A feel-good story perfect for those who enjoy sexy romantic comedy.
In Diggs’ novel, a TV writer returns to his hometown following his mother’s death and meets a man who makes him reevaluate his life.
Gabe Hartman uses a pen name for his job in Manhattan, where he writes scripts for one of star Aurora Helms’ last remaining televised soap operas. Keeping his identity secret is essential, since he gets all his ideas from gossip his mother shares about the goings-on in his tiny hometown of Concord Valley. Unfortunately, when Gabe’s mother dies unexpectedly, he loses not only the wellspring of ideas for the show he writes, but also the only person he truly loves. Having been burned in relationships in the past, Gabe meets men through a hookup app, but he’s not interested in actually dating any of them. Once he returns to Concord Valley and discovers that his mom had money trouble he’ll need to take care of, Gabe meets Owen Greene, the handsome young lawyer who knows just how to help. Gabe is so disarmed by Owen that he quickly begins second guessing his “no dating” policy, until he learns Owen is already married to another man. Although Owen assures Gabe that he’s in an open marriage, Gabe insists he wants no part of it. Problem is, he can’t stop bumping into Owen, and he also finds himself using their connection as fresh inspiration for the soap. Told in the third person, the book mostly follows Gabe, though the narrator does periodically jump into Owen’s head without warning. Concord Valley is the perfect Hallmark-style town, its quaint inhabitants and traditions bringing a real charm to the story. Although the book is longer than it needs to be, foodies will enjoy the abundance of romantic cooking scenes involving Gabe and Owen, as well as the lessons on gardening and farm-to-table dishes. Moreover, also included are a few R-rated sex scenes that serve to underscore the connection between the characters. Though some readers may find some plot points predictable, the witty banter and endearing characters keep the story feeling fresh.
A feel-good story perfect for those who enjoy sexy romantic comedy.Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2025
ISBN: 9781648908880
Page Count: 305
Publisher: NineStar Press
Review Posted Online: Oct. 17, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
With captivating dialogue, angst-y characters, and a couple of steamy sex scenes, Hoover has done it again.
After being released from prison, a young woman tries to reconnect with her 5-year-old daughter despite having killed the girl’s father.
Kenna didn’t even know she was pregnant until after she was sent to prison for murdering her boyfriend, Scotty. When her baby girl, Diem, was born, she was forced to give custody to Scotty’s parents. Now that she’s been released, Kenna is intent on getting to know her daughter, but Scotty’s parents won’t give her a chance to tell them what really happened the night their son died. Instead, they file a restraining order preventing Kenna from so much as introducing herself to Diem. Handsome, self-assured Ledger, who was Scotty’s best friend, is another key adult in Diem’s life. He’s helping her grandparents raise her, and he too blames Kenna for Scotty’s death. Even so, there’s something about her that haunts him. Kenna feels the pull, too, and seems to be seeking Ledger out despite his judgmental behavior. As Ledger gets to know Kenna and acknowledges his attraction to her, he begins to wonder if maybe he and Scotty’s parents have judged her unfairly. Even so, Ledger is afraid that if he surrenders to his feelings, Scotty’s parents will kick him out of Diem’s life. As Kenna and Ledger continue to mourn for Scotty, they also grieve the future they cannot have with each other. Told alternatively from Kenna’s and Ledger’s perspectives, the story explores the myriad ways in which snap judgments based on partial information can derail people’s lives. Built on a foundation of death and grief, this story has an undercurrent of sadness. As usual, however, the author has created compelling characters who are magnetic and sympathetic enough to pull readers in. In addition to grief, the novel also deftly explores complex issues such as guilt, self-doubt, redemption, and forgiveness.
With captivating dialogue, angst-y characters, and a couple of steamy sex scenes, Hoover has done it again.Pub Date: Jan. 18, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5420-2560-7
Page Count: 335
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2021
SEEN & HEARD
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.
A recently dumped librarian finds herself fake dating her polar opposite.
When Daphne Vincent’s fiance, Peter, dumps her, she’s shocked—but the worst part is that he’s leaving her for his gorgeous best friend, Petra, the woman he’d always told Daphne not to worry about. Now Daphne has to move out of Peter’s home and restart her life in the small Michigan town where she’d moved to be with him. Salvation comes in the form of Miles Nowak, Petra’s ex—he has a tiny spare room in his apartment, and he understands what it’s like to wallow in heartbreak. Daphne feels lucky to have her dream job as a children’s librarian, but other than that, she feels adrift and friendless in Waning Bay—and then she and Miles get invitations to Peter and Petra’s wedding. In a momentary lapse of judgment, Daphne not only says she’ll attend the wedding, but tells Peter she’s dating Miles. It would be the perfect way to show Peter and Petra that they’ve moved on…if only it were true. In the grand tradition of fake-dating romances, Daphne and Miles pretend to be in love, getting to know each other while having various adventures and misadventures. Daphne quickly learns that although she’d dismissed Miles as a pothead with a lack of direction, he’s actually a good time—and a loyal friend. But Daphne knows she needs to get out of Waning Bay, so this fake relationship can’t lead anywhere…can it? Reliable bestseller Henry has written another surefire hit that manages to be dramatic, sexy, and fun. Miles and Daphne have chemistry that leaps off the page, and their will-they-or-won’t-they energy propels the story to its satisfying conclusion. Daphne is an immensely likable character, one whose past realistically informs her current relationships. The world of Waning Bay is charmingly quirky, and Daphne’s co-workers at the library are endearing. As always, Henry’s biggest strength is the sharp, often hilarious dialogue that makes the story a joy to read.
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.Pub Date: April 23, 2024
ISBN: 9780593441282
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Berkley
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
PERSPECTIVES
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SEEN & HEARD
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