Verdict: A short, sweet and very spicy college-set story: in 2012, Emma, newly brave enough to date women, sets out to show her girlfriend Monica, who has used a wheelchair since a car accident, that passion and romance are absolutely possible for her. Readers praise the thoughtful wheelchair representation and consent-centred intimacy; a few found … Read more
Verdict: A whimsical, cosy Regency fantasy: anxious artist Lucille Waters escapes her parents’ demand that she marry or become a governess by claiming a fake engagement to the reclusive Lord Fondant, who turns out to be Lady Fiona Fondant, a celebrated confectioner managing a chronic illness. Readers adore the sweets, the inclusivity and the disability … Read more
Verdict: A sweet, slow-burn second chance set in Las Vegas: Jordan Stryker left the FBI after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and now plays professional poker, and at a tournament she runs into casino security officer Ashley Noble, the woman she had an affair with fifteen years ago. Readers like the older leads and the honest … Read more
Verdict: A witty, offbeat romantic “dramedy”: socially awkward sci-fi author India Bell must write a lesbian romance to win a bet and an editing job, and turns for help to the romance writer she is interviewing, Tegan Lowry, who uses crutches and lives her romantic fantasies only on the page. Readers love the sparkling dialogue … Read more
Verdict: A fast, spicy paranormal romance: Amara Leone, the deaf daughter of a ruthless mafia boss, is forced into an arranged marriage with Dylan Wood, a cold security chief her father wants her to spy on, who is secretly a vampire. Readers love the deaf representation, the chemistry and the action; a few found the … Read more
Verdict: A sweet, emotional romance with a matter-of-fact wheelchair-user lead: Reese, a programmer who has hidden in her virtual world since losing the use of her legs as a child, meets ex-punk rocker Sarah, who shows her that her world is not limited to five feet or less. Readers praise the realistic portrayal and emotional … Read more
Verdict: A fun, heartfelt and sometimes cheesy rock-star romance: Mandy Harris, the music world’s bad girl, walks away from touring and returns to her hometown, where she meets Anabella, a deaf woman whose own life was once saved by Mandy’s music. Fans love the humour, geeky references and emotional ride; critics were put off by … Read more
Verdict: A breezy marriage-of-convenience beach read: personal trainer Taylor Braxton must marry and stay married for a year to inherit her late grandfather’s B&B on Maui, and her client Jayden Wheaton, recovering from a crippling car accident, jumps at a year in paradise. Readers love the Maui setting and the fauxmance premise; many found it … Read more
Verdict: A warm, witty small-town slow burn: easy-going Glory Eiben, beloved in her ski town and living with a rare congenital heart defect, befriends her new neighbour Lena Coleridge, a high-school principal fleeing big-city burnout and a failed relationship. Readers love Glory’s humour and the low-drama warmth; some found too many side characters and too … Read more
Verdict: A sweet, gentle romance full of dogs: guide dog trainer Lenae McIntyre, who is visually impaired and wary of trust after a past betrayal, clashes and then connects with Cara Bradley, a TV host from a shallow celebrity family who agrees to puppy walk an unruly future guide dog named Pickwick for a year. … Read more