Must-read romances: 'Falling into Forever,' 'Cold Case in Cherokee Crossing,' 'Southern Comforts'
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Falling into Forever by Phyllis Bourne
Phyllis Bourne can write the perfect beat of the romantic comedy. Falling into Forever has wonderful funny moments that add to the highly romantic and sexy story. Her characters are bold, conflicted and determined — a winning combination of challenges, angst and great tension. Connecting to these characters was key to my overall enjoyment. A bond that also was helped by the great descriptive backdrop of Wintersage. Great book to devour and enjoy.
What it's about (courtesy of Harlequin):
The Silk Sisters—longtime friends Janelle, Sandra and Vicki—have turned their business savvy into a top-tier event agency. And in the wealthy enclave of Wintersage, Massachusetts, there's an abundance of lavish parties, society drama and longing hearts to keep them busy.
Growing up among the powerful and privileged, formal-wear designer Sandra Woolcott learned early on to never show weakness—just smile and hold your head high. And ten years ago, when her young heart was broken, she learned just how strong she really was….
When Isaiah Jacobs left for the Naval Academy, he said he didn't want to hold Sandra back—although he really wanted to hold on to her forever. Sandra let him go, masking her hurt with a glittering social life and career. Now Isaiah is back in Wintersage to care for his ailing father. And when he and Sandra meet again, it's all they can do not to fall for each other once more.
But they've built such different lives, and so many years have passed—is their long-ago love worth the risk? Can they bury the pain of the past and build a promising future together?
Southern Comforts by Nan Dixon
Southern Comforts is all about tension. Tension. Tension. Nan Dixon kept my attention riveted on her characters — Abigail and Grayson. I loved their interaction and their battles of wills. Dixon didn't let up on any of the conflict, didn't give them an easy pass and didn't let their attraction weaken or disappear through the story.
And I loved these sisters and their B&B. The loyalty to family and each other's dreams was both poignant and credible. With Dixon's apt descriptions of Savannah, there is a need for a visit. Congratulations on the debut.
What it's about (courtesy of Harlequin):
Abigail Fitzgerald has always followed her mama's rules when it comes to running their family's B and B. But her mama never had to resist a man like Grayson Smythe. A long-term guest, Gray spends his evenings having dinner with Abby in her kitchen—and it's not long before their attraction begins to sizzle.
Although Gray's kisses are a delicious distraction, Abby's priorities are the B and B and the dream of opening her own restaurant. And Gray definitely has the means to help her. But when money seems to be all he can offer, Abby suspects she might get burned.
I Dare You! by Farrah Rochon
Welcome to Moments of Maplesville book four, I Dare You! by Farrah Rochon. This novella is an ideal sample of Farrah Rochon's memorable brand of romance stories and a tasty treat for her loyal readers. Chemistry between the characters is the highlight as the romantic journey unfolds. And what a great hero to enjoy, thanks to Rochon's artistry. Here's to memorable romantic couples and their spirit of adventure.
What it's about (courtesy of Nicobar Press):
As a wild child, Stefanie Sutherland-Thomas never backed down from a dare. But the responsible, low-key role she has grown into as a widowed single mother and Army nurse has her feeling stuck in a rut. When her best friend challenges her to do something daring while on vacation, Stef picks up the gauntlet. Her mission: to have a one-night stand with a random island hottie. But Stef gets the shock of her life when she discovers her casual hook-up isn't some random stranger; he's her brother's boss!
Dustin "Hawk" Patrick knows a thing or two about taking risks. The ex-Navy pilot gambled by striking out on his own and now owns one of the fastest growing helicopter shuttle services in the Gulf South. But now everyone wants a piece of his business. Desperate for a reprieve from the pressures of work, Dustin uses his best friend's wedding in Turks and Caicos as an opportunity to engage in a stress-free fling. Until he discovers his hot island angel is his best friend's sister—in other words, off limits. But after just one taste of Stefanie's passionate kiss, Dustin knows he can never let her go.
When it comes to love, will Dustin and Stefanie dare to let their desires take control?
Cold Case in Cherokee Crossing by Rita Herron
Wow, what a read! Rita Herron's Cold Case in Cherokee Crossing has suspense, mystery and a whole lot more. The issues are heavy and mature, but expertly interwoven with hope and love. As the details of a cold case unfold, the emotional content escalates, making this a great page-turner. Taut tension really pushes the mystery elements, making the reading experience exciting from beginning to end.
What it's about (courtesy of Harlequin):
A decades-old cold case is testing everything one Texas Ranger thought he knew about obtaining justice…
A lot of men on death row profess their innocence. Those men are mostly just scared of dying. Jaxon Ward understands that, but as a Texas Ranger he needs to uphold the law. Yet the story Avery Tierney tells him… He's convinced her brother is awaiting execution while the real killer remains at large.
Searching for the murderer opens old wounds for Avery, and now she has to face a past so traumatic she blocked it out. A past not so dissimilar to Jax's. Before long, the only comfort they find is in each other's arms. Avery's lost everything once before. And now, if she loses Jaxon, she fears she'll never recover.
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Michelle Monkou writes for Harlequin Kimani, Evernight Publishing and Boroughs Publishing. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.