cover image Hearts on Hold

Hearts on Hold

Charish Reid. Carina, $3.99 e-book (448p) ISBN 978-1-4880-5515-7

A straitlaced African-American professor learns about love and spontaneity from a laid-back white librarian in this sexy, effortless contemporary romance from Reid (The Write Escape). Dr. Victoria Reese thrives on order, which is why working with disorganized John Donovan to create an internship program between Pembroke University and the Farmingdale Public Library is going to be a struggle, no matter how handsome and charming she finds him to be. When John casually proposes they engage in “a sordid affair,” Victoria responds by suggesting a strictly scheduled three-week romantic escapade. John agrees to abide by her schedule for the first week, but believes he’ll be able to convince her to do things his way after that. Reid shows off her gift for hilarious dialogue through her protagonists and the whimsical supporting cast, including John’s mother and stepmother, who have become best friends, and Victoria’s fanciful friends. Victoria’s strained relationship with her own mother adds conflict, but John’s patient support keeps the external drama from overpowering the romantic story line. Readers will adore this addictive romance. Agent: Saritza Hernandez, Corvisiero Literary. (Feb.)