Review - - Queen of Lombard Street

Queen of Lombard Street: A Novel

by Lisa Kleypas

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 20, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

In Victorian England, no woman—not even a brilliant economist like Reina Martin—is allowed to open her own bank account. Men will take care of everything, women are told. But Reina knows better. As the illegitimate daughter of a Spanish immigrant mother, she’s haunted by the memory of living with unpaid grocer’s bills and no coal for the hearth.

So together with her mentor, the powerful banker William Farlow, Reina will build the first all-women’s bank, where women can manage their own financial security.

At home, Reina’s domestic staff of recently paroled prisoners are building new lives and becoming a found family. But soon Reina is shocked to discover that her enigmatic butler, John Pembroke, is an undercover police detective. He’s been assigned to investigate Farlow, who’s suspected of financial crime on a scale so massive, it could destabilize the British economy. Pembroke needs Reina’s expertise for a high-stakes nighttime heist to obtain incriminating evidence.

Now Reina faces the agonizing choice of betraying her mentor or turning her back on thousands of working-class families who stand to lose everything. Either way, her dream of the women’s bank may be over.

But courage and sacrifice aren’t limited to the battlefield—they also occur at the kitchen table, where women who believe in compassion and community are working to remake the future. And when the stakes are highest, Reina knows to trust her heart as well as her intellect.

Based on real-life trailblazers such as Mary Paley Marshall, Britain’s first female economist, and financial titan Hetty Green, Queen of Lombard Street brings to light the hidden history of extraordinary women whose achievements should be celebrated. How can we know who we are, if we don’t know who we were?

PJ's Thoughts:

Queen of Lombard Street is the first new book by Lisa Kleypas published in the past five years. Considering I read it in one sitting, turning the final page around 2:30 AM, I can easily - and honestly - say it was worth the wait. 

I've loved Kleypas's historical romances for years but this is historical fiction so I wasn't completely sure what to expect. Would it include the romantic arcs I've so enjoyed in her past books? Would her superb storytelling skills be on display? Would it have a happy ending? I'm happy to report that while the romance is not the primary focus, it is essential to the story and to the evolution of Reina's character. The book has all of the above...and more.

Queen of Lombard Street brings a fresh, expanded perspective to Kleypas's writing. Set in Victorian London, it explores the life journey of a brilliant, illegitimate, female economist during a time when women were still severely limited in what society - and men - allowed them to do. It is compelling, poignant, humorous at times, and a bit dangerous at others. It didn't take long for me to become completely immersed in Reina's life, the people surrounding her, and the challenges they all faced. I was invested. 

One of the facets I most enjoy about Kleypas's writing is her character development, a skill that is on full display in this new novel. Whether a lead character or a member of the supporting ensemble cast (such a good cast!), each character is given the time and attention necessary to fulfill his/her role in the overall story. No role is considered too small to be deserving of that development, a choice that makes the story all the richer for it, especially when it comes to Reina's household staff. 

If you're already a Lisa Kleypas fan, get ready to make space for one more Kleypas novel on your keeper shelf. If you're new to this beloved author, Queen of Lombard Street is a great place to acquaint yourself with her memorable storytelling abilities. Either way, this is a book you won't want to miss, filled with topics still relevant today, relationships that touched my heart, and characters continuing to linger in my mind weeks after I finished the book. I loved it. 

Review - - The Sugar Maple Inn

The Sugar Maple Inn

by Laura Bloom

Publisher: Dell

Release Date: September 15, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

 

Welcome to Solace Springs . . .

Grace Sullivan has been brewing perfect lattes and biting her tongue for years at her mother's café, but she's done being the dutiful daughter. When the historic inn on Maple Island goes up for sale, she sees her chance to build something of her own. Her secret weapon? Her anonymous online mentor, WildTrailGuide, whose late-night messages have moved from business advice to flirtation.

Reese Spencer is used to getting what he wants. A rugged, globe-trotting billionaire, he needs that same inn to uncover a family secret buried on the remote island decades ago. What he doesn't expect is a fierce, pink-haired single mom standing in his way.

Neither knows they're already falling for each other online until an autumn storm leaves them stranded together on the island overnight. Trapped in the inn's honeymoon suite with candlelight, stolen wine, and simmering desire, familiar phrases start slipping out . . . and soon their true identities come to light.

Now Grace and Reese must choose: fight for the inn and lose each other, or find a way to build something together that's bigger than both their dreams.

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm falling hard for Laura Bloom's small Washington town of Solace Springs and her community of characters, both old and new. 

In book two of the series, The Sugar Maple Inn, Bloom shines her spotlight on local single mom, Grace Sullivan and Canadian billionaire, Reese Spencer, the man standing in the way of Grace's long-held dream. What happens when that same man who is blocking your dream of buying the Sugar Maple Inn turns out to be the online mentor encouraging you in your quest? Well, let's just say that contradiction kept me flipping pages long into the night with absolute delight. 

Bloom brings these characters to life with genuine emotion, snappy banter, and swoony romance, along with relatable situations and a hard-won happy ending. I enjoyed every bit of it. The romantic evolution feels authentic. The family dynamics are believable, adding another layer to the story (I especially enjoyed Grace's 14-year-old son), and Grace's friends bring hopes of more romances ahead for the community of Solace Springs. 

If you enjoy small-town romances with sparkling banter, emotional depth, forced proximity, friendship, family, secret (not on purpose) identities, and a heartfelt happy ending, give this one a try. I also recommend book one of the series, The Cherry Blossom Boathouse (click to read my review).

Review - - Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown

Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown

by Sheila Roberts

Publisher: MIRA

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Jordan Frost had to do it. Her family was simply too perfectly eccentric not to put in a novel. She was thrilled when she got an agent and then a publishing deal. For two books. Two! Then reality set in. The book about an oddball family's holiday adventures is coming out in November. Just in time for her trip home to Holly Bay, Washington, from the big city. Jordan is desperately hoping she can keep her pseudonym a secret so she can stay in her family's good graces. She wrote the book under a pen name and when it was time for an author picture, she wore a wig and glasses. No one will know it was her, right?

Wrong. Charles Pine, her high school friend who always hoped for more, recognizes the woman he's never gotten over as soon as he unpacks her book to shelve at the bookstore where he works. He knows this is the perfect opportunity to get Jordan to see him in a new light and he makes sure to run into her when she arrives home. She never thought of him as anything more than a shoulder to cry on back then, but he's determined to make her see him as boyfriend material. Can he be her hero and help her get through the season with her secret intact? Or at least save her from a holiday meltdown?

When a series of minor family emergencies threatens to add even more chaos to Jordan's already hectic life, Charles tries to help her find the true meaning of the holiday. Maybe coming home wasn't a bad idea after all...

PJ's Thoughts:

Jordan had always read that people should write what they know and, honestly, did she know anyone better than the quirky members of her own family? So, that's what she wrote. Oh, not them exactly. She changed names, exaggerated events based on things they actually did. Surely, nobody would ever recognize the actual people who inspired the characters. At least that's what she convinced herself...until she read the finished book as it headed into publication. Who was she kidding? Her entire family, and their small hometown, would know exactly who this book was about. There was only one escape route available: get home to Holly Bay and make sure nobody has a chance to get their hands on a copy of that book! And, only one person to help her accomplish that task: Charles, the nerdy boy she best-friend zoned early and never saw as anything more, currently the owner of her hometown bookstore, and the man who has always wanted her heart. What could go wrong? As it turns out, plenty and all to humorous, heartfelt effect. 

What an absolute delight this book is. If nobody has come calling to turn it into a movie yet, they absolutely should. It played out in full color across my mind as I gobbled it up, checking all my happy holiday reader boxes. I laughed, I cringed, I fell in love with these characters in all their hopeful, quirky, sometimes awkward glory. Roberts has a gift for creating characters, and situations, that feel real and relatable. I frequently found myself wondering if she had spies gathering intel from my own family during our growing up years. I could easily envision us in some of those situations. 

The relationships within the book are the shining star of the story. I loved how she threaded the relationships within the family together, realistically stretching the bonds while maintaining the core of love that holds strong. Then there's the sweet romance between Charles and Jordan. Roberts takes her time with these two, giving us a gradual, organic transition from friendship to love. I was right there on every page, cheering them on through reunion, forgiveness, hijinks, and more.  

If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced, family-centric, holiday romcom with laughter, heart, a sweet friends-to-lovers romance at the center, and, of course, a happy ending, I recommend picking up a copy of Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown by Sheila Roberts. I enjoyed it so much I think I'm going to read it again! 

Review - - The Cozy Nook Bookshop

The Cozy Nook Bookshop

by Jeannie Chin

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 25, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

 

Emma Rogers-Li is having her worst chapter yet. She’s lost her friends, her apartment in Manhattan, and a jerk of an ex. When a job opens to run a bookshop in the quirky small town of Heart’s Hope Crossing, Vermont, Emma jumps at the chance to start over. For the first time in years, she feels like she’s finally calling the shots in her own life ... until she runs smack into Hunter Hall.

According to town legend, it’s fate—couples who meet (or collide) at that corner are meant to be. And while Emma doesn’t believe the town gossips now convinced she and Hunter are meant for each other, something about the tall, gruff forest ranger sends her completely off-balance. Falling in love with Heart's Hope Crossing might be the best thing to happen to Emma.

But Hunter has a complicated past of his own when it comes to love. Can they both take one last chance on a perfect happily-ever-after?

PJ's Thoughts:

This first book in a new series gave me everything I've come to expect from Jeannie Chin. There's a cozy small town populated by a welcoming but meddlesome group of locals, complicated family dynamics, friendship groups, Chinese-American cultural rep, relatable characters, and plenty to both make me laugh and touch my heart. 

I really enjoyed Hunter and Emma. Their city girl/small-town guy, slow-burn, sometimes swoony, sometimes awkward, sometimes funny journey from (fated?) strangers to friends to love kept me engaged and cheering for these two from start to finish. I especially enjoyed their grumpy-sunshine dynamic, especially with Hunter's Forest Ranger hermit tendencies. It was fun - and satisfying - to watch him slowly open himself to new possibilities with Emma as his emotions gradually healed and his heart opened. 

There's a friend group that adds a wonderful dynamic to the book as well as setting up future stories for key secondary characters. I can't wait to discover what's in store for the knitting group, the bookshop, and three of the friends in particular...plus a newcomer who appears in town near the end of this book. Oh, the possibilities! 

If you like cozy contemporary romance with a touch of steam, complicated family, fall vibes, charm, heart-tugging romance, grumpy-sunshine, fish out of water, and starting over tropes - plus a bookshop! - check out The Cozy Nook Bookshop by Jeannie Chin. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

 

Winner - - Inventing Mr. Darcy

 

The randomly chosen winner of

a copy of 

Inventing Mr. Darcy by Susanna Craig is

Patricia Bennett Barber

Congrats!

Please send your full name and mailing address to

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Lost in the Summer of '69

Lost in the Summer of '69

by Eliza Knight

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Release Date: June 9, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Three generations of women, an unforgettable summer of music, and the epic cross-country road trip they'll never forget.

Summer, 1969. Eleanor Bell doesn't have anything to lose. According to her doctors, she might not remember how to sing or play guitar soon, so why not head west now? Why not join the music festivals sweeping the country and lose herself in the music again in a swan song of her own?

Except Eleanor forgets, maybe on purpose, to tell anyone where she's going. When her daughter, Leanne, discovers her mother missing, she enlists the help of her own daughter, Nora, to help her find Eleanor. The last thing Nora wants to do before starting as one of Yale's first female undergrads is hit the road. But then Nora hears her grandmother on the radio - singing. Nora and Leanne hop in their Lincoln Continental for a cross-country road trip, always one step behind Eleanor, who has been dubbed the Dame of Rock n' Roll by none other than Johnny Carson.

Full of nostalgia and awash with the warmth of summer, Lost in the Summer of '69 is an epic celebration of savoring the encore-no matter what the next act may bring.

PJ's Thoughts:

Eliza Knight's Lost in the Summer of '69 is one of my favorite books this year. A multi-generation story featuring a grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter, it takes readers from present day back to the summer of 1969 with a life-changing journey of music, books, travel, testing boundaries, chasing dreams, reconnection, and self discovery. 

Knight's compelling storytelling offers up a poignant, immersive, celebratory, heart-tugging journey of female empowerment that hits all the right notes, especially for those of my generation for whom that iconic summer holds precious, sometimes contentious, coming-of-age memories. I laughed, teared up more than once, found myself nodding in agreement with the mother/daughter dynamics, felt the heartbeat of that summer in my soul, and, yes, sang along with the musical artists of my teens as the main characters crisscrossed the country, soaking in the myriad music festivals of that summer while my mind traveled between the book's characters and my own memories. How can it have been 57 years when it feels like only yesterday?

Whether it evokes your own memories or introduces you to that long-ago summer that changed so much, Lost in the Summer of '69 is an uplifting, empowering, emotional, joyful story of relationships, family, personal growth, and chasing your dreams regardless of age or circumstance. It has my enthusiastic recommendation! 

 

Winner - - First and Forever

 

The randomly chosen winner 

of a print copy of

First and Forever by Lynn Painter is

Laurie Gommermann 

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review & Giveaway - - Inventing Mr. Darcy

Inventing Mr. Darcy

by Susanna Craig

Publisher: Severn House Romance and Saga

Release Date: September 1, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

A truth universally acknowledged: enemies attract!

Grad student Elle Bradshaw is on the cusp of completing her literature PhD. And while life beyond college is terrifying, spending her evening fixing a database malfunction with gorgeous yet grumpy tech geek Fisher Davis is worse. He infuriates her while making her heart race—it’s a distraction she doesn't need!

When a fluke geomagnetic storm leaves them trapped together during a blackout, the fiery kiss that follows is unexpected—and explosive. But catastrophically, the storm also wiped Jane Austen from existence! Now, Elle’s the only person to remember Pride and Prejudice and, it seems, romance itself.

As Elle navigates a world so familiar, yet not her own, she realizes she might just need to put her pride to one side and ask Fisher for help. Could the guy who was once her enemy turn out to be her very own Mr. Darcy . . . ?

PJ's Thoughts:

Whether you've read Jane Austen or not, those of us who read modern-day romance owe a debt of gratitude to the author whose works have inspired multiple generations of readers and writers who love happy endings. Now, imagine what would happen if, without warning, Austen disappeared from our collective memories, leaving only one lone grad student from Minnesota with the memory of Austen and her books. How far would the ripples of that lost literary - and real life - happiness extend? That's the premise of Susanna Craig's Inventing Mr. Darcy. 

As a long-time fan of Craig's historical romances, I was curious to discover what she had in store for readers with this new contemporary romcom. It started out a bit slow for me. Others may have a different experience but for the first third of the book, while I found the characters interesting, I struggled to connect with them. That all began to change the closer the story got to the halfway point. 

The book really hit its stride for me by the 50% mark. The pace picked up and I found that emotional connection I had been looking for, surprising myself with which character touched my heart the most. Spoiler: It was not the one I thought it would be.

Peeling away the underlying layers of Elle and Fisher brought forth the dreams, challenges, and emotional depth of both characters. Their growing feelings, vulnerabilities, intriguing layers, and personal growth brought them to life. I became totally invested in them, their personal relationship, their professional dreams, and in the Austen dilemma, eagerly turning pages to discover what would happen next.

I truly did not know how Craig would resolve the issues facing our lead couple, especially the "disappearing Jane" angle, but am happy to report that everything was wrapped up with a lovely, satisfying, believable bow in the end. 

I don't know if this book was a one-off or if Craig has more contemporary stories in her pocket but whichever direction she takes with upcoming books, I do know that I'll be buying them. 

If you're looking for a contemporary romcom with an original plot, snappy banter, enemies-to-lovers romance, a touch of spice, and a feel-good happy ending, I recommend giving Inventing Mr. Darcy a try. 

Have you read Susanna Craig yet?

What's your favorite contemporary romance trope?

Have you read Jane Austen? What's your favorite Austen novel?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 21 will receive a print copy of Inventing Mr. Darcy. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Review & Giveaway - - First and Forever

First and Forever

by Lynn Painter

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 12, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Duffy Distefano loves three things: her dad, the family cat, and Minneapolis Coyote football. So after she gets booed out of a game and becomes the internet’s villain following an awful encounter with the team’s beloved mascot, she is disgruntled, to put it mildly. Eager to clear the air, Duffy agrees to an interview on a hit morning show. She doesn’t expect a co-guest to join her—especially not the Coyotes’ star tight end.

When MVP Connor Cunningham gets tasked with damage control to help his team out of a PR nightmare, he finds himself in a highly amusing verbal sparring match with a recently wronged fan on live TV. The interview instantly goes viral, and the public is obsessed with them. Despite his distaste for PR stunts, a strong push from the Coyotes’ PR team to ride the wave results in Connor asking Duffy out. But he quickly discovers being with Duffy is much easier than he anticipated, and somehow it doesn’t feel fake to him. This secret can only blow up, but all he knows is that if he messes things up with Duffy, it’ll be the greatest fumble of his life.

Oozing with chemistry that feels like fireworks and banter that makes you swoon, Lynn Painter delivers her signature blend of heart and humor in this love story that you won’t soon forget.

PJ's Thoughts:

First and Forever is my first book by Lynn Painter. I see all of you out there shaking your heads at me, muttering "first book?" and wondering what rock I've been living under. My only excuse is the tried (but true) too many books, not nearly enough time. I can assure you that after reading this book I will not be using that excuse again. Lynn Painter is now firmly placed on my "must buy, must read" romance list.

I love a book that pulls me in from the get-go and keeps me engaged until the final page, especially if it also gives me well-developed characters who leap from the pages straight into my heart. Characters like Connor and Duffy. I adored them. Their chemistry is top notch, with sparkling banter, plenty of laughs, swoony romance, and emotional underpinnings. There's more than fun and games with these two. I laughed with them, cried with them, and kept eagerly flipping the pages of their story from start to finish.

As a sports obsessed only daughter with multiple brothers and a mischief making father, I especially enjoyed Duffy's family dynamics in this book. I don't know if Painter has brothers but she hits those sibling/parent and sibling/sibling dynamics on the head. It's like she created those characters just for me. 

I loved not only the interactions among the members of Duffy's family but also between Connor and her family. The fan-"boying" over Connor by all of them was an absolute treat. Then there's Connor's own family relationship and Duffy's response to it. It made me want to give them all a big hug. 

If you enjoy contemporary romance bubbling over with humor, heart-tugging emotion, swoony romance, fake dating, and a cheer-worthy happy ending, I recommend picking up a copy of First and Forever by Lynn Painter. It's a keeper. 

Have you read Lynn Painter? 

Do you have a favorite Painter book you recommend? (I'm ready to dive into her back list)

What are you currently reading? 

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM (Eastern), September 18 will receive a print copy (with sprayed edges) of First and Forever.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - Yes, Chef

Yes, Chef

by Grace Reilly

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: July 21, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

 

If you can’t take the heat…get out of the kitchen.

After a public meltdown in the dining room of one of Manhattan’s most elite restaurants, Chef Jack Hartman is back in his South Florida hometown. Angry, grieving, and saddled with the unwanted storefront his late mentor left him, his life is spinning out of control. And that’s before Poppy Winfield—the bubbly, infuriating daughter of his former boss—shows up at his dock.

Poppy needs to escape. From her family, her ex-boyfriend, and her reputation as someone who has never taken anything seriously. But more than that, she wants to prove herself—and she has just the plan to do it. Unfortunately, that plan involves Jack Hartman, the most arrogant, intimidating man she’s ever had the pleasure of throwing a shrimp at.

Poppy proposes a deal: they work together to open a revamped version of his mentor’s restaurant. Jack will handle the menu, and she’ll use her social media influence to sell the hell out of its grand opening. If she and Jack can make it a success, it’ll be a ticket for them both to return to New York.

Jack is intrigued, but only on his terms: If Poppy’s going to do this, she must learn the ropes of the business. From him.

As sparks fly both in and out of the kitchen, Poppy and Jack are left wondering, could they be a perfect pairing? Or is this whole experiment a recipe for disaster?

PJ's Thoughts:

Yes, Chef was my first Grace Reilly book but it sure won't be my last. Once I started reading, these characters and their journey refused to be set aside. 

This book included some delicious tropes including grumpy - sunshine. It is one of my favorites and, boy howdy, do Jack and Poppy deliver. I'll take Jack's grumpy, "I'm in control" chef vibes every day and gladly ask for more. It's like book catnip but Reilly pairing it with emotional wounds, ADHD challenges (for both Jack and Poppy), and organic character growth take it up another level. I'm not especially fond of influencer characters but, again, Reilly gives Poppy emotional complexity, complicated family dynamics, and a genuinely good heart that make her an intriguing character, one with whom I felt an emotional attachment and could happily cheer for. 

In addition to the grumpy-sunshine trope, there's also forced proximity (kitchen lessons and a houseboat), enemies-to-lovers, beach town vibes, and found family (both two and four legged).

Reilly nailed the beach town setting. I live just north of where this book is set and everything in the book felt authentic and familiar. 

And then there was the food. I felt like I was right there in the kitchen with them, drooling over the fresh seafood, beautifully described entrees, and delicious desserts. 

If you enjoy steamy romance with humor, heart, emotional depth, drool-worthy food, found family, and a hard-won happy ending, I happily recommend Grace Reilly's Yes, Chef. It's a fun, smile-inducing book I didn't want to put down. 

I can't wait to see what Reilly brings readers next!

Tour Review - - Keeping Score

Keeping Score

by Brittany Kelley

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: August 25, 2026

Reviewed by Santa

Michelle Oxford lives and breathes soccer. After an injury that ended her dreams of going pro, she snagged the next best thing: a position as the director of operations for the LA Aces. And even if it’s not quite what she imagined it would be, it’s still better than cutting out soccer altogether.

The only problem? Carefree, wonder boy goalie, Tristan Gold.

Tristan has wanted more than just friendship with Michelle since the moment he laid eyes on her, but nothing would kill her career faster. When she loses a bet, the team gleefully insists she has to take lessons on “being chill” from Tristan himself.

They couldn’t be more different, but Tristan’s always met her perfectionist tendencies with good-natured goofiness, so she reluctantly agrees. The more time she spends with him, the more she likes what she sees . . . and Michelle starts to think that with him by her side, she could do just about anything—even saying goodbye to the future she thought she always wanted.

Santa Says:

Keeping Score by Brittany Kelley was a delightful read for me. It is the second book in a series that centers around a professional soccer team called the LA Aces. I am fast becoming a fan of sports romances. This book was a solid five stars for me. It features a whole cast of characters who work within the LA Aces both on the pitch and in the back offices, as well.

That is where we meet Michelle Oxford, Operations Manager for the LA Aces. She came to them when after a career ending injury in college benched her dreams of being a soccer star in her own right. But she’s smart, talented and more than up to the task. That’s a good thing because her baptism by fire would have  knocked down anyone else. The old owners of the team were shrouded in scandal. The new owner was exacting in what he wanted for the team. Employees were jumping ship in epic numbers. Everything fell to Michelle to not only keep things going but to implement new procedures. She took to sleeping on the couch in the office and was very close to existing on a caffeine only diet. The sour cherry on top was the vultures of the press who were ravenous for one more scandal or for one more brick to be pulled out before the whole organization would tumble.

Tristian Gold was the team’s goalie. He is tall, blond haired and criminally good looking. He was a man well liked both on the pitch and off. He had an easy going manner about him that somehow rubbed off on everyone around him. He cared about his team. He cared about their image in the eye of the public. But what he most cared about was Michelle. He fell in love with her at first sight but never pursued it or admitted it out loud. He kept his distance as a professional.

That all changed when he and Maddie, who worked with the PR department, convinced a normally business-only Michelle to come out for drinks with the team. Something she never did and wasn’t even aware happened on a regular basis. Everyone was there including people from the back office. The night turns out to be a rousing success when Michelle pitched the idea to have the team out in public interacting with charitable events. This led to a good natured shuffleboard bet that pitted Michelle and Tristan against one another. If Michelle lost at shuffleboard Michelle would have to take lessons from Tristian on how to “chill out” a little bit.

Perfect! I love close proximity tropes! As Tristian and Michelle spend more and more time together, Tristian struggles with not letting what he feels for Michelle be known. He doesn’t want to cross any lines but, beneath his bravado, he doesn’t feel worthy of her. This insecurity stems from negative messages from, of all people, his mother. Michelle also struggles, at first, to control her own attraction to him. I had a huge grin on my face when they finally do come together. Just a wonderful HEA for these two.

As always with books that I love - run, don’t walk, to get your hands on this book! The interactions are wonderful. The dialog and banter are equally as terrific! Enjoy! Now I have to go and grab the first book!