Olivia Dade grew up an undeniable nerd, prone to ignoring the world around her as she read any book she could find. Her favourites, though, were always, always romances. As an adult, she earned an M.A. in American history and worked in a variety of jobs that required the donning of actual pants: Colonial Williamsburg interpreter, high school teacher, academic tutor, and (of course) librarian. Now, however, she has finally achieved her lifelong goal of wearing pajamas all day as a hermit-like writer and enthusiastic hag. She currently lives outside Stockholm with her patient Swedish husband, their whip-smart daughter, and the family's ever-burgeoning collection of books.
Wild Life (2024) Opal Wei "Wei is a miracle-worker. Wild Life somehow manages to combine a delightful homage to Bringing Up Baby's screwball antics with a thoroughly modern romance - one remarkable for its warm intelligence, wit, and complexity. Zoey and Davy are an incredibly charming central couple."
Codename Charming (2023) Lucy Parker "Lucy Parker's books are marvels of wit and warmth and empathy, and Battle Royal is no exception. It's as delicious as the cakes baked by Sylvie and Dominic, from first page to last. I swooned, laughed, wept, and loved the story wholeheartedly, and I can't wait to reread it ASAP."
Role Playing (2023) Cathy Yardley "Role Playing features one of the most endearing couples I've read in a long, long time. Aiden's kindness, warmth, and patience make him the sweetest cinnamon roll hero possible, while Maggie is the cranky, fiercely loyal heroine of my dreams. Yardley doesn't shy away from difficult family and friend dynamics, but that only makes the way Maggie and Aiden help and defend one another all the more satisfying. And the earrings-removal moment at the wedding reception? Absolute, gleeful perfection."
Full Exposure (2023) Thien-Kim Lam "Unabashedly sex-positive, Happy Endings is a paean to second-chance romance - as well as friendship, family, food, and inclusive communities. The story's undeniable warmth makes it a pleasure to read."
Chick Magnet (2023) Emma Barry "Emma Barry has been one of my favorite authors in the world for many years now, and Chick Magnet only deepens my already fervent love of her writing. Her books are always crafted with exquisite care and thoughtfulness, abounding with graceful prose, extremely likable characters, rueful humor, and a thorough grounding in how good people think, work, and love. Plus, her writing is simply fun, not to mention sexy. With the release of this book, I expect new hordes of fans to join the Emma Barry Stan Club, but rest assured: I will always be the club's president and most enthusiastic member."
Two Wrongs Make a Right (2022) (Wilmot Sisters, book 1) Chloe Liese "Two Wrongs Make a Right overflows with snappy banter, heartfelt emotion, and delicious swooniness and heat. Bea and Jamie's tenderness and care for one another shine on the page, and Liese's wit and humor undergird the entire story. This book is a true pleasure to read, sure to delight her many current fans even as it earns her many new ones."
Mistakes Were Made (2022) Meryl Wilsner "Mistakes Were Made is an absolute delight, both undeniably sexy and incredibly sweet. The story overflows with warmth, friendship, and humour . . . I was rooting for their happy ending the whole time, and when it arrived, I cried happy tears. I think readers will adore this story, and for good reason."
A Merry Little Meet Cute (2022) (Christmas Notch, book 1) Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone "Witty and entertaining from first page to last, A Merry Little Meet Cute will delight readers looking for a fresh, funny, fat- and sex-positive romcom. Bee and Nolan, both immensely likeable characters, anchor the sweetly raunchy story, but Murphy and Simone have also created memorable families and communities surrounding the two leads. This book is a joy to read, and readers will be clamoring for more stories set in the same world."
Mr. Perfect on Paper (2022) Jean Meltzer "A warm, heartfelt ode to self-acceptance, honesty, and tight-knit Jewish communities - a true pleasure to read."
Not the Witch You Wed (2022) (Supernatural Singles, book 1) April Asher "Not the Witch You Wed is breezy, warm, and a pleasure to read. I adore smitten, supportive heroes like Lincoln, and watching Violet grow into her own power-both personal and magical-is delightful."
Weather Girl (2022) Rachel Lynn Solomon "Wryly funny and sweetly sexy, Rachel Lynn Solomon's Weather Girl is as comforting as a weighted blanket and as carefully considered as one of Ari's forecasts. For everyone who's ever believed themself too much to love, this book offers both solace and a gentle promise: If you allow yourself to be truly known, you may find someone who'll adore you on even your darkest days."
Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships (2021) Sarah Grunder Ruiz "Sarah Grunder Ruiz's Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships is a book with enormous heart, and one that balances family grief with truly delightful witty banter. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me swoon from all the delicious pining between Jo and Alex. It's a wonderful debut, and I can't wait to read more from her."
Donut Fall in Love (2021) (Donut Fall in Love, book 1) Jackie Lau "Jackie Lau's Donut Fall in Love is a quintessential comfort read, full of good, well-intentioned people attempting to navigate complicated family relationships, careers, friendships, and grief. This sexy, thoughtful story will also leave you very (VERY) hungry for donuts, so prepare your baked goods supply accordingly before reading."
How to Fail at Flirting (2020) Denise Williams "The warmth in Denise Williams's writing is unmistakable, as is her wit. She tackles difficult subjects, difficult emotions, with such empathy and thoughtfulness. Best of all: Jake is just the type of hero I love--sexy, smart, sweet, and smitten."
