Must-read romances: 'Prelude for a Lord,' 'Deceived,' 'Sway'
Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot
What it's about (from publisher Zondervan):
At 28, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician. In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady.
Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal. But when a thief 's interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument … with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick.
Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul. Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief's desperation builds to a tragic crescendo ...
Why you should read it: I'm a sucker for a good Regency romance, and this first pseudonymous offering from a well-known contemporary inspy author (aka Camy Tang) hit all my happy notes. Like the two parts of a duet, each needing the other to bring a rich melody fully to life, the author contrasts Dommick's need for Alethea's confidence against Alethea's need for Dommick's compassion ... and then flips those needs forward and back again, showing each characters' dimension and individuality. Countered by the timeless dissonance of domestic abuse, sexism, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and damaging gossip, this romance portrays issues which are relevant to contemporary readers without ever losing the charm and societal ambiance of the well-loved Regency period.
With a cast brimming with full color, potential leading men and at least one particular young lady who might benefit from the pursuit of a particular nobleman (yes, I already have my fave "next" couple picked out!). I can hardly wait for the next installment in this series. If you are looking for a great Regency romance to add to your collection, don't miss Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot!
Deceived (Private Justice No. 3) by Irene Hannon
What it's about (from publisher Revell):
For three years, Kate Marshall has been grieving the loss of her husband and their 4-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on an escalator in the mall, she is convinced it is the son she thought was dead. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan. The former Secret Service agent is dubious but agrees to investigate. Digging into the case he discovers that the incident may have been no accident at all. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden — and may be willing to go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.
Why you should read it: Each of the titles of the Private Justice series stands fine on its own, but once you read one, I guarantee you're going to want to read the others.
As is common in romantic suspense novels, several scenes in Deceived are shown from the point-of-view of "the bad guy." As it turns out, he is pretty sympathetic character. While the reader is never led to justify his means of securing his own happiness or revenge, Hannon does a fantastic job of using his nurturing personality to build our concern for him — and for the child-in-question — while never allowing us to forget what tragic injustice has allowed him that happiness.
While in Kate or Connor's point of view we are treated to attraction-turning-to-romance, dedication to a cause, and the revelation of two hearts meant to be joined as one. A few brief forays into a fourth point of view, that of a woman scorned who has dared to hope in love again, pull and twist our sympathies to and fro, anew, upping the stakes for everyone involved.
Irene Hannon knows how to pen a romantic suspense that pounds your pulse at the same time it sets your heart a-flutter with a developing romance. If you have not yet tried this series, make sure you put it on your TBR list!
Sway by Amy Matayo
What it's about (from the author):
Falling in love is a beautiful thing. Unless you fall for the wrong person.
Finally settled after a tragedy-laden life, 24-year-old Caleb has found security in his faith, his friends, and his career. It's the life he's always wanted — simple, predictable, and safe. Enter Kate Hawkins, the attractive 21-year-old stranger he rescues from a bar fight who has an odd affinity for the color pink and a unique sense of humor.
It doesn't take long to realize their connection is intense, but after only a handful of dates, a shocking revelation surfaces. Lines are drawn, sides are taken, and loyalties are decided as their newfound relationship is brought to a sudden halt.
But unlike most couples who split, avoiding each other is impossible. As daily interactions become unbearable, one realization becomes clear: they've both fallen hard for the absolute wrong person, which leaves both scrambling for a way to make it right.
Why you should read it: With her first foray into the developing NA category of romance fiction, author Amy Matayo's trademark sass and heartfelt realness have hit — no, slammed into — the bull's-eye with a depth of skill that showcases her growth as an author on this, her third published novel.
As dual point-of-view characters, Caleb and Kate have baggage to spare while still grasping their own unique brands of innocence, seasoned with snark. This is my favorite kind of contemporary romance. It's clean with plenty of steam, and the hearts of both characters are flayed and filleted on their way to happy ever after while a subtle faith thread adds depth to the characters ... and the conflict.
Because of the nature of the story conflict, it is really difficult to write a review for this novel without giving away spoilers. But since I don't want to ruin the several big reveals that left me gasping while reading this book (in one sitting, no less) I will simply say that this book is, absolutely, a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.
Sway is a book every lover of NA romance needs to add to her (or his) collection, but consider yourself warned: it will break your heart a little before it lets you expel the sigh of the supremely satisfied reader. Grab it!
A writer, performer and accomplished partaker of dark chocolate, Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband and two daughters. Her Eyes of E'veria series — The Ryn, The Remedy and The Seahorse Legacy — is out now. You can find out more about her at serenachase.com.