and suppressed longings of mistreated
women, updating Austenian sensibilities
for the 21st-century reader.
COMICS
Boundless
Jillian Tamaki (Drawn & Quarterly)
Tamaki explores the intersection of
identity, technology, and memory in this
remarkable short story collection that
captures modern life’s wry ambivalence.
People in these tales deal with obstacles
both quotidian—bedbugs, less-than-clear skin—and fantastic—a woman
who shrinks to nothing and a mysterious, haunting music album. The
shifting art styles are grounded by laser-focused storytelling.
The Hunting Accident:
A True Story of Crime and Poetry
David Carlson, illus. by Landis Blair (First
Second)
Forced to confess to his son that he has
A book of poetry that explores themes such as
femininity, sexuality, weakness, strength,
addiction, power, and profanity.
"A noteworthy
addition to modern
poetry by a gifted
poet with an original
voice and unique
style.”
-NY Literary Magazine
See More At
juliacirignano.com
ISBN# 978-1548228972
ROMANCE/EROTICA
An Extraordinary Union
Alyssa Cole (Kensington)
In Cole’s impressive Civil War–era
romance, Malcolm McCall, a white man,
and Elle Burns, a black woman, develop
a dangerous mutual attraction while
spying for the Union. Cole is
unsparing when depicting the
racism and sexism that both
terrify Elle and allow her to
pass almost unnoticed in a
wealthy Rebel household;
white society’s casual disregard for her is balanced by
Malcolm’s deep respect for her
knowledge, skills, and
bravado.
Positively Pippa
Sarah Hegger (Zebra)
Hegger’s utterly delightful first Ghost
Falls contemporary is what other
romance novels want to grow up to be.
Alongside the tale of two warm-hearted
friends who cheerfully decide to act on
their longtime mutual attraction is a
thoughtful, sympathetic examination
of all the pressures of modern life,
including being (in)famous on social
media, caring for aging relatives, contending with addiction and associated
shame, and balancing conflicting careers
and ambitions.
Souljacker
Yasmine Galenorn (Diversion)
Lily, a reclusive 600-year-old succubus, is pulled into the larger paranormal community when a politically
popular weretiger is killed in her one-woman brothel. Help comes from an
unexpected source: chaos demon Archer,
who reaches her emotionally in a way that
few have managed. Galenorn’s crackling
mix of paranormal mystery and erotic
romance boasts a layered, complex plot
that rewards multiple readings.
Under Her Skin
Adriana Anders (Sourcebooks Casablanca)
Anders’s riveting contemporary debut
explores the aftereffects of trauma, here
depicted in physical form. Uma’s ex-
boyfriend covered her body with
unwanted tattoos. Fleeing, she finds a
menial job, a clinic offering free tattoo
removal, and a neighbor, Ivan, who
exudes safety. Ivan’s own scars are emo-
tional but no less real. Kindness and
trust infuse this romance,
encouraging readers to believe
in hope even after torture and
terror.
You May Kiss the Bride
Lisa Berne (Avon)
Debut author Berne’s
Regency romance sparkles with
wry, subtle wit. The wealthy
Penhallows have always married for duty, not love, but stuffy Gabriel
Penhallow’s magnetic attraction to fiery,
penniless Livia Stuart upends his plans.
Berne smoothly works in social commentary on quack medicine and boorish men
while championing the righteous rage
