Sponsored by Teddy Spenser Isn’t Looking for Love by Kim Fielding.
“A fizzy, fun, and full-of heart romcom.” —Booklist Teddy Spenser spends his days selling design ideas to higher-ups. Stodgy engineer types like Romeo Blue, his nemesis—if you can call someone who barely talks to you a nemesis—are a necessary evil. A cute necessary evil. But when their boss puts them both on a new high-stakes project, “working together” suddenly means: sitting uncomfortably close on the same plane, staying in the same hotel room—with only one bed—and spending every waking minute together.
Hello hello! I’m PN Hinton, your eager, new purveyor of all things romance. I’m excited to be here. I know I have very big shoes to fill, but I’m ready to take on this challenge. And by challenge, I also mean 2021. I’m sure we are all eager to leave the dumpster fire of 2020 in the rear view mirror of our cars as we speed towards the horizon of the new year.
The start of a new year is also special to me because my anniversary is the day after. So I decided to kick my first newsletter off with some backlist recommendations. There are tons of books that focus on falling in love for the first time. And, while there are many second chance romances regardless of couple status, they don’t always get as much recognition. I’m hoping to rectify that here.
And without further ado, here are some second-chance romances for your consideration!
Destiny’s Surrender by Beverly Jenkins
The second in the Destiny trilogy from the divine Mrs. Bev. Andrew has decided to start a family and begins looking for a candidate for the role. Then Billie shows up at his doorstep with his son, ready to leave the baby with him and a ‘better’ life. Instead the one-time lovers find themselves married and full-time parents to the boy.
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Gavin and Thea are a seemingly happily married couple until one night when Gavin discovers that his wife has never had the Big O with him. Embarrassed and enraged, he loses his temper at this, which prompts Thea to ask for a divorce. With the help of a secret book club made up of alpha men and some genuine self-reflection and work, Gavin works to make sure his marriage has a happy ending.
Once Upon a Marquess by Courtney Milan
Judith has vowed never to forgive Christian after he ruined her father and tore her family apart. After years of being shunned by polite society, Christian returns needing assistance on something that only Judith can help with. The bitterness and betrayal runs deep for Judith and, although Christian regrets causing it, he knows that he did the right thing all those years ago. This won’t stop him from trying to convince her that they are made for each other and can move ahead from the past hurts.
The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLean
Due to a misunderstanding in their past, compounded by an act of infidelity, Malcolm and Seraphina have lived apart from one another for three years. One day, Seraphina shows up and demands a divorce, which Malcolm promises to give her, provided she can find a new wife for him. What follows is a mixture of hijinks, long-awaited apologies, and forgiveness. On a personal note, I was surprised that I enjoyed this one. Normally, infidelity is a hard pass and complete deal-breaker for me. MacLean handled this difficult topic well and this is arguably my favorite in this specific series of hers, as a result.
Hate to Want You by Alisha Rai
Ever since a betrayal that broke their family’s friendship and their relationship, Livvy and Nicholas have allowed themselves one night of pleasure each year. Just one night to forget past hurts and enjoy the carnal company of one another. Until one year, when Livvy doesn’t show up, and Nicholas decides he wants more than what they have given themselves for the last few years.
Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey
Rosie and Dominic are a married couple stuck in a rut. With her friend’s encouragement, Rosie demands that Dom join her for ‘marriage boot camp’, which he agrees to, much to Rosie’s surprise. During the course of the camp, the couple begins work on getting their marriage back on track until a secret Dom has been holding onto threatens to break the newly laid foundation of their relationship.
Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole
Likotsi is shocked to find herself face to face with Fabiola when she returns to New York for a vacation. After a week of a whirlwind romance, the latter woman ghosted the former completely. Fabiola convinces Likotsi to meet for tea and food, leading them to explore the city together. Throughout their journey, Fabiola reveals what really happened and why she ended things the way she did and both women wonder if this is their second chance at true love.
That’s all for now! If you want to read some of my own backlist, check out my Book Riot page. You can also follow my bookish bullet points over on Twitter at @Pscribe801. Until next time.