Thursday, February 27, 2020

Guest Post, Review, and Giveaway - - His Secret Mistress


Back in February, 2008, I gathered my courage, stepped out of my comfort zone, and made the decision to attend a small romance author-reader event a couple hours from my home. The first person I met that weekend was Cathy Maxwell and by the end of the event, I felt that I had not only discovered a new author to read but had also made a new friend. Twelve years later, I still eagerly anticipate each new book Cathy writes and am happy to say our friendship continues to flourish. Her newest book, His Secret Mistress, launches her A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women series. Logical men? Dangerous women? You have to know I'm all over that!

Please give Cathy a warm welcome to The Romance Dish.

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Okay, Romance Dish readers, you and I can talk.  We read loads of historical and contemporary romances. We celebrate every aspect of the genre.  We’ve watched it expand and change over the decades.  We get that paranormals are never about vampires and shape-shifters  but celebrate the outsider--the people who don’t fit in, who have cut themselves off from anything resembling love or trust in the world.
               The high-minded duke is just another name for the person whose position creates a barrier between the real, the honest, the accepting. There isn’t a small town contemporary that doesn’t celebrate second chances, or a new adult that isn’t rooted in the importance of finding one’s self.
And that corporate raider?  Well, he or she needs a wake-up call to realize that a meaningful relationship is the only true currency of value, something you and I already know. We get it.
Recently, a friend asked for a copy of one of my books to read. She is not a romance reader. She is also highly intelligent, a progressive in all matters, and values her feminist credentials.
I think she asked for one of my books to read because, perhaps, I was not what she expected a romance writer to be? I don’t own a feather boa. I rarely talk about my books. I believe I seem sensible to her.  However, I do like bonbons.
Of course, I gave her a book. I gave her TREASURED VOWS, one of many I’ve written where the female protagonist isn’t afraid to face the challenge of living the life of her dreams.  Isn’t that what we all want?
I also included IF EVER I SHOULD LOVE YOU about a woman struggling with the mistakes of her past.  Are they like other historical romances? Yes, yes, and yes.  The tales I write are about characters stepping it up in their lives. They have goals, desires, and love is important . . . because you and I know that how well we love and how well we are loved in return is the only true measure of a fully lived life. 
Of course, my hope is that my friend enjoys the books. My dream is that she joins the legions of us who once looked down our noses at romance novels. We believed books should be critical, challenging, mind puzzles that can be sometimes dismal in their pessimism.
And then we discovered reading should also be fun.  We learned that a happy ending is not a pat on the head but what we dearly wish for in all of our relationships. Most of all, we learned that the pursuit of love is always fascinating and worth the time..


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Woodard Photography Studio

Cathy Maxwell has been in publishing for over twenty-five years. Yes, that makes her a war horse, i.e. she has seen a lot of stuff.  Over the course of that quarter of a century, Cathy has written over thirty-five historical romances, hit the New York Times and USA Today lists, been nominated for or won some nice awards, made dynamite writing friends, and has had the time of her life. Her upcoming book has the old school title of HIS SECRET MISTRESS and will be out February 25, 2020. You can find out more about her at www.cathymaxwell.com Or, if you wish to stalk her, www.facebook.com/maxwellcathy. She usually yaks back.


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His Secret Mistress
by Cathy Maxwell
A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women - Book 1
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: February 25, 2020

At the Logical Men’s Society—an exclusive bachelor’s club—brandy flows like water, bawdy stories abound, and a gentleman tempted to marry is always persuaded to reconsider . . .
Brandon Balfour made the mistake of trusting his heart to the exquisite, strong-willed actress, Kate Addison, with whom he shared one intimate night before fate intervened. Now a decade later, Brandon is a leading member of the Logical Men’s Society—for no woman since Kate has managed to captivate him.
To Kate, the memory of that night still burns strongly, because it was followed by a stunning betrayal. A chance encounter may have brought Brandon back into her life, but that doesn’t mean Kate will ever forgive him. She’s vowed to make him pay—even as she realizes the promises of the young love they once shared are still etched upon her heart . . .
Loving her exiled him.
Trusting him ruined her.
And now, a clash of passions threatens everything each of them ever desired.

PJ's Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two characters who are given a second opportunity to capture a happy ending that eluded them fifteen years earlier. But, not without facing a whole lot of baggage from their earlier relationship, including each one's misunderstanding of the events of the past, of perceived betrayals. Their journey is filled with humor, snappy banter, heartache, sizzle, forgiveness, and love.

I enjoy characters with life experience behind them. It gives them depth. Kate and Brandon in their younger years wouldn't have been nearly as complex or interesting, while introducing us to them in their mid-thirties brings more of a richness to them, more layers to be unveiled. I felt a connection with them, especially with Kate, and a greater investment in the outcome of their relationship.

Characterization is something at which Maxwell excels and in this book, she gifts readers not only with a complex main couple but with an entire community of fascinating folks. I look forward to discovering more about them in future books and am especially curious to find out if my suspicions about a potential future couple prove true. In the meantime, if you're looking for a fast-paced, smooth-flowing, historical romance that will elicit both laughter and tears, I recommend you give His Secret Mistress a try. 

Have you read Cathy Maxwell's books?

Do you have a favorite?

Do you consider yourself a "dangerous woman?"

One randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, February 28, will receive a signed copy of His Secret Mistress that I brought home from Coastal Magic.

Must be 18 or older.
U.S. addresses only.










48 comments:

  1. I love Cathy Maxwell's books. But Lyon's Bride is my favorite. I'm looking forward to reading His Secret Mistress. In my youth I may have been dangerous once my temper stirred but in these golden years the only danger would be someone getting in the way of my books. 😊 Congrats on your new release Cathy.
    Carol Luciano

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    1. I also enjoyed Lyon's Bride.

      I think we're even more dangerous in our golden years, Carol. I feel more confident in myself and what I want. And, like you, woe betide the person who comes between me and my books! ;-)

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    2. Thank you for the congrats, Carol! And for loving Lyon's Bride. That book was a bit controversial so I'm happy you like it. BTW, I've received some push back on making Kate in her thirties. I'm scratching my head on that one. I love confident women, i.e. "dangerous" women.

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  2. I have enjoyed her books but usually my favorite is the one I'm currently reading lol. Nah, I've never been dangerous lol. And I love books that make me laugh and cry - means I'm emotionally involved.

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    1. Same here, catslady. I love a good cry amidst the laughter!

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    2. I'm with you on books that emotionally involve me, catslady. Usually, I know a book is done when I'm tearing up as I finish. No, not because I'm happy I'm done but because i will miss these characters.

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  3. It's been a long time since I've read any of Cathy's work. Guess it's about time I got back into her stuff. Agree with what's been said...woo be to the person who steps between me and my books. Sort of like a mama bear and her cub!

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    1. Hey, Karen, I'd love to have you reading me again. That said, woe to anyone who steps between me and ANYTHING I want to do. I'm over people pleasing.

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  4. I have read several of her stories. I liked the Brides of Wishmore series. I don't feel dangerous. I'd sooner read about dangerous women and their escapades and the men who try to capture their hearts.

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    1. That was a good series. I enjoyed it too.

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    2. I'm with you, Laurie, about how I prefer reading about folks whose lives go upside down. I love it in romance because I know that there will be a happily ever after--even if it isn't what the characters were expecting.

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  5. Dangerous women are scary and I avoid them but reading about them is fine. Cathy's books are captivating.

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    1. I think it depends upon your definition of dangerous, petite. I don't consider myself scary but I can well understand how the confidence I've gained in my life could be dangerous to a "logical" man. ;-)

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  6. I've read quite a few of Cathy's books and always enjoyed them. I particularly enjoyed her Spinster Heiress series.

    I'm not dangerous at all. I'm very easy going and hate to upset anybody.

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    1. If you're a fan of the Spinster Heiress series, you'll likely recognize Kate, the heroine of HIS SECRET MISTRESS.

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    2. I liked Kate too much to let her go. She needed a book of her own!

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  7. Cathy's novels are wonderful and I can lose myself within the pages. I am far from dangerous and no one would deny that.

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    1. I love losing myself in a good story!

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    2. I hear what you are saying, Traveler, but are their circumstances when you might turn "dangerous?" We women usually go along, until we decide we won't. Agreed? Disagree?

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  8. I've read a couple of Cathy's series - the Marriage series & the Cameron Sisters & Spinster Heiresses - I enjoyed them all - this looks like another good story.

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  9. I've read marrying the duke series and I loved them.

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  10. My pre-ordered copy arrived yesterday. I AM EXCITED. (I have a list of review books before I can touch it, but it's there...like a happy reward for the happy reading of books.) I love all of this post. *LOL* I have read most (if not all) of Cathy's books; and have for some years. I love her stuff. The Brides of Wishmore and the Chattan novels come to mind as KEEPERS on my shelves. (The latter had an interesting curse associated with it...which I loved.)

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    1. The Chattan Curse series was also a bit controversial. However, one thing I learned is that readers will go anywhere with a writer for a good story. There was a ruckus when it first came out and yet, now, many readers like you say it is one of their favorite series of my books.

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    2. Was it really? See, that only shows that it takes all kinds of stories for readers. I've been reading romances 2/3 of my life--and the thing I am becoming more conscious of is that every book has an audience. And we should publish more controversial, more diverse books to have representation for all of our audience, not just a narrow comfortable one. Anyway, now if I don't like a book and I'm reviewing it, I will say it was not to my taste because of XYZ (and not just say "The heroine was stupid" or "The hero was a jerk.") to give other readers some context of why it didn't appeal to me personally. Other people might be completely okay with what I found bothersome. As Dumbledore says, "If you're looking for universal approval, you're never going to get it." (Or something to that effect.)

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  11. I have never read a Cathy Maxwell book I didn't adore! I have to say In A Duke's Bed is a favorite of mine.

    And I, for one, am so very happy you got out of your comfort zone because then I never would have met you! That would have been a damn shame! Love ya!

    Glad to hear Coastal Magic was a good conference! And if Cathy is here somewhere- mwah!

    Please do not include me in the giveaway! Already have it on pre-order!

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    1. Santa! Much love to you! Coastal Magic was magic. I brought my daughter-in-law with me. She is a huge paranormal romance reader and it was her first conference. It was a good one. Everyone was welcoming and up for a great time. She's hooked. She can't wait until her next conference. Hope to see you at KissCon? Thank you for your wonderful support. I value you.

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  12. This book sounds so good, the cover is beautiful, and Cathy Maxwell is a terrific writer!

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  13. Thank you, Virginia! That is a super compliment. I'm also glad you like the cover. Our dear heroine has a bit of an attitude. :-)

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  14. BTW, I love that picture of PJ and me. Love it!

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  15. I am a fan of Ms Maxwell. I am about as dangerous as milk toast. I would love to be considered anything which is actually interesting. I am not, thus I read romance books because they generally have a heroine who is interesting.

    I like the cover of the new book and I think the story sounds like fun. And the only thing I find curious,where in the world would they find enough logical men to form a group....yes, I know that is sexist, but the thought was too funny to ignore. So, I am not dangerous, just sarcastic and cynical.

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    1. There is power in sarcasm! The logical men is a challenge. Most of the women in the village agree with you and for the same reason. Plus, to be a member of this club, you must be a bachelor or a widower. How crazy is that? As you can imagine, the Matrons of the village would like to see it shut down.

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  16. I have read Ms Maxwell, but not too many yet, which means I have some backlist to look forward to indulging in! As society seems to think women who read and think are dangerous, I pray I'm considered ridiculously dangerous :)

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  17. I do enjoy Cathy's books! But please don't ask me to pick a favorite one!

    Am I dangerous? Most of the time, no. I have my moments though. ;-)

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  18. I haven't read any of her books yet.
    I can be dangerous at times

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  19. I have read a few of her books.

    I'm a little dangerous. lol

    denise

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  20. I love it! It's fun to be a bit dangerous.

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  21. I can't remember if I've read any of Cathy's books but at least 4 are on my kindle. I'm just now getting back into reading historicals again.

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  22. I discovered Cathy's books and they are on my tbr list. I am definitely not a dangerous woman.

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  23. My favorite is The Scottish Witch: The Chattan Curse. My second favorite is the Bride says no. I do so enjoy her books.
    I don't consider myself all that dangerous, but I do have my strong opinions and go my own way even if is the more difficult path.

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  24. I haven't tried Cathy's books yet, but I have one in my TBR pile.

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  25. I love Cathy's books! (I don't think of myself as dangerous, but I am determined!)

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