Thank you, Brenda Jackson, for 20 romantic years
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
Happy 20-year anniversary to Paste BN and New York Times bestseller Brenda Jackson! May you have many more years of wonderful stories to share with your readers.
Celebrating with her fans …
A letter from Brenda Jackson
It is hard to believe that it's been 20 years since my first book, Tonight and Forever, hit the bookstores. During that time, I received my greatest support from those who believed in me and knew I would succeed as an author: namely, my husband, Gerald, my family, my friends and a special group of co-workers. And they remain my largest group of supporters today, giving me encouragement when I need it.
I remember those early days as bittersweet and as the catalyst that fueled my determination to publish my first book, my second book, my 50th book, my 100th book and all the books that followed. I look forward to book No. 104, A Lover's Vow// (May). It's a murder mystery that is filled with plenty of romance. The big question is "Who killed Sylvia Granger?" In May, I will celebrate my 20th anniversary as an author while cruising to Bermuda with my readers.
As I celebrate this special anniversary, my biggest supporter, and the love of my life for 47 years —my husband, Gerald — is not with me physically. But he is with me in spirit, cheering me on and whispering, "Baby, you can do it," on those days that become a struggle. This special year of my life I am honoring God who gave me my gift to write, and my husband, who gave me the encouragement and support to follow my dream.
ROMANCE RECS
A Lover's Vow by Brenda Jackson
Brenda Jackson's A Lover's Vow answers the big question that lingers over the Granger family series: Who killed Sylvia Granger? This mystery wrapped around the romance and celebration of love makes the book that more enjoyable.
Jackson didn't hold back on the intricate plot of espionage, betrayal and suspense. Every clue reveals a layer to the mystery. However, the reader will be surprised by what they think they know and what is really the truth. The Grangers are a force to be reckoned with as they don't hesitate to protect their family and their business and catch the bad guys.
While the mystery unfolds, themes of family bonds and second chances at love are the foundation for the intense, emotional and sigh-worthy romance between Dalton, the last sexy Granger brother to fall in love, and Jules. They are a match made in heaven and for all the right reasons that were fun to read just to see those sparks fly.
About A Lover's Vow (courtesy of Mira):
Business mogul Dalton Granger is as passionate as he is gorgeous, but private investigator Jules Bradford won't give him the time of day. She knows all about the youngest Granger brother—a charming bad boy whose only interest is playing the field.
Jules is the only person who can protect Dalton, and they embark on a mission to save his family and his legacy. But when their late nights in the office turn into early mornings in the bedroom, Jules and Dalton soon realize they have more at stake than they ever imagined.
Force of Attraction by D.D. Ayres
D.D. Ayres's Force of Attraction is the next book up in the K-9 Rescue series. Each book has me falling in love with the police trained dog. What characters they do make.
But on to some other good stuff — the romantic suspense. Love Ayres knack for dropping the danger right there at the reader's feet. You feel morally outraged and ready to join in the campaign to take down the bad guys. In this story, the danger is yucky and evil and just plain wrong.
As the feuding couple has to work together for the greater good, we are entertained by the barely hidden romantic feelings they share for each other. The mastery of Ayres' storytelling is with the equal balance between the suspense and romance. One doesn't overshadow the other. The final result, after reading Force of Attraction, is to give it an enthusiastic book-recommendation thumbs up.
What it's about (courtesy of St. Martin's Paperbacks):
A seasoned K-9 officer with the police in Maryland, Cole Jamison has left her old life behind her. With a new home and a new partner--a protective canine named Hugo--Cole is ready for fresh challenges. A crucial position on an important drug task force is exactly what she wants…until she discovers her gorgeous, infuriating ex-husband will be the DEA agent in charge.
Agent Scott Lucca may be a pro when it comes to undercover assignments, but this job is daunting even for him. Posing as a happy couple on the dog competition circuit means he and Cole need to get a lot closer than they've been in years. Playing a live-in couple should seem like a walk in the park compared to tracking a brutal criminal, but suddenly nothing could be more dangerous than the passionate fire they've rekindled...
One to Hold by Tia Louise
Tia Louise has a long-running series that begins with One to Hold. This alpha hunk, Derek Alexander, is all kinds of wonderful with the perfect heroic touch. Melissa has her wounds that have shaped her outlook, but she pushes through when the challenges hit. I was completely engaged and invested in this couple for their happy outcome. But I also have to admit that I was glad the story wasn't over because I wanted to see Melissa get stronger and tougher for the next round of challenges. Way to go with the cliffhanger, but happy that there is the opportunity to binge-read the series.
About One to Hold:
Derek Alexander is a retired Marine, ex-cop, and the top investigator in his field. Melissa Jones is a small-town girl trying to escape her troubled past.
When the two intersect in a bar in Arizona, their sexual chemistry is off the charts. But what is revealed during their "one-week stand" only complicates matters.
Because she'll do everything in her power to get away from the past, but he'll do everything he can to hold her.
Restless Hearts by Yahrah St. John
Yahrah St. John's Restless Hearts, Harts of Arizona book four, plays with fate stepping in to shake up destiny. When a serious injury and fear of the unknown push Caleb to hastily act, he pushes aside the only woman for him. But now, after healing, he realizes his biggest mistake. The setup for the journey to redemption is set and we are treated to the intense emotional closure for wounds to heal and trust to be restored. St. John's Restless Hearts// is an all-round excellent romantic read.
About Restless Hearts:
A restless heart…
Ruggedly sexy bull rider Caleb Hart is a proud of his carefree lifestyle. He's thrown when he meets debutante Addison Montgomery at a bachelor party in Vegas and has an overwhelming desire to protect her. Powerless to resist her sweet allure, they embark on a passionate, commitment-free affair. Caleb never expected a woman could break through his defenses, but Addison does — until a fall off a bull leaves him temporarily paralyzed.
Addison falls hard for the smoldering cowboy with the bedroom eyes who makes her feel like a woman. She's devastated when Caleb pushes her away. She retreats, vowing to
start her life anew. She never expected years later, Caleb would reel her back in with his sizzling hot kisses, reawakening the passion they once shared. Can she trust her heart again or is she headed for heartbreak?
What Yahrah St. John has to say …
Michelle: What are some of the inspirations or interesting research you've done for this book?
Yahrah: The inspiration for Restless Hearts and the entire Hart Series (Entangled Hearts Volume I & II, Untamed Hearts) came from listening to a fellow property manager's vacation story. She and her husband went to a dude ranch in Montana for a week and she regaled me with wonderful stories. In 2013, I finally decided to write a series about a family who owned a dude ranch and their children would be hero/heroines of the books.
In March 2013, I visited a rancher who bred cattle. He lived on a sprawling 300-acre ranch with a main house, guest house, staff house and more. Not only did he show me the inner workings of a ranch, but I got to ride an ATV! Second, a friend of mine told me about a dude ranch not far from where I lived called Westgate River Ranch, in Florida. I contacted the operations manager and told him I was an author doing research. The manager was kind enough to give me a weekend stay at the ranch, so I could see the place for myself. He lent me a golf cart for my own personal use for the weekend.
The villa I stayed at was marvelous, one-bedroom complete with Jacuzzi and patio. The manager and entire team showed me around and let me interview the stable hands as well as the rodeo riders. While there, I enjoyed my first rodeo, went two-stepping at the ranch's bar and rode a mechanical bull! I have to say, of all the research I've done by far for my books, I had the best time researching this series.
Michelle: When you're writing, do you listen to music or watch TV or is it quiet?
Yahrah: I prefer to listen to music while I write. Usually I listen to slow jams and artists like Brian McKnight, Maxwell, Boyz II Men. Pretty much, any romantic or lovey-dovey song will do.
Michelle: What are the top three titles in your TBR pile?
Yahrah: I'm actually listening to books now vs. reading. As much as I love to read, it's hard to find the time to work full time, write and read. I just started listening to good friend of mine Naomi Chase's trilogy. I listened to Exposed and Deception. They were so juicy that I can't wait to finish up with Betrayal. I'd also like to give the Sylvia Day trilogy a whirl as well as the Divergent/Insurgent/Allegiant series by Veronica Roth. My tastes are varied.
Michelle: What are your favorite TV addictions at the moment?
Yahrah: I'm a big TV fan. Right now, I can't get enough of Empire. It's like Dallas on steroids. Then of course, there's How to Get Away With Murder. Love Viola Davis. Can't believe we just had a finale and have to wait until the fall for more episodes. Finally, there's Being Mary Jane and the joys of being single AND career-minded. I know what that felt like because up until a few years ago, I too was single and in the same boat. The pain of being a single, African American career woman is palpable. It's so great to see so many African American faces on the television and actors getting roles in Hollywood. Way to go!!
Michelle: Thanks, Yahrah.
To keep in touch with Yahrah St. John, visit yahrahstjohn.net.
Michelle Monkou writes for Harlequin Kimani, Evernight Publishing and Boroughs Publishing. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.