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| Ayesha at Last by Uzma JalaluddinStarring: Ayesha Shamsi, substitute teacher and aspiring poet; Khalid Mirza, whose traditional dress and socially awkward manner disguise the fact that he may be perfect for Ayesha.
Why you might like it: Sympathetic leads and a diverse supporting cast anchor this warmhearted Pride and Prejudice retelling set in Toronto.
For fans of: the authentic Muslim Canadian characters in Sonya Lalli's The Matchmaker's List; modern multicultural Jane Austen adaptations such as Soniah Kamal's Unmarriageable. |
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| Rebel by Beverly JenkinsNew Orleans, 1870: When white supremacists destroy Valinda Lacy's school for emancipated men and women, Captain Drake LeVeq, scion of one of the city's most illustrious families, comes to her rescue.
Why you might like it: With its vividly rendered Reconstruction-era setting and nuanced depiction of the social issues of the period, this well-researched novel educates as well as entertains.
Crossover alert: This opening installment of the Women Who Dare series features appearances by characters from the author's beloved House of LeVeq trilogy. |
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| Daisies and Devotion by Josi S. KilpackThe list: "Blonde, tall, graceful, with blue or green eyes, a bow-shaped mouth, dainty fingers, and rosy cheeks..." These are the qualities that Timothy Mayfield desires in a wife -- and the qualities that Maryann Morrington doesn't possess.
And yet... The more time Timothy spends with Maryann, the more he's tempted to revise his list. Meanwhile, despite Maryann's unrequited love for Timothy, she's determined to help her friend find his perfect wife.
Series alert: This chaste Regency romance is the 2nd book in the Mayfield Family series, after Promises and Primroses. |
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| The Unhoneymooners by Christina LaurenWhat happens: After food poisoning sidelines the wedding party, Olive Torres (the sister of the bride) and Ethan Thomas (the brother of the groom) impersonate the newlyweds to ensure that the couple's all-expenses-paid Hawaiian honeymoon doesn't go to waste.
Read it for: Olive's snarky narration, a steamy enemies-to-lovers plot, and a pile-up of romantic complications on the way to happily-ever-after.
Author alert: Christina Lauren, the pen name of two best friends, writes much-loved romantic comedies including Dating You / Hating You, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, and My Favorite Half-Night Stand. |
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| Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonStarring: Alex Claremont-Diaz, the bisexual Mexican-American son of the (first female) U.S. president, and his nemesis Henry, Prince of Wales, who must pretend to be friends for the sake of international diplomacy.
Why you might like it: a fake friendship between rivals becomes a real romance in this smart and steamy new adult romantic comedy.
Reviewers say: "Diplomatic Anglo-American relations have never been so much fun" (Vogue). |
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Focus on: Pygmalion-inspired Romances
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A Vintage Year by Rosie HowardWhat it's about: Three years on from her fairy-tale country wedding to the deliciously handsome Charlie Wellbeloved, Bella's life is far from the 'happily ever after' she dreamed of. Series alert: If you enjoy reading about Bella, you may want to check out the debut book in the Havenbury series, The Homecoming, which introduces you to Bella's friend, Maddy. Who might enjoy it: fans of cozy romance who enjoy intertwined characters in a charming setting.
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The Summer Retreat by Sheila RobertsWhat it is: USA Today bestselling author Roberts returns with the next book in her irresistible Moonlight Harbor series, set on the charming Washington coast. What it's about: Heartbroken after a breakup, Celeste Jones heads for Moonlight Harbor to spend the summer with her hotelier sister Jenna, and the two become determined to reinvigorate their love lives. About the series: This is the third book in the series. To start at the beginning, read the debut title, Welcome to Moonlight Harbor and follow with Winter at the Beach.
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Meet Cute by Helena HuntingWhat it's about: After meeting the former actor she had a crush on as a teenager and fangirling all over him, Kailyn Flowers strikes up a friendship with Daxton Hughes who needs help acting as guardian to his 13-year-old-sister. Who might enjoy it: readers who are fans of Helen Hoang's The Kiss Quotient. Reviewers say: "A smartly plotted and perfectly executed rom-com with a spot-on sense of snarky wit and a generous helping of smoldering sexual chemistry."-- Booklist
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Under the Table by Stephanie EvanovichWhat it is: The New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties puts a modern twist on My Fair Lady in this funny, romantic confection in which a canny young woman makes over her awkward millionaire client . . . with some hot, sexy, and surprising results. Praise from reviewers: "Laugh along at hilarious antics and comical characters in this too-cute tale...A sassy and spicy love story."-- Women's World
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What happens: Kit Cavanugh and Sylvia Buckleberry fight to secure her school and to expose the blackguard trying to sabotage his yacht business; yet an even more dastardly villain lurks, one who threatens the future both discover they now hold dear. Praise for the author: "One of the most talented authors on the scene today... Laurens has a real talent for writing sensuous and compelling love scenes." -Romance Reviews
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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