Must-read romances: 'The Kill Shot,' 'Moonlight Kisses'
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
The Kill Shot by Nichole Christoff
Like favorite lead characters that headline their crime thrillers, Jamie Sinclair rises to the occasion. In the latest Jamie Sinclair novel by Nichole Christoff, The Kill Shot, we cross the pond for international intrigue. The adventure begins without delay and with tight writing to keep up the momentum.
The reader has another opportunity to get to know Jamie, who is no wallflower, except to her father. Loved the interaction between the two, which underscores the emotional conflict experienced by Jamie. Thanks to Christoff's labyrinth-style of intrigue and mystery, the enjoyment is in trying to solve the puzzle. Good luck, because in The Kill Shot, Christoff doesn't make the adventure a cake walk. She understands how to keep her readers riveted from beginning to end.
About The Kill Shot (courtesy of Alibi):
Jamie Sinclair's father has never asked her for a favor in her life. The former two-star general turned senator is more in the habit of giving his only child orders. So when he requests Jamie's expertise as a security specialist, she can't refuse—even though it means slamming the brakes on her burgeoning relationship with military police officer Adam Barrett. Just like that, Jamie hops aboard a flight to London with a U.S. State Department courier carrying a diplomatic pouch in an iron grip.
Jamie doesn't have to wait long to put her unique skills to good use. When she and the courier are jumped by goons outside the Heathrow terminal, Jamie fights them off—but the incident puts her on high alert. Someone's willing to kill for the contents of the bag. Then a would-be assassin opens fire in crowded Covent Garden, and Jamie is stunned to spot a familiar face: Adam Barrett, who saves her life with a single shot and calmly slips away. Jamie's head—and her heart—tell her that something is very wrong. But she's come way too far to turn back now.
Moonlight Kisses by Phyllis Bourne
I love seeing what's on the horizon. Moonlight Kisses, a May release by Phyllis Bourne, is ready for pre-order. So what can you expect? This a stand-alone sequel in the Espresso Empire series about a family-owned makeup company, in this case, one undergoing financial hardships.
Nothing like having to save a business to cause a few do-or-die moments. Once the clock starts ticking, the acts of desperation or stubborn determination give a rousing start to this story. Characters are pinned to the wall for a chance to fight for what they desire and show their true colors in achieving their dreams. And with Bourne's classic touches of humor and romance, the story has no problem shining from her creativity and originality. The ending is as powerful as the initial meet-up between Sage and Cole.
About Moonlight Kisses (courtesy of Harlequin Kimani):
It's just Sage Matthews's luck that the man stirring her dormant passions wants to buy her cosmetics company. Cole Sinclair inherited the kind of success Sage is working hard to build, and after almost ten years away, he's back to save his own empire. Takeover bid: denied. But in the bedroom, their rivalry morphs into sizzling chemistry. And Sage is falling dangerously fast for the wild streak beneath Cole's designer suits.
Sage's up-and-coming company is a thorn in Cole's side. If they can't agree to terms, both will be eliminated by the competition. From Nashville to sultry Milan, he's using all his seductive powers of persuasion. But the kind of partnership Sage craves takes compromise and trust—and the courage to go beyond the surface to find what's real…
Play With Me by Alisha Rai
Have you requested a sample of your now favorite flavor of anything and was glad that you did? That's how I felt after downloading Alisha Rai's Play With Me, part of the Billionaire Bedroom Games series. After reading the first few pages, I knew this was going to be not just a good read, but a great one.
Let's see, where to begin — her style is easy, conversational. She tells a story with such visual descriptors that I'm the BFF who has slipped into the scene with my invisibility cloak. Then, to some more important stylist gems — the characters. Tatiana jumps off the page, and through her anxiety, we are prepped for Wyatt. When he walks in to take center stage, there is the slant of the spotlight to grace his presence and my satisfied sigh that he will live up to the hype.
The story is sexy and fun, but there is also a lot of emotion and meaty backstory that add a good layer of substance. With the neatly placed touch of humor, I was all-in committed to the read. And now this tasty sample has turned into a must read of Alisha Rai's works.
About Play With Me (courtesy of the author):
Playing for a night…or for keeps?
Jewelry designer Tatiana Belikov may have matured enough to curb her impulsive nature, but wickedness is still her best accessory. When family troubles bring her to Las Vegas and face-to-face with the man who knows all her darkest desires, resisting temptation is futile. A night of no-holds-barred sin? Jackpot.
Once billionaire Wyatt Caine had nothing to offer Tatiana except his heart, but time has changed his fortunes. Now he's the king of vice, and the king always gets what he wants. Especially when all he wants is her, all grown up and ready to play every dirty game he can devise.
They ignite like fireworks on the Strip, blazing hot enough to melt the best intentions. But their roll in the sheets turns into a roll of the dice, and when morning comes, Wyatt and Tatiana are left wondering whether to walk away…or raise the stakes.
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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.