The Dane of My Existence

The quirky charm of Shakespeare-obsessed Bard’s Rest, N.H., is threatened in Martin’s sparkling standalone sequel to For the Love of the Bard. Portia Barnes is poised to make partner at her prestigious Boston law firm—as soon as she’s back from her summer sabbatical in her offbeat hometown. Returning to Bard’s Rest, she meets dashing real estate developer Benjamin Dane, who’s looking to build luxury condominiums on Will’s Island, home of the town’s cherished annual Shakespeare festival. Despite the instant attraction between these two, Portia agrees to represent the Bard’s Rest Merchant Association as it seeks to block Ben’s plans and protect the island and festival. As they go head-to-head, however, their competitiveness only fans the flames of their connection, leaving Portia torn between her loyalty to Bard’s Rest and a potential future with Ben. Martin’s cast is dynamic and winsome, and the fiery chemistry between Portia and Ben will leave readers wanting more. This is sure to scratch the itch for fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope. Agent: Maggie Cooper, Aevitas Creative Management. (July)