It had to be him

Khorram (I'll Have What He's Having) puts a sunny spin on heartbreak in this pleasant vacation romance, which follows 38-year-old Iranian American Ramin on an impulsive trip to Italy after his boyfriend declines his marriage proposal. He's looking to reinvent himself when he unexpectedly encounters his high school crush, Noah Bartlett, on his own Italian vacation with his ex-wife Angela and their nine-year-old son, Jake. Noah, who is bisexual, is thrilled to be reunited with Ramin, viewing their encounter as "a second chance he didn't know he wanted." The men continue to bump into each other first coincidentally and later deliberately, sharing meals, a Vespa ride, and even a hotel room before acknowledging their mutual attraction. After several attempts to express their affection are disrupted by Noah's family, the guys finally get some alone time so Noah can make Ramin's fantasy--which involves Noah wearing a wrestling singlet--come true. It's the first of many spicy episodes, but as they become more intimate, Ramin struggles with issues of body dysmorphia, and people pleaser Noah keeps putting others' needs before his own. The Italian backdrop, complete with mouthwatering descriptions of food and drink, adds charm. The result is a winning romance about lovers helping each other become their best selves. Agent: Molly O'Neill, Root Literary. (Sept.)

A heartbroken man is reunited with his high school crush in Italy. When 38-year-old Ramin Yazdani's marriage proposal is turned down because he's "boring," he impulse books an extended vacation in Italy. He aims to become Interesting New Ramin by sleeping with numerous Italian men, but all his plans change when he runs into Noah Bartlett, whom he hasn't seen in 20 years. Noah's ex-wife is moving to Italy and they're visiting with their 9-year-old son to let him decide if he wants to move with her or stay in Kansas City with Noah. Ramin remembers Noah as the surprisingly kind, popular wrestler who didn't bully Ramin like other classmates for being chubby and Iranian. Bisexual Noah was fond of Ramin back then and is immediately attracted to him now. As they get reacquainted, their feelings for each other grow, but they both have insecurities to overcome. Just like Khorram'sI'll Have What He's Having (2024), this bighearted tale features scorching hot yet deeply realistic sexual moments and relatable, lovable characters. Lushly described wine, food, and Italian landmarks will have readers happily living vicariously through the story. Flashbacks to high school add context to this pair's relationship and highlight the ways they have grown, yet also show how overcoming self-doubt is a continual work in progress as Ramin struggles with body dysmorphia and Noah is still learning about and exploring his queer identity while also trying to be a better parent than his own. Tension and conflict in the couple's building relationship feels authentic and never overdramatic as they come to realize they deserve uncomplicated, steady, devoted love. A pleasure-filled, wholeheartedly sincere second-chance romance. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.