Must-read romances: 'Assignment Danger,' 'Nothing Sweeter Than Candy,' 'Running Interference'
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
Assignment Danger by Rebecca York
If you're popping in for the first time to read the Off-World series by Rebecca York, there's no need to fear that you'll be jumping into the middle of a conversation and feeling clueless.
Assignment Danger, book four in the series, regardless of the time period and the world, comes loaded with danger, suspense and romance. York builds her world with wonderful, visual detail that depicts the hardship of life, along with the evils that it attracts.
An author known for her stories of romance and intrigue doesn't disappointment with characters who are faced with dire prospects, but risk their lives for the greater good. Each book promises to be a full-bodied romantic adventure in a time that is (hopefully) beyond ours.
About Assignment Danger (courtesy of Light Street Press):
Jack Younger agrees to risk his life when he takes on a dangerous undercover assignment. He doesn't count on his old love, Sophia DeAngelo, ending up in the middle of the action.
What if he has to choose between fulfilling his mission and saving her life?
Nothing Sweeter Than Candy by Lotchie Burton
Modern-day knight-in-shining-armor storylines are still attractive and enjoyable. Thanks to Lotchie Burton's Nothing Sweeter Than Candy, the romantic trope is a sexy, quick read. Characters come ready to take hold of their problems and do whatever needed to slay the dragons. And the storyline works because these relatable characters are a great unit — soulmates, in other words.
Burton also has a good handle on the romantic beats to keep the pace interesting and sexy in this short read. After all, it helps that Nothing Sweeter Than Candy has a heavy helping of spicy bits, in addition to a bold tone, while causing a blush or two. Great read.
About Nothing Sweeter Than Candy (courtesy of Crimson Romance):
Candace Brown grew up believing in fairy tales that promised her a Prince Charming, a knight in shining armor, and a happily-ever-after ending. But at twenty-seven, with two failed relationships and a heart broken into pieces, the facts of life have opened her eyes to the truth: not everyone gets a happy ending - sometimes, all you get is "the end."
Brice Coleman has never been in love, and he's never been anyone's knight in shining anything. Since entering the battle between the sexes at puberty, he has long enjoyed the spoils of war, one female conquest at a time. And then, a chance encounter engineered by fate changes his life in the blink of an eye, and brings him face to face with his destiny. A beautiful, emotionally fragile woman steals his heart.
With every intention to become a permanent fixture in Candace's life, Brice is determined to protect the woman he loves - and heal her broken heart.
Running Interference by Elley Arden
The first book in a series always sets the tone and the expectation for what is to come. Author Elley Arden presents Cleveland Clash, a "women's professional football story about breaking the mold, reaching the top, and finding love that won't compromise it all."
As a result of her creative premise, Running Interference has a heroine rarely seen in romance — a woman on a professional women's football team. But a career doesn't make a heroine. Readers will treasure the elements that drive and motivate her. And the heroine, Tanya Martin, holds dear her hopes and dreams that show her strength and vulnerability. She is a likable character, and it's easy to feel her pain and celebrate her joys — thanks to Arden's expressive writing.
To celebrate a romantic story is to cheer for the chemistry between the hero and heroine. Arden sets a strong hero on the page to match wits and provide sexy conflict with his counterpart. In this quick read, there is a lot of emotion packed in, but still a bit of humor and lightheartedness to keep the pace upbeat. Looking forward to the continuation of this series.
About Running Interference (courtesy of Crimson Romance):
As an offensive linewoman for the Cleveland Clash, Tanya Martin is tough inside and out. The 5'9" beauty can take a hit and keep on going. But when the man she was best friends with — and secretly in love with — in high school comes home the same day she learns her father's gym is in financial trouble, she's unexpectedly blindsided.
Super Bowl MVP Cam Simmons is only back in town to convince his mom to move out of her failing neighborhood and live in luxury with him in Boston. But running into Tanya stirs up plenty of old feelings he never resolved. He was happy to leave his old life behind him when he hit the NFL, but walking away from their friendship was a mistake he wants to rectify.
As they work together to help save her dad's gym, Cam and Tanya's easy camaraderie and undeniable chemistry resurface. But can she open up enough to trust him with her heart a second time around?
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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.