7 books we’re loving now

Romance

Savor You by Kristen Proby “After a ho-hum week, I wanted to add some spice to my life,” says Lauren Gatcombe, FIRST senior associate editor. “So when I saw that this book combined my love of romantic comedies and the Food Network, I knew it was for me.” Mia Palazzo has put romance on the back burner for the past 10 years as she focused on her culinary career. And all her hard work has paid off now that her restaurant is about to be featured on a competition show. But when her competitor walks into her kitchen and it’s her ex-husband, Camden Sawyer, she is stunned. Will they be able to go head-to-head and ignore their past or will old flames be rekindled? “The chemistry between these two was off the charts,” raves Lauren. “And by the end, I was inspired to cook up some magic in my own kitchen!” (William Morrow, 2018; Paperback $16, Kindle $5, Nook $5)

Historical fiction

Cyrus, Prince of Persia by Alexander Jovy “After a work day full of constant emails, calls and texts…my favorite way to relax is to escape into another world,” says Alexandra Pollock, FIRST senior editor. “And this enthralling read transported me to a different time and place!” In the ancient Persian empire of Media, ruthless King Astyages has done everything he can to preserve his rule, including ridding the kingdom of the surest threat to his throne: his grandson, Cyrus. But when the fierce 25-year-old warrior comes into town years later, a battle ensues that will change the shape of history as the world knows it. “This was such a fascinating telling of the life of Cyrus the Great. Plus, I loved how the story blended action and romance,” says Alexandra. “I finished it feeling recharged—and like I had just returned from an adventure.” (Blue Sparrow, 2018; Hardcover $25, Kindle $10, Nook $10)