into each other's lives.

Here's the problem I have with the book....there is a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. There are also an obscene amount of similes (nearly 10 before the end of chapter 2 and they just keep coming). While a few are funny or help enhance the story, there are just too many of them and they still just tell you a description rather than showing you. It makes it so you read and a enjoy a book, but you just aren't pulled into the story so you feel like you are there with the characters.

It's still a good book. Just not an over-the-top wonderful story you want live in because it's so good you can't let it go.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle McKenzie has always been the sister to stay home and tend the farm and doing the bookkeeping for the family bounty hunting business, while her two other sisters take the risks by hunting the bounties. Now Annabelle has grown bored and wants to prove to her sisters she can bring in a criminal and collect the bounty as well. She gets her chance when she runs right into a man she has on her wanted paper. When he gets away from her in town she decides to follow him and bring him in one way or another. She soon finds out that bounty hunting is a lot harder than she thought.

Beau Samuels isn’t at all what he seems. He has his face plastered on a wanted poster and now he has a little spitfire of a woman trying to capture him for the price on his head all while trying to keep himself and now her alive. What is an outlaw to do?

I LOVED this book! Annabelle and Beau’s story had me hooked from the very beginning. The humor, suspense, and romance in this book were awesome! Can’t wait for more!

[Beth Cutwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it about bad boys that pull the heartstrings of fair and unfair maidens alike? I certainly have no answer for that question, but I can attest to the fact that I rooted whole heartedly for our bad boy outlaw, Beau Samuels in this rolicking western romance, Dangerous by Sylvia McDaniel.

What a great idea for a premise of the story.....bounty hunting sisters. And what a time in history for women to be seeking justice for their male counterparts. I loved this storyline, the internal conflict that had both the heroine and the hero warring between their heads and their hearts and the passion that brewed from the get go between them.

The story was definitely character driven and moved rapidly from beginning to end. I found it refreshing and enjoyable although the romance scenes were a bit explicit for my taste. But I sure loved how McDaniel created such believable and rounded characters.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annebelle McKenize has just decided she is done staying behind on the farm when Meg and Ruby have the great adventures hunting outlaws. She is thinking about how to tell her sisters when she runs into the arms of a good looking stranger. After a sassy conversation, Annabelle remembers where she saw his face on a wanted poster. The reward is $500 and would be enough to finally own the farm. Thus starts Annabelle's great bounty hunting experience has began with Beau Samuels. Little does she know that he is the half brother of the famous outlaw gang of Frank and Jesse James. Beau and Annabelle end up keeping each other alive, yet when the time comes can she turn Beau in for the reward money? Or let him go because she has fallen in love. I highly recommend this book along with the Lipstick & Lead series!

[Lisa C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Annabelle had to stay home and take care of things on the farm while her sisters were out having fun chasing bad guys. When she decided to take things into her own hands and go after a bounty, things didn't go as she planned. There was humor, drama, romance and characters I really liked. Beau had his own problems and then he had to add the over ambitious Annabelle to the mix. Their interactions were entertaining and I found his reactions to her pretty funny.

The characters were realistic and the author did a good job with descriptions so that you had a feel for the time and place.

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, which is what I'm aiming for right now. I love how McDaniel has continuity in her books. She does an excellent job of creating family and community. This was a particularly entertaining read given her incorporation of the James Gang. Definitely a must read if only how she was able to 'tweak' history and bring to life the infamous. H/h were well developed and sizzle was just right. Peaches to Peaches; this was a A. Minor grammar issues, but didn't impact the read. Couldn't bring myself to deduct any stars as this series is quickly become a favorite.