A pleasure-filled, wholeheartedly sincere second-chance romance.
A heartbroken man is reunited with his high school crush in Italy.
When 38-year-old Ramin Yazdani’s marriage proposal is turned down because he’s “boring,” he impulse books an extended vacation in Italy. He aims to become Interesting New Ramin by sleeping with numerous Italian men, but all his plans change when he runs into Noah Bartlett, whom he hasn’t seen in 20 years. Noah’s ex-wife is moving to Italy and they’re visiting with their 9-year-old son to let him decide if he wants to move with her or stay in Kansas City with Noah. Ramin remembers Noah as the surprisingly kind, popular wrestler who didn’t bully Ramin like other classmates for being chubby and Iranian. Bisexual Noah was fond of Ramin back then and is immediately attracted to him now. As they get reacquainted, their feelings for each other grow, but they both have insecurities to overcome. Just like Khorram’s I’ll Have What He’s Having (2024), this bighearted tale features scorching hot yet deeply realistic sexual moments and relatable, lovable characters. Lushly described wine, food, and Italian landmarks will have readers happily living vicariously through the story. Flashbacks to high school add context to this pair’s relationship and highlight the ways they have grown, yet also show how overcoming self-doubt is a continual work in progress as Ramin struggles with body dysmorphia and Noah is still learning about and exploring his queer identity while also trying to be a better parent than his own. Tension and conflict in the couple’s building relationship feels authentic and never overdramatic as they come to realize they deserve uncomplicated, steady, devoted love.
A pleasure-filled, wholeheartedly sincere second-chance romance.Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2025
ISBN: 9781538739556
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Forever
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
This captivating, deeply emotional, and incredibly sexy romance is a balm for the soul.
A blossoming romance infringes on a successful businesswoman's professional aspirations, making her reevaluate her priorities.
At an exclusive party, talent manager Hendrix Barry has an instant connection with billionaire tech mogul Maverick Bell. When he learns that she’s navigating her mother’s Alzheimer's diagnosis, he relates to what she’s going through, having had similar experiences with his grandfather. Maverick makes Hendrix feel seen and understood like no one else, but he’s the recent ex-boyfriend of a woman Hendrix is going into business with as she works toward her goal of executive producing a television show. She tries to set boundaries that would keep him as a friend despite their obvious mutual attraction, but when he expresses interest in her venture capital fund focusing on Black women–led businesses, it leads to spending more time together, and the lines of friendship, business, and pleasure become tangled and blurred. Ryan excels at crafting thoughtful, mature characters who have to manage complicated situations with care and grace. Maverick’s dogged pursuit of Hendrix and the delicious ways he woos her using his wealth and persistence frame him as a determined, headstrong hero. Paired with a weaker heroine, he could have been overbearing, but Hendrix is his perfect match, equally as strong-willed and tenacious. They bring out each other’s softer, more vulnerable sides as well, and both have compassionate hearts. The spicy romance is the core of this satisfying story, but the novel doesn’t shy away from—and is made richer for the inclusion of—hardships like caring for an aging parent and confronting racism in the world of business. The tale also highlights the importance of community and the value of supportive, platonic love through the wonderful cast of side characters.
This captivating, deeply emotional, and incredibly sexy romance is a balm for the soul.Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781538706855
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Forever
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
A wallowing, emotionally wrenching family drama that leaves little time for romance.
Two people with bad luck in relationships find each other through a popular Reddit thread.
Emma Grant and her best friend, Maddy, are travel nurses, working at hospitals for three-month stints while they see the country. Just a few weeks before they’re set to move to Hawaii, Emma reads a popular “Am I the Asshole” Reddit thread from a Minnesota man who thinks he’s cursed—women he dates find their soulmates after breaking up with him, and the latest one found true love with his best friend! Emma has had a similar experience, which inspires her to DM the man and commiserate. She’s delighted by her witty, lively interactions with software engineer Justin Dahl, and is intrigued when he suggests that if they date each other, maybe they’ll each find their soulmate afterward. Emma upends the Hawaii plan and convinces Maddy to move to Minneapolis for the summer so she can meet Justin in person. The overly complex setup brings Emma and Justin together and the two hit it off, with Justin immediately falling head over heels for Emma. Jimenez then pivots to creating romantic roadblocks and melodramatic subplots centering on each character’s family of origin. Justin’s mother is about to serve six years in prison for embezzlement, which means Justin must move back home to care for his three much younger siblings. Emma was traumatized by her own mother for much of her childhood, left to fend for herself and eventually abandoned in the foster system. When her mother shows up in Minnesota, Emma must face her traumatic childhood and admit that she has prioritized her mother’s well-being over her own. There is little time devoted to Emma’s painful efforts to heal herself enough to accept Justin’s love, which leaves the novel feeling unsatisfying.
A wallowing, emotionally wrenching family drama that leaves little time for romance.Pub Date: April 2, 2024
ISBN: 9781538704431
Page Count: 432
Publisher: Forever
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
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