All fired up

Imani Lewis is a publicist at Cerulean Books frenetically juggling important authors. To-do lists are her superpower and her kryptonite. She also teaches dance at the Bronx Barre Belles. Stress is causing her panic attacks and insomnia, so she takes an unpaid leave of absence to spend the summer in Wellsville, hopefully learning to relax and help her beloved grandmother recover from double knee-replacement surgeries. Zander Matthews is an ex-marine who now embodies a laid-back, surfer-dude vibe. The title of the book is the name of his ceramics studio, where he hosts all-ages workshops. Newton (How Sweet It Is, 2021) sensitively discusses Zander's eating disorder and Imani's PTSD. A year ago, they had a brief but intense fling that left him brokenhearted. Ever since then, his usually fluid life trajectory has felt off course, like he is waiting for something. Now that Imani is back in town, Zander is determined that whatever happens between them will be at her pace. But is she a corporate ladder-climber, or is she truly looking to change her life and slow down? Zander woos Imani with his charm, generosity of spirit, and philosophical outlook on life in this utterly delightful romance.

Imani Lewis always has a plan. How else could she balance a successful publicist career, plan a baby shower for her best friend, and take care of her wily grandmother? All her plans go up in smoke, however, when a former flame, Zander Matthews, reenters her life, intent on showing her that they'd make the perfect couple. Imani can't stand Zander's laid-back attitude and lack of ambition, but he's not going to let that stop him from turning their one- (okay, two-) night stand into a happily-ever-after. In this follow-up to How Sweet It Is, Newton offers a contemporary romance with a fun and flirtatious tone. Though delightfully comedic at times, the story toes the line between cute and cloying. Narrators Emma Love and Max Lloyd-Jones give a playful, conversational quality to the dual perspectives. Listeners shouldn't let their friendly nature fool them, though; they can still deliver sensuous and steamy love scenes. VERDICT Despite the story being somewhat flimsy, this audio will appeal to listeners seeking a lighthearted opposites-attract rom-com that is both fun and funny. Recommended for fans of Tessa Bailey, Emily Giffin, and Abby Jiminez.--Lauren Hackert