Category Archives: Romance

Summer Reading 2022 July!

Summer 2022 is all about Fairfield! What do you love about your town? How can you share your story? Learn something new, get creative, and have fun while earning points toward our community goal! We challenge Fairfielders of all ages to reach 1 million points together by the end of the summer. Express yourself, attend events, write book reviews, complete bonus activities, and of course READ to earn points and help reach our goal this year! Your story begins at home!

Sign in or register for summer reading fun for the whole family here.

Here are a few books that will help you earn points this month in both the year-long Adult Reading Challenge AND the Summer Adult Reading Challenge. Let the reading begin!

BOOK LOVERS
By Emily Henry

“Truly a book for book lovers and a romance for romance lovers, this novel will delight Henry’s fans, as well as readers of smart, sexy, and funny romances with emotional depth and storylines featuring family dynamics.” ~Library Journal

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

EVERY SUMMER AFTER
By Carley Fortune

“Centered on redemption and forgiveness, this sweeping, heartfelt romance proves impossible to put down.” ~Publisher’s Weekly

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

UNDER THE SKY WE MAKE
By Kimberly Nicholas, PHD

“Some of the author’s recommendations have been voiced by other climate activists, but she writes with welcome clarity and little partisan cheerleading. Readers looking to save the world—and humanity—should take an interest in this harm-reducing program.” ~Kirkus

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

HOW TO AVOID A CLIMATE DISASTER
By Bill Gates

“Though Gates doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the daunting challenges ahead, his narrative contains enough confidence—and hard science and economics—to convince many readers that his blueprint is one of the most viable yet. A supremely authoritative and accessible plan for how we can avoid a climate catastrophe.” ~Kirkus

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

 

 

Holiday Fun & Romance

IT STARTED WITH A DOG
By Julia London

“Sparkling chemistry, fancy frappés, and a host of quirky characters keep the rivalry light and lively while Harper and Jonah both face up to some unpleasant truths about themselves. The couple’s palpable attraction and adorable pets accentuate the charm of this lovable riff on You’ve Got Mail.” ~Publishers Weekly

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

HAPPILY THIS CHRISTMAS
By Susan Mallory

“Happily This Christmas brings out the best in Susan Mallery’s arsenal of family-centric storytelling. Looking for a book that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart? Look no further…It is sure to brighten your day and this holiday season, guaranteed!.”                 ~Fresh Fiction

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

THE MATZAH BALL
By Jean Meltzer

“In her first novel, Meltzer makes sure that, despite some misunderstandings and hurt feelings, Rachel and Jacob do find their bashert (soulmate) in the glow of the Hanukkah candles. Fans of second-chance and holiday romances will find much to enjoy in this welcome variation on the holiday theme.” ~Booklist

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

THE HOLIDAY SWAP
By Maggie Knox

“There’s both tenderness and comedy as the sisters rediscover their priorities and sibling bond while hilariously struggling to draw the line between their roles and reality. This light romantic romp is delicious fun, perfect for rom-com fans in need of some Christmas cheer.”    ~Publishers Weekly

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
By Sheila Roberts

“With this neatly wrapped, sweetly charming treat, Roberts once again proves her mastery of uplifting, heartwarming love stories.” ~Booklist

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

Summer Reading Fun!

Sign up for summer reading fun for the whole family at the Fairfield Public Library. You can register here.

This week’s featured author is Jill Shalvis and her Wildstone series. These are perfect beach reads.

LOST AND FOUND SISTERS

“Shalvis has crafted a wonderful summer read that will fit right in with beach blankets, flip-flops, and maybe a little moonshine.” ~ Library Journal (starred review)

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

RAINY DAY FRIENDS

“With a fast pace and a lovely mix of romance and self-discovery, Shalvis’s novel is chock-full of magnetic characters and seamless storytelling, rich with emotions, and impossible to put down.” ~ Publishers Weekly (starred review)

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

THE LEMON SISTERS

The Lemon Sisters is full of Shalvis’ signature verve and wit; it touches on sisterhood and forgiveness while also serving up plenty of romance. The perfect beach read for any romance reader.” ~ Booklist

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

ALMOST JUST FRIENDS

“Tender … Believable, realistic characters are at the heart of this novel. Shalvis will immediately grab the reader’s attention with a strong heroine and caring connection between two wounded souls.” ~ Publishers Weekly

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

THE SUMMER DEAL

“Readers will find it easy to root for Shalvis’s stubborn, vulnerable heroines to recognize both the decency and compassion of the sexy men who love them and their own worthiness to be loved. This heartfelt tale is thoroughly satisfying.” ~Publishers Weekly

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

THE FOREVER GIRL

“Shalvis capably weaves the complex, intertwining relationships into an appealing story of second chances. This is sure to satisfy.”  ~ Publishers Weekly

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

LOVE FOR BEGINNERS

“The novel whizzes by. Shalvis’s fans will be pleased with the message that everyone deserves a second chance.” ~ Publisher’s Weekly

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

Looking For Romance? Try One of These Popular Books

Slip into some romantic fiction while you’re staying home and staying safe. Here are some of the most popular digital titles, both e-books and audio books, which you can download from Overdrive with your Fairfield Public Library card.

Title details for Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover - Available

MAYBE SOMEDAY
By Colleen Hoover

At twenty-two years old, Sydney is enjoying a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her—and she’s forced to decide what her next move should be.
“Hoover is one of the freshest voices in new-adult fiction, and her latest resonates with true emotion, unforgettable characters and just the right amount of sexual tension.” ~Kirkus

For more information, please click here.

Title details for Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas - Available

COLD-HEARTED RAKE
By Lisa Kleypas

“Kleypas begins a new historical romance series with two damaged characters who might find happiness if they can ever learn to trust themselves and one another. Intricately and elegantly crafted, intensely romantic, and with secondary characters and an epilogue that will leave readers anxiously awaiting more. A gratifying series starter from a not-to-be-missed romance author.” ~Kirkus

For more information, please click here.

Title details for The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams - Available

THE BROMANCE BOOK CLUB
By Lyssa Kay Adams

“In this heartfelt romance, a professional baseball player fights to save his failing marriage with the help of some good friends and the inspirational exploits of a fictional nobleman… A strong supporting cast, including Gavin’s book clubmates and his tiny, adorable twin daughters, helps flesh out the Legends community. This earnest charmer is sure to win Adams new fans. ~Publisher’s Weekly

For more information, please click here.

Title details for The Bride Test by Helen Hoang - Available

THE BRIDE TEST
By Helen Hoang

“Hoang’s touching second contemporary romance (after The Kiss Quotient) explores what the American dream might mean to a young, mixed-race Vietnamese woman and the autistic Vietnamese-American man she’s matched up with… With serious moments offset by spot-on humor, this romance has broad appeal, and it will find a special place in the hearts of autistic people and those who love them.” ~Publisher’s Weekly

For more information, please click here.

Title details for Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters - Available

WOULD LIKE TO MEET
By Rachel Winters

Evie Summers has been tasked with the impossible: getting a playboy film mogul with writer’s block to pen a script that he decidedly does not write—one with a happy ending. But with a long overdue promotion within reach, Evie is determined to keep Ezra in the game, showing the cynical author that a Hollywood meet-cute is not only possible, it’s a recipe for falling in love.” ~Library Journal

For more information, please click here.

Title details for Sleepless in Manhattan by Sarah Morgan - Available

SLEEPLESS IN MANHATTAN
By Sarah Morgan

“Snappy dialogue, well-developed characters, and the details of the three women’s hard work to build their company mix with sweet romantic tension between Paige and Jake. Steamy sex scenes spice up this quick, engaging read.” ~Publisher’s Weekly

For more information, please click here.

Title details for The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory - Available

THE WEDDING DATE
By Jasmine Guillory

“This incredibly delicious meet-cute brings two people together who would not have met otherwise, and though it could have become predictable, Guillory keeps this contemporary romance fresh with well-drawn multicultural characters navigating the perils of long-distance relationships.” ~Booklist

For more information, please click here.

Title details for Rescue Me by Rachel Gibson - Available

RESCUE ME
By Rachel Gibson

“Sizzling sex, dialog peppered with plenty of Texas slang, a setting overflowing with country flavor, and a pair of appealing, emotionally scarred protagonists combine in a big-hearted, touching, and hilarious story you won’t be able to put down.” ~Library Journal

For more information, please click here.

Title details for The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck - Available

THE WEDDING CHAPEL
By Rachel Hauck

“Hauck has crafted a masterly romance that depicts the truth about real love: it’s hard, messy, and unforgettable. The author’s characters burst from the pages in an emotional journey that will be remembered long after the novel is finished. Hauck fans will savor, and so will readers who believe in true love that lasts a lifetime and beyond. Once again, she proves why she is a master of this genre.” ~Library Journal

For more information, please click here.

Title details for An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole - Available

AN EXTRAORDINARY UNION
By Alyssa Cole

“The first installment in Cole’s (Mixed Signals, 2015, etc.) Loyal League series defies genre stereotypes at every turn. It’s both a romance and a spy novel, with a healthy dose of adventure thrown in, and it offers a nuanced portrayal of Civil War-era racial politics. Any reader who thinks romance novels are pure fluff will be schooled by Cole’s richly drawn characters, who must overcome generations of trauma in order to let themselves love each other. A masterful tale that bodes well for future work from Cole.” ~Kirkus

For more information, please click here.

Title details for Four Weddings and a Sixpence by Julia Quinn - Available

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A SIXPENCE
By Julia Quinn, Elizabeth Boyle, Laura Lee Guhrke, and Stefanie Sloane

Four boarding school friends find everlasting love with the help of a magical coin in this historical-romance anthology that weaves through the popular wedding rhyme, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and a sixpence for your shoe… A fun idea connects four charming stories, though they build to a pinnacle with Quinn’s.” ~Kirkus

For more information, please click here.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ~ Jane Goodall

Beach Reading and the Adult Summer Reading Code!

The Adult Summer Reading Code is: Penny
For more information about our Summer Reading Programs for all ages, please click here.

SURFSIDE SISTERS
By Nancy Thayer
“Having left Nantucket behind for the life of a successful novelist in New York City, why should Lara return? Because success isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be, her mother is now unemployed and depressed, and Lara herself faces writers’ block after a relationship went bust. The problem? She and childhood best friend Isabelle haven’t spoken in years after a big blowup. What’s more, she’s crushing on Isabelle’s brother the moment she hits the island. The New York Times best-selling Thayer lives on that very island and makes its tides and times very real.” ~Library Journal

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

MRS. EVERYTHING
By Jennifer Weiner
“It’s been a while since Weiner explored the complicated terrain of sisterhood, and readers will flock to this ambitious, nearly flawless novel.” ~Booklist

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

THE WONDER OF LOST CAUSES
By Nick Trout
“An artfully crafted story about the connection between a boy and his dog and the deep bond between a son and his mother.” ~Kirkus

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

SUMMER OF ‘69
By Elin Hilderbrand
“As always, Hilderbrand’s characters are utterly convincing and immediately draw us into their problems, from petty to grave…To use the parlance of the period, a highly relevant retrospective.” ~Kirkus

For more information, or to place a hold, please click here.

Hope Flames

[Cover]

Title: Hope Flames

Author: Jaci Burton

Publisher: Berkley, January 2014

Summary/Review: Though her life was put on hold while she suffered through a traumatic relationship, Emma Burnett has moved on and can finally start living her life. Moving back to her hometown to open her own veterinary clinic, Emma finally feels like things are falling into place. When hot cop Luke McCormack walks in with his injured canine partner in need of veterinary care, Emma’s resolve to keep all men at arm’s length begins to waver. Luke isn’t in the market for a relationship, either. One night stand? OK with him. A serious relationship? No thank you. However, the chemistry between Luke and Emma may be too much for either of them to deny. Can they overcome their fears of commitment? You’ll have to read Hope Flames to find out.

This is the first book in a new series from Jaci Burton. I don’t usually read romance novels, but I really enjoyed this one with its great story, suspense, humor, and likeable characters. This novel will especially appeal to animal lovers, but anyone looking for a nice, romantic story, will not be disappointed. 

Who will like this book?: Someone looking to break into romantic novels.  Someone looking for a nice book to pass the time.

If you like this, try this: Must Love Dogs by Claire Cook. Look for the next in this series: Hope Ignites due out in April 2014.

If you think this looks like one you’d like to read, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to see if it’s available and/or place a hold!

Alice Close Your Eyes

[Cover]

 

Title: Alice Close Your Eyes

Author: Averil Dean

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA, January 2014

Summary/Review: Alice Croft is seeking justice against the person that she feels ruined her life. Now, she just has to find the right person to carry out that justice. When she finds Jack Calabrese, or rather he finds her hiding in his bedroom closet, Alice sets the wheels in motion.  Once started, their relationship becomes more twisted and dangerous and their lives start to spin wildly out of control. Both Alice and Jack harbor deadly secrets that threaten their very lives.

This debut novel is full of psychological suspense and graphic, intense, and sometimes violent, sex. The story is fast paced and riveting, all the way through to the disturbing conclusion. I’m still not quite sure how I feel about this book. As horrifying as some of it was, I still couldn’t stop reading it. If you like edgy and erotic thrillers, you should give Alice Close Your Eyes a try.

Who will like this book?:  Someone who isn’t scared of edgy and disturbing books.

If you like this, try this:  Averil Dean is a new author so there’s nothing else from her quite yet, but keep an eye out for new material.  If you are looking for more psychological thriller, check out SJ Watson or Tana French.  If you’re looking for something along the same lines but a little softer, check out Laura Griffin or Pamela Clare.

Recommended by:  Sue B, Circulation Coordinator

If this looks like something you would be interested in, visit the Fairfield Public Library catalog to see if it’s available and/or place a hold!

 

The Day the Falls Stood Still

Title: The Day the Falls Stood Still

Author:  Cathy Marie Buchanan

Publisher: Voice, August 2009

Summary:  This is a sweeping historical romance set in the Niagara Falls area of Canada during the early 20th century. Bess Heath has just finished her junior year at an exclusive private school when she discovers that life at home has changed dramatically. Her father has lost his job and has been drinking the days away, her mother is working as a seamstress to keep food on the table, and Bess’ older sister, Isabel, is suffering from depression as a result of her broken engagement. As Bess tries to keep Isabel from wasting away and her family from falling apart, she falls in love with Tom Cole.  Tom is the grandson of the famous river man and local legend Fergus Cole. Bess’ parents, however, do not approve of Tom and force the pair into a clandestine relationship.

The Day the Falls Stood Still gives the reader a glimpse of the beauty and history of Niagara Falls during a period when, for a few opportunistic men, respect for the falls was lost and the race to harness its energy begun. This is a captivating story with wonderful characters in a beautiful setting. You may even find yourself wanting to take a trip up north to experience the majesty of the falls in person.

Who will like this book? Fans of  historical fiction, romance, or if you want a light, quick read.

Recommended by: Sue, Circulation Coordinator