To Be Loved by You

Starred review from October 11, 2021
Robert’s sensational second Dark Olympus romance (after Neon Gods) pairs social media influencer Psyche Dimitriou with hired gun Eros in a thrilling struggle against the forces that rule the futuristic, dystopian city of Olympus. When Psyche impulsively helps Eros, the son of her mother’s rival, Aphrodite, clean himself up after a hit job, a paparazzi shot of the two together sparks speculation of their involvement. The evil, image-conscious Aphrodite, a powerful politician, can’t abide the rumors and demands Psyche’s heart on a platter (literally). But Eros devises a way to protect her from his mother’s wrath: through marriage. If Psyche is his bride, his mother can’t touch her. The sham match quickly gives rise to sizzling sex scenes and genuine emotions, leaving Eros ready to protect Psyche with his life. Eros makes a complicated hero; his willingness to knock off his mother’s foes is off-putting, but, like a fairy tale prince awakened by a kiss, this tortured soul allows love to transform him. Meanwhile, plus-size Psyche’s conviction, feistiness, and passion will inspire and empower readers. Cameos from the first installment’s lovers will delight fans, while the steamy, fast-paced story will have new and old readers alike turning the pages as quickly as possible. This satisfies on every level. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary.

November 8, 2021
Burns delights with her uplifting sixth Rescue Me romance (after Head over Paws), featuring yoga teacher Ava Graham, social worker Jeremy Washington, and a host of adorable four-legged friends in need of forever homes. Still recovering from a painful divorce, Ava lives with her sister, supports herself by selling real estate while building her yoga practice, and volunteers at High Grove Animal Shelter in her spare time. It’s at the shelter’s daylong “dog wash” event that Ava meets Jeremy, who runs a day program for at-risk teens, hoping to offer them the resources he lacked growing up in an abusive home. After escaping a destructive marriage to a fellow alcoholic, Jeremy considers himself too broken to be capable of a healthy relationship, despite being eight years sober. But Ava, who trusts her intuition about their compatibility, gently wends her way into Jeremy’s heart, teaching yoga to his students, helping him rescue feral kittens, and returning the doting affection of his dog, Rolo. While Burns’s plot does not shy away from life’s difficulties, the story still brims with kindness, hope, and a stalwart belief in second chances for both humans and animals. This gentle romance will please Burns’s fans and new readers alike. Agent: Jessica Watterson, Sandra Dijkstra Literary.