Humorous fiction

Book SynopsisOne of the New York Times’ Best Romances of 2023.From Emma Barry comes a clever romance about a hot veterinarian and a chicken-loving influencer who can’t help but ruffle each other’s feathers.Nicole Jones needs a fresh start. “Chick Nic” to millions of internet fans, the social media star and her flock of chickens bask in the spotlight—until she’s publicly dumped by a YouTuber for clout. She has no choice but to round up her birds and move on.But when one of her hens has an emergency, Nic gets her first taste of her new stomping grounds—and it isn’t good. Veterinarian Will Lund is wildly attractive, yes, but he’s also surly. In fact, he comes right out and calls her a menace for parading her chickens on social media.As neighbors, Nic and Will can’t exactly avoid each other. Then again, maybe they don’t want to. The two can’t deny their smoldering attraction, and it isn’t long before late-night confessions lead to backyard shenanigans.Is this the start of a neighborly relationship—or could something more be hatching?

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Chick Magnet comes a heartfelt friends-to-lovers story about what can happen when a funny guy and his childhood best friend are stuck together in a small New York City apartment.Sam can?t escape the smash hit ?Lost Boy? because, well, he is the lost boy. His pop-singer ex immortalized him in a song about his childish ways, and now his comedy career is on the line.At least he still has Bree, his best friend and confidante. Bree has always been there for Sam, but she?s never revealed her biggest secret: she?s in love with him. To help herself move on, Bree applies for her dream job across the country?and doesn?t say a thing to Sam.But as Sam tries to resuscitate his career, he turns to Bree for support?and maybe more. In the confines of her tiny apartment, they share a different dynamic. A charged dynamic. But she?s his friend. He can?t be falling for her.Except he is.Are his feelings for Bree just funny business? Or is their smoldering attraction the real deal?

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Book SynopsisFalling in love can be complicated—especially when you’ve already broken up. Ellie Shaw loves love. Unfortunately, she’s also an expert in break-ups. When a friend needs help with her ‘too nice to dump’ boyfriend, Ellie agrees to help. What she doesn’t expect is for American Dan to be kind, caring, to love dogs and look like a Disney hero. In other words, completely too good to be true. She lets him down with grace and, encouraged by her friends, sets up Softer Landings, offering kinder, gentler break-ups. A year later American Dan reappears in her life. With a new girlfriend. One who also decides he’s not the one for her. The team hatch a plan to let Dan down easy, but while Ellie attempts to lead him gently away, real sparks start to fly. There’s just one big problem she can’t ignore. Can Ellie reveal that their romance is the result of an elaborate con without it feeling like a huge betrayal? Or is she about to star in the most awful dumping of all time?

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Book SynopsisFrom Kelly Siskind comes a slow-burn romantic comedy about one man?s creative attempt to win back his high school sweetheart after a change in fortune gives them a second chance at love.Growing up, I had it all?my art, close friends, a gorgeous girlfriend who owned my heart?but then my life exploded.Turns out my father was laundering money, and my whole family got shoved into witness protection. No notice. No chance to explain. I was ripped away from beautiful, blue-eyed Delilah Moon, shattering both our worlds.A decade later, fate has given us a second chance.The cartel my father worked for has been wiped out. I?ve returned to my hometown, determined to win back the love of my life. But Delilah is engaged.Or?is she?I?m almost positive she?s lying about her fiancé to protect her heart. Which means I need to up my game.I?ve made a list of fifty ways to prove we?re meant to be. Except Delilah?s barely looking at me, never mind swooning. I have a feeling my disappearance scarred her more than she?s admitting, and no one in town will tell me what happened?

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Book SynopsisIn this hilarious and heartfelt story from the bestselling author of Dry Hard, Will hasn’t seen his rock-star dad for thirty years. But now he’s back for an encore… Will Fairweather is getting old. His back aches, his bowels misbehave if he eats spicy food and he’s completely lost his sense of rhythm. Life has taught him not to take risks, but even that hasn’t stopped his marriage hitting the rocks too. The last thing he needs is a surprise call from Red Fairweather, devil-may-care rock god—and the father Will hasn’t seen for thirty years. If Will’s old before his time, Red’s the boy who won’t grow up. When Will needs somewhere to live, with nowhere else to turn, he finds himself back with the hellraiser who deserted his family. As Will tries to come to terms with the downward spiral of his life, he starts to realise there’s more to Red than he thought—there’s a real human being under all that leather and attitude, a dad determined to make up for lost time and help his son get back on track. Can Will make his peace with a father seeking forgiveness?

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Book SynopsisOpposites don’t just attract—they ignite—in a flirty against-all-odds romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Lauren Landish.Wyatt Ford hightailed it out of Cold Springs to get away from his influential family and the unwanted privilege that came with it. Returning for his brother’s wedding dredges up every reason he left. One unexpected bright spot: a curvy knockout who slings burgers, hustles pool…and hates the last name Ford.Hazel Sullivan is fiercely independent and happy to be maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding, but she isn’t looking for romance. Especially not with a man whose family is dividing her town into a battleground with their development plans. Fighting the family is easy. Fighting Wyatt? Not so much. Why does the enemy have to be so drop-dead gorgeous?The sparks that fly between Hazel and Wyatt might start out as combat, but one kiss and it’s total surrender. How is a happy ever after even possible for two people with so little in common? Except, of course, for an overwhelming attraction and that growing temptation to say “I do” themselves.

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Book SynopsisThree grown women find escape and camaraderie on sorority row in a delightfully exhilarating novel about fresh starts, whether you want them or not, by New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster. How fast can charity fundraiser CeCe Barclay’s unimpeachable society life come tumbling down? One minute she’s speaking before Chicago’s glitterati. The next, her financier husband is wanted for embezzlement. Her assets seized and her fall mortifyingly public, CeCe grasps for refuge—and employment—as a sorority housemom at Eli Whitney University, her daughter Hayden’s alma mater. Tasked with preparing a stately—but in CeCe’s estimation shabby—house for rush, CeCe isn’t the only one navigating a new life. Janelle Smith’s last experience as a housemother was at a Jersey strip club, where she witnessed a mob hit. To keep her safe until trial, WITSEC finds her a new identity and a housemom position on Eli Whitney’s sorority row, where Janelle’s conflict mediation and tolerance for high estrogen levels make her a star employee. For Hayden, a barista at a hopelessly hip off-campus café, the goal is to flee everything Barclay: the money, the scandals, and the exasperating family nonsense. What next? Though CeCe’s not ready to sell her Chanel bag, she’s open to reinvention. Hayden might even admit she needs help in her new independent life. And Janelle’s due for a personal triumph. But big challenges loom between the alabaster columns of Eli Whitney, unexpected and dicey enough to bring them all together—if only to keep them from falling completely apart.Trade Review“[A]n intriguing and compelling tale with complex characters…look[ing] at the sisterhood formed in sororities that extends to those who work in, and around, them.” —Kirkus Reviews “The book shines in its emphasis on the power of women having each other’s backs and rooting for one another. This novel is a witty, wild ride and an overall gripping read with unforgettable, wholesome moments.” —Booklist “Scathingly witty.” —The Boston Herald “Witty and hilarious…Jen Lancaster is like that friend who always says what you’re thinking—just 1,000 times funnier.” —People “No matter what she’s writing, it’s scathingly witty and lots of fun.” —Publishers Weekly “Hilarious.” —InStyle “Witty, bitingly funny, and even thought provoking.” —The Book Chick “Jen Lancaster is like a modern-day, bawdy Erma Bombeck.” —Lisa Lampanelli, New York Post

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Three grown women find escape and camaraderie on sorority row in a delightfully exhilarating novel about fresh starts, whether you want them or not, by New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster. How fast can charity fundraiser CeCe Barclay’s unimpeachable society life come tumbling down? One minute she’s speaking before Chicago’s glitterati. The next, her financier husband is wanted for embezzlement. Her assets seized and her fall mortifyingly public, CeCe grasps for refuge—and employment—as a sorority housemom at Eli Whitney University, her daughter Hayden’s alma mater. Tasked with preparing a stately—but in CeCe’s estimation shabby—house for rush, CeCe isn’t the only one navigating a new life. Janelle Smith’s last experience as a housemother was at a Jersey strip club, where she witnessed a mob hit. To keep her safe until trial, WITSEC finds her a new identity and a housemom position on Eli Whitney’s sorority row, where Janelle’s conflict mediation and tolerance for high estrogen levels make her a star employee. For Hayden, a barista at a hopelessly hip off-campus café, the goal is to flee everything Barclay: the money, the scandals, and the exasperating family nonsense. What next? Though CeCe’s not ready to sell her Chanel bag, she’s open to reinvention. Hayden might even admit she needs help in her new independent life. And Janelle’s due for a personal triumph. But big challenges loom between the alabaster columns of Eli Whitney, unexpected and dicey enough to bring them all together—if only to keep them from falling completely apart.

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Book SynopsisShe sparkles. He growls. Baring their true feelings could be the start of a wild love story?or the end of it?in a sexy romantic comedy by a USA Today bestselling author.One spilled glass of wine and bridesmaid Ensley James is ejected from a country club wedding in the rain. Ensley looks on the bright side. That would be her longtime crush Drew Daniels. The moody, broody, skin-pricklingly sexy groomsman is tossed out with her. Waiting out a hot spring storm in a cozy shed for two, it?s time for Drew?s confession: he?s strictly a one-nighter. Ensley?s dare? Give her three date nights and see where it goes.A veterinarian like Drew is great when it comes to puppy love, but he has his reasons for his rules about women: no true feelings, just flings. So why agree to Ensley?s three-date challenge? Easy. Miss Ray of Freaking Sunshine is absolutely irresistible. Night after night, Ensley and Drew can?t ignore the heat, the growing intimacy?and the unexpected complications. Drew?s walls may be crumbling, but Ensley?s still at risk of being another tryst.Especially with Ensley?s final confession. This one could be their rockiest challenge yet.

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Book SynopsisIn a breathtaking island paradise, it?s easy for a handsome local and a sexy tourist to get swept away in a tart and tempting romance by a USA Today bestselling author.A destination wedding on La Jarra Island for Tillie James?s sister has its drawbacks: hair-wrecking ocean spray and pincher crabs. And its perks: sexy, hotheaded beachfront bartender Gabe Landers, who brings out the competitive streak in fellow drinkslinger Tillie. When the rivals get together for a cocktail-making challenge, the blend is pure bliss, leaving them shaken and stirred.The spirited blue-eyed tourist from Georgia makes Gabe?s head spin faster than his signature drink, the mermaid sunrise. But he?s determined not to obsess?out-of-towner love stories never last. Tillie agrees. They?ll just enjoy each other for now and make a clean break. No strings. No attachments. No chance. But when Tillie?s kiss goodbye comes with an invitation for Gabe to visit Atlanta, he can?t resist. As fate has it, it?s home to a heartbreaking piece of his own past.As Tillie and Gabe face new challenges, destiny could tear them apart?or turn an intoxicating romance on the rocks into more than they ever expected.

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Book SynopsisIn a sizzling romance that sparkles with wit and depth, two wounded souls meet by chance in the desert and agree to get married, and their lives will never be the same.On a normal day, Emmaline Darling isn?t a car thief. She?s just a simple girl who runs a bookstore and adores cats. But when she?s stranded in the desert and needs to get away from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, she picks her only option: swiping the keys to a famous football player?s Lamborghini and speeding away.Football star Graham Harlan is in chaos. First he took a hit on the field that left him with a near-death experience, and now he?s promised his brother he?ll get married to secure the family inheritance. Trouble is he isn?t even seeing anyone.Then a mystery woman steals his car. With his usual stubbornness, he tracks her all the way to Manhattan and gives her an ultimatum: marry me or I?ll press charges.Her choice is obvious, only neither of them expect the sparks that ignite between them.As the end of their arrangement looms, will Graham take a chance on love or let his darling walk away forever?

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Book SynopsisBest of friends with benefits?and more in common than they ever expected?in a funny and sexy romance by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Landish.Wren Ford is the city attorney for Cold Springs?a job she takes seriously. Good thing she has a great form of stress relief: a friends-with-benefits arrangement with the well-muscled and very attentive construction worker Jesse Sullivan. Wren?s heart secretly craves more, but how can she fess up her feelings to a man who doesn?t want to get tied down?Jesse is head over heels in love with Wren, but he can?t picture a happily ever after. What would an attorney and out-of-his-league goddess want with him? Especially when a flirty, cocky lawyer who screams money and power shows an interest in Wren.As a scandalous high-profile split escalates from name-calling to corporate takeovers, Wren and Jesse must team up to find a way to protect the people and the town they love. And everyone in Cold Springs is rooting for them to figure out that maybe, against all odds, they?re made for each other.

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Book SynopsisA New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice[Lau's] gift for writing accumulative insanities creates the same dizzying effect as a good cleaning. —Alexandra Tanner, The New York Times Book Review“A dissociative meditation on a world that has come to feel increasingly meaningless . . . [Lau's] prose combines the languid torpor of Michael Bible with the unease of Yoko Ogawa's more macabre work. ―Declan Fry, The GuardianA black comedy workplace thriller set in a sprawling indoor shopping mall about a cabal of low-wage workers who plot violent acts of “resistance” against their managers.In the suburb of Par Mars stand a pair of identical shopping centers, each with the same harsh, fluorescent lights, climate-controlled environment, and monotonous encounters between employees and shoppers. Reviving an ancient Chinese ritual passed down by her mother, twenty-four-year-old Leen has opened an ear-cleaning and massage studio in the Topic Heights Shopping Center. But the social fabric of Par Mars is coming loose, and a quiet unrest is growing among the mall’s low-wage workers as store managers begin to fall victim to increasingly brutal and spontaneous attacks. When Leen befriends Jean Paul, a pharmacist enmeshed in a cryptic online community, she finds herself embroiled in a troubling plot to disrupt the routines of the town’s banal consumer culture. With fierce intellect, sharp wit, and original prose, Jamie Marina Lau interprets and vividly portrays the everyday violence and toil of contemporary working life. Encapsulating millennial ennui and middle-class boredom, Gunk Baby is an inventive and deliberate novel from a fresh, new, exciting voice.

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Book Synopsis“A delicious escape.” —People Love is in the salty sea air in this smart and steamy ensemble romantic comedy set in a tropical paradise, from the author of the “sparkly and entertaining” (Oprah Daily) It Had to Be You. This is one island you won’t want to be rescued from.The Kellys are messy, loud, loving Australians. The Lees are sophisticated, aloof, buttoned-up Americans. They have nothing in common…except for the fact that their daughters are married. When a nearby volcano erupts during their short vacation to a remote tropical island off the coast of Queensland, the two families find themselves stranded together for six weeks. With only two island employees making up the rest of their party, everyone is forced to question what—or who—they really want. Island Time is a sumptuous summer read that dives deep into queer romance, family secrets, ambition, parenthood, and a bird-chasing bromance. This sexy, sun-soaked paradise of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforest will show you it’s never too late to change your destiny.Trade Review"An absolute delight! Georgia Clark is revolutionizing the romantic comedy and she simply gets better with every single book." -- Jo Piazza, bestselling author of WE ARE NOT LIKE THEM"Lush, evocative, and full of surprises. Clark has done it again, a novel brimming with her signature wit as well as captivating insights on family dynamics and the nature of true love." -- Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of THE MAGNOLIA PALACE“Majestic. Clark is the queen of rom-coms with humor, heart, and sex appeal!" -- Hannah Orenstein, author of MEANT TO BE MINE"An absolutely magical read about love in all its forms. I couldn’t put it down." -- Kate Spencer, author of IN A NEW YORK MINUTE"ISLAND TIME is a tribute to love in all its forms, at every stage of its life-cycle, in all its messy glory. It's exactly the vacation I needed." -- TJ Alexander, author of CHEF'S KISS"A beautiful exploration of life and love that tugs on all the heartstrings. ISLAND TIME is gorgeously rendered. An escapist read not to be missed." -- Angie Hockman, author of SHIPPED“[A] fun, steamy rom-com about finding love in unexpected places… a feel-good sapphic love story ideal for armchair travelers.” * Publishers Weekly *"Clark’s steamy comedy set on an island off the coast of Australia is just the escapist read you need." * Autostraddle *“[S]atisfying... For fans of the character-driven, slyly funny work of Liane Moriarty and Jennifer Weiner.” * Booklist **The Best Beach Reads Coming Out in Time for Summer 2022* * Zibby Owens, KatieCouric.com *"Queer romance, family secrets and ambition abound in this summery story." * PureWow, "10 Books We Can't Wait to Read in June" *

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Book SynopsisA Goodreads Most Anticipated Romance A heartwarming novel about hope after loss as a young widow receives mysterious messages of love from the ?must-buy author? (Jodi Picoult) of Eight Perfect Hours.Sparkly and charming Natalie Fincher has it all?a handsome new husband, a fixer-upper cottage of her dreams, and the opportunity to tour with the musical she?s spent years writing. But when her husband suddenly dies, all her hopes and dreams instantly disappear. Two and a half years later, Natalie is still lost. She works, sleeps (well, as much as the sexually frustrated village foxes will allow), and sees friends just often enough to allay their worries, but her life is empty. And she can only bring herself to play music at a London train station?s public piano where she can be anonymous. She?s lost motivation, faith in love, in happiness?in everything. But when someone begins to mysteriously leave the sheet music for her husband?s favorite songs at the station?s piano, Natalie begins to feel a sense of hope and excitement for the first time. As she investigates just who could be doing this, Natalie finds herself on an unexpected journey toward newfound love for herself, for life, and maybe, for a special someone.

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