Must-read romances: 'Shadows and Lies,' 'Baby Love,' 'Are You There, God?'

Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.

Shadows & Lies by Eden Butler

"Go be a hero and let me be a crook." That line perfectly sums up these two wounded souls who are brought together under Shadows & Lies by Eden Butler.

Butler challenged her skills with a gritty, suspenseful and very romantic tale. We can be appreciative of this bold career step taken to deliver this urban thriller. Whether through Alex's distrustful eyes or Neil's measured approach with life, the intertwining viewpoints are realistic mirrors of these central characters. The unlikely couple has many mysteries to solve, dangers to avoid and enemies to fear. None of it would have been so enjoyable to read if the suspense hadn't been expertly inserted, and steadily built with each revelation.

This couple worked well with each other, despite their fear and insecurities. I believed in their hang-ups, understanding what they valued and empathizing with what they'd endured. Because I was vested in their lives, I enjoyed their separate journeys, especially when things didn't go their way — thanks to Eden Butler's complete commitment to allowing her characters to tell their stories. Looking forward to reading more about Neil and Alex.

About Shadows and Lies (courtesy of author):

One lie can change your life.

A web of lies can destroy it.

Neil Ryan was a good Navy SEAL. He was an even better detective, but when an unmarked envelope lands on his desk, long-buried secrets are resurrected and Ryan questions everything he thought he knew about justice, including who killed his mother.

Alex Black is a distraction Ryan doesn't need—she's loud, obnoxious and a common thief, but her eyes are haunting, her lips irresistible and Ryan happens to love her filthy mouth.

Alex is also the only one able to help Ryan find the leads he's missing. She's the only one who can lead him to the one person who has the answers he seeks, but following her could cost Ryan everything.

Secrets get told, lives get wrecked and in every shadow, the truth is hiding.

Baby Love by Suzette Riddick

Suzette Riddick delivers her short romantic story Baby Love as a message of love through life's trials and tribulations. With the spotlight on this romantic couple, each phase of their journey together reveals the deep issues that will rip them apart. Riddick takes an important issue to test the bonds of a relationship with an emotional and honest perspective. Baby Love is an impactful lesson.

About Baby Love (courtesy of Heart 2 Heart Publishing):

What would you do if your husband of seven years didn't share your desire to have a baby? You've tried everything to persuade him to your way of thinking, but nothing you say or do is moving him.

Tired of her man's refusal to give her what she wants, Bianca Benjamin takes things into her own hands. When Wesley Benjamin a no nonsense, career military man comes face to face with her betrayal, will love be enough to save their troubled marriage?

Are You There, God? by Theresa Campbell

Theresa Campbell's Are You There, God? is the inspirational journey of Dupree. The lessons of faith are constant and from the various viewpoints of a wide cast of characters. With Campbell's easy style, the story is equally entertaining and engrossing with her spot-on descriptions of Jamaican life, a woman's faith and emotional journey to self-awareness, and the drama of small-town living.

For book clubs, there is much to be discussed. Campbell doesn't let up with the burdens that hit at a steady pace through the story. The hypocrisy and imperfections of people, in the church and those outside of the circle, heighten the injustices that have been done to Dupree. With an exciting ending, it's good to know that the next book, God Has Spoken, is available with possible resolutions.

About Are You There, God? (courtesy of Urban Christian):

As a young woman in rural Jamaica, Dupree struggles to maintain a home for herself and the ailing aunt who is raising her after she was abandoned by her teenage mother. After a brutal attack that takes her to hell and back, Dupree must reach for her inner strength once again to survive. Her journey for a better life leads her to Kingston, a city some people refer to as "Jamaica's Sodom and Gomorrah." Dupree seeks comfort in the arms of her Prince Charming--but he might just be a wolf in sheep's clothing. In pure desperation, she seeks an answer to her question, "Are you there, God?" Will she be around to hear His response, or will it be too late?

OUTLANDER ON HEA

The popular Outlander recap is back. Join Mandi Schreiner and me to catch up and join in with your thoughts about the popular historical drama airing on Starz.

Michelle Monkou loves writing her sexy, complex heroes. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.