★ The Open Era
Edward Schmit debuts with The Open Era, an appealing exploration of love, rivalry and the rigors of professional sport, centered on the US Open Tennis Championship. At 20, Austin Hardy qualifies for his first Grand Slam tournament. Out since high school, the press focuses on his being gay more than his talent in his beloved sport, which adds unwanted pressure. Then there’s the second best player in the world, sexy Diego Cruz, who strikes up a friendship with Austin. The handsome man is reportedly straight, but Austin feels sparks that say differently, fracturing his already shaky focus. Schmit’s knowledge of tennis shines through, and the reader’s investment in Austin winning on the court is almost as strong as him winning the other man’s heart. Austin is an honest and vulnerable narrator, exploring his fluctuating moods and deep concerns. Diego remains a bit of a mystery throughout, but loyal Austin settles for friendship until a final, satisfying grand gesture. The Open Era is a tender and encouraging novel that makes us hope for more sweeping romances from Schmit in the future.
The Guest Book
In The Guest Book by Mae Marvel, two women find history, healing and love. When Edie Whitelock loses her business and Cosima Frank loses her infamous actor and producer mother, they both independently travel to an English inn for a reset. They have nothing in common, but with stormy weather their only diversion, the inn’s elderly keeper shows them her guest book and the 50-year-old treasure hunt planted by a Welsh novelist awaiting within. Curiosity piqued and treasure map in hand, Edie and Cosima travel to France and Spain while unraveling clues and sharing backstories. Cosima, who has never felt desire for another woman, is bowled over by her sweet, near-obsessive yearning for her travel companion. Edie can’t believe this California princess could fall for her, but she’s fallen right back. Now they must trust a love that is revealed at the same time as the elusive treasure. Intimate confidences are shared, providing readers with a well of sympathy and understanding for this pair. The erotic love scenes are as tender as they are explicit, and while the happy ending is nearly pure wish-fulfillment, it’s welcome all the same.
Shattered Gods
Katee Robert ends her captivating Dark Olympus series with Shattered Gods. The 10th installment, told in alternating first-person viewpoints, chronicles Circe’s attempt to destroy the political order of modern Olympus and install herself as its queen. In this alternate universe, there are cell phones and guns, but Olympus isolates itself from the “real world,” giving rise to struggles between power, control and desire. Hermes loves Circe, but she can’t condone her murderous plans for revenge, so she battles her feelings along with her until-now unspoken love for Atalanta. As the violence ramps up, sizzling passion flares between the women and an uneasy triad is formed. The three agree it can only be temporary because the end of their world is at hand . . . right? Readers need a full immersion in the series to appreciate this last book, which holds up to its promise of danger, sex and female strength.
Puck
A nonbinary member of a wedding party decides to stop the upcoming nuptials in Puck by Samantha Allen. The titular character, a lead producer of a reality TV show that pits couples against predatory singles, can’t help but devise scenarios that require interference and guarantee drama. So when Puck’s college BFF, Mia, announces her engagement to a friend’s ex after recently ending things with her longtime boyfriend, how can someone as practiced as Puck not formulate a plan? The wedding must be stopped. Ever-confident Puck doesn’t see any obstacles until a very pretty, very straight-seeming maid of honor arrives on scene, dedicated to ensuring the I do’s transpire. When Robyn, the maid of honor, proves she’s not so straight after all, Puck is further rattled. Though awash in growing feelings, Puck gamely continues scheming until they nearly lose both friends and lover. At first, Puck is more snark than heart, but their ultimate vulnerability will make readers root for them. Allen writes a memorable cast with snappy dialogue and deep conversations that plumb characters’ depths.
Dearly Departed
In Dearly Departed by Chip Pons, confronting their pasts proves the way forward for two unlikely lovers. Pons puts a hilarious and magical spin on the popular grumpy-sunshine trope here, as one lead is a hopeful florist and the other a brooding funeral director—as well as the former ruler of the underworld. Centuries ago, the deities of Olympus were relieved of their duties and released to live in the mortal world. Though some embraced the change, Hayden Harlow has spent decades hoping to return to his isolated comfort. But then he meets optimist Levi Wilder, and all thoughts of return are eclipsed by their heated new relationship. Soon loner Hayden has a boyfriend and a circle of amusing acquaintances he didn’t know he needed. The sex scenes, told in vivid detail, burn and appear to be ushering in true and lasting love, but there are secrets that Hayden and Levi harbor that risk their future. Emotional explorations of grief and loss add layers to this small-town romantasy, perfect for readers who want a potent blend of whimsy and sexy.