Must-read romances: Anything by Sharon Sala, including 'Going Gone'
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
Introducing … Sharon Sala
Have you heard of Sharon Sala? If yes, great. If no, then let me introduce you to a wonderful, talented writer. Trust me, I don't toss out compliments with random abandon. The first book that I enjoyed written by Sharon was actually under her pseudonym Dinah McCall, called Jackson Rule. This week's book recommendation isn't about Jackson Rule, but again, trust me and get it. In a snapshot: Tortured hero with a dark past, but a big heart and the trusting heroine who is woman enough for this man. For someone, like me, who doesn't remember book titles, Jackson Rule has never slipped my faulty memory.
Now, getting back to Sharon Sala. She hit the scene in 1991 with Sara's Angel. "One faithful reader has crowned her the Reba of Romance, while others claim she's a magician with words." I think of her as a consistent, careful storyteller who nurtures her characters into our reality with strong, visual and impactful stories that may be emotionally wrenching, sensually appealing, edgy and suspenseful, and hopeful and endearing.
Sharon is a seven-time Romance Writers of America RITA finalist, four-time winner of the Career Achievement award from RT Magazine, five-time winner of the National Reader's Choice Award and five-time winner of the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence as well as the Bookseller Best Award. Her books are Paste BN, New York Times and Publishers Weekly best sellers. Visit her website at sharonsala.net.
Going Gone (book three in the Forces of Nature series)
What it's about (courtesy of Harlequin Mira):
The final storm of the season could be their last.
After barely escaping death when her plane crashed deep in the Rocky Mountains during a snowstorm, Laura Doyle is left with a lingering fear for her life. Her lover, FBI agent Cameron Winger, reassures her that he found her then and always will. But Laura is right to be afraid, because when their engagement is announced it signals to a madman that it's time for his killing spree to begin again.
Twice thwarted by Cameron and his partners, the Stormchaser pairs random acts of God with deliberate acts of evil. His final act of vengeance will finish his twisted vendetta by taking from Cameron the thing he loves most: Laura.
As law enforcement struggles to connect the gruesome murders he's committed to mask his return, the Stormchaser draws closer to his true target. But Cameron and Laura don't realize they're in the eye of the storm—and this time, being unprepared for the onslaught could spell disaster.
Why you should read it: Going Gone follows Going Once and Going Twice in the Forces of Nature series. I could not put down the book. A hero who walks on the stage in full hero gear and ready to slay dragons was all kinds of sexy. Repeatedly, Cameron cemented his relationship not only with Laura, but with the reader as to why he deserved the romantic label.
Laura got hit hard by life. But with Sala's realistic touch, we are engaged in Laura's recovery. Steps forward and steps backward, maybe even the slight wobble in between make her one of us. There is grit and determination to be admired and celebrated.
While in some cases, the reader falls in love with one or the other in a romantic pair, the romance and suspense are so artfully braided that this duo exists for each other and are fatefully connected with each other. Going Gone is beautiful and engaging with creepy suspenseful threads. Another great read by Sharon Sala.
Michelle Monkou and Mandi Schreiner also share their fun rehash of Starz's popular Outlander series. Check out the Episode 7 recap for the latest dish on Jamie and Claire. Michelle's website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.