★ Code Word Romance
A down-on-her-luck chef takes on a lucrative assignment as a body double for the CIA in Carlie Walker’s delicious combination of romance and suspense, Code Word Romance. Approached by the government because of her resemblance to the prime minister of the Nordic island nation of Summerland, Margaux “Max” Adams only has to masquerade as the prime minister during her annual Italian vacation while the authorities smoke out a would-be assassin. Sounds simple enough, until Max’s handler turns out to be none other than Flynn, the first love who ghosted her long ago. Cue awkward conversations, sizzling chemistry and a car chase or two as the simple assignment grows complicated. Max and Flynn realize they have not left their love in the past against the backdrop of cities like Positano and Rome, and readers will feel the Italian sun and taste the cuisine. Walker’s tight pacing and Max’s first-person viewpoint fuel the excitement, and the supporting cast adds smile-worthy comedic touches in this winning romance.
Sweet Obsession
Katee Robert takes readers away in Sweet Obsession, another engrossing and erotic installment in the Dark Olympus series. Thirteen powerful leaders rule Olympus, a city-state that has modern technology but is cut off from the rest of the world. Circe, the city’s great enemy, has positioned ships in the waters around Olympus that appear ready for attack. Rugged and determined Poseidon pledges to protect his people, but the politics involved in dealing with the ruling council takes all his patience. Then there’s the problem of Icarus, who, as the book opens, has just failed in killing him. The spoiled playboy prince becomes Poseidon’s captive, then his dominant lover, then his true love. But can Icarus be trusted with the plans to save Olympus, not to mention Poseidon’s heart? Teeming with intrigue and smoking hot sex scenes, Sweet Obsession is a showcase for Robert’s compelling and imaginative storytelling.
A Duke Never Tells
Suzanne Enoch’s latest offering, A Duke Never Tells, is a Regency romance with a delightful trading-places storyline. Meg Pinwell’s parents have always admonished her to be proper, so she’s shocked when her father promises her in marriage to the very improper James Clay, Duke of Earnhurst. Before committing herself, Meg decides to anonymously visit the duke’s country estate with her beloved Aunt Clara to get a better understanding of the man. But to their dismay, the duke is in residence. So, in great rom-com tradition, aunt becomes lady, Meg becomes maid and, well, the duke and his man of business, Riniken, make their own switcheroo in order to test whether “Meg” is a fortune hunter. Then the fun and games really begin in this kisses-only tale that keeps spinning in new directions as the cast falls in love. Multiple viewpoints add depth and humor to this feel-good story.
