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Riveting British Romances: The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes & Boyfriend Material

8 Oct

The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes
by Amy Rose Bennett
The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes is a sweet historical romance for fans of Mary Poppins. The Parasol Academy trains nannies not only to take care of children but also self defense to foil kidnappers and how to use a little fairy magic to clean up messes. Newly graduated Emmeline Chase is excited to take on her first nanny role. As a young widow with a father in debtor prison she desperately could use the money, but she also seems genuinely excited to spend time with the children. She has a meet cute moment with the Xavier, the Duke of St. Laurence. Bennett described in her author’s note that she used her experience with family members and patrons she worked with who were neurodivergent to create a nuanced depiction of the Duke who is on the autism spectrum along with one of his wards, despite there not being a name for their condition at the time. It was charming to see how Xavier and Emmeline both are able to look past the prejudices of their time to find love with one another. Besides the romance there is an exciting subplot about sabotage of the Duke’s plans for an impressive memorial clock (what in our world is now Big Ben) and I loved the Duke’s witty raven which Emmeline is able to chat with.

Boyfriend Material
by Alexis Hall
Another British romance, though this one set in contemporary times, Boyfriend Material is probably the breakout hit for Alexis Hall, who I have been a long time fan of. It has been great seeing some of his older works getting republished to a wider audience. This novel is terrific example of why I love his writing, clever humor, well written and complex characters who manage to be charming despite being realistically imperfect. Luc is the scandalous son of two rock stars; Oliver is barrister who seems to always follow the rules. They seem to have nothing in common, which means if you love opposite attract stories than you will adore this one. Heartstopper fans should also enjoy this sweet romance. For those wanting more of Luc and Oliver there is also a sequel Husband Material you can check out and Father Material is due out at the beginning of June 2026.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Fantasies to Believe In: A Tangle of Time, Love Bites, and Pantomime

3 Sep

Check out these three terrific fantasies coming out next week!

The Hexologists: A Tangle of Time
by Josiah Bancroft
A Tangle of Time is the second in Josiah Bancroft’s fantastic Hexologist series. Set in a steampunk world where technology is slowly overtaking magic and there is waning belief in practitioners of arts like Hexology, which is magic using different symbols, (each chapter has a different hex represented at the start). But when an artist dies suspiciously after reaching out to hexologist, Isolde, for help, it will be up to her and her husband to discover the answer to what is going on and who is behind the mysterious changes in their world. This story further explores the intriguing world they inhabit and adds new and clever characters as well as revisiting some old favorites. Isolde comes closer to understanding the mystery of her missing father. There are clever spins on classic fantasy tropes as well as new and original monsters that speculative fiction lovers will enjoy. If you are missing the clever, funny writing of Terry Pratchett check this one out.

Love Bites
by Cynthia St. Aubin
Love Bites is an urban fantasy set in our modern world where things like vampire and werewolves are things of myth and legend, that is what Hanna believes until she gets a new job as an assistant to a handsome and mysterious art gallery owner. Hanna is a recent divorce and though life has gotten her down in the romance and finance department, things seem to be looking up with two handsome men (her new boss and a cop) seemingly interested in her as well as the gallery providing a steady pay check. I enjoyed Hanna’s snarky worldview and the cute interactions between her and her cats who are more children than pets. This is not a subtle novel, this a fun, over the top romp. The ending has an exciting cliffhanger which leads in to the next book in the Tails from the Alpha Art Gallery Mystery Series, Love Sucks. which will be out on October 7.

Pantomime
L.R. Lam
Pantomime is the first in the Micah Grey series set in an alternate Victorian Scotland where mysterious remnants of past inhabitants are used by those currently living there, but not fully understood. Micah was born intersex and runs away and hides with a traveling circus in order to stop the surgery that his mother was going to force upon him to have him be more fully female. A strange ghost from the past at the circus whispers that there maybe others in hiding like him with long forgotten magical powers. This sweet, gentle coming of age story slowly unfolds with flash backs between Micah’s life with the circus and his previous life as a wealthy debutant. Although written as a Young Adult novel, it has appeals for adults as well.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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