Must-read romances: 'I Belong to You,' 'Until You Find Me,' 'All for You'

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

I Belong to You (Inside Out series) by Lisa Renee Jones

Lisa Renee Jones's I Belong to You is a book of revelations. Mark, the Master, is tormented and vulnerable, despite his best efforts to stay behind the identity. Those skeletons are rattling in his closet, and the demons are haunting his soul. But taking him to the edge is Crystal, a woman who may be the one to bring him out of his personal darkness. We, the readers, are pulled in to witness, even feel, his anguish over past deeds and relationships — thanks to Jones' mastery over writing the emotional triggers that bring the characters to the forefront of our consciousness. And … there is a mystery to be solved. Lots of dark, suspenseful twists that heighten Mark's deepest desires.

Each book can be read as a stand-alone. However, given the character arcs and unfolding plot points, it makes sense to read each book to understand and fully appreciate the story.

What it's about (courtesy of Gallery Books):

Master...

Being that person, that man, is how I define myself, how I allow the rest of the world to define me as well. And now, with a terrible loss shredding me inside out and someone trying to destroy my family to punish me, control is more important than ever. It is everything. It is what I need. It is all I need. Or maybe I just need...her.

Until You Find Me by Amber Hart

The New Adult keeper shelf earns another title, Until You Find Me. Amber Hart wrote a meaty, stick-to-your ribs stew of a story where opposites attract is not an easy, toss away cliché. Instead, she takes the risk to bring to life a cast of characters in a story full of the good, bad and lots of in-between, and I'm all the better for the experience. Hart writes with full commitment to stirring our senses, thoughts and imagination. And there is nothing to disappoint the expectation, except waiting for the next book to this fabulous story.

What it's about (courtesy of Flirt):

Raven has no idea what to expect when she travels to Africa in search of answers about her family's past. A twenty-year-old college student from Michigan, she's never seen anything like the beautiful, treacherous jungles of Cameroon. But nothing takes her breath away like Jospin. As soon as Raven meets the charismatic and intense young hunter, she's instantly hooked.

Clever, rugged, and fearless, Jospin makes his living from the perils of the jungle. But falling in love with Raven could be the most dangerous thing he's ever done. The heir to a powerful poaching empire, he holds the key to unlocking the secrets of Raven's legacy. If she asks the wrong questions, his answers could get them both killed. And yet each and every moment spent holding Raven in his arms is worth the risk.

Raven's getting closer to the truth. Jospin's at the point of no return. Their chemistry is out of control, and when they forge a bond that goes beyond blood, desire will take them into uncharted territory.

All for You by Jessica Scott

Intense. Hopeful. Satisfying. The recent release of the paperback All for You by Jessica Scott is a story that pushes boundaries, whether it's the rules and protocols of the armed services or the rules and code of the human condition. The hierarchy and fraternity of these men who live, work and fight together serve as the backdrop for this edgy romance between Sergeant First Class Iaconelli and Captain Emily Lindberg. Battles of wills are only a smidgen of the story, where addiction, mental and emotional breakdown and deep-seated insecurities amp up the pace. Truly enjoyable.

What it's about (courtesy of Forever):

Can a battle-scarred warrior ...

Stay sober. Get deployed. Lead his platoon. Those are the only things that matter to Sergeant First Class Reza Iaconelli. What he wants is for everyone to stay out of his way; what he gets is Captain Emily Lindberg telling him how to deal with his men. Fort Hood's newest shrink is smart as a whip and sexy as hell. She's also full of questions-about the army, its soldiers, and the agony etched on Reza's body and soul.

... open his heart to love?

Emily has devoted her life to giving soldiers the care they need-and deserve. Little does she know that means facing down the fierce wall of muscle that is Sergeant Iaconelli like it's just another day at the office. When Reza agrees to help her understand what makes a soldier tick, she's thrilled. Too bad it doesn't help her unravel the sexy warrior in front of her who stokes her desire and touches a part of her she thought long dead. He's the man who thinks combat is the only escape from the demons that haunt him. The man who needs her most of all ...

Switched by Cassie Mae

Cassie Mae's Switched is a fun read. There is humor galore on these pages with antics and characters who are over the top with their crazy logic. And we go along with it, because why not? One reason, though, is that Cassie Mae's gift of capturing the young at heart's dreams and wishes not only entertains, but serves as wonderful lessons about what's really important in our lives. There is a happy sigh to be had after enjoying Switched.

What it's about (courtesy of Flirt):

Ever since high school, Kayla has been crazy for gorgeous football player Talon. But before she could muster the courage to tell him, he became a hot item with her beautiful BFF, Reagan. The only person who knows Kayla's secret is Wesley, Talon's best bud—and he's got it bad for Reagan. Now they're all in college together, hanging out 24/7. For Kayla, seeing the two lovebirds together is absolutely unbearable. So Kayla and Wesley hatch a plot to drive them apart before Talon has a chance to give Reagan the Christmas gift she's been waiting for.

Soon enough, the once happy couple is fighting. Reagan suddenly can't get enough of Wesley's goofy sense of humor, and Talon seems to be paying more attention to Kayla than a guy who's "only a friend" ever should. But just when everything seems to be falling into place, Kayla and Wesley accidentally spend a night together and discover a hitch in their plan they never considered: that switching partners may not lead to a perfect ending after all.

The Pages We Forget by Anthony Lamarr

Anthony Lamarr's The Pages We Forget is certainly not forgettable. Childhood wounds haunt, destroying lives and diverting dreams. The story of innocence lost is an intertwining theme through the lives of three characters. By way of their voices and experiences, along with Lamarr's creative talent, we are invited to feel compassion and joy, anger and hope, and sacrifice and love. Wrapped up in these pages is a celebration of the human spirit. Cheers to The Pages We Forget.

What it's about (courtesy of Strebor Books):

In this heartfelt, emotional drama, singer-songwriter June is trying to find the answers to love. Will she end up with the man in so many of her songs—the one who broke her heart—or with the musician who brought her to fame?

It's been ten years since June's first love, Keith, walked out of her life without saying goodbye. Ten years, two months, and sixteen days to be exact—since the night he first made love to her, then tiptoed out of the room while she lay in bed pretending to be asleep. June's life was over after that night, but she didn't stop living. Instead, she found a reason to live in her newborn son, and a reason to love again in Alex, an aspiring musician.

With Alex, she finds fame, fortune, and contentment. But now, her enviable life as one of music's brightest and most beloved stars is about to change in a way she never expected. Before her last song ends, June will come face-to-face with the horrible truth about that night ten years ago. And who will she choose: the man whose touch ruined her life, or the man whose unconditional love saved her?

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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.