So it’s been an admittedly dismal spring around here, beloved patrons, and it’s been wreaking havoc on plants and emerging flowers.  So it’s a good thing that we have our Romance Garden, where there is no frost and no weeds…and plenty of dirt in our minds can grow!

So without further ado, here are our recommendations for you genre fans out there to savor, from the romance readers at the Peabody Library:

Bridget:
Cuff Me by Lauren Layne

I’ve sung Lauren Layne’s praises before in these romance posts, but I’m happy to do it again, because her stories are so unexpected, and her characters are so genuine and interesting that these relationships end up staying with you for a long time after reading the book.

Cuff Me is the third book in Layne’s New York’s Finest series, which focuses on the Morettis, a family of NYPD officers (Dad is a retired commissioner, and the three boys are all moving up the ranks).  Each book works perfectly as a stand-alone novel, but throughout the series, we’ve come to see Vincent, a top homicide detective, as little more than a gruff, cranky, and generally unapproachable guy.  This book, however, changes everything.

Vincent’s partner on the force, Jill Henley, has been in Florida for several months, helping her aging mother recover, and generally trying to convince herself that Vincent will never–and possibly can never feel the same way about her that she does about him.  Hoping to move on, she even finds herself a boyfriend who is everything that Vincent is not…Even though he would never admit it, being without Jill has been hell for Vincent, but when she comes home with an engagement ring on her finger, Vincent realizes that what he feels for Jill is far, far more than professional…but how can he convince her?  And even if he can, are they both willing to risk their careers for a chance together?

While love triangles are generally the bane of my existence, this book handled things surprisingly well, and didn’t drag the story into the realm of melodrama at all.  What I loved most, however, was that Vincent’s primary concern was for Jill’s happiness above all else, and not about “winning”.  Their relationship was wonderfully sympathetic, and, as they try and navigate their growing attraction to each other, also desperately, gut-wrenchingly awkward, which isn’t something you often see in a romance novel.  Add to that an engaging murder mystery on the side, and you have the makings of one stellar romance!

Kelley:
The Art of Taming a Rake by Nicole Jordan

In the first of Nicole Jordan’s Legendary Lovers series, we’re introduced to Venetia Stratham, a victim of scandal who is shunned by her family and society; and Quinn Wilde, a charming earl with a rakish reputation who finds himself the target of an assassin. When Quinn demonstrates an interest in Venetia’s beloved sister, Venetia sneaks into a gentlemen’s club to confront him about the matter. Having been burned by a handsome and titled “gentleman” herself, Venetia wants better for her sister, and is determined to discourage Quinn’s attentions.

The confrontation results in an explosive kiss that sets the tone for the rest of the book. Despite Venetia’s attempts to escape Quinn’s interest, the two are forced to marry when a situation arises that could potentially ruin what is left of Venetia’s good reputation. Venetia does her best to deny her attraction to Quinn even after their marriage, but Quinn’s genuine efforts to earn her regard make him difficult to ignore. When Wildes marry, they marry for love and love for life, and Quinn is determined to make their marriage work.

The Art of Taming a Rake is a romance about trust, family, and seeing people as they are. As Quinn and Venetia come to know each other, Venetia learns that not all gentlemen with wicked reputations are truly wicked, and sometimes opening your heart despite your fears can change your life for the better.