Hearts in Circulation

Hearts in Circulation

by Sarah Monzon

Bethany House, 2025. 304 pages. Romance.

Book #2 in the series "Checking Out Love" (but can be read as a stand-alone)

Circulation librarian Haley Holt is afraid that the ramshackle Little Creek bookmobile isn't quite fit for service. Her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove. Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives there to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touch from the vibrant librarian leaves him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren't contained within the bindings of a book. 

Given my line of work, I'm a bit biased toward stories that favorably depict librarians. This lighthearted romance brings awareness of sensory issues and other forms of neurodivergence, as well as discussing mental health topics like grief and fear, and the importance of libraries to communities. Monzon deftly weaves in these topics into the narrative without becoming preachy or dry. While the chemistry did seem a bit contrived and unrealistically instant, the literary references and cute kittens (I'm being for real) sold me on this sweet, fluffy romcom read, just in time for upcoming Valentine festivities.

This work is marketed by Bethany House as a "Christian romance" (as are all of their publications), but there is very little reference to religion or God beyond mealtime prayer. The eleventh hour mention of faith came across as almost abrupt, as if an editor hastily crammed it in last minute to meet a benchmark or quota. Readers used to this subgenre may be uncomfortable with the spice level, which admittedly does not rise much above (abundant and passionate) on-page kissing; heaven forbid delicate sensibilities are offended by the thought of a couple cohabitating outside of wedlock (gasp!).

Winging It with You

Winging It with You

by Chip Pons

G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2025. 384 pages. Romance.

Asher Bennet thought his relationship was just fine. Until he’s unceremoniously dumped at the Boston airport ahead of the world-wide travel competition reality show, The Epic Trek. Asher is determined to find a new partner and luckily, right in front of him is a smooth-talking airline pilot ready for takeoff. Theo Fernandez has been grounded. As he struggles to bask in his new downtime, without reconnecting with his family, he stumbles upon the perfect opportunity. Theo and Asher buckle up to fake date for the cameras, but as they do the undercurrents of attraction make them wonder if their on-screen chemistry hints at something bigger.

Every so often, I need what I call "cotton candy" reads: something light and fluffy, perhaps without a lot of substance, but sweet and palatable. That's exactly what I found in this work. The main characters are both extremely lovable, and it really just hit the spot. 

Too often, MM romances are written for the female gaze, with heteronormative standards (i.e., one masc partner with one femme), or unrealistic sex mechanics, or blatant fetishization. Pons does a good job of writing a realistic, refreshing story with surprising emotional depth for the genre. I also appreciated how he chose to focus on the joy the characters are pursuing rather than the pain they go through: we still feel pain in both sides of the story, but it's not the central focus as happens all too often in gay literature. A delightful, modern rom-com with impressive character development despite an ending that might have dragged the tiniest bit.

First-Time Caller

First-Time Caller

by B.K. Borison

Berkley, 2025. 448 pages. Romance

Book #1 in the series "Heartstrings"

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he's fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore's romance hotline, that's a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in asking for dating advice for her mom Lucie, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and his show Heartstrings into the limelight. Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life (or lack thereof), she begins to question if she's as happy as she thought. Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending – even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. When sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final call between the radio-sponsored Happily Ever After and the man right next to her.

This was a sweet, fluffy romance that I really enjoyed. The premise was original, and the writing was very well done. The audio format naturally lends itself well to the "on air" portions, and it was clever how these sections were portrayed. The pacing did lull in a few spots, but that's nothing unforgivable. I do think Aiden needs therapy, but don't we all? 

Caveat lector: this work contains a few scenes of open-door intimacy. Honestly, I'm not really sure how to feel about the scene in the closet -- is it really realistic to cum from riding someone's thigh? -- but maybe that's just because sex with women is something I'm not interested in at all, whether it's in literature or elsewhere. It didn't ruin the book for me, which might be saying something.

Mr. Malcolm's List

Mr. Malcolm's List

by Suzanne Allain
Lemoyne House, 2009. 220 pages. Romance

The Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm is searching for a wife, but not just any wife; one who will meet the qualifications on his well-crafted list. But after years of searching, he's beginning to despair of ever finding this paragon. Having been scorned by Mr. Malcolm, Julia Thistlewaite invites her friend Selina Dalton, a vicar's daughter of limited means and a stranger to high society, to London as part of a plot to exact revenge on Mr. Malcolm. But when Mr. Malcolm begins judging Selina against his unattainable standards, Selina decides that she has some qualifications of her own. And if he is to meet them he must reveal the real man behind the list.

I read this book with my book club, and it was delightful! It's what I call a cotton candy read: light and sugary, with nothing to heavy or serious. Was it predictable? Perhaps, but maybe that's part of the appeal. I also feel that, while Mr. Malcolm was a little arrogant, he didn't deserve all the backlash he got. Julia was a terrible friend, and Selina truly got the short end of the stick. While lacking in historical accuracy, this was a gentle, fun, light-hearted romp that avoided the tragic miscommunication that seems so common in this genre. 

Bloom

Bloom
by Kevin Panetta, ill. by Savanna Ganucheau
First Second, 2019. 368 pages. Graphic novel

Now that high school is over, Ari is dying to move to the big city with his band – if he can just persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their struggling family bakery. But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom – that is, if Ari doesn’t ruin everything.

This heartwarming queer love story between two teenage boys is paired with a satisfying monochromatic color palette and a gorgeous art style. Both of the main characters (and several of the side characters) are very well developed. Bonus points for authentic looks at multiple cultures, including Ari's Greek family and Hector's Samoan heritage. That said, the plot is nothing extraordinary: slow-burn small-town summer romance, sprinkled with family drama throughout. Still a delightful, light-hearted read.

The Proposal

The Proposal
by Jasmine Guillory
Jove, 2018. 325 pages. Romance

A Dodgers game becomes extremely awkward for freelance writer Nikole Paterson when her actor boyfriend proposes unexpectedly. Of course she says no: he didn't even spell her name right on the Jumbotron. But dealing with a stadium of disappointed fans is more overwhelming than it would seem. In the nick of time, handsome stranger Carlos Ibarra and his sister show up pretending to be Nik's friends and whisk her away from the camera crew. Carlos and Nik's friendship withstands the social media backlash of the failed proposal, and knowing that Carlos can't be looking for anything serious, Nik starts a fun rebound relationship with him. But as it evolves into something more, they have to learn where to draw the line.

One of my favorite aspects about this NY Times Bestseller was how there wasn't much plot to get mixed up in. That might sound like a negative, but the overall story mostly follows Carlos and Nik's relationship, and they're so cute together that it's hard to get upset about it. The diverse cast of characters is likable and memorable (even minor ones), not to mention realistic. If you're a fan of modern romance, this one's perfect for you.

*This blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library Staff Reviews blog.*