Must-read romances: 'Irresistible Force,' 'Run,' 'Craving Temptation'

Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.

Irresistible Force by D.D. Ayres

What it's about (courtesy of St. Martin's Paperbacks):

For Shay Appleton, it's love at first sight when a gorgeous stray dog is brought into the animal shelter where she works. She just knows he'll make a terrific watch dog—and with an abusive ex who won't let go, she needs all the protection she can get. But Shay never suspected that her new pet is actually a trained police K-9 named Bogart—until Bogart's even more gorgeous, human partner shows up on her doorstep.

Officer James Cannon is one tall, strong alpha male who's convinced that Shay stole his dog. But once he gets closer to the suspect, he realizes that this stubborn, independent woman not only needs a guard dog, she needs James as well. It seems that someone from her past is stalking her, and threatening her life. When danger meets desire, will James risk his career and his best friend…to protect the woman who's stolen his heart?

Why you should read it: A sexy law enforcement hero, his K-9 partner, and a heroine in danger are the main elements of this romantic suspense story. With the artistry of D.D. Ayres' imagination and skill, a suspenseful story unfolds not with a whimper, but with a delicious bang from the beginning.

Instant attraction stirs the pot of conflict between necessity and desire, between duty, obligation and responsibility against tempting options and following impulses. The tension and high-stakes drama help to make this a page-turner. And the sexiness of this couple makes this a memorable keepsake because they belong together.

With danger lurking almost around every corner, it's refreshing to have a feisty heroine stepping up to the challenge. And it doesn't hurt to have a hero willing to follow up with sweet justice.

Very enjoyable from beginning to end.

INTERVIEW WITH D.D. AYRES

Michelle: Your perfect writing day is … music or TV in the background? Write at home office or at a coffee shop? Do you head for solo writing retreats or have author-friends writing getaways? Writing boards with lots of Post-it Notes or writing software?

D.D.: Music. Books develop their own playlists. Irresistible Force was written with Brazilian Bossa Nova playing in the background. Book No. 2, Force of Attraction (March 2015), had a country & Western-flavored playlist: Jake Owen, Laura Welsh and Lady Antebellum, plus Al Greene and Jill Scott. Book No. 3 is in the works with Miles Davis and Lee Brice.

I have an office at home. But I've been known to write in hotels, in airports, even in the backseat of a car. When things get desperate, I head for the Writers Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Full disclosure: I'm on the board. I first went there as a writer and fell in love with this hideaway in the Ozarks. It's the only time the writer is the only voice in my head.

I'm a "pantser" not a plotter. That means I wake up every morning going, "What now?" I have characters, a general idea of the story, and several key scenes before I begin. The thrill/terror of not knowing exactly how I'm going to connect the dots allows me to introduce ideas I could not if I had a detailed outline.

Michelle: What exciting research tidbit did you uncover for your books?

D.D.: The commitment of the men and women who work with these dogs. Law enforcement K-9s aren't pets. They are high-maintenance, challenging animals who require constant training/reinforcement. Handlers talk about their dogs with affection, respecting their quirks and individual personalities. One police handler, my go-to expert on all things K-9, lost his partner when the dog took a bullet while apprehending a suspect. The officer didn't tell me that he had been shot, as well. I learned that on my own. The officer didn't go to the emergency room until after his dog died at the vet. I thought a character with that level of commitment would make a good love interest.

Michelle: What is the special connection or inspiration to add dogs to the romantic suspense story?

D.D.: My editor Rose Hilliard gets the credit for sending me in the direction of K-9 partners. Who doesn't love dogs? And hot men in uniform? My hook was the chance to craft sexy and suspenseful stories that show off the capabilities of these dedicated partnerships. I hope readers will love seeing them in action. Each K-9 partnership is crucial to the storyline. For the hero and the heroine, it's a case of "must love dogs."

Michelle: What are three little-known facts about you that you'd like to share with readers?

D.D.: 1. I've been paid to do research and write storylines for video games.

2. I write in my pjs a good portion of the day, especially if I'm on deadline.

3. I majored in microbiology in college.

Michelle: Who is on the top of your TBR pile?

D.D.: My pile slides off in all directions. I'm looking at:

Louise Penny: A Fatal Grace.

Claire Cook: Never Too Late.

Robert Crais: L.A. Requiem.

Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison: The Final Cut.

Michelle: What else would you like to share with readers?

D.D.: Diane Kelly (Paw Enforcement) and I were comparing notes about the K-9s in our respective books, when we decided it would be fun to do some joint promotion involving the dogs. We launched The Bachelorette: Doggy Style contest on both our websites on Aug. 15. Through Sept. 22, viewers can watch the video and then vote for the male K-9 they think our Doggy Bachelorette should choose. Every vote automatically enters the voter in a contest to win prizes, too. You can contact me at www.ddayres.com.

Run by Eve Vaughn

What it's about (courtesy of the author):

The hunter … Dare O'Shaughnessy had the world in the palm of his hand. A man known and feared for his ruthlessness, his word was law. The last word he ever expected to hear was no. Until he met her.

The prey … Aya Smith despised the ruling class who looked down on hardworking people like her. Sick of being treated unfairly by laws that protect the wealthy and punish the poor, she takes a stand but soon realizes, she might have crossed the wrong man.

The game … Aya is forced to volunteer for The Run, and Dare, the most sadistic of all, places her in his crosshairs. She will belong to him, body and soul. But when he catches her will she succumb to his mastery, or will he find more trouble than he bargained for?

Why you should read it: Eve Vaughn's story brand is about "real women; out of this world fantasies." That pretty much sums up Run.

This is an intense story. Rules of society are repressive and harsh, depending on which side of the fence you reside. Particularly for most women, there is a bleak existence that dehumanizes. Under this backdrop, Run will make the case that there can be love in the coldest of landscapes.

While reading this erotic fantasy, the premise is proved correct that love can blossom and thrive in the most unique of circumstances. A plot of seduction-and-conquer is bolstered with appealing characters with honest emotions and needs. Understanding and drilling down to the core are done with top-notch delivery.

The characters grabbed me. I wanted to know what would happen next. Who would break down first? When would the turning point occur? Strengths and vulnerabilities alternated until the characters were bared and ready to be rebuilt with their souls open and ready for love. Vivid, emotional, and erotic.

Craving Temptation by Deborah Fletcher Mello

What it's about (courtesy of Kensington):

After a rocky year, life is once again sweet for brothers Troy and Quentin Elliot, and Quentin's new wife, Harper. Their bakery, Just Desserts, is thriving, with Quentin as pastry chef, and attorney Troy handling the books. In fact, Troy is ready to pursue his next big goal: to run for Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee. The competition is tough, but there's one challenge Troy doesn't anticipate--his opponent's distractingly beautiful campaign manager and daughter, Amina Salman. . .

A fellow attorney, Amina hopes to reconnect with her estranged father. But a chance meeting with Troy quickly complicates her task. Not only is her passionate spirit at odds with her father's conservative values, her attraction to his rival leaves her even more conflicted. Soon, Amina and Troy are falling in love--but when they surrender to sweet temptation, they find themselves with more at stake than a campaign victory. . .

Why you should read it: Deborah Fletcher Mello follows up with Craving Temptation, the second book in the Just Desserts series. This story is not only a full-bodied helping of suspense and romance. There's more. A theme of inclusion bolsters this story with a rich cast of characters to do the heavy lifting and, at times, use a nuanced approach. No matter what, at the end of the day, Craving Temptation is about falling in love and being strong enough to survive the fall-out.

Deborah shares a hope-filled view of life and love. That message resonates even after the last page is read and the book is closed. Here's hoping for more stories from the great lineup of secondary characters.

Michelle Monkou and Mandi Schreiner also share their fun rehash of Starz's popular Outlander series. Check out the Episode 5 recap for the latest dish on Jamie and Claire. Michelle's website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.