Smitten by the Brit

Johnson’s second Sometimes in Love transatlantic contemporary puts a modern twist on the impoverished duke who needs to marry an heiress. Theo Wharton, Duke of Emberton, is in Chicago to meet the woman who is supposed to solve his money problems, but he would rather be with Bonnie Blythe, an English professor and self-professed Anglophile, whom he met when her friend Cassie fell for his friend Logan (in Getting Hot with the Scot). Theo is delighted to learn that Bonnie has broken her engagement with her cheating fiancé and is ready for some changes. A serendipitous connection leads to Bonnie landing a summer job in Cambridge, where she teaches Shakespeare, explores new career paths, and romps with Theo. The sexy escapades are a little predictable but still electric, and Theo’s dates with Bonnie around London are the stuff of romantic fantasies. As their friendship deepens, Theo helps Bonnie work through her anger at her ex, ensuring their sweet, steamy relationship is more than a rebound. The scenes with Bonnie and Theo’s families and sassy, blunt Cassie and Logan are rollicking fun and provide excellent grounding for the romance. This irreverent tale turns several romance tropes on their heads while still delivering that sweet fairy tale ending that readers look for. (May)