Just Say Yes

Hayley’s second Strictly Business novel (after The Best Medicine) is a winsome, delicate contemporary romance mired by a predictable plot and overused tropes but uplifted by strong characterizations and the sensitive handling of tricky topics. After one boring date too many, magazine columnist Quinn Sawyer realizes she needs to stop playing it safe. She’s assigned to write a piece on doing things she always wished she’d done, and she’s stumped on how to proceed until chef Tim Jacobs, a reformed bad boy with tattoos, volunteers to be her cheerleader. Closeness develops as they check items off Quinn’s list, leading to heartfelt discussions and melting away enough of Tim’s mountain of guilt over his troubled past for them to begin dating. Then miscommunication and poor choices separate them, and Tim has to decide which is more terrifying: admitting he needs Quinn, or not having her in his life. After a dragging middle section, the book ends on a strong note, leaving readers with a smile and perhaps a joyful tear. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (Dec.)