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Twists and Surprises
Tempting the Sheriff follows a shapeshifting outlaw whose brother’s antics bring her face to face with the sheriff, the man who remains her enemy but is also her lover. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Funny you should ask! I actually write a “making of” post about each of my books on my website. You can find them all here: Anna Lowe Books.
In brief, I loved the legend of Robin Hood and the daring outlaws of Sherwood Forest as a kid. In fact, Errol Flynn was my first crush, way back when. I also loved the Disney cartoon version in which all the characters are animals, and of course the 1991 movie version with Kevin Costner and a somewhat more capable Maid Marian. As with all my favorite books and movies, I “rewrote” those versions in my mind to insert a super-amazing heroine into the action.
Combine that with my love of paranormal romance, and it was natural that my mind drifted in the direction of a shapeshifter version. Being a big fan of Robin Hood doesn’t make me a fan of re-tellings of familiar stories, but I do love reading/watching movies that use familiar elements to set up and then flip expectations. So, that was one of my goals in writing this series: to remind readers of everything they love in Robin Hood and keep you guessing with twists and surprises that take the story in a whole new direction. I hope I succeeded!
Do you have a favorite among your diverse cast of characters?
Well, Robynne, the crafty female archer and fox shifter, is definitely my favorite, and I swoon over Daniel, the dragon/acting sheriff of Nottingham. I also really enjoy the cast of characters as a group, especially in the way the different shifter types play off each other.
In this book, you blend the paranormal romance with historical elements. Was that a challenge?
The main challenge was to weed out terms or language that wouldn’t have been used in the Middle Ages (phrases like “His eyes telegraphed danger”) while keeping the text easy on modern eyes and ears. I did purposely play with some aspects, such as “the modern convenience” of running water available to Nottingham’s townspeople in fountains “just” a few steps away from their homes!
Can you give fans a peek inside Book 2 of the series?
Yes! Like Book 1, Book 2 (Tempting the Outlaw), is a steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance series that combines the humor of The Princess Bride and the action-packed romance of Outlander, offering a fresh new twist on a classic.
Book 2 focuses on Willa Scarlet, whose secret mission takes her to Sherwood Forest where she meets bear shifter John Little. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story, in which all Willa and John have in common are sizzling chemistry, ruthless enemies, and responsibility for a treasure more valuable than either of them suspected. Before they know it, they’re on the run, deep in trouble and in love, even if neither of them is ready to admit it.
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Don’t believe what they tell you about Robin Hood, outlaw of Sherwood Forest. There never was such a man. But there is a woman…
That’s me, Robynne: fox shifter, master archer, and jaded outlaw with a fierce desire to avoid trouble. But when my impulsive brother and his merry band of misfits rob a passing carriage, they set off a chain of events that changes my destiny forever. Too late to stop them, I settle for the next best thing: taking from the rich and giving to the poor.
All well and good, except that puts the new sheriff of Nottingham hot on my trail. Operative word: hot, because unlike his predecessor, Daniel is a muscle- and duty-bound knight/dragon shifter freshly back from the Crusades. One who inspires all kinds of new desires…
As outlaw and sheriff, we’re sworn enemies, though we want the same things: justice for the downtrodden, the return of our rightful king, Richard…and a chance to indulge our wildest, most sizzling fantasies.
But that’s not so simple for us star-crossed lovers. The year is 1193 — an era of scheming princes, greedy warlords, and ruthless shifters. To earn our happily-ever-after, Daniel and I must rely on cunning, fierce fighting, and love that burns hotter than dragon fire.
I’ve never let rules, expectations, or impossible odds stop me…but I have to admit, this will be one hell of a challenge.
(And if you hear a canine growling, that’s my fox side. Challenge accepted.)
SHERWOOD FOREST SHIFTERS
Steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance!
WINNER PNR GUILD AWARD – BEST VAMPIRES & SHIFTERS SERIES!
Book 1: Tempting the Sheriff
Book 2: Tempting the Outlaw
Book 3: Tempting the Maiden
Can Robynne and the sheriff outwit adversaries, uphold justice, and find their happily-ever-after? Find out in this steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance that corrects all theerrors of the Robin Hood legends. If you enjoyed the humor of The Princess Bride and the action-packed romance of Outlander, you’ll love this fresh new twist on a classic, complete with brave knights, cunning bandits, fire-breathing dragons, and forbidden lovers. Get your copy of Tempting the Sheriff today!
Fair warning: No cliffhangers, but this story concludes with a happy-for-now ending, only because the situation in Nottingham doesn’t yet allow more. Robynne and Daniel will get their HEA by the end of the trilogy, once the events of Books 2 and 3 play out. I swear, it will be worth it!
Tempting the Sheriff
Tempting the Sheriff is a dynamic and captivating novel by Anna Lowe. Robynne, a strong-willed and resilient protagonist, is on a mission to keep her brother out of trouble. Despite his charming and attractive personality, he tends to attract chaos, often dragging Robynne along with him. As events unfold, they find themselves in a precarious situation, potentially facing dire consequences. This tension is amplified by Robynne’s growing feelings for the town’s new acting sheriff, Daniel, leaving readers wondering whether their relationship will flourish amidst the turmoil. Daniel, tasked with upholding law and order, faces his own challenges. He steps into the role previously held by a controversial figure, making him an object of fear and suspicion among the townspeople. His encounter with Robynne, who he discovers is his mate, adds a complex and intriguing layer to his storyline.
Anna Lowe has crafted Robynne as a particularly engaging character. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity make her a compelling lead. Daniel’s narrative arc is equally absorbing, with his struggles in gaining the townspeople’s trust adding depth to his character. The narrative strikes a balance between sweetness and sensuality, enhanced by an engaging fantasy element that elevates the story. The setting is meticulously detailed, immersing readers in a world that feels both authentic and fantastical. Action sequences are well-executed, providing excitement without overshadowing the plot’s emotional core. The romantic scenes are tastefully integrated, complementing the story’s overall tone. Among the standout moments are the opening scene, which humorously depicts Robynne’s brother in a mischievous act, and the suspenseful climax near the audiobook’s end. The narrators, Osborne and Merlin, deserve special mention for their exceptional delivery. Osborne’s sassy portrayal of Robynne and Merlin’s gruff interpretation of Daniel add a vivid dimension to the listening experience.
Tempting the Sheriff is fun, sensual, and has an engaging plot. This audiobook is not just entertaining; it is a well-crafted piece of storytelling. Looking ahead, there is much anticipation for future works from both the author and the narrators. Their collaboration on this project has resulted in a remarkable audiobook that is both compelling and thoroughly enjoyable.
Pages: 193 | ASIN: B0CHSLF934
LITERARY TITAN 