Must-read romances: 'Just to Be With You,' 'Spellbound,' 'A Demon and His Witch'
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
Romance Writers of America hosted its annual conference in San Antonio in July. During this meet-up of writers and publishing industry professionals, workshops and panel discussion fill the attendee's schedules. One of the major highlights is the 400-plus author literacy autographing open to the public. By the end of the conference, I had a small number of books that I was willing to add to my luggage, along with books already on my reading list. Here are a few that happily held my attention in the airport, especially since I had a delayed flight, and on the plane back to Maryland. Happy reading!
Just to Be With You by Sheryl Lister
Jump onboard and enjoy debut author Sheryl Lister's Just to Be With You. A tender, sensual romance where the past could determine the future, where chemistry between Janae and Terrence was instant and strong, and characters tried to live their well-defined goals. Great read, and I'm looking forward to Lister creating her own brand in the romance book world. Here is an impressive start to a long career.
What it's about (courtesy of Harlequin Kimani Romance):
Gentle and compassionate teacher Janae Simms isn't looking for love—her heart has been broken one too many times, and she doesn't intend to relive that kind of pain. So when her best friend convinces her to let loose and attend a concert featuring R & B sensation Monte, all Janae expects is an evening of music and fun. But as soon as she hears his smooth, honeyed voice and they share a moment together backstage, Janae fears her heart is in danger once again.
Terrence "Monte" Campbell has been hurt by women seeking his wealth and celebrity instead of the man he truly is. So music is his only passion, until he meets Janae. He struggles to maintain emotional distance, but her tender sensuality and caring ways tempt Terrence as no other before. And one sizzling night, they both give in to their desires and explore all of the erotic promises between them. Is Janae really the one for Terrence, or just another disappointment waiting to happen? Can he finally let go of the past and embrace the idea of their loving future?
Spellbound by Sylvia Day
Spellbound by Sylvia Day is three novellas under the same cover, two of which are reprints. Good idea to combine the three stories. It was necessary for full enjoyment, with the third story providing the missing details for plot depth. Day writes wonderful emotional and sexual tension that is underscored with a suspenseful thread. With bad guys chasing the hero and heroine, the fantasy and paranormal elements explode vividly. Superhero feats are accomplished with honorable sacrifice that makes the romance sweeter. Spellbound, one of three books — Bared to You and Afterburn/Aftershock — gifted by the publishers at the conference is a wonderful gateway to Day and her literary success.
What it's about (courtesy of William Morrow):
Max Westin. Sex incarnate. She could smell it, feel it with his proximity. Everything about him was a little rough, a little gritty. He was a primitive creature. Just like her.
He held her hand a little too long, his gaze, under thick lashes, clearly stating his intention to have her. To tame her ...
"Victoria."
Her name, just one word, but spoken with such possession she could almost feel the collar around her neck.
"It's in your nature," he murmured. "The desire to be taken."
In this game of cat and mouse, everything is an illusion, but the passion is as real as it gets ...
A Demon and His Witch by Eve Langlais
How can a story set in hell be funny? Eve Langlais writes with a definite humorous edge that provides a unique voice to this paranormal story. I enjoyed every bit of it. Ysabel, the witch, and Remy, the demon, are an odd couple who work well together. The romance is never forgotten or subdued, as the interesting world unfolds with its various players taking their positions on the page. Langlais hooked me with book one, and I look forward to reading the series through to book four, Hell's Kitty, published in June.
What A Demon and His Witch is about (courtesy of the author):
There are better ways to break up with a girl than having her roasted at the stake as a witch. Is it any wonder Ysabel has trust issues? She got her revenge, though, and it only cost her a slightly tarnished soul.
Working for Lucifer isn't all bad, until her ex-boyfriend escapes the bowels of Hell and she's forced to team up with a womanizing demon to fetch the jerk back.
As a minion in Lucifer's legion, Remy's seen a lot of things, but nothing can prepare him for the witch with the acerbic tongue - and voluptuous figure. The more she pushes him away, the more determined he becomes to seduce her. However, what's a poor demon to do when he accidentally falls in love and wants to keep her forever?
Welcome to Hell where you're screwed if you do and damned if don't. And just so you know, Lucifer has a special spot reserved for you...
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Michelle Monkou celebrates her upcoming digital release in Evernight Publishing's Executive Assistant anthology, writing as Michelle Rhys. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.