The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava
Berkley, $19.00, 384 pages
In Danica Nava’s debut rom-com, Ember Lee Cardinal, a Chickasaw woman’s white lie spirals into a comedic yet complex situation. Ember, frustrated by job rejections due to her ethnicity, falsifies her resume and ethnic background to land a coveted accounting position in Oklahoma City. Thriving in her new role, she embarks on a secret romance with Danuwoa Colson, a fellow Native colleague. Their affair takes a turn when a scheming coworker blackmails Ember, threatening to expose their relationship. As Ember’s deceptions multiply, she must choose between continuing her lies or revealing the truth, risking everything she has built. Nava’s novel is a sharp, humorous and romantic take on identity and integrity.
You’re the Problem, It’s You by Emma R Alban
Avon, $18.99, 400 pages
In this enemies-to-lovers queer Victorian romance, the follow-up to Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend, tensions flare between Bobby Mason and James Demeroven. Bobby, frustrated with his lack of importance, finds himself at odds with James, the new Viscount struggling with past failures. Their cousins’ matchmaking attempts only heighten their conflict, but an extortionist targeting their families forces them into an uneasy partnership. As they work together, their mutual attraction becomes impossible to ignore. With its sharp dialogue and engaging characters, this novel offers a compelling mix of romance and intrigue, delivering both emotional depth and cozy romance.
Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma
Avon, $18.99, 384 pages
In Marriage & Masti, the final book in Nisha Sharma’s Shakespeare-inspired trilogy, Veera Mathur and Deepak Datta’s accidental beach wedding sparks a delightful friends-to-lovers romance. Veera, grappling with career and personal setbacks, and Deepak, whose staged engagement collapses, find themselves in a series of comedic mishaps. Their spontaneous marriage becomes a strategic move to advance their careers and confront their wrongdoers. As they blur the lines between a fake romance and real feelings, Sharma’s signature humor and heartfelt storytelling shine through. The finale offers a spicy, witty, and satisfying conclusion to the beloved trilogy, celebrating love and identity with flair.
Second Tide’s the Charm by Chandra Blumberg
Harlequin, $ 18.99, 336 pages
In Second Tide’s the Charm, marine biologist Hope Evans’s summer job on a shark research boat turns complicated when she finds out it belongs to her ex, Adrian Hollis-Parker. Hope seeks career advancement and closure after their breakup, while Adrian, now a renowned shark expert, faces the challenge of working with the woman he still loves. As they navigate professional and emotional turbulence side by side, they confront past hurts and unresolved feelings. The novel skillfully blends romance and personal growth with a captivating marine backdrop, delivering a heartfelt and engaging story about love, career, and second chances.
The Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho
Bramble, $18.99, 352 pages
Renee Goh’s seemingly perfect life—running a successful London fashion business and dating a pop star—belies her deep loneliness. After a breakup and feeling estranged from her Singaporean family, Renee is offered the chance to become CEO of the Chahaya Group, a prestigious conglomerate, due to her brothers’ failings. This opportunity clashes with her complicated family dynamics. Adding to the drama, she reconnects with her first love, Yap Ket Siong, who is now embroiled in a dangerous quest for vengeance. Balancing personal and professional dilemmas, the novel skillfully explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery.
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