Must-read romances: 'Rumors,' 'Claiming Serenity,' 'The Calum'
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
A.C. Arthur's New Year's message
One of the things I love most about the Christmas/New Year's season is that it gives me a chance to review and re-evaluate what I've done throughout the year and figure out how I can hopefully do better the next time around. In 2014, I worked hard to bring The Shadow Shifters and their stories of passion and intrigue to life. Now, as I've had time to contemplate, and relax a little—because yes, writers need vacations, a few of them if possible, lol — I'm ready to delve a little deeper into the romantic theory of happily ever after, once more.
I would like to wish everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous new year, but first, let's start off with a little murder and mayhem in my latest release, Rumors.
RECOMMENDED ROMANCES
Rumors by A.C. Arthur
First up, a gruesome murder. Then, a cast of friends for whom friendships are tested, betrayal hurts and suspicions have poisoned relationships. Finally, there is the small town with its quirky citizens. All of these elements are drawn together and heightened into a great suspenseful read by A.C. Arthur. Our introduction to this series is careful and deliciously nuanced by the various interactions with the dead and the living and good old gossip to feed the imagination. Even though I had finished reading, I still clicked for the next page. Rumors delivers and stirs the appetite for more.
About Rumors (courtesy of Alloy Entertainment):
Best friends Landy, Tenile, Nicole, Nathan, Justin, and Kareem were the golden children of Tanner University. Their paths were set: doctors, lawyers, business moguls, they were going to light the world on fire. Then, two weeks before graduation, Landy was murdered—and Nathan was blamed. Though he was never charged, vicious rumors drove him from town, and the circle of friends broke.
Ten years later, Nathan is back in Tanner, determined to clear his name. He's asking questions no one wants answered, and soon rumors threaten to divide the community once more. Everyone in this small town is keeping big secrets—especially Landy's old friends—and someone is willing to kill to keep their darkest deeds buried. . . .
Author Note: This is a new edition of the previously self-published title Within The Shadows.
Claiming Serenity by Eden Butler
Thank you, Eden Butler! Another fine installment in the Seeking Serenity series. When I said that Eden Butler was hitting her stride, the statement kinda set the bar. I'm happy to report that she more than met it and then some with Claiming Serenity (book No. 3).
Characters always do great things under Butler's creative pen. However, Donovan gets a big shout-out for grabbing the heartstrings and not letting go … not only with Layla, but with me, the reader. Big life problems, adult complications, growing up and being a man are all put on display for us to see, examine and ponder. Under that bright light, we are privy to Donovan's transformation. That emotional journey is what makes Claiming Serenity a must-read in the New Adult genre.
About Claiming Serenity (courtesy of the author):
She left glitter in his AC vents. He put green dye in her conditioner.
She buttered his bathroom floor, and he kidnapped her precious puppy.
Layla Mullens hates Donovan Donley. His crude language, his wide shoulders, his crystal blue eyes…she hates that she can't stop herself…from kissing him or landing in his bed.
And Donovan Donley wants nothing more than to knock Layla off her princess pedestal. He hates her stuck up attitude and her soft, tempting lips. He especially hates that her father is his coach.
But he's fine with their arrangement—act horrible to each other during the day, attack each other naked at night. It works. But one night changes everything. When Layla doesn't show, and Donovan's cold bed stays empty, the lies he tells himself to keep Layla out of his mind aren't enough to keep him from missing her. And needing her. Something he promised himself would never happen.
The white flags in their prank war have been lowered but their high stakes battle has just begun.
The Calum by Xio Axelrod
New author. Fresh story. Sexy contemporary romance at your fingertips.
Xio Axelrod debuts with The Calum, a fun (and funny), fast-paced romantic read. There's poetry in motion when reading this story set in Scotland with brogues and customs to add to the experience. Warning: Once you start, it will be an all-out read-a-thon. Sexy, relatable characters who are seemingly ill-suited must overcome odds to find their cozy hub of happiness. Axelrod's style to reach that happy ever after or happy for now is amazingly inventive, highly visual and swoon-worthy romantic.
About The Calum (courtesy of the author):
Calum, The (Noun)
1. fictional hero of best-selling romance novel A Laird to Love
2. the perfect man
Twenty-six is too old to believe in fairy tales, but tell that to Lovie's roommate. Convinced she'll find a real life version of her ultimate book boyfriend, Calum MacKenzie, Jo drags Lovie to the Scottish Highlands. Lovie's no cynic *ahem* but she knows The Calum is a myth. A construct. A freaking unicorn! And there are warmer places to spend a winter vacation.
If Duff had his way, he'd never step foot in Inverness again. Only his best friend's wedding, and his ailing grandmother, could bring him home. Duff's plan is keep his head down and stay out of trouble. Hard to do when the groom targets a pretty blond tourist for one last conquest..
When Duff and Lovie meet, stones, sparks and insults fly. He's instantly attracted to the sexy, sharp-tongued American. She's just glad to have someone to hang out with, especially the bad boy with a mysterious past. Lovie is determined to learn his secrets, but as they grow closer, Duff is forced to choose between his best friend and his heart.
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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.