Hearts on Hold

Starred review from January 27, 2020
A straitlaced African-American professor learns about love and spontaneity from a laid-back white librarian in this sexy, effortless contemporary romance from Reid (The Write Escape). Dr. Victoria Reese thrives on order, which is why working with disorganized John Donovan to create an internship program between Pembroke University and the Farmingdale Public Library is going to be a struggle, no matter how handsome and charming she finds him to be. When John casually proposes they engage in “a sordid affair,” Victoria responds by suggesting a strictly scheduled three-week romantic escapade. John agrees to abide by her schedule for the first week, but believes he’ll be able to convince her to do things his way after that. Reid shows off her gift for hilarious dialogue through her protagonists and the whimsical supporting cast, including John’s mother and stepmother, who have become best friends, and Victoria’s fanciful friends. Victoria’s strained relationship with her own mother adds conflict, but John’s patient support keeps the external drama from overpowering the romantic story line. Readers will adore this addictive romance. Agent: Saritza Hernandez, Corvisiero Literary.

February 1, 2020

Dr. Victoria Reese thrives on always having a plan. As a black woman, she stands out among the English professors at the prestigious Pembroke University. The department chair may not respect or support her, but she's confident about her new idea for a program that partners students with work experience at the public library. What she didn't plan for was that the head children's librarian helping her create the program would be a laid-back, gorgeous man with long hair and tattoos. John Donovan is extra busy right now as the caretaker of his 12-year-old niece while her mom is in Europe for a few months for work, but he knows that finding time for the professor is worth it, especially time in a nonprofessional capacity. He proposes an affair. Victoria craves the physical release with him, but she isn't ready when her heart gets involved. VERDICT The sex is exciting and sometimes risqué (getting it on in a public greenhouse!), but the more satisfying and well-developed elements are the examination of identity and the importance of supportive friends. Reid's latest (The Write Escape) is a win for readers who desire steam and substance.--Jenna Friebel, Oak Park P.L., IL

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2020

Dr. Victoria Reese thrives on always having a plan. As a black woman, she stands out among the English professors at the prestigious Pembroke University. The department chair may not respect or support her, but she's confident about her new idea for a program that partners students with work experience at the public library. What she didn't plan for was that the head children's librarian helping her create the program would be a laid-back, gorgeous man with long hair and tattoos. John Donovan is extra busy right now as the caretaker of his 12-year-old niece while her mom is in Europe for a few months for work, but he knows that finding time for the professor is worth it, especially time in a nonprofessional capacity. He proposes an affair. Victoria craves the physical release with him, but she isn't ready when her heart gets involved. VERDICT The sex is exciting and sometimes risqu� (getting it on in a public greenhouse!), but the more satisfying and well-developed elements are the examination of identity and the importance of supportive friends. Reid's latest (The Write Escape) is a win for readers who desire steam and substance.--Jenna Friebel, Oak Park P.L., IL

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.