Cheris Hodges pairs a New York businessman and a Southern entrepreneur in her latest novel, Strategic Seduction. Comparisons between the North and South fly thick and fast, most noticeably when the pair is sampling mouthwatering food. Readers will find themselves craving a trip to Georgia just to visit the restaurants, diners and coffee shops mentioned in this smart contemporary romance.

When Alicia Michaels returns to Atlanta to launch her new PR company, she doesn’t expect to meet the man of her dreams. Especially when said man is newly divorced Richmond Crawford, a wealthy New Yorker and the brother-in-law of one of Alicia’s best friends. Both she and Richmond have plenty to prove—Richmond with his first solo hotel project for the family corporation, and Alicia with the launch of her own firm. Neither is looking for love, and both have an abundance of emotional baggage that makes them cynical and wary.

The novel’s supporting cast of characters includes a group of hilarious, successful girlfriends whom Alicia considers sisters. They worry about her dating a man who’s so recently divorced, and given the scheming nature of Richmond’s ex, it’s soon clear the friends have cause for concern. The reappearance of his avaricious ex-wife heightens the tension and further threatens the couple’s hopes for a happy ending. In the end, however, a loving future is more dependent on Alicia conquering her own insecurities than a threat from any outside force. When unexpected news shocks Alicia and Richmond, both will have to face life-changing choices before they can finally put their pasts to rest and embrace a bright tomorrow.

Lois Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington.

Alisha Rai concludes her emotional Forbidden Hearts series with a love story between an heiress struggling to live life on her own terms and her tattooed, very much off-limits crush.

Evangeline Chandler has suffered greatly trying to live up to her father’s expectations. Emotional abuse doesn’t even begin to cover it. She’s determined to make decisions for herself from now on to ensure her own happiness, which results in a beautiful, satisfying arc that unfolds alongside the romantic plot.

For years, Eve has crushed on Gabriel Hunter, though her love is seemingly unrequited. Gabe rejected her in the past and Eve has never forgotten it. Gabe is not only much older than her, but he’s also “the help,” and one of her brother’s friends. All of which are things Eve knows should keep her away. But despite Gabe’s rejection of Eve in the past, he’s been harboring his own feelings. He knows he can’t offer her the future she deserves. She has money to burn and her family’s clout and, in his mind, he’s just the son of a housekeeper. But nothing is insurmountable in romance!

When Eve and Gabe are forced together for a wedding weekend, avoiding each other becomes impossible and it quickly becomes clear there’s more chemistry between them than either previously thought. Eve’s growth as a self-assured woman is one of the best aspects of Hurts to Love You. Floundering under the opinions and expectations of others, Eve realizes that she needs to take ownership of her life, and one of the first steps to doing that is admitting her attraction to Gabe. That’s easier said than done—both are working to overcome toxic family dynamics and painful moments in their past, and are also hopelessly shy and awkward at times. But the emotional fallout of Eve shedding her shell and Gabe coming clean is balanced by how utterly helpless they are in each other’s presence.

It’s an irresistible attraction and Rai writes it seamlessly. Her ability to capture raw and realistic emotions is such a strength. Every conflict feels real and twists the reader’s heart. Every tender moment will make you sigh. Hurts to Love You is an emotional rollercoaster that you’ll want to ride again and again.

Additionally, any loose ends leftover from the previous Forbidden Hearts installments are satisfactorily resolved. While Hurts to Love You is still an amazing read on its own, the relationships and histories of books one and two add a depth that should not be missed. The only bad thing about this book is accepting that it’s the end of the series. Surely, Rai won’t deprive us of more romance for long.

Tessa Bailey returns to her Academy series with a bang in Indecent Exposure, which features a charming police trainee who can’t resist his firearms instructor’s Irish lilt.

Jack Garrett is on his way to becoming a police officer. It’s not out of duty or family history; he’s just looking for a little job security. But the charming playboy finds himself slightly over his head when he realizes the woman he had a hot make-out session with the night before is now his new firearms teacher.

Katie McCoy knows her way around a gun. She’s a master markswoman and an Olympic gold medalist to boot. Plus, her charming Irish accent has everyone taking notice. However, the last thing she needs is to start a no-strings-attached fling with her new trainee. With Jack, though, nothing goes as planned, and resistance seems to be futile.

Jack is a welcome surprise as a hero. He’s the comedic relief of his friend group and likes to keep things light and fun. It’s no secret that Jack is also quite popular with the ladies, but he has an inner depth he tries to hide. He’s OK with being used for a little “release” and being the guy people can count on for a good time. But Katie sees something more in him than just eye candy, and for someone to want Jack for more than just a primal, superficial attraction is surprisingly satisfying. This realization that he’s more than just a hot bod is incredibly sweet.

With her Olympic background and intense training, Katie is obviously a unique heroine. She’s driven, outspoken and intimidating. It’s impossible not to love her. When paired with Jack, her honesty frequently puts the sweet-talker off his game, and to see him get frazzled by her openness feels like an exciting victory for the reader. Jack uses his humor as a shield, and Katie has no problem breaking down those walls with her earnest compassion.

When you read a book by Bailey, there are two things you can always count on: sexy, rapid-fire dialogue and scorching love scenes. Indecent Exposure delivers on both fronts and is a delightful reminder of why Bailey is a favorite author for many romance readers. Though there are moments of seriousness, especially when it comes to Jack’s guarded behavior and his past, this book is just wickedly fun.

After finishing the book, the biggest complaint from readers will be that they want more. More Jack. More Katie. And definitely more from the Academy. Hopefully, Bailey won’t make us wait too long.