Must-read romances: 'Only for You,' 'The Affair,' 'Anomaly,' 'Every Part of You'
Only for You by Beth Kery
Academy Award-winning special effects guru Seth Hightower is the guy Hollywood directors seek out when they want the best for their productions. Seth enjoys the company of women and a buffet of beauty is part and parcel of his work, but experience has taught him actresses make poor bedfellows and they therefore are not invited into his private life. Seth is unaware Gia Harris is an actress when they enjoy an unforgettable, intense one night of passion, and when he finds out, he's disappointed and so not pleased.
Two years after her interlude with Seth, Gia has become one of Hollywood's brightest stars. She is talented, ambitious and learning to live in the media spotlight that accompanies fame. After witnessing the brutal rape of a teenager, Gia agrees to testify against the powerful man who violated the young girl. As the trial date approaches, a media firestorm gains momentum, and the authorities express valid concern regarding Gia's safety. She is forced to accept protection and disappear from the public eye.
"How do you plan on making one of the most recognizable faces in the country disappear until the legal proceedings begin?"
Someone rapped firmly on the door. It opened and a Los Angeles county deputy stepped inside.
"Mr. Hightower is here," the deputy said to Charles. Charles stood, a satisfied expression on his face.
"Ah, good. Hopefully, here is the man who can answer your question, Joshua."
Surely fate had over served its share of shock in the past twenty-four hours. Gia had been rattled around in her car and frantic with worry for her bruised driver, Jim. She'd suffered the unpleasant shock of seeing Joshua Cabot and Dan Arden sitting at the conference table.
It seemed, however, that fate wasn't finished with her yet. She stared in ragged disbelief as Seth Hightower stalked into the conference room.
Seth has a background with Army intelligence and is called on from time to time when the authorities need specialized assistance with a case. Seth works his magic and spirits a disguised Gia away to Vulture's Canyon, an isolated small town outside Shawnee National Forest in Illinois. The town is home to hippy-artist isolationists and a small family of Hollywood movie folk who have earned the trust of the locals, integrated into the community and now call the place home. It's the perfect setting for refuge and romance.
Beth Kery cleverly isolates the stoic and powerful Seth and the strong-willed, spirited Gia in a car during a long road trip to Vulture's Canyon, which fuels the sexual tension simmering between them, bringing it to a boil. She then tucks these two away in a luxury log home nestled in the forest for three weeks. It's the perfect spot for a steamy love affair. Smoking-hot love scenes are synonymous with a Beth Kery erotic romance, and Only for You (book three in the One Night of Passion series) delivers this author's signature intense eroticism. Along with enjoying amazing sex, Seth and Gia's time together gives them a better understanding of each other. However, conflict regarding Seth's aversion to the limelight and Gia's fame remains unresolved.
It's difficult to put into words, but I see Seth as a singular hero. Yes, he's virile and sexy, but there's serenity about him. Perhaps it's his intelligence and creative nature coupled with strength of character and compassion for others that make him all the more unique. It's no wonder he wins Gia's heart. ;) Sex, love, secrets and suspense, Only for You has it all. This story will delight fans of the One Night of Passion series and is sure to pique the interest of readers new to the town of Vulture's Canyon.
You can read the One Night of Passion books as stand-alones, but I would suggest reading, especially the novels, in series order:
Addicted to You (novel): Rill Pierce and Katy Hughes
Bound to You (novella): John Corcoran and Jennifer Turner
Captured by You (novella): Chance Hathoway and Sherona Legion
Exposed to You (novel): Everett Hughes and Joy Hightower
Only for You (novel): Seth Hightower and Gia Harris
The Affair by Beth Kery
Beth Kery's latest eight-week serial about hospice nurse Emma Shore and billionaire race-car enthusiast Michael Montand is one of my favorite reads of 2014. Emma is an amazing heroine. While she has lived through significant health issues and losses she is well grounded and wise beyond her years.
"You're a medical miracle."
She shrugged, hearing the thread of disbelief and amusement in his tone. "I knew you wouldn't believe me. Very few people do, except the staff at the hospital, my mother, my sister, and the physician who researched the case."
"And you."
"No. I don't believe. I know."
He shook his head slightly, looking puzzled and a little amazed. "I'd almost believe it of you. You're very…odd."
"I've heard that before," she muttered.
"That's not what I meant," he said, and even though he hadn't been sharp, exactly, her heartbeat began to thrum in her ears.
"You didn't mean that I'm a freak?" she clarified, trying to keep things light.
"No. I meant that you're rare. Different. Even a little otherworldly at times," he said quietly. He reached up and touched the base of her throat. Her pulse leapt just inches from his pressing fingers. So much for keeping things light. She stared up at him, her glib comment melting on her tongue.
Michael is a deeply troubled, tortured hero who is haunted by his past. I saw Emma as the bright light able to penetrate Michael's darkness. The Affair is extremely romantic, thanks in part to the variance in setting. Michael and Emma first meet under very unusual circumstances at The Breakers, his dark sprawling mansion built into a cliff overlooking Lake Michigan. As their affair intensifies, he takes her to the beautiful shores of the French Riviera, where she is exposed to some interesting personalities involved in European motorsports. The storyline is enhanced by intrigue and betrayal and the exposure of the dark secrets that are the source of Michael emotional turmoil.
Like Emma, The Affair is unique and rare. It's a heartfelt, incredibly erotic and moving love story that will leave you hungering for more from this author. It's not in the works, but a Beth Kery story for Formula 1 race-car driver Niki Dellis would be very welcome. ;)
I had a long discussion with Beth Kery about The Affair in an interview for HEA, so be sure to check it out if you'd like to learn more.
Anomaly by Tonya Kuper
Tonya Kuper's debut contemporary cross genre YA/sci-fi adventure has everything action-hungry superhero lovers crave. In her recent interview for HEA, Tonya and I spoke extensively about Anomaly and its intricate, dangerous world, so if you are interested in reading about the storyline and its unique heroine and hero, be sure to check it out.
Anomaly is a gripping page-turner with a good-vs.-evil theme. It's written with a dual first-person POV, and Kuper uses modern teenage vernacular to make Josie's and Reid's introspection and clever banter believable and relatable. Using quantum physics as the basis for her Schrodinger's Consortium world is absolutely brilliant, and Josie's genius shines through in her understanding and observations related to the science. Josie not only has a genius-level IQ, she is witty, street smart and adaptable. Reid is the perfect foil for this heroine, but he is also just the kind of tough guy a girl could fall for … yup, romance, we gotta have some. ;) Josie, Reid and his sidekick Santos take readers on a fun, high-octane ride. Anomaly rips.
The book is extremely well written and has met with well-deserved high accolades. Tonya Kuper's ever-growing legion of fans are undoubtedly impatiently waiting for book two, Enigma. As for me, I'm looking forward to an Anomaly reread.
Every Part of You by Megan Hart
This one was published in April, but I wanted to talk about Every Part of You before the end of the year because it's another of my 2014 favorites.
Simone Kahan works in the same building as Elliott Anderson, and his office faces hers. She takes advantage of her bird's-eye view and voyeuristically enjoys the show when he occasionally brings a beautiful woman back to his office for a little evening nookie.
Simone has a major jones for the sexy lawyer.
Simone wanted him.
Of course, there was next-to-no chance of that ever happening. Aside from the fact that Elliott liked a very distinct type that Simone most definitely did not and would never fit, they swam in completely different waters. Elliott was a deep-sea shark, forever circling, always grinning and never smiling. Simone, on the other hand, frolicked in sun-dappled shallows and no matter how deep she dove, she never lost sight of the light.
Watching Elliott during his sexual escapades gives Simone insight into his character, and despite her belief he will never be attracted to her, she makes a bold play for his attention one evening during a quiet elevator ride. You'll have to read the book to find out what Simone does to earn Elliott's notice but it's safe to say, he is stunned and intrigued — she ends up being his date for the evening.
Simone is sexually aware, spirited and when the occasion calls for it she doesn't spare the sarcasm. Playing a submissive during sex holds no appeal for Simone, but she is non-repentant about the fact that pain heightens her pleasure during intimacy. Elliott likes a little rough sex, but he views his predilection as a weakness. Elliott can be insensitive and cruel, but as more about his background is revealed, it's easy to understand why. I admired Simone's strength of character. She steadfastly maintains her dignity and resolve no matter what emotional cannon balls Elliott fires her way.
Every Part of You is a hot erotic romance that has some light sadomasochistic elements, but Megan Hart's passionate sensual prose shows sensitivity to readers' varying tastes when it comes to some aspects of BDSM. Simone and Elliott's story will offer a chuckle, but it's also sad and real, a special romance I won't forget. Simone Kahan is one of my all-time-favorite heroines.
If you like to taste your books before taking a big bite, Every Part of You is available as a five-part serial. If serials aren't your cup of tea, the complete novel has also been released.
Check out my HEA interview with Megan Hart to learn more about Every Part of You.
Lea Franczak cannot remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. She's read and enjoyed multiple genres but is especially partial to contemporary and erotic romance, dark gritty romantic suspense, paranormal romance and has recently become a New Adult junkie. Lea has been blogging and reviewing since 2008 and is also HEA's Tweeter Extraordinaire. Follow HEA on Twitter (@HEAusatoday).