cover image Always My Girl

Always My Girl

Samantha Chase. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-4926-1628-3

Unrequited love is discovered along the shores of North Carolina in Chase’s delightful, superbly written third Shaughnessy Brothers contemporary (following Love Walks In). When former race car driver Quinn Shaughnessy catches Anna Hannigan, his childhood best friend, sunbathing, he realizes he’s been chasing the wrong curves. He’s lived his life on the road, so he’s never seen the tomboy in anything skimpy. Anna has been in love with Quinn for years and is determined to get him to see her as a desirable woman. With the encouragement of a winsome ensemble of supporting characters, the lovers embrace a romantic relationship; however, Quinn has to change his unintentionally selfish ways, and Anna wonders whether she has the patience to wait on his transformation. Clever retorts add comic relief to strong lessons about giving and self-esteem. Vivid descriptions, endearing yet flawed characters, and a steady pace add vibrancy to the well-developed plot. Agent: Mark Gottlieb, Trident Media Group. (July)