Must-read romances: 'Driving Lessons,' 'Asher's Shot,' 'The Kidnapped Christmas Bride,' 'Flames of Passion'
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
Driving Lessons by Annameekee Hesik
"You haven't blinked," my daughter remarked, as I read Driving Lessons by Annameekee Hesik.
I responded, "I've been trying to take a break every chapter … and I just can't."
Relying only on insight is never enough for a successful YA read. It's more about capturing that authentic teen voice that gives the genuine flavor to every thought and motivation that fuel the teen spirit. Hesik, as author, stays out of her characters' angst and drama to deliver a fresh, funny, romantic, twisty ride. I cared about these people and their intersecting lives. Through the vivid descriptions and great pacing, I held my breath for the many collisions and consequences. And that driving-with-the-crew scene was a nail-biter, as well as laugh-out-loud funny. No one should try that … ever.
What it's about (courtesy of Bold Strokes Books):
Abbey Brooks has recovered from her end-of-freshman-year heartbreak and has vowed that this year, her sophomore year at Gila High, will be different in every way. Her to-do list: get her driver's license, come out to her mom, get (and keep) a girlfriend, and survive another year of basketball. As always, though, nothing goes according to plan. Who will be there for her as her plans start to unravel? Who will bring her back to life after another round of heartache and betrayal? These remain a mystery—even to Abbey.
But one thing is for sure, she's not confused about who she is. And that is going to make all the difference.
Asher's Shot by Elizabeth Wheeler
Elizabeth Wheeler's Asher's Shot is the second book in the Asher Trilogy and picks up on the tumultuous life of an introspective teen. Through his eyes, we see the complex layers that embody the people he loves. Through his experiences, he tries to understand his own feelings, sometimes getting it right, sometimes getting it wrong. But he's got heart. Thanks to Wheeler's creativity, Asher comes to life with a realistic message of holding on when the going gets tough. He is to be admired.
What it's about (courtesy of Bold Strokes Books):
After uncovering the truth about his parents' divorce and his brother's death, fifteen-year-old Asher Price is ready for a shot at happiness. Armed with a Canon camera borrowed from his nutty neighbor, a date to homecoming, and revitalized relationships with family and friends, Asher's on the right track. Even though Asher's black-and-white view of the world has shifted to color, he still believes the only way to protect the people he loves is by keeping their secrets. His candid pictures capture the truth, but what if his success as a photographer requires exposing an enemy? In the end, Asher discovers protecting the people he loves can have devastating consequences, and his only shot at happiness involves revealing secrets of his own.
The Kidnapped Christmas Bride by Jane Porter
Jane Porter's The Kidnapped Christmas Bride is all kinds of scrumptious goodness. The overall story is warm and engaging because of the rich, imperfect and unpredictable characters. Add a charming young child to stir awake emotions and instigate the right call to action and you can't help but emit that happy sigh at the end. A perfect introduction to Porter's romance and women's fiction work.
What it's about (courtesy of Tule Publishing Group):
All he wants is a Christmas memory...
Trey Sheenan has cultivated his reputation as Marietta's resident bad boy, until one day he lets things go too far and he loses everything—his freedom, his fiancé McKenna Douglas, and his infant son.
McKenna has loved Trey since they were kids, but she's had enough. When Trey is sent away for five years, McKenna is determined to do what's right for her and baby TJ, which means putting her mistakes—namely Trey—behind her, and move on.
When Trey is released early, he returns to Marietta determined to beg McKenna's forgiveness and become the father TJ needs him to be, only to discover that he's too late. McKenna's marrying local insurance agent Lawrence Joplin in a candlelight Christmas wedding.
Or is she?
Once again, Trey risks everything, but this time it's for love….and the memory of one perfect Christmas together as a family.
Flames of Passion by Kayla Perrin
Flames of Passion by Kayla Perrin is Sexy with a capital S. No time was wasted to start this roller-coaster ride with a hot, searing kiss. From there the energy continues on a high note with a couple working hard to figure out their destiny.
Perrin's knack for stirring the imagination and the excitement with her stories is on full power. Who doesn't like a sexy firefighter to woo the heart? Curl up and enjoy the sexy, romantic treat. Happy holidays.
What it's about (courtesy of Kimani Romance):
Betrayed by love in the past, Nya Lowe has vowed to steer clear of future heartbreak. But when she sees her deceitful ex at a party, she does something totally out of character and puts the moves on sexy San Diego firefighter Tyler Johansen. Her payback plan backfires when her counterfeit "boyfriend" starts breaking down her defenses--kiss by sizzling kiss.
Tyler risks his life every day, but he isn't ready to gamble with his heart again. Yet ever since the sultry photographer kissed him, all he wants is to keep Nya in his arms. As they stoke the flames of a dangerous desire, a suspicious fire and near-fatal collision raise the stakes for them. Will they both be burned again? Or can they trust each other enough to turn their pretend romance into a forever love?
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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.