A compulsively readable slow-burn romance full of grown-up worries and plenty of pining.
Friends grapple with their very forbidden feelings for each other.
When Larissa found herself in need of a ride home after a rare night out, she went with friendly, outgoing Mike instead of his quiet, seemingly grumpy friend Chris. Now she’s dating Mike, but when he can’t drive her to her mother’s early morning surgery, he sends Chris in his place. As they spend time together at the hospital, Larissa realizes that she and Chris have a lot in common—much more than she and Mike do. Through an unexpected series of events, Chris ends up adopting a stray dog that Larissa volunteers to walk, giving them more chances to see each other. Larissa is struggling financially, and she spends all her time juggling her numerous side hustles just to pay her bills. Chris can’t stand to see her unhappy, so he finds himself assisting Mike behind the scenes, suggesting gifts or gestures that would help Larissa out. But Chris soon realizes that his feelings for Larissa go far deeper than friendship. Chris would never betray his closest friend, especially because he knows that Mike is secretly fighting demons he hasn’t shared with Larissa. Meanwhile, Larissa can’t help but wonder what would have happened if she’d only chosen Chris on the night they met. But it’s too late now...isn’t it? The obstacle between Chris and Larissa seems insurmountable, and Jimenez skillfully ratchets up the tension in every scene. Their hidden feelings always bubble beneath the surface, making it all the more dramatic and satisfying when the conflict finally explodes. Chris and Larissa are both immensely likable characters who never want to betray Mike or the rest of their friends—which is why it’s such a problem that they can only be together if they do just that. Larissa’s struggles to stay afloat and the severe nut allergy she navigates are handled with sensitivity and realism, while Chris is the perfect romantic hero who just wants to make Larissa’s life a little easier.
A compulsively readable slow-burn romance full of grown-up worries and plenty of pining.Pub Date: March 24, 2026
ISBN: 9781538759226
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Forever
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.
A reluctant princess is thrust into deadly political intrigue in Perry’s sweeping, high-stakes romantasy.
Odessa is the overlooked and underestimated princess of Quentis, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a deal is struck between her father and the formidable Turan warriors force her into an arranged marriage with their enigmatic prince, Zavier Wolfe. Intended as a mere formality to secure trade routes and military alliances, the betrothal spirals into something far more dangerous when ancient magic, a ruthless Guardian, and a looming war threaten to upend everything she knows. Finally emerging from the shadow of her seemingly perfect half sister, Mae, Odessa must navigate court politics, monstrous creatures, and her own uncertain place in a world where survival often depends on strategy rather than strength. As tensions rise, she finds herself entangled with the dangerous, enigmatic Guardian—a man whose silver eyes hold secrets of their own. Perry’s worldbuilding is lush and immersive, crafting a kingdom rife with old magic, deadly beasts, and political machinations that add depth. The pacing is relentless, carrying Odessa from one life-altering event to another as she grapples with duty, defiance, and a destiny she never chose. Her internal conflict is compelling, torn between the expectations placed upon her and the fierce independence that threatens to make her an outcast in her own kingdom. Romance simmers as Odessa struggles to reconcile her obligations with her growing attraction to the Guardian, whose past is as shadowed as his reputation. Mae is introduced as Odessa’s political foil, and although her presence drives much of Odessa’s internal drama—being constantly overshadowed or underestimated—she’s mostly seen through Odessa’s perspective. Her motivations, ambitions, and political maneuverings might have benefited from deeper exploration to give more nuance to the power dynamics. However, Perry’s evocative prose and intricate plotting make for a gripping tale. Readers looking for a slow-burn romantasy with rich political intrigue and a protagonist forced to create her own fate will find much to enjoy.
A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.Pub Date: May 6, 2025
ISBN: 9781649378514
Page Count: 528
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
Review Posted Online: March 26, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 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
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