Not as compelling as earlier installments but still an enjoyable read featuring a distinct family.
Two artists find love as they become embroiled in a dangerous counterfeiting scheme in Regency London.
The Wynchesters—an eccentric crew of six adopted siblings—are known for using their unique talents to help people in need, taking on even seemingly impossible cases. Marjorie’s artistic prowess means her contributions typically occur from the safety of the Planning Parlor within the Wynchester residence, but when the family is alerted that a notorious moneylender called Snowley is pawning off forged coins on the destitute in exchange for their few valuables, Marjorie wants to prove herself by taking the lead and going out in the field to take him and the operation down. Meanwhile, Lord Adrian Webb has returned to London from Rome, where his family had banished him seven years earlier, hoping to repair his relationship with his younger sister. When he visits Snowley, to whom he had been furnishing antiquities to sell, with the intention of ending their arrangement, he learns that Snowley knew the artworks were actually forgeries Adrian had created himself. Now Snowley is blackmailing Adrian into counterfeiting money. When Marjorie shows up under the guise of wanting to work for Snowley, she and Adrian initially antagonize each other, despite their mutual attraction, but they connect as truths are revealed. This is the fourth installment in the Wild Wynchesters series and will most appeal to those already in love with this eccentric bunch. It’s exciting to watch Marjorie, who has partial deafness and is cued as a synesthete with eidetic memory, grow in confidence. Adrian’s character arc is less authentic since, despite being referred to as a rake and a scoundrel, his actions are always based on honorable ideals. There’s kissing and pining throughout, but mostly the intimacy takes a back seat to the entertaining hijinks.
Not as compelling as earlier installments but still an enjoyable read featuring a distinct family.Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2023
ISBN: 9781538726112
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Forever
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Through palpable tension balanced with glimmers of hope, Hoover beautifully captures the heartbreak and joy of starting over.
The sequel to It Ends With Us (2016) shows the aftermath of domestic violence through the eyes of a single mother.
Lily Bloom is still running a flower shop; her abusive ex-husband, Ryle Kincaid, is still a surgeon. But now they’re co-parenting a daughter, Emerson, who's almost a year old. Lily won’t send Emerson to her father’s house overnight until she’s old enough to talk—“So she can tell me if something happens”—but she doesn’t want to fight for full custody lest it become an expensive legal drama or, worse, a physical fight. When Lily runs into Atlas Corrigan, a childhood friend who also came from an abusive family, she hopes their friendship can blossom into love. (For new readers, their history unfolds in heartfelt diary entries that Lily addresses to Finding Nemo star Ellen DeGeneres as she considers how Atlas was a calming presence during her turbulent childhood.) Atlas, who is single and running a restaurant, feels the same way. But even though she’s divorced, Lily isn’t exactly free. Behind Ryle’s veneer of civility are his jealousy and resentment. Lily has to plan her dates carefully to avoid a confrontation. Meanwhile, Atlas’ mother returns with shocking news. In between, Lily and Atlas steal away for romantic moments that are even sweeter for their authenticity as Lily struggles with child care, breastfeeding, and running a business while trying to find time for herself.
Through palpable tension balanced with glimmers of hope, Hoover beautifully captures the heartbreak and joy of starting over.Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-668-00122-6
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Atria
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2022
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.
A recently dumped librarian finds herself fake dating her polar opposite.
When Daphne Vincent’s fiance, Peter, dumps her, she’s shocked—but the worst part is that he’s leaving her for his gorgeous best friend, Petra, the woman he’d always told Daphne not to worry about. Now Daphne has to move out of Peter’s home and restart her life in the small Michigan town where she’d moved to be with him. Salvation comes in the form of Miles Nowak, Petra’s ex—he has a tiny spare room in his apartment, and he understands what it’s like to wallow in heartbreak. Daphne feels lucky to have her dream job as a children’s librarian, but other than that, she feels adrift and friendless in Waning Bay—and then she and Miles get invitations to Peter and Petra’s wedding. In a momentary lapse of judgment, Daphne not only says she’ll attend the wedding, but tells Peter she’s dating Miles. It would be the perfect way to show Peter and Petra that they’ve moved on…if only it were true. In the grand tradition of fake-dating romances, Daphne and Miles pretend to be in love, getting to know each other while having various adventures and misadventures. Daphne quickly learns that although she’d dismissed Miles as a pothead with a lack of direction, he’s actually a good time—and a loyal friend. But Daphne knows she needs to get out of Waning Bay, so this fake relationship can’t lead anywhere…can it? Reliable bestseller Henry has written another surefire hit that manages to be dramatic, sexy, and fun. Miles and Daphne have chemistry that leaps off the page, and their will-they-or-won’t-they energy propels the story to its satisfying conclusion. Daphne is an immensely likable character, one whose past realistically informs her current relationships. The world of Waning Bay is charmingly quirky, and Daphne’s co-workers at the library are endearing. As always, Henry’s biggest strength is the sharp, often hilarious dialogue that makes the story a joy to read.
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.Pub Date: April 23, 2024
ISBN: 9780593441282
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Berkley
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
PERSPECTIVES
BOOK TO SCREEN
SEEN & HEARD
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