Hello and welcome back to #NewTitleTuesday, where we take a sneak peek at an adult new release that hits the shelves today!
Contemporary romances are absolutely having their moment, especially those with a breezy, witty, compulsively readable - yet undeniably sexy - tone that leaves readers with a flush on their cheeks an smiles on their faces. Romcoms like Casey McQuiston's "Red, White, and Royal Blue," Emily Henry's "Beach Read," and Talia Hibbert's "Act Your Age, Eve Brown" have always have been in heavy demand on patrons' holds lists - not only by throngs of steady romance readers, but by casual readers looking for that happily-ever-after pandemic-proof read that only romance novels can give.
If you love rom coms like those, be sure to check out Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly. While the topic is, of course, romance, the setting is a well-known cooking show called "Chef's Special." Dahlia Woodson is one of the contestants, fresh off a divorce and on the brink of bankruptcy, looking to make a fresh start and to gain some attention on one of television's most popular cooking competitions. However, her first dish doesn't go off quite as planned and she becomes an underdog from the start.
Another competitor is London Parker, arriving on the show with a chip on their shoulder. Identifying as non-binary, London wants to prove themselves to the world as a chef to be respected, however when they get paired up with the klutzy Dahlia, who drops her fish tacos on the very first episode, an undeniable connection begins and is strengthened as the show - and the novel - progresses. Sharp, witty banter on screen is set against the tender words off it as the two get to know each other and they navigate their relationship. Both longtime romance fans and casual readers will love the grumpy/sunshine pairing under the glaring spotlight of a national television show and will be utterly charmed by the path these memorable characters take.
Put this one on your holds lists, and be sure to check out all the other great novels at the library. See you next time!