Must-read romance: 'Hard as Ice,' 'Hot Nights With the Fireman,' 'At Ease'
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
Hard as Ice by Raven Scott
Hard as Ice, book one of the Fortis series, by Raven Scott is a romantic suspense story where the two story elements — the romance and the suspense — are evenly balanced. And a spectacular jewelry heist is always a great liftoff to the beginning of a story. It's always fun to learn and figure out the bad apple among the cast of suspects. Revealing moments and well-placed clues are unhurriedly shared, a testament to Scott's expertise.
The high level of suspense wouldn't have had the impact if the sexual tension wasn't evident from the couple's first glance. Sexiness galore. Scott wrote characters with such depth and emotion that sticking with them through the good and bad of their journey wasn't difficult. None of the triteness or clichéd reactions existed. This couple are relatable and true to their motivations. Definitely keep an eye out for the rollout of this series on July 28.
About the book (courtesy of Dafina):
Now that Evan DaCosta has recovered from an injury sustained in his work with the CIA, he's ready to continue his life of adventure, intrigue, and service. That means joining Fortis—and taking on the recovery of precious jewels stolen from a prestigious auction house. The list of suspects is long, but Evan is focused on the possibility of an inside job. Now he'll have to go undercover and stay close to the gorgeous business manager, Nia James. That won't be a problem….But if she's the thief, she just may steal his heart in the process…
A gifted salesperson, Nia worked hard to get where she is today. Now, with her career at stake, she can't afford to be distracted by a man. Yet when Evan walks into the auction house, all six foot three of solid muscle poured into a tailored suit, Nia can't help feeling safe, protected—and turned on. The feeling is mutual, and soon, despite their private misgivings, Nia and Evan become intensely entangled. But can their relationship survive their secrets?
Hot Nights With the Fireman by Lynne Silver
Hot Nights With the Fireman by Lynne Silver is loaded with flirty fun, innuendos and sexy deliciousness. That's the icing. Underneath, just below the surface, is a touching story about two people overcoming private and personal demons to achieve their dreams.
Such a solid realistic touch, supported by great writing, raised this story to the level of a must-read. Silver writes a dynamic heroine who sets the boundaries, even if she makes quick adjustments for the hero. But she is no wimp and can handle her own among a tough group and command respect in challenging surroundings. I especially enjoyed her interaction with the firefighters. And for one sexy, "bad" firefighter, in particular, Silver wrote him with the right touch to make the heart swoon.
About the book (courtesy of Forever Yours):
Everyone in Washington, DC, knows that when the heat is on, you call Valerie Wainright. This brilliant, brassy PR maven can spin any hot scandal, and she's never let a client ruffle her feathers. Yet when she agrees to teach DC's bravest how to handle a media frenzy, she faces an entirely different kind of fire. Keeping things all business and no pleasure is far harder than she expected.
After steamy photos ignite the Internet, firefighter Jason Moore instantly goes from hero to bad boy. While he couldn't care less about an online rep, he cares a lot about his job and saving lives. If Valerie can help clear his name, he'll do what she says-even if it means forcing himself to keep his hands off her. But beneath Valerie's cool cover, Jason feels a smoldering desire that lights his own. And this is one inferno he'll definitely want to stoke ...
At Ease by Olivia Brynn
Olivia Brynn's At Ease is a short read that comes with a lot of power in those pages. The characters provide the powerful amp to this story about opposites' attraction, but also about people with more similarities than differences. We get to read and enjoy the power of attraction and their adult approach to satiating needs and desires.
Brynn writes sexy drama. Graphic and sensual, the eroticism is handled like ministories within the bigger story, as the couple discover and learn about each other. (Note: The story was previously published.)
About the book (courtesy of Samhain Publishing):
Jaycee Hanson has the best seat in the house in Psych 301. Right behind Tyler Johnson, ROTC captain and star of her erotic fantasies. But while lusting from afar, she's come to one disappointing conclusion: He doesn't seem to date outside his race.
When an accidental touch near the end of class turns into an impromptu foot rub, the rest of her wet-noodle bones are willing to go anywhere Tyler leads. She just never expected to be led into the nearest stairwell.
Tyler isn't sure what to make of the smart, beautiful woman in his arms. If he'd had any idea Jaycee was interested in him, he would have made a move long ago. But each time he's looked her way, she's avoided his gaze.
A blissful afternoon at his place seems the start of something special—until objections to their relationship arise from an unexpected source. And Jaycee starts to wonder if sizzling sexual chemistry is enough.
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Michelle Monkou writes for Harlequin Kimani, Evernight Publishing and Boroughs Publishing. Michelle's website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.