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It's been a hot summer but we're turning up the heat with a look at some hot, new romance.
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That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee
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| July 2024; Griffin; 978-1250907769 audio, ebook, print (400 pages); romantic comedy |
Emma Yoon wants to open a culinary school in Los Angeles. To do so, she earns money teaching Korean royal court cuisine, a prerequisite to marrying into the exclusive upper-crust Korean families. Her godmother is a renowned Korean matchmaker, but Emma doesn’t have the time or the wish to settle down herself. Rival matchmakers threaten her godmother’s reputation with Emma’s single status. To save them both, Emma dates, but it's a disaster. It's even worse once she meets Michel Chevalier, a professor at USC and most definitely not her ideal match on paper.
We learn about the matchmaking culture, and the rumors about Emma’s godmother, as she's unmarried at nearly 29. She doesn't click with the first few men but has an instant spark with Michel. It's silly to think a few dates will shake that spark and make her see that the two are incompatible. She and Michel continue to be a good match, understanding each others' emotional needs. His cousin and bodyguard have a history as well and serve as a counter to their budding romance. Years ago when Michel's cousin came to California, he left without a word, thinking that duty was more important. This becomes the comparison for the reader, even if the characters don't really see that it's the road not taken for Michel and Emma if they don't stay together.
I like the very real concerns about cultural differences, finances, the role of family in their lives and what the future holds for them. LA also felt like a character thanks to all of the dates they went on, giving Michel a picture of ordinary life with Emma. The two click and continue to work well, and we can root for their happily ever after with every step of the way.
Buy That Prince is Mine at Amazon
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca
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| August 2024; Berkley; 978-0593641217 audio, ebook, print (352 pages); paranormal romance |
In Boneyard Key, Florida, residents lean into its ghostliness for tourism. Nick Royer owns the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop and doesn't mind his spectral roommate. Cassie Rutherford left Orlando to buy a flipped historic cottage and is charmed by the town despite the weirdness in her home. When the two meet and hit it off, both are worried about the connection. She might be in too deep, and Nick doesn't want to risk it all if Cassie gets scared away for good.
We start off nice and slow from Cassie's POV as we're introduced to Boneyard Key. Her laptop doesn't retain its charge, sometimes things don't work in her house, and everyone around talks about ghosts all the time. The high school history teacher had even written a book about them that all the kids had to buy, and it's often quoted. Nick is the last of his family to remain in the area, and he doesn't want to start any relationship if it might mean leaving town. Ghosts are real here, and they weigh in on local events. They even are getting involved with Cassie and Nick, offering their opinions on what's going on. Understanding what they want helps the living with their lives, and being able to move forward. It was such a cute addition to the story, with a great ending for all of the characters, even the invisible ones.
Buy Haunted Ever After at Amazon
A Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley
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| August 2024; Berkley; 978-0593547960 audio, ebook, print (448 pages); paranormal romance |
Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his business and how he handles his anxiety as well as monthly transformations. There's no time for romance, even if he's forty and his family wants him to settle down. After drunkenly winning a supposedly possessed crystal on eBay one night, he meets angry vampire Eleonore Bettencourt-Devereux. She is a rare vampire succubus born in medieval times, cursed by a witch to be stuck in a crystal and obey its owner. Eleonore wants to break the spell, destroy the witch, and maybe Ben. But Eleonore and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?
Ben is anxious and tries so hard to make everyone around him comfortable. He does dozens of projects, renovates his business to expand, and then helps his sister with a bid to become mayor. It keeps his anxiety at bay but runs him ragged. The half vampire half succubus is an unexpected addition to his life, and he's appalled when he discovers she must fulfill every demand he makes. He wants to help her break the spell, and in the meantime, they're both attracted to each other. The two have various activities together in town and in tracking down the witch. The pair complement each other well, and look out for their best interests. Together they make a great couple in this paranormal romance.
The Winged Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski
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| August 2024; Thomas Nelson; 978-0840721204 audio, ebook, print (352 pages); historical romance |
Esme Fox was married in the chaos at the end of the Great War, but she leaves before her new husband can wake up. Jasper Truitt is a jewel thief, looking for the last Valkyrie tiara ever created. Esme is also pursuing the tiara for a vengeful opera diva desperate to have it for herself. Their reunion after four years is cut short when Esme takes off again. The two are being chased by a hitman and they have a deadline that follows them all over Europe. Only one can win this game, and it may not be what they hoped for.
Working for the Countess means Esme is also threatened with bodily harm if the Valkyrie tiara isn't found in time for her return to opera singing in two months. Jasper is after it for his grandfather, who once owned it but sold it years ago when grieving the loss of his wife. He's on a timetable of his own, so the two hunt down clues as to the tiara's whereabouts while bumping into each other, exchanging flirtatious banter, and trying to one-up each other. In addition, another thief is after the tiara, and the Countess has a bodyguard threatening Esme to ensure she goes after the tiara.
It's a fun caper, going through different countries as Esme and Jasper try to track down the tiara as it's stolen multiple times. They keep crashing into each other, and it's clear that they are perfect for each other. As the illegitimate son of an illegitimate son, Jasper feels he must prove himself to his grandfather and the world. Esme grew up in the theater with her actress mother and tales of how terrible marriage is. Both are confronted with those ideas and that they're not true. The finale is utterly fun to read, and such a ridiculously good way to tie all the loose ends. It's a romantic heist story, with lots of charming enjoyment.
Buy The Winged Tiara at Amazon
How to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman
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| August 2024; St. Martin's; 978-1250907370 audio, ebook, print (304 pages); Regency romance |
Eleanor Law is one of the founding members of King & Co., and she delights in solving mysteries, proving that women can be just as skilled as men in solving crimes. When a con man pretends to be her boss "Charles King," she's forced to play along with the ruse to help solve her latest case. Henri Bonheur asks to be called Harry and swears his criminal past is behind him. As the two grow closer, can Eleanor trust him? And what will happen when his past catches up to them?
Henry matches wits with Eleanor frequently, and it's a game that both find invigorating as well as flirtatious. The latest case in question is a stolen Book of Hours that had belonged to Bonaparte and is rumored to bring luck to whoever possesses it; supposedly, after it was stolen, Bonaparte began to lose. Henry has an eye for details and knows what does and doesn't belong in particular places, so he is a very helpful addition to King and Co. There's a reason why Henry approached Eleanor, and their mutual attraction means their close proximity over the course of the novel deepens into true affection and love. This is a fun romance, with a hefty dose of adventure, sleights of hand, and thievery along the way.
Buy How to Fall for a Scoundrel at Amazon
Rules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay Shore
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| August 2024; Dell; 978-0593723944 audio, ebook, print (400 pages); romantic comedy |
Ezra Friedman sees ghosts, which was especially hard growing up in a funeral home. His grandfather’s ghost disapproves of his HRT-induced puberty, and living family members judge every choice he makes. As much as he wants to stay away, his mother announces that she’s running off with the rabbi’s wife, leaving Ezra helping out at the Friedman Family Memorial Chapel. His life is further complicated by his crush on Jonathan, who volunteers at the funeral home, and the ghost of Jonathan's husband Ben. This ghost breaks all the rules about ghosts that Ezra knows, so he tries to figure out why while keeping his family together as best he can.
Ezra is a messy trans bisexual Jew, used to being the one to act as a go-between in his family. He never felt comfortable revealing that he sees ghosts, so he's used to avoiding certain aspects of his reality and simply not talking about it. When the community center where he works as a part-time yoga instructor has to shut down for renovations, he doesn't tell his family about it when he steps up to help them after his mother leaves with her girlfriend. He doesn't discuss Ben or how different he is, talking to Ezra and showing up in different places he once was in. He's so busy taking care of everyone else that he ignores his own needs.
His entire family is just as messy with emotions, and no one really talks about their emotional needs or the problems that were stacking up within the funeral home. It's only when Ezra leans on his friends and family for help that they come together to solve those problems. The happily ever after to the romance and to the family situations is less of a neat solution and more that people are working together and determined to make each day better.
Buy Rules for Ghosting at Amazon
Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller
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| August 2024; Griffin; 978-1250861900 audio, ebook, print (320 pages); romantic comedy |
Assistant professor Clara Fernsby lets nothing stand in her way of her goal and is now up for tenure at a private liberal arts college fresh out of grad school. When Theodore Harrison is brought on for the fall semester as a visiting scholar, it’s an unwelcome blast from the past. She is reminded of their shared history and past love, but ten years have changed him. Working together means she might fall in love again, but like last time might not be interested. She has no intention of repeating their history.
Clara is on a tenure track and hoping to boost her profile by applying for the position in three years of teaching instead of seven. Teddy had once been her best friend and crush, and life circumstances prevented them from being together past a few dates and kisses. We see the dual timelines in this novel, of their past selves as well as the present; Clara's so busy doing what she thinks is the best choice for everyone else, it doesn't occur to her that there's no time for fun, relationships or any downtime at all. Teddy's presence unsettled her and brought up past memories, and feelings that she didn't quite bury. This is an enjoyable second chance romance in academia, and Clara finally chooses what's best for her, and not just on paper. I really liked that about the ending.
Buy Given Our History at Amazon
Three Reasons to Run by Jackie Lau
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| August 2024; Indie; ebooks (241 pages); romantic comedy |
Yvonne Siu flees her wedding right when she's about to marry Leo's cousin. He always had a thing for her, but especially now when she's angry. He helps her move out of her apartment, and the two get close enough for her to trust him and let him know she's never been sexually satisfied before. Now he feels obligated to step up and help out there as well, even though she nearly became family.
This is the second book in the "Weddings with the Moks" series. Yvonne is set to marry Leo's cousin Carl, but when walking down the aisle she chokes and runs out of the church. She had been living with him for a while and was overwhelmed with all his comments about children she'd have to take care of, doing things without consulting with her, and putting down her houseplants. This makes her see that marriage is a hassle and not something she particularly wants. Leo just happened to be there when she was leaving but had a silent crush on her for some time. He's the quiet type, not saying much and thinking he isn't good enough because he didn't go to college right after school, but he's artsy and does well at his design job.
At first, Leo helps her get her things, spends time with her as a friend, and helps her figure out what she wants to do with her life going forward. Spending time together means they get closer, and the attraction is mutual. Yvonne is scared it's a rebound, and even Leo is concerned that it is. But the two fit together well, and their families and friends all see more to them than they initially do. This is a cute sort-of second chance romance leading to a happily ever after and a teaser for a third Mok book.
Buy Three Reasons to Run at Amazon
Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer
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| August 2024; MIRA; 978-0778334415 audio, ebook, print (400 pages); romantic comedy |
Faye Kaplan prefers her life as a potter in Woodstock, New York to the engaged lawyer she used to be. She's missing a man in her life, but it doesn't seem to matter until she sees anti-Semitic flyers in town. Upset, Faye drunkenly creates a golem protector for her town that looks like her ideal man. The very next day, she hits a gorgeous stranger named Greg with her bike. He lost his memory, but that is exactly what she hoped for in a man. Is it a coincidence, or has her golem come to life?
Faye completely changed her life after her ex unceremoniously dumped her three months before the wedding, leaving her to tell everyone it was canceled. After an abusive childhood, this confirmed the belief she's unlovable and too much. Woodstock is a welcome harbor afterward until the flyers show up. She truly believes that she created an actual golem, as Greg seems too good to be true. He reads her books, helps her in her shop, understands her, thinks she's wonderful, and is incredibly easy on the eyes. They're attracted to each other, her friends like him, and he's protective as the dangers in town escalate. The actual threat is someone she doesn't expect, and in addition to the external dangers are the internal fears that Faye deals with. Greg has his own journey to go through, trying to regain his memory, protect Faye, and find a future. The happily ever after is earned and well-deserved, and I enjoyed the story.
Buy Magical Meet Cute at Amazon
Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.
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