Review - - Thus With A Kiss I Die

Thus With A Kiss I Die

by Christina Dodd

Daughter of Montague - Book 2

Publisher: Kensington: A John Scognamiglio Book

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

“Woe, for I am the bug that meets the windshield's might,
No longer the speeding glass, smooth, clean and bright . . .”

You’re right. I, Rosie Montague of Verona, am lousy at iambic pentameter and Shakespeare speak, but you get the point: Sometimes you’re the windshield and sometimes you’re the bug. I, who for my whole life, have cruised along, unruffled by life’s trials, am suddenly smashed flat and speeding recklessly up the WhattheHellHappened Highway.

Why? you ask . . .

I’m 20-years-old and by my own design, never been wed, free as no married woman ever is. I’m beautiful, but without conceit, for Juliet, my legendary Mamma is the most gorgeous creature to ever walk the earth. Just ask Romeo, my legendary Papà. (Rumors of their deaths were premature.) I was heartwhole until I fell (literally) in love with Lysander of the House of Beautiful. But our love was not to be, for I was thwarted by Escalus, the Prince of Verona . . . who had designs on me.

I’m trapped.

Then! I’m presented with a solution. Escalus’s father, Prince Escalus the Elder, appears to me. He tasks that I find his killer. Did I mention Elder is a ghost?

Given that I only recently dispatched Verona’s first serial killer, I’m less than pleased. Yet Elder promises to unite me with my One True Love, so I gather clues. Meanwhile, revolution threatens, for beneath Verona society’s glittering surface lurk dark shadows—and an enemy eager to make me a tragic heroine in my own right . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

I highlighted so many brilliantly witty and downright hilarious passages in this book it would be easier to tell you what I didn't highlight than what I did. Remember this paragraph from my review of book one, A Daughter of Fair Verona?

Five minutes into the book, I was already snort-laughing while reading passages out loud to my sister-in-law. On almost every page, I would call out, "OMG! You have to hear this!" then read a sentence, or a paragraph, or the whole darn page to her. She left after about the tenth time I did this because (a) she wants to enjoy the book in its entirety once it's published and (b) at the rate I was going I would have read the entire book out loud because it's just that good and she had things to do. 

I did the exact same thing with book two. Warning: Do not read this book while eating. Or drinking. 

This newest installment in Dodd's Daughter of Montague (yes, that Montague) series follows the continuing journey of irrepressible, irreverent, amateur sleuth, Rosie Montague, her big, loving, madcap family, another murder to solve, and her unexpected romantic dilemma. When you're being pursued by both the Prince of Verona and the impossibly handsome Lysander (her One True Love...or is he?) and everyone has an opinion, including your heavily pregnant and hormonal mother (Juliet), overprotective father (Romeo), meddlesome family nurse (aren't they always?), all of your younger siblings (so many opinions), and (never forget) a pesky ghost with a whole lot at stake, hijinks, hilarity, danger, and a bit of romance are sure to follow, especially when placed in the uber-talented hands of Christina Dodd. She can have me gasping one second and laughing out loud the next. 

This one's a keeper. Along with book one, A Daughter of Fair Verona (I highly recommend reading them in order-read my review here), Thus with a Kiss I Die is the perfect summer book to bring warmth, laughter, a twisty mystery, a bit of romance (who will she choose?) and a bright burst of sunshine into your life. I read it in one day then turned around and read it again. Already counting down the days until the 2026(?) release of book three!

Review - - Summer Warrior

Summer Warrior

by Regan Walker

The Clan Donald Saga - Book 1

Publisher: Regan Walker Publishing

Release Date: October 7, 2020

Reviewed by PJ

 

Somerled’s parentage was noble, of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, the High Kings of Ireland. But when the Norse invaded Argyll and the Isles, his family’s fortunes fell with those of his people. All hope seemed lost when he rose from the mists of Morvern to rally the Gaels, the Scots and the Irish.

Sweeping across Argyll and the Isles like a fast-moving storm, brilliant in strategy and fearless in battle, Somerled began retaking his ancestral lands, driving away the invaders and freeing the people from the Norse stranglehold. In doing so, he would win the title Somerle Mor, Somerled the Mighty, Lord of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne and, eventually, Lord of the Isles.

This is the unforgettable story of his path to victory that forged the Kingdom of the Isles and won him the heart of a Norse king’s daughter.

PJ's Thoughts:

One of the things I most enjoy about a Regan Walker book is her impeccably researched historical detail and authenticity. That research is abundantly evident in this new novel inspired by the life of Somerled, a real person who played a pivotal role in the 12th century lives of the Gaels, Scots, and Irish. 

While key facets of Somerled's life are recorded such as his birth, death, marriage, children, etc., many details are unknown. Using imagination based upon research, Walker has penned a story that takes readers back to medieval times, bringing real people and fictional characters to life. Through well-developed characters and events, she offers insight into their way of life, including goals, obstacles, and emotions as they might have occurred. 

Using a narrative style, Summer Warrior unfolds in an intriguing and effective way that draws the reader into the lives of the characters and the time in which they lived. Reading the book was reminiscent of sitting around an open campfire, listening to a master storyteller weave tales from days of yore. 

If you enjoy sagas rich in historical detail and authenticity, Regan Walker is an author I highly recommend. 

Review - - When a Laird Takes a Lady

When a Laird Takes a Lady
Claimed by the Highlander - Book 2
By Rowan Keats
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Release Date:  May 6, 2014

Life has not been easy on Isabail Grant.  Growing up motherless and with an abusive father, the only family to whom she was close was her beloved brother.  But her brother, a courier for the king, has been murdered by Aiden MacCurran and now Isabail is alone. The king has confiscated the MacCurran lands and Isabail is on her way to petition him to grant the property to her in recompense for her brother's death when she's taken captive...by MacCurran himself.

Laird of his small clan, Aiden MacCurran is a man of loyalty, integrity and desperation.  Falsely accused of killing the king's courier and stealing a valuable necklace, Aiden has been declared an outlaw and the members of his clan have been turned out of their homes and forced to live hidden in the woods.  Aiden has mere days to clear his name and find the missing necklace before the MacCurran property is lost to them forever and his clan is scattered to the winds. His only hope is convincing Isabail Grant to tell him the names of the men at the castle the night her brother was killed as he's certain one of them must be the real killer.  It would be too much to hope that the lass would come willingly.

Isabail, as she has been taught by life, expects the worst type of treatment from Aiden and his men and is surprised when instead she's treated with care and respect.  During her time at the MacCurran camp, the flicker of attraction between the two grows into a flame but desire does not equal trust...on either side...and a battle of wills ensues. Slowly, though, each begins to see that the other is more than they initially thought and Isabail starts to question her belief that Aiden truly is the man who murdered her brother.  But when the opportunity to escape presents itself, will she trust the logic of her mind or the whispers of her heart?

As with her debut book, Taming a Wild Scot, Keats thrusts the reader into the heart of medieval Scotland, complete with alpha heroes, strong-minded women, political intrigues and plenty of action.  Her books flow smoothly, with both a story that reels the reader in and holds their attention and complex, intriguing characters who touch the heart.  When a Laird Takes a Lady begins shortly after the end of the story in Taming a Wild Scot.  While the primary romance in each of the books is brought to a conclusion in that book, the mystery of who stole the necklace is a story arc that continues across the series.  Therefore, while When a Laird Takes a Lady can be read as a stand-alone, I believe readers will have a more complete understanding of both the events leading up to Isabail's kidnapping as well as the actions of Isabail, Aiden and other key secondary characters if they read the books in order.

I'm an unabashed fan of medieval historical romance and am delighted to have another author joining the ranks of medieval authors such as Monica McCarty, Sue-Ellen Welfonder and Paula Quinn.  I thoroughly enjoyed When a Laird Takes a Lady and am now counting down the months until Keats takes us back to medieval Scotland with the third book in this series, To Kiss a Kilted Warrior  (Don't you just love that title?) in December, 2014. I'm looking forward to my next visit!

~PJ


Do you enjoy medieval historical romance?  What do you like/not like about this era? Do you prefer books in this time period that are set in England or Scotland or do you just enjoy a good book, regardless of location?  Have you read Rowan Keat's books yet?  


The Rowan Keats Virtual Tour for When a Laird Takes a Lady is giving away eight copies of the book to readers who enter the tour's Rafflecopter giveaway.  (US/Canada only) Good luck to everyone!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1mNXCJP

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1kg8yfZ

Books-a-Million: http://bit.ly/1jROGN8

Book Depository: http://bit.ly/1lSPPer

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1fE5c28

Rowan Keats pens historical adventures involving hot Highland heroes and the women they claim. Both TAMING A WILD SCOT and WHEN A LAIRD TAKES A LADY have earned 4 1/2 star reviews from RT Book Reviews, which labelled her "a rising star of medieval romance."

When not writing, Rowan can frequently be found in a dark movie theater indulging in a large bag of popcorn, or watching the sunrise with a mug of steaming coffee wrapped in her hands. She lives in Central Canada with a goofy black lab, a very talkative cat, and a daughter whose own creative talents awe and inspire her every day.

Website: www.rowankeats.com

Facebook: facebook.com/RowanKeatsAuthor

Twitter: twitter.com/RowanKeats

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6462457.Rowan_Keats

Other Tour Stops: 

http://events.litconnect.com/when-a-laird-takes-a-lady-by-rowan-keats/

Today's Special - - Rowan Keats

Taming a Wild Scot has been nominated for a RT Reviewer's Choice Award for Best First Historical Romance. Congratulations, Rowan!  

PJ here.  I'm a self-proclaimed, banner-waving, unabashedly enthusiastic fan of medieval historical romance.  Set that romance in Scotland and my enthusiasm overflows.  It should come as no surprise then that I am always excited to welcome new medieval authors to the romance fiction landscape.  Today, I'm happy to introduce you to Rowan Keats and her debut novel, TAMING A WILD SCOT.  

Rowan pens historical adventures about hot Highland heroes and the women they claim. The first book in her Claimed by the Highlander series, TAMING A WILD SCOT, hits store shelves on November 5, 2013. Rowan's debut garnered a 4 1/2 star review from RT Book Reviews, which also named her "a rising star of medieval romance". (I wholeheartedly agree with RT!)

When not writing, Rowan can frequently be found in a dark movie theater indulging in a large bag of popcorn, or watching the sunrise with a mug of steaming coffee wrapped in her hands. She lives in Central Canada with a goofy black lab, a very talkative cat, and a daughter whose own creative talents awe and inspire her every day.

Connect with Rowan online at the following places:

Website: www.rowankeats.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/RowanKeatsAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RowanKeats

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6462457.Rowan_Keats

Please give Rowan Keats a warm Romance Dish welcome!

~~~~~

Happy Anniversary to The Romance Dish!

November is cause for celebration with me, too. This month I am releasing my first Scottish medieval romance, TAMING A WILD SCOT. Coincidently, it's also the date of the opening scene in my book...which starts with my heroine Ana in a rather tight spot. If you're curious, the first chapter is posted here.

I love the title of this book. It's sexy and adventurous, which I think is true of the story inside the cover. It has also given me the perfect topic for my celebratory blog tour--How to Tame a Wild Scot.

Wild Scots are an endangered breed, rather like the Highland Wildcat. Fierce, proud, and tough to tame. But I'm willing to share a few secrets I learned while writing this book, because I happen to believe Wild Scots make the best romance heroes and everyone deserves one.

Let's assume that you've scouted the territory and spotted a Wild Scot. You've fallen for that soul-stirring accent and manly display of knees beneath a kilt. What do you do next? Well, you've got to get his attention.

This is a tricky step. Wild Scots are born hunters, so they enjoy the chase. Stalking a Wild Scot is the fastest way to lose his interest. And it will probably get you arrested. No, the best way to attract the attention of a Wild Scot is to wave a red flag.

This is how my heroine Ana does it:

Niall’s gaze slid across the village square to the woman perusing the offerings of the vegetable vendor. Like other female marketgoers, she wore an uninspiring brown gown topped by a white apron and a linen brèid. That display of matronly modesty and the loose fit of her coarse woolen clothing did surprisingly little to shield her from the attentions of a pack of eager young lads—they passed her by with many a second glance and a few bold grins. Perhaps they were as intrigued as he was by the lock of dark red hair that had escaped her head covering.

You don't have red hair? That's okay. There are other ways to wave the red flag. My hero Niall finds twin red flags particularly difficult to ignore:

“Here’s your satchel, sweetling. I’ll leave you alone to do your good work.”

She tossed him an arch look. “You don’t intend to wait for me?”

He shook his head. “You could be a considerable time and I must see the carpenters about an urgent matter. We’ve a pressing need for a larger, sturdier bed.”

The handmaiden withdrew with a faint smile and the whisper of her linen hem over the rushes. Ana blushed madly. “I think the priority must be finding work, husband. Perhaps you should see the reeve instead.”

“Perhaps I’ll do both,” he said agreeably, enjoying her reaction.

Still a delightful shade of pink, Ana closed the chamber door in his face.

Once you get the attention of your Wild Scot, the real challenge begins. But taming a Wild Scot is worth the effort.  They are renowned for their brawny good looks, their unbridled passion, and their determined  protection of the ones they care about.

The peat was just beginning to catch flame when a thump came from the woodpile at the rear of the hut. Niall surged to his feet. Had the Norman sergeant returned to cause Ana more grief? If so, the cur would regret his decision. He slipped quietly out the door and rounded the corner in a flash, his dirk at the ready.

Interested in winning a signed copy of TAMING A WILD SCOT? Enter the draw, and tell me why you think Scottish heroes have such enduring appeal.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Taming a Wild Scot

by Rowan Keats

Genre: Historical Romance

Elements/Tags: Medieval, Scottish, Highlander

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

Publishing Date: November 5, 2013

Series: Claimed by the Highlander #1

Format: Print, e-Book

Back Cover:

Wrongfully accused of murder and left to die in a hellish Highland dungeon, Ana Bisset has lost all hope of freedom. But the beautiful healer’s luck takes an unexpected turn when a hooded stranger appears as her rescuer. After a harrowing escape, Ana settles alone in a quiet village where no one knows her past or her reputation. The last thing she ever expects is to meet her mysterious savior again...

Niall MacCurran is no hero, but a warrior on a dangerous mission to expose a threat to the realm. After his decision to free Ana, he now realizes that it is he who needs her help—willing or no—to advance his quest. But his growing feelings for the delicate yet resilient beauty soon jeopardize their safety—and not even Ana’s healing gifts may be enough to protect their love, or their lives.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1g4YR3E

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1imC8x0

Books-a-Million: http://bit.ly/1ahUosn

Guest Review - - The Knight's Temptress

Today, Andrea and I are doubly delighted to welcome Santa as our newest guest reviewer.  Please give her a warm Romance Dish welcome!  


The Knight's Temptress
By Amanda Scott
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: August 27, 2013


  

Greetings everyone! This is my debut review here at The Romance Dish. I'd like to thank PJ and
Andrea for inviting me to post reviews here from time to time.

My first review is of Amanda Scott's THE KNIGHT'S TEMPTRESS, the second book of her
Lairds of Loch series. The novel takes place in medieval times. The prologue gives a quick
introduction to the background of the series and the rather large array of lairds, ladies, heroes
and villains introduced, I am sure, in great detail in the first book of the series.

In this book Lady Lachina (Lina) is kidnapped along with her impulsive companion Lizzie by the
primary villain Dougal MacFralan who seeks to gain more lands and influence for his father and
for the rebel King.

Enter newly knighted Sir Ian Colquhoun who, true to his vocation, seeks to rescue Lady Lina who
he knew as a young girl. Dougal continues to be true to his villainous nature as he seeks to ruin
Lady Lina's reputation by threatening to spread rumors of what happened while she was in
captivity.

Here the story takes on one of my favorite types of romance: the marriage of convience. Sir Ian
marries Lady Lina in order to protect her reputation before Dougal can cause any real damage.  At this point you would think the story ends but we are treated to the growing passion and love between Ian and Lina, their stubborn wills and Dougal's treachery in trying to obtain his ends with whatever means necessary. In a word, delicious.

I have to say that I did enjoy the book. I would have preferred the prologue to have summarized the background and characters as vast as the craigs and valleys of Scotland where the story takes place rather than a quick set up of the chapter that followed. I am looking forward to the third book in the series as I find myself vested in everyone already.

~Santa

Santa Byrnes has been in love with the written word for as long as she can remember. Romances provide reaffirmation that love is for anyone who opens themselves up to their own happily ever after. Santa lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in New York along with her marvelous husband and three amazing teens. An aspiring romance writer, she is ever grateful to have found her own happily ever after.

Sneak Peek Sunday

Men in kilts, the rugged Scottish Highlands and a romance to warm any reader's heart.  What's not to love? Today we have sneak peeks at two new medieval romances from authors who never fail to give me an enjoyable read.  First up is Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks, first in her new trilogy, The Montgomerys and Armstrongs. (9/25/12).  

 Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but considered “touched” to outsiders. Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Eveline taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world view her as daft, content to stay with her family. But when an arranged marriage with a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, she accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful she can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled he awakens her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by his new bride, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation, whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.





Next up is The Recruit, the much anticipated sixth book in Monica McCarty's highly acclaimed Highland Guard series. (10/30/12)

Scotland's King Robert the Bruce is retaking his kingdom from the invading English. To win, he'll need all the grit and courage of his elite band of warriors, the Highland Guard, men who fight without fear and love without limits.

Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherlandis a true champion—skilled with any weapon and driven to win. Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: joining Robert the Bruce’s secret army to fight among the elite. Kenneth’s best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games. Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman—and a stolen moment of wicked seduction. Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood. He will win his place in the guard—and in Mary of Mar’s bed.

The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better. Mary vows her surrender will be sport only—no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion. Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man. But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more. Now Mary wants his heart. But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?

Random House Giveaway! 

 Two randomly selected people leaving a comment on today's blog will receive a copy of Never Seduce a Scot. (U.S. only - winner will be selected October 10th) 

One randomly selected person leaving a comment will receive a copy of The Recruit. (U.S. only - winner will be selected October 30th) 

~PJ

Today's Special - - Kris Kennedy

PJ & Kris at RWA 2011

It's such a pleasure to host Kris Kennedy today!   She's one of my auto-buy authors and an absolute delight.  I met Kris at RWA National in New York City in what was a true fan girl moment.  I was volunteering at the registration desk when this bubbly, curly haired woman bounced in, took the volunteer seat next to mine and said, "Hi!  I'm Kris!"  I glanced at her badge, noted her full name and thought,  "OMG!  It's Kris Kennedy!  I love her  books!"  I'm not sure exactly what came out of my mouth.  I sincerely hope it was at least semi-intelligent.  lol!    If you're a fan of medieval romance (like I am) and you haven't read a Kris Kennedy book yet, now's a great time to give them a try.  Her newest is a little different from her others (though no less terrific), as Kris explains below.  Please give her a warm welcome to TRD!




Out of the Comfort Zone

My latest story, DECEPTION (link: http://kriskennedy.net/), was just released on the world last week, and I’m so excited!  I’m also a bit terrified.  

Without meaning to (but sort-of, kind of meaning to) this story pushed creative boundaries for me, and did so within some tight timelines. 

DECEPTION is like my other books in some central ways: it’s a medieval, it has what I call ‘the good alpha’ hero (the guy strong and in charge, but confident enough in himself that a strong woman doesn’t frighten him), it’s got a strong, smart, determined heroine, and the sensual passion between the hero and heroine is strong, and that desire is central to shaping their relationship. :)  

But it’s also different from the other stories.  It’s not your typical medieval romance, with knights and sword fights and chases across the countryside.  It’s more about con jobs.  And dirty money.  And the powerful men who want it, and what they'll do to get it. 

And of course, the person who will risk everything to stop them.

Irishman Kier is a con man with a history of staggering successes and one truly awful failure.  Now he's on a mission of revenge, and the men who betrayed him are about to pay.   He’s set up an elaborate long con against some of the most powerful men in England.  He’s  planned everything: the bait to lure his targets out, the methods by which he’ll reel them in.  He’s a professional schemer in every cell in his body, and thus, he’s planned for everything. 

Except the appearance of the woman who can bring the whole thing crashing down around him.

Sophia is a woman who’s been pushed a little too far, a little too often, and now she’s pushing back. She intends to stop the powerful men who’ve shadowed her life.  To do that, she needs proof of their evil deeds, which lie in the Darnly ledger.  The ledger documents the corruptions of some of the most powerful men in England, and it has the potential for extortion on a grand scale.  

In the king’s hands, it can ruin them.

Sophia intends to make sure that’s exactly what happens.  Simple enough.  Until, sneaking in to steal the ledger, she meets up with Kier.  He wants the same thing she does, the Darnly ledger.  She has no intention of giving it to him.  He has no intention of letting her go until she does.

And neither is backing down.

It doesn’t help that they were once in love.

From the moment of their unexpected, explosive reunion, Sophia knows that Kier—her ex-lover, her outlaw lover, the man who stole her heart then threw it off a cliff five years ago—is up to no good.  But when all her other options have been removed, when the only thing left to do is to walk away and accept defeat, Sophia plunges headlong into Kier’s dangerous schemes, determined to bring down the corrupt men who’ve ruined her life.   One of whom, she’s quite sure, is Kier.  

This whole set-up, from plot to characters, was so different from my other three.  First of all, it was a reunion story, and I’ve never done one of those before.  It was fun, and different.   

Additionally, there were no knights (except a false one) and no chases across the countryside (although the story takes place during a very hot summer, and thus there are thunderstorms and, subsequently, wet tunics draped over a muscular body, and at one point, there is ice involved).  And it’s not always clear which is the (metaphorical) dragon to be slain. 

Usually, my stories are almost Errol Flynn-like adventures. I love that sort of drama; it’s a blast to write, and has built-in tension.    But this one was different.  I had to build tension differently.  A reunion is different from a first-meet.  Fleeing from danger is different from setting a trap.  Hiding from the bad guys is not the same as putting yourself directly in their line of sight.  Riding across the countryside is different from dressing for a gala affair.    Pursuing a bad guy is fundamentally different from luring him in.   

Instead of chases and armor and clarity about who the bad guy is, there’s planning and targeting and confounding people.  There’s dressing in rich clothes to fool people and feigning distress when they discover the very thing you meant for them to see.  There are men to trick and men to fight, there are offices to be broken into and rumors to start.  There are tall ships with green sails and long, hot summer nights between two people who have dreamt of each other for five long years.   

Hmmm...I guess that DECEPTION is not so different from the others, for all that the plot pushed me out of my comfort zone.  In the end, it’s still one of mine.  Strong passions, strong men and women, a dragon to slay, and people risking everything for all the right reasons: the person they love.  

And I hope you love it!

Kris writes hot historical romances for Pocket Books, with a scorching self-published novella coming later in 2012.  Visit her website for news, excerpts, to sign up for the newsletter, or to drop Kris a line!  http://kriskennedy.net


How have you stepped out of your comfort zone?  Kris is giving away a book to one randomly selected person leaving a comment on today's blog. (U.S./Canada only)  Winner's choice of Deception or Defiant.