Spalding shines in the fourth novel of her Out in Hollywood series (after On Her Terms), a tender second-chance sapphic romance featuring grown-up theater kids and lots of community support. Starlet Tess Gardner is trying to pivot from sparkly cinematic superhero roles to more serious acting work via a part in an L.A. theater production with Broadway aspirations. But when scandal forces the big-name director out, Tess is thrown for a loop by his replacement, up-and-coming Rebecca Frisch, who happens to be closeted Tess’s first and only girlfriend. Tess broke Rebecca’s heart by running from their connection during summer stock a dozen years earlier. Now the pair agree to keep it professional onstage, but they eventually engage in heartfelt conversation about their past, falling easily back into a cozy after-hours romance when they realize that the spark is still there. The expected beats of producing a theatrical performance, and vibrant social dynamics among the cast and crew, fill in the setting nicely while leaving space for a satisfying win both for the heroines and for the show. Series fans will not be disappointed. (Feb.)

Reviewed on 01/30/2026 | Details & Permalink

YA author Smith’s clever adult debut (after The Other Side of Infinity) uses a fun if improbable premise to explore the concept of soulmates. Shortly after New York City network news writer Olivia Adler learns that her fiancé, Wells Stratton, is cheating on her, she gets a call from her producer telling her she’ll be going on air to deliver a breaking story in the predawn hours: an anonymous sender has sent emails to adults worldwide containing an attachment claiming to reveal the name of their soulmates. Despite some on-air gaffes, Olivia’s report on this bizarre phenomenon goes viral, leading the network to offer her a permanent slot as an on-air reporter. Olivia continues reporting on the impact of the “soulmail,” the veracity of which is confirmed by the U.S. military, as she reconnects with Caleb Mariner, her teenage boyfriend. Olivia and Caleb both refuse to open their soulmail attachments, not wanting to let fate determine their choices. But when Wells reveals the content of his soulmail, Olivia questions everything. Smith treats the somewhat silly central conceit with a straight face, making the effect the soulmail has on Olivia tangible and the stakes clear. Readers will have no trouble rooting for this affable heroine to find love, predetermined or no. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 02/06/2026 | Details & Permalink

A skeptical young woman, feeling directionless and disillusioned with love, agrees to be the first client for her older sister’s matchmaking business in Thurman’s refreshing and emotionally resonant debut. Dating apps have long been Kaia Harper’s antidote for lonely nights, leading to countless meaningless hookups. After graduating from the University of Kansas with an education degree she has no desire to use, she returns to her Connecticut hometown, where her persistent sister and hopelessly romantic mother, both of whom have been unlucky in love themselves, convince her to go on three blind dates. She embarks on this quest for partnership with incredibly low expectations and a desire to quickly put an end to it, but finds an unlikely source of camaraderie and comfort in Ro Jackson, a tow truck driver who comes to her aid and proves to be the composed counterpart to her chaotic tendencies. Authentic and complex familial bonds, raw moments of past traumas explored, and flawed but endearing characters add heart. It’s especially moving to witness Kaia grow and open herself up to genuine connection. There’s enough comfort and tenderness in this warm hug of a novel to soften the heart of even the staunchest cynic. Agent: Melanie Figueroa, Root Literary. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 02/06/2026 | Details & Permalink

Kass’s rollicking debut braids three women’s stories over a wild wedding weekend. Beautiful and successful influencer Marigold’s plans to marry the perfect man, pediatric oncologist Jonathan, on Maine’s idyllic Sandpiper Island, hits a speed bump when she learns that she’s still technically married to her ex-love Hugo, whom she eloped with years ago and has been evading ever since. Now she must confront the ghosts of her past and reconsider her vision for the future. Meanwhile, Natalie, Marigold’s maid of honor, grapples with her myriad wedding duties and fitting into Marigold’s upscale world. She’s dedicated to making Marigold’s wedding perfect despite her own secret feelings for the groom. Then there’s Olivia, Marigold’s overachieving sister, who strains under the burden of her family’s expectations as she struggles to clean up Marigold’s mess. She’s hoping the wedding will lead her into the arms of her own Mr. Right, but instead she winds up in a fake dating scheme with Jonathan’s best man, Zack, whom she insists she finds insufferable. Amid the lightly comedic chaos, Kass does a thoughtful job of showing how societal expectations weigh on each woman, shaping their choices. Fans of romantic comedies with a Hallmark Channel vibe will enjoy this heartwarming tale of embracing love even when it comes from an unexpected place. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 01/30/2026 | Details & Permalink

Anthropologist Vega (Latino Heartland) explores in this illuminating study how Latinos have carved out a contested place in the white-dominated Mormon church. She traces the history of Mormon missions to Mexico and other Latin American countries in the late 19th century, where missionaries attracted converts partly by comparing them to Lamanites, an important ethnic group mentioned in the Book of Mormon. In 1919, LDS leaders in Salt Lake City “recognized the potential for growth” with Latino converts, and began building in Arizona the first temple to offer Spanish ordinances. As a result, the Latino Mormon population expanded despite still being viewed within the church as of “lesser... intellectual means” than white believers. Yet the author argues that the emergence of Mormon “barrios”—Latino LDS congregations with more than 150 members—allowed Latinos to blend their cultural and religious traditions in ways that helped them find safety and a measure of autonomy. More recently, overwhelming LDS support for Republican priorities—including anti-immigration laws—highlight the Latino community’s enduring frustrations with a church that didn’t confer full rights to Black people until 1978. The author draws from a wealth of interviews with Mormon Latino communities in Arizona, Utah, and Indiana to scrupulously unpack the complexities and contradictions of this unique ethnoreligious group. It’s a robust study of an under-explored aspect of Mormonism. (Mar.)

Reviewed on 01/30/2026 | Details & Permalink

In this poignant second-chance romance, Pagán (Good for You) tells a story of resilience from the perspective of Harold, an aging rescue dog who lost his person, romance novelist Amelia May, nearly two years ago. Before she died, Amelia asked Harold to take care of her partner, Miguel, who, since her death, has been deeply depressed and neglecting Amelia’s now-struggling bookstore. Trying to drum up some business by securing a famous author to visit the store leads Miguel and Harold to Chicago, where they meet single mother Fiona and her daughter, who happens to be named Amelia Mae. Harold is sure Fiona could help Miguel find his way back to happiness and conspires with 11-year-old Amelia Mae to bring them together. Pooch and preteen make for a winning matchmaking duo, with precocious Amelia Mae stealing every scene she’s in. Miguel’s grief is well rendered, and his struggle to reopen his heart and recognize that moving forward does not mean forgetting the past makes for a moving central conflict. Romance fans will want to read this one with tissues at the ready. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 01/30/2026 | Details & Permalink

Author duo Cuevas and Marquardt (Does My Body Offend You?) put a delightful, gender-bent spin on My Fair Lady. Journalist Luisa Martín Moreno is fired for writing a damning story about Griggs Caldecott Johnson III, “Atlanta’s Golden Boy.” Meanwhile, single mom Holly Simmons, an events coordinator at the country club Griggs frequents, is in danger of losing her job and the life she’s built for her son due to Griggs’s harassment. Fueled by their mutual hatred, Luisa and Holly hatch a plan to expose Griggs with the help of handsome hustler Elijah “Eli” Denvil Sweet. The women give Eli a makeover, complete with etiquette and voice lessons, transforming him into a charming Southern gentleman capable of infiltrating Griggs’s elite world and gaining his trust. As Luisa and Holly’s wild scheme unfolds, love blossoms between Luisa and Eli while Holly falls for speech professor Hugh. The romance subplots are sweet, but Holly and Luisa’s ride-or-die friendship is the true heart of the book. The story toggles between both women’s perspectives which, combined with a few too many competing plotlines, makes things feel cluttered. Still, the quirky cast is realistic, well-shaded, and endearing. This sassy celebration of found family and friendship will especially charm fans of the original. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 01/30/2026 | Details & Permalink

A sudden inheritance upends an artisan’s life in this sparkling queer Regency from Charles (All of Us Murderers). Titus Pilcrow, maker and seller of artist paints, agrees to marry his elderly client Miss Whitecross to protect her and her fortune from her nefarious nephew. Uncertain how to handle his newfound wealth and status, Titus relies on the guidance of the surprisingly helpful Nico, Comte La Motte, who shows no ill will toward Titus despite having had his own designs on Miss Whitecross’s hand and money. Navigating the strictures of high society is made all the more complicated by the demands of those who think Titus owes them part of his good fortune, including his controlling ex-lover, Henry, and overbearing older brother. Titus deeply appreciates Nico’s aid and attempts to quash his attraction to the man, unaware that Nico shares his feelings and is starting to feel guilty about his secret scheme to ingratiate himself enough to wheedle the funds that he and his cousin need to escape a violent moneylender. As Nico delays confessing his true motives, the demands on Titus reach a boiling point. Charles excels at capturing the inner turmoil of her leads and peppers their simmering romance with plausible historical details. The resulting tale of intrigue, social pressure, and forbidden love is sure to please. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 01/30/2026 | Details & Permalink

Bestseller Macomber (Must Love Flowers) delivers a heartwarming tale of love between a wealthy but cynical man and a struggling but optimistic woman. Chase Furst, heir to a Chicago banking empire, is disgruntled when his first-class flight to Seattle seats him next to chatty and upbeat Maisy Gallagher, whose ticket was unexpectedly upgraded. Though Chase is rude to her in transit, Maisy offers him a ride after the car he booked doesn’t show up at the airport and shows him kindness when he reveals that he’s in Seattle to arrange the funeral for his late estranged mother. Endeared by Maisy’s compassion, Chase stays in touch with her upon returning to Chicago, and their bond deepens over phone calls and text messages. Their romance develops quickly despite warnings from their respective families about the differences between their class backgrounds. Maisy’s family-run jewelry store in Seattle is floundering, and when financial crisis looms, Chase struggles with whether to provide help despite Maisy’s insistence on independence. Macomber imbues the grumpy/sunshine trope with an impressive amount of authenticity and makes Chase falling for Maisy’s positivity palpable and believable. This one charms. Agent: Celeste Fine, Park, Fine & Brower. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 01/30/2026 | Details & Permalink

Clayborn (The Art of Disappearing) whisks readers to Paris in this steamy slow-burn ideal for armchair travelers. Physician Layla Bailey lives out of a suitcase while subbing for vacationing doctors across the U.S. She likes the work because the weeks-long assignments are a distraction from her recently ended marriage. Then the wedding of her ex-sister-in-law, Emily MacKenzie, brings her to Paris, where Layla spent her own honeymoon. She’s determined to be pleasant and mature with her former in-laws, but this proves difficult when her ex shows up with a new girlfriend, and the best man, Griffin, accuses her of encouraging Emily’s cold feet. Scarred on the inside and outside by a traumatic fire, Griffin lives like a hermit in Upstate New York and only left his home to support his best friend. He’s determined to see the wedding go through and recruits Layla to help fix things between the couple. Clayborn gives both protagonists impressive emotional depth as they work through past heartbreaks and discover unexpected new love. A whirlwind tour through the city of lights—the wedding party cruises down the Seine, explores Montmartre, and takes in Musée Rodin—only enhances the romance. Add in a well-earned happy ending, and this is sure to charm. (Apr.)

Reviewed on 01/30/2026 | Details & Permalink