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Charleston Reporter

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Romance: December 2021

Ccl

Romance

December 2021

 Recent Releases 
All the Feels

 by Olivia Dade

What happens: Hired as a minder for charming but impulsive Gods of the Gates star Alexander Woodroe, straight-laced former ER therapist Lauren Clegg finds herself falling for her charge.

Why you might like it: Opposites attract in this witty, genre-savvy novel by the author of Spoiler Alert.

Don't miss: the ongoing Gods of the Gates cast member group chat; excerpts from Alex's fanfiction; Big Harpy Energy.

How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days

 by K.M. Jackson

Stop the wedding! Horrified by tabloid reports of the impending nuptials of her celebrity crush, Keanu Reeves, 40-something artist Bethany Lu Carlisle has 90 days to meet the actor and change his mind.

The plan: Lu hits the road, accompanied by her best friend, Truman "True" Erikson, whose longstanding crush on Lu means he'll help her against his better judgment.

For fans of: author K.M. Jackson's Unconventional Brides romances.

The Perks of Loving a Wallflower

 by Erica Ridley

What it's about: nonbinary master of disguise Thomasina "Tommy" Wynchester (she/her) assumes the identity of the (fictional) Baron Vanderbean to aid the woman she adores, bluestocking Philippa York.

Series alert: The Perks of Loving a Wallflower is the 2nd book in the Wild Wynchesters series, about a band of orphans who grow up to be Regency London's version of Robin Hood.

Reviewers say: "the holy grail for Regency fans: like Georgette Heyer, but with sex" (Publishers Weekly).

A Thorn in the Saddle

 by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Starring: Rancher Jesse Pleasant, who agrees to therapy after his temper gets him in trouble; and Lily-Grace Leroux, Jesse's childhood friend, who returns to their hometown after a professional setback.

Why you might like it: This plot of this heartwarming, character-driven novel relies less on external obstacles and more on its sympathetic leads' respective personal journeys.

Series alert: A Thorn in the Saddle is the 3rd in the Cowboys of California series, after A Cowboy to Remember and If the Boot Fits. 

The Fastest Way to Fall

 by Denise Williams

What happens: Britta Colby sets out to write an article about FitMe, a body-positive fitness app that offers personalized coaching. Meanwhile, her assigned virtual trainer, FitMe CEO Christoper "Wes" Lawson, has no idea his cute new client is actually a journalist.

What's at stake: Britta's prospects for career advancement at lifestyle website Best Life, Wes' professional reputation, and the future of FitMe.

Is it for you? The Fastest Way to Fall doesn't shy away from tough topics, including fatphobia, addiction, and disordered eating.

 Holiday Romances 
Return to Virgin River

 by Robyn Carr

What it is: the 19th installment of the popular Virgin River series.

Starring: Writer Kaylee Sloan, who retreats to Virgin River to spend the holiday season in glorious isolation. But when her rental cabin is destroyed in a fire, local artist Landry Moore offers her a place to stay while providing plenty of distraction.

Media buzz: The small-screen adaptation of Robyn Carr's beloved series is now available to stream on Netflix.

Puppy Christmas

 by Lucy Gilmore

What it is: a heartwarming holiday romance featuring a pair of unlikely lovers, a six-year-old girl, and a cockapoo named Jeeves.

Starring: Lila Vasquez, co-owner of service dog training company Puppy Promise, and single dad Ford Ford, who needs Lila's help to train his young daughter's service puppy.

For fans of: Jill Shalvis' Animal Magnetism series, Rachel Lacey's Love to the Rescue series.

Royal Holiday

 by Jasmine Guillory

Starring: Vivian Forest, a social worker from Oakland, California; and Malcolm Hudson, private secretary to the Queen of England.

What happens: While accompanying her daughter on a trip to the U.K., Vivian finds a kindred spirit in Malcolm, prompting her to consider a relationship for the first time in a long time.

Why you might like it: This 4th Wedding Dates novel is a heartwarming contemporary holiday romance about a mature couple finding love.

Seduction on a Snowy Night

 by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney

What it is: a trio of holiday-themed novellas by popular Regency romance authors Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney.

Contains: "A Christmas Abduction," introducing a heroine who kidnaps a baron at gunpoint; "A Perfect Match," about a headstrong heiress who turns the tables on her captor; and "One Wicked Winter Night," in which a costume ball offers old flames a second chance at love.

In a Holidaze

 by Christina Lauren

It's beginning to look a lot like... Christmas. Again and again, as 26-year-old Maelyn Jones finds herself trapped in a Yuletide time loop.

Making her list, checking it twice: To break the cycle, Maelyn must 1.) convince her extended family not to sell their vacation cabin, and 2.) finally confess her feelings to her longtime crush, Andrew.

Reviewers say: "a winning rom-com full of heart and holiday cheer" (Kirkus Reviews).

 Contact your librarian for more great books! 
Charleston County Public Library

68 Calhoun St.

Charleston, South Carolina 29401

843-805-6930

ccpl.org

Original source can be found here.