★Henry, Emily. Funny Story. Berkley. Apr. 2024. 400p. ISBN 9780593441282. $29. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Just weeks before Daphne’s dream wedding to her picture-perfect fiancé Peter, he abruptly leaves her for his childhood best friend Petra. Adding insult to injury, he gives Daphne one week to move out. Her job as a children’s librarian doesn’t pay much, and she doesn’t have any friends or family nearby after recently moving to be closer to Peter’s family. Blindsided and desperate, she moves in with the equally jilted Miles, Petra’s ex-boyfriend, who now has extra space in his apartment. Living with Peter’s new fiancée’s ex-boyfriend is not something Daphne ever expected. Virtual strangers, buttoned up Daphne and laidback Miles​ have nothing in common, except their mutual broken hearts. When Daphne and Miles get invited to their exes’ wedding, they decide to attend together, as a pretend couple. As the summer progresses, they become close and start to realize that their flourishing love is anything but fake. VERDICT This opposites-attract meets fake-dating plot has vividly drawn characters, emotionally charged storylines, and a beautiful small-town Michigan setting that will captivate devoted followers of Henry’s (Happy Place) work and convert new readers into ardent fans.—Migdalia Jimenez

McKinlay, Jenn. Love at First Book. Berkley. May 2024. 368p. ISBN 9780593545744. pap. $18. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

A librarian on an overseas adventure gets much more than she bargains for in this emotion-laden love story by cozy mystery writer–turned–romance novelist McKinlay (Summer Reading). Emily Allen moves to a lovely little Irish village to assist her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan, who is suffering from a severe case of writer’s block, and work in the local book shop. Of course, Siobhan’s son, who manages the store, looks like a romance novel cover model, but Em and Kiernan don’t get along initially. In many romances, their tension might feel superficial or forced, but as the story unfolds, the characters’ motivations become clear—and make a lot of sense. While the romance at the center of this novel is largely built on banter and cute situations, like Em learning to drive on the opposite side of the road and trips to the comfy local pub (“Love at First Book”), the story features some distressing plot points about illness and child abuse that may dismay readers looking for a comfort read. However, relationship-fiction fans who don’t mind a little heat will be pleasantly surprised. VERDICT This moving romance will leave readers smiling and swooning through their tears.—Jenny Kobiela-Mondor

Micciche, KJ. A Storybook Wedding. Sourcebooks Casablanca. May 2024. 304p. ISBN 9781728264752. pap. $16.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Children’s librarian Cecily Jane Allerton has decided to give up on romantic relationships and devote her time to writing a book instead. It’s something she’s always wanted to do, and finding a program that works with her schedule and gives her a scholarship seems like a gift from the universe. Cecily arrives at the program hoping to form writing friendships, but the only friend she makes is her professor, award-winning author Nate Ellis. Their friendship leads to a night of drinking, karaoke, and a kiss that could destroy Nate’s career and Cecily’s scholarship. So they get married, planning to annul their fake relationship once Cecily graduates with her MFA. Once back at school, sharing a room and a bed, their mutual attraction becomes too hot to resist. Is there a chance this fake marriage could become real, or will the lies they’re telling destroy their budding romance? VERDICT This romance from Micciche (The Book Proposal) makes outrageous situations completely believable and irresistibly interesting, while clever writing and great character development will pull readers in and keep them hooked.—Heather Miller Cover