Must-read romances: 'One Night,' 'The Aftermath,' 'Heart Tempter'

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

One Night by Eric Jerome Dickey

One night, 12 hours and a cerebral, sometimes sensual, sometimes suspenseful, and quite a memorable ride. Book clubs, Eric Jerome Dickey has written another must-read with One Night. Consistently, Dickey doesn't take the easiest and clichéd route to his spotlight on human interaction. Some stories may lead off with a one-night stand and all the emotional aftermath follows with the BFFs, mentors and the push and pull between protagonist and antagonist.

In One Night, the arc is between two imperfect souls, colliding and intersecting, sometimes bonding, and other times ricocheting off each other until understanding, awareness and love settle in. And then, for Dickey to drop in a few surprises, well, that's an added bonus. After the story ended, I imagined being in a movie theater watching the screen go black and the credits rolling, crying out — not yet!

What it's about (courtesy of Dutton):

For one night, a couple checks in to an upscale hotel. The pair seem unlikely companions, from opposing strata of society, but their attraction is palpable to all who observe them—or overhear their cries of passion. In the course of twelve hours, con games, erotic interludes, jealousy, violence, and murder swirl around them. Will they part ways in bliss, in sorrow, or in death?

The Aftermath by Shelia Goss

Shelia Goss brings us The Aftermath, the follow-up to her successful release of The Joneses. The Jones family can rival any TV drama series on prime time. The changing points of view offer a wide accounting of the high-stakes drama that is set off by the patriarch in jail awaiting his trial for murder.

From chapter one, Goss injects the story with steady doses of suspense and revelations. The family dynamics are realistic and a wonderful change from the usual scheming and backstabbing clichés. As a unit, the family is a force to be reckoned with and one to celebrate. The Aftermath is a great wrap-up to the cliffhanger in The Joneses.

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

Filled with scandalous situations and unexpected twists, this sequel to The Joneses follows the eponymous family as secrets are revealed and drama leads to danger—or maybe even death.

The Joneses' world is turned upside down as their family life comes under public scrutiny. But now, matriarch Lexi Jones is no longer concerned with "status." Will she be able to withstand the recent tragedy or resign to watching her world crumble around her? Meanwhile, Charity, Hope, and Lovie must put aside sibling rivalry to find out who killed an ex-family friend. When the killer is revealed, they are all in for the shock of their lives…and the end result could mean life or death for the Joneses.

As loose ends are tied up, even more scandals and secrets are exposed.

Heart Tempter by Sophia Knightly

The Heartthrob series has been all kinds of wonderful — fun and romantic. In this novella, book five in the series, the inciting incident sets off the battle between the hunky, no-nonsense hero and a free-spending heiress. There's a bit of an old-school romantic vibe with the insufferable, demanding boss lording his power and influence over everyone, especially the heiress who is demoted to the lower rungs of his employ to learn a lesson.

Sparks do fly between the two, as their egos and mutual attraction go to battle. Loved reading the fiery interactions and sexy vibes of this perfect couple. Knightly added a few intriguing twists and many oh-snap moments that added excitement to the fast-paced read. I also appreciated that the plot wasn't totally predictable. Loved it.

What it's about (courtesy of author):

Enemies to lovers...

Teddy Behr - The fun-loving heiress whose jet-setting ways go into a tailspin at her family's hotel when she is suddenly thrust under the dominion of hotel magnate, Leo Guerra.

Leo Guerra - The darkly handsome Spaniard who has no intention of coddling the boss's daughter in spite of his weakness for leggy blondes with big, golden brown eyes.

Hate at first sight. Lust at first touch...

Unstoppable passion ignites between Leo and Teddy as they duke it out at the Riviera Hotel, the luxurious South Beach resort on the brink of a grand re-opening. Will mayhem, murder and a Heart Tempter like Teddy jeopardize everything Leo has worked for?

Just Friends by Delaney Diamond

Best-friends-to-lovers is a popular trope because it works. Delaney Diamond's Just Friends, book three in the Johnson Family series, is a great example of the theme done well. I loved that Alannah acted on her own initiative to transform herself rather than Trenton playing Professor Higgins to "fix" her. Though she sought his approval, the basis of the friendship made her reliance understandable.

The couple's courtship unfolded in a natural way with all the awkwardness that can be expected and appreciated. I truly liked this couple. Their frustration and the rocky road to their realization were delivered with authenticity. Rooting for them was easy.

What it's about (courtesy of author):

Should they risk their friendship for a chance at love?

Alannah Bailey is tired of being the boring best friend of Trenton Johnson and decides on a makeover. After the changes, she starts dating, but instead of being happy, Trenton acts like he wants to keep her under lock and key.

Trenton is used to partying and having his pick of women. Such an advantage comes with the Johnson name, their money, and his own good looks. When he needs downtime, he depends on his best buddy, Alannah. But he doesn't like the changes he sees in her lately, and by the time he figures out why, it might be too late.

The Bargain by Vanessa Riley

I'm a sucker for a good historical romance. Vanessa Riley's The Bargain is the first installment in a story loaded with the promise of adventure, emotional journey and, hopefully, romance for this bold heroine, Precious. This serial sets an authentic tone for this young woman's resiliency, courage and hope. I look forward to the story's continuation.

What it's about (courtesy of Gallium Optronics):

Coming to London has given Precious Jewell a taste of freedom, and she will do anything, bear anything, to keep it. Defying her master is at the top of her mind, and she won't let his unnerving charm sway her. Yet, will her restored courage lead her to forsake a debt owed to the grave and a child who is as dear to her as her own flesh?

Gareth Conroy, the third Baron Welling, can neither abandon his upcoming duty to lead the fledgling colony of Port Elizabeth, South Africa nor find the strength to be a good father to his heir. Every look at the boy reminds him of the loss of his wife. Guilt over her death plagues his sleep, particularly when he returns to London. Perhaps the spirit and fine eyes of her lady's maid, Precious Jewell, might offer the beleaguered baron a new reason to dream.

OUTLANDER ON HEA

Folks, the popular Outlander recap is back. Join Mandi Schreiner and me to catch up and join in with your thoughts about the popular historical drama airing on Starz.

Michelle Monkou loves writing her sexy, complex heroes. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.