Winter is fading to memory for those of us in the northern hemisphere, and I for one am ecstatic. Why then, did I find myself immersed in a frigid, frightening, story that “with it” readers discovered years ago? I’ve no idea, but I can most heartily recommend ICE by beloved romance author Linda Howard.
ICE had me glued to both the page and my phone (I alternated reading and listening) while Lolly, in Maine to close up her parent’s old home, was beset by drug-addled home invaders intent on wreaking destruction in the midst of an historic ice storm. Luckily for her, a boy she sparred with as a child is now all grown up, in town with his motherless son, and sent by his father, the sheriff, to make sure Lolly’s okay. Granted, we all know how this will turn out, but getting there is a breathtaking and freezing cold wild ride. I was literally surprised when I looked up and saw the sun shining outside, as I was convinced a storm was raging! And I’m so happy there are still more Linda Howard titles for me to discover.
Jumping ahead to books written more recently, I was enchanted to meet popular writer(s) Max Monroe for the first time. Why an added “s”? Because the author is a talented pair of friends who have been churning out sigh-worthy romances for years, and a recent title, MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT, is a delight. Juniper and Beau grew up together, and Beau’s sister is Juniper’s best friend. Now the three work together at Beau’s father’s company, where all attention is focused on their new app: “Meet me at Midnight.” Juniper has secretly loved Beau for years, and when internal company espionage threatens the work he’s doing, Juniper turns to the still-in-development app to anonymously alert him. Their conversations turn steamy, and eventually, the passion boils over and surprises everyone. Fun, flirty, and hot, the pages of MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT practically turn themselves, and I’m eager for Beau’s sister’s story, coming soon.
THE WEDDING PEOPLE, by Alison Espach, has garnered a lot of media attention this year, and I finally got around to reading and loving it myself. Don’t let the premise put you off: a depressed woman checks herself into a luxury hotel with the goal of offing herself in her room with her recently passed kitty’s old meds. Nothing, however, (fortunately!), goes as planned. Phoebe inadvertently ends up spending time with a bride attempting to micro-manage and survive her week-long over-the-top bridal event, getting to know most of the invitees, and discovering sides of herself she never knew existed. THE WEDDING PEOPLE will leave you smiling and willing to look at strangers with more optimistic expectations.
I was also lucky to encounter a new book geared towards both romance and dog lovers alike, the captivating PROTECTING THE PACK by Julie Miller. Stella is a foster mom whose heart is full to bursting with love for the many children she cares for but bereft of romantic love since her life is so darn complicated. Luckily, Stella’s friends step in and attempt match making. But before Stella and police officer Joe Carter can even go on their first date, Stella’s household increases, as do menacing overtures from both a former fling and a criminal trying to menace the two new additions to Stella’s family. Jasper the dog plays a loveable dual role as protector and huggable friend to the children and adults, and of course, there’s a lovely happily-ever-after. I’ve missed the earlier books in this series, Protectors at K-9 ranch, so I’m off to track them down now!
One series I’ve loved and followed for years has a new title, BLACK MOON RISING, and it lives up to expectations spectacularly. Talented author Julie Ann Walker began her tale of the courageous, gorgeous, and irreverent Black Knights, Inc., more than a decade ago. Nominally a Chicago-based group of motorcycle enthusiasts and mechanics, the “knights” in reality serve to protect and defend wherever and however they’re needed. I’ve inhaled every volume, and BLACK MOON RISING is a deeply satisfying addition. FBI agent Julia O’Toole gets enmeshed with “Knight” Britt Rollins in a mixed-up chase of good guys pegged as villains and villains masquerading as good guys. Shots are fired, mysteries deepen, and, of course, kisses (and more!) are exchanged. If you’re looking for an engrossing and swoon-worthy escape, hop aboard one of their souped-up motorcycles and enjoy the ride!
And don’t forget to take a moment to check out SECOND STANZA, a breath-taking romantic mystery that will leave you at once happily satisfied and eagerly looking for more.
How can someone who's dead save your life during a night of terror?
Jackie’s heart broke when her beloved college boyfriend died in an off-campus gas explosion—a pointless, horrible death. Nine years later and thousands of miles away, her own life is saved when a random stranger calls her name and covers her body with his during a mass shooting. She wakes in a hospital only to learn that the stranger is among the dead.
But was he a stranger? For those terrifying seconds, Jackie was sure he was her beloved Leo. Needing to hide such crazy ideas from friends and family, Jackie begins a search for the only man she has ever loved—now seemingly twice dead.
Thriller | Suspense [Author Self-Published, On Sale: October 4, 2022, Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9781735102474 / eISBN: 9781735102481]
Meg's friends during her high school years all expected her romance novels to hit the shelves decades ago, but she foolishly allowed "serious pursuits" to get in her way. Now that her beloved children can feed, clothe, and most importantly, support themselves, she's free to turn her attention to her first passion - putting words to paper that capture your attention and make your heart sing in quiet joy. Her stories tell most frequently of second chances--in life, love, and sometimes even at rediscovering a soul-mate from a previous life.
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