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.
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Chef’s Choice by TJ Alexander I had written previously about Chef’s Kiss by TJ Alexander. If, like me, you were a fan of the sweet romance between bisexual chef Simone and nonbinary kitchen manager Ray than you will want to check out Alexander’s second novel, Chef’s Choice, which features Simone’s charming roommate, Luna O’Shea. Luna gave up college in order to fund her transition, and is currently working as a personal assistant, that is until she is fired. She therefore jumps at the chance that French transman, Jean-Pierre, provides her to be paid to pretend to be his girlfriend and compete in a cooking challenge that will allow him to inherit his Grandfather’s culinary empire. Of course romance fans know that often pretend relationships have a way of becoming real ones; the fun is always how they develop along the way. Alexander puts some daunting challenges to overcome including differing cultural and economic backgrounds that have impacted Luna and Jean-Pierre’s world views, along with the fact that neither has the kitchen skills to whip up an elaborate multi-course meal. This is delightful treat for foodie romance fans.
Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall Alexis Hall is one of my favorite romance authors. I’ve written several posts about his works in the past. His stories tend to be sweet and funny sometimes mixing in a bit of mystery or fantasy; Mortal Follies includes a bit of all of these. Set in Bath in 1814, Maelys Mitchelmore is at a society ball when the unthinkable happens, her dress begins to disintegrate by some magical force. Lady Georgianna Landrake, nicknamed the Duke of Annadale, comes to her rescue and loans Maelys her cloak, but may have managed to steal her heart in the process. Maelys seeks out Lady Landrake’s further assistance when the curse that has been placed on her continues to unfold. Will they be able to find the culprit in time? One unique addition that helps shape the story is that it is narrated by the mischievous fairy Robin Goodfellow, who hides in the background telling us the story as it unfolds (banished from Oberon’s court he has taken up writing to support himself). Another enjoyable element is the friendship between Maelys, her cousin, and Miss Bickle, her best friend. Fans of Julia Quinn’s gossipy regency romance Bridgerton series and Gail Carriger’s Parasolverse, that mixes period society drama with fantasy elements, will enjoy this fun romp.
Wolfsong and Ravensong by TJ Klune I had previously enjoyed and blogged about TJ Klune’s three recent stand alone adult novels The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, and In the Lives of Puppets so I was curious when I saw the Green Creek series he had written, was now being republished in new hardcover editions. Each of the novels in the four book series deals with a different gay or bisexual member of a pack of werewolves in Green Creek, Oregon. The first book, Wolfsong, focuses on Ox a human boy who befriends the eccentric family that moves in near his house in the forest. He becomes particularly close friends with the youngest pack member and then as they reach adulthood their feelings evolve into something more. The second book, Ravensong, follows my favorite character in the series, Gordo, a witch whose magical tattoos including one of a raven sometimes seem to move about his body. The second novel is interesting in that it not only builds from the first novel, but it also has parts that take place during the first novel as well as flash backs. It gives an interesting depth to see incidents from different points of view. Although both are self-contained they are definitely more powerful when read as a larger whole. Both books deal with issues of consent, destiny, generational trauma, and self-determination while navigating pack dynamics. The novels have more sex and violence than his stand-alone works of fiction so if you are looking for gentler reads these might not be your jam, but for those looking for a complex mix of fantasy, bildungsroman, romance, and horror Wolfsong and Ravensong have a harmony that will resonate. The next two in the series Heartsong and Brothersong continue the adventures.
I received advanced reader copies of Mortal Follies, Chef’s Choice, Wolfsong, and Ravensong from NetGalley and the publishers to provide you with honest reviews.
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 