Second chance romance

Dade returns to quirky Harlot's Bay (after 2024's At First Spite) with this amusing rom-com. Molly Dearborn and Karl Dean crushed on each other all throughout high school. Their timing finally seemed right after graduation, but a miscommunication foiled their chance at love and Molly left town heartbroken. Twenty years, one divorce, and a semi-risque career as a monster erotica audiobook narrator later, Molly sees an obituary for Karl in Harlot Bay's newspaper and returns home for the funeral. But the piece was a misprint; Karl is very much alive and now the foul-mouthed owner of the area's best bakery. He's pined for Molly all that time, becoming the number one fan of her audiobooks just to hear her voice. Overjoyed to be reunited at last, Karl is determined clear up past misunderstandings and win her trust with an eye toward forever. Dade peppers the narrative with abundant humor from Harlot Bay's residents; there's even a running bit about the town's dueling sex shops expressing their animosity for each other by commissioning elegant but insulting cakes. Series fans who met Karl as a colorful side character in book one will be especially glad to uncover his hopeless romantic streak. This is a charmer. (Nov.)

Molly and Karl were best friends in high school. They were edging toward something more romantic, until Karl's on-again, off-again girlfriend came between them. As an adult, Molly moved to Los Angeles, got married, and became an audiobook narrator, while Karl went on to open a successful bakery in his hometown of Harlot's Bay. Twenty years later, Molly reads Karl's obituary in the Harlot's Bay newspaper. Grief-stricken, she hops the next flight out for what she assumes will be his burial. It turns out that Karl is actually still alive, and he's even more attractive--and cranky--than Molly remembered. Karl never forgot Molly either, and she is still the only girl he's ever loved. Now she's back, and it's his chance to win her heart. However, Molly's past has left her with major trust issues, and Karl won't communicate in full sentences. These former friends could still be more, if only they would open their hearts and trust each other. Dade's (At First Spite) grumpy/sunshine, second-chance romantic comedy features delightful protagonists who are believable, relatable, and sympathetic. Their chemistry is instantaneous, and the slow-burn plot keeps their sexual tension buzzing just beneath the surface. VERDICT Readers will be unable to put this book down.--Heather Miller Cover