We Met in December

New beginnings are at the heart of this sweet, G-rated debut romance. Jess accepts her dream job in London and can’t believe her luck when a friend offers her a room in a Notting Hill town house for dirt cheap. The only rule is there can be no relationships between residents. When Jess’s new housemate, Alex, gave up his lucrative law career to pursue nursing, his fiancée promptly dumped him. He’s determined to avoid relationships and concentrate on his studies, but enjoys a friends-with-benefits arrangement with Emma, a fellow housemate, on the sly. Alex and Jess bond over afternoon walks and living in close quarters, and Jess, a hopeless romantic, falls for Alex, but because of his “relationship” with Emma, she tries to think of him as a friend. When Emma starts to want more, Alex calls things off, still not ready for a relationship. But when Jess starts to date someone else, Alex realizes he’s been fighting feelings for her all along. Curtis has a gift for capturing complex emotion and both romantic and platonic intimacy. The witty dialogue, loyal friendships, and endearing romance are sure to capture readers’ hearts. (Nov.)