Welcome to the July issue of The Romance Edit. Nothing pairs with a sunny July afternoon quite like a romance you can’t put down. Whether you’re jetting off on holiday, basking in the sunshine, or curling up in a shady spot at home, our latest collection of uplifting, swoon-worthy stories is ready to sweep you away. ☀️📚
If you’re a fan of royal romances, forced proximity and billionaire MMCs, get ready to fall head over heels for this month’s picks!
PLUS enjoy a 20% discount on all these books on our website (paperback and eBook) with code: JULYEDIT 💖
Now time to discover more about our brand-new releases from the authors who’ve written them and their Mills & Boon Editors…
Her Forbidden Royal Heir by Carol Marinelli
A few words from author Carol Marinelli…
At times we all regret our actions. Sometimes we’re just having a bad day, or the wrong button has been pushed, and we don’t show the world our best side.
When my gorgeous heroine, Liliana, steps on the crowded London underground, she’s more than a little fed up with the world and, to boot, her stilettoes are pinching. I had the perfect set-up for her meeting Sheikh Prince Rafiq of Al-Zahir and showcasing a simple sweet interaction. Or I thought that I did.
‘Please…’ A suited man stood, a very tall suited man, and gestured his hand towards the seat he had just vacated. ‘Have my seat.’
‘I’m perfectly capable of standing!’ Liliana snapped…
Oh, why don’t my characters behave?
Many times, I tell myself it would be far more efficient to plot and to work out scenes before I start to write (and I try), but for me the magic happens when my characters tell me to step back.
As Liliana silently beats herself up for going against (my) direction, and being thoroughly rude to the delicious stranger, she knows she must now apologise. As it turns out, in delivering that apology she begins to find out why this tortured hero is on a train heading nowhere. And Rafiq finds out why Liliana is having such a wretched time. It would seem that my characters do know best!
Liliana and Rafiq are sexy and beautiful when being their authentic selves and I loved that for them. I hope you enjoy them too.
– Carol
Carol’s Editor, Flo says…
I adored this book! (And I’ll never think about my commute into the office in the same way… iykyk!) Carol is a wonder at building authentic, multi-dimensional characters and showing how uniquely they fall in love, and Liliana and Rafiq are no exception. Their HEA is hard-won, utterly original and a complete delight. No notes!
– Flo
Perfect for fans of:
💸 Billionaire
👶 Accidental pregnancy
👑 Royalty
Twice Tempted by the Princess by Nina Milne
A few words from author Nina Milne…
I love writing stories with royalty and fictional kingdoms as they give such scope for escapism and a chance for me to make a world where I can make the rules (not that I like being in charge or anything like that of course!).
So this book was fun to write.
One magical night and Lorenzo was willing to risk his heart until the cold light of morning brought the truth. The beautiful stranger he’d met turned out to have neglected to tell him that she was a princess and the sister of his best friend.
Double whammy and end of story or so Lorenzo thought. Because six years later and their paths cross again. Lorenzo arrives on the island of Carathi, ready to be Prince Ashan’s best man. Liyana, now a widowed princess, desperate to prove her dedication to her country is there. To their surprise (and horror) the attraction reignites. To make matters worse Ashan asks them to arrange a private wedding ceremony for himself and his bride to be. Thrown together, the attraction spirals and despite their best intentions sparks fly, their connection grows and obstacles abound. Liyana and Lorenzo have to work out how to trust in love and each other and navigate their way to their happy ending.
– Nina
Nina’s Editor, Jenny says…
Tycoon Lorenzo shared a magical night with a captivating stranger—only to discover she was his best friend’s sister, Princess Liyana! Six years later, they’re thrown back together at her brother’s royal wedding and it’s clear the temptation simmering between them hasn’t gone anywhere… They’ve both had their faith in love rocked, but will they be able to resist a second flirtation? Nina’s latest book is every bit the gorgeously escapist, heart-warmingly romantic story you can expect from this author. With a beautiful tropical island setting and plenty of royal glamour, you won’t want to miss this one!
This is the second book in Nina Milne’s Long-Lost Rossi Siblings trilogy—make sure to pick up the rest of this brilliant series; The Bride Wore His Convenient Ring (Book 1) and Tycoon’s Tuscan Reunion (Book 3, coming soon)!
– Jenny
Perfect for fans of:
👑 Royalty
💖 Second chance
💸 Billionaire
Duke’s One-Night Heir by Sarah Rodi
A few words from author Sarah Rodi…
It was my daughter’s prom last night, and I’m still swept up in the magic of seeing all the girls in their fairytale gowns. The idea that you could be transformed into a beautiful princess, or duchess in the case of my latest romance, but be chosen for who you truly are underneath, is the ultimate goal for us romantics, isn’t it?
So if, like me, you love a Cinderella story, then Duke’s One Night Heir is the book for you! The idea for this story came to me while on holiday in Yorkshire, during a visit to Salts Mill. Imposing yet impressive, I began to imagine a hero with those same qualities – a man destined to inherit a title and vast wealth, and therefore expected to marry, and marry well.
This story should come with a warning as it begins with a spicy first chapter! The dashing son of a duke, Edward, shares an unforgettable night with Beatrice, a serving maid he meets at a cosy inn. Nine months later, Edward’s search for a bride ends when a baby is thrust into his arms in the middle of a London street. It turns out his one perfect night with Beatrice has resulted in him having a secret heir. Not willing to part mother from son, and not willing to let Beatrice out of his sight now that he has found her again, he demands that she marry him, even if their scandalous union will shock Society.
This romance brings together all my favourite tropes: forbidden love, a secret baby, a marriage of convenience and delicious forced proximity.
Sadly, I didn’t meet a dashing duke during my Yorkshire travels, but I did stay at a lovely inn, and I will be returning this summer hoping it sparks more ideas for future romances to share with you.
– Sarah
Sarah’s Editor, Jenny says…
Edward Harrington is about to inherit a dukedom. A hauntingly familiar woman thrusting a baby into his arms is a complication he doesn’t need! And yet, that’s how he learns one stolen night of passion with serving maid Bea ended with a nine-month consequence. Now looking into his son’s little face, he’s overcome with the need to claim his child. But softening the inevitable scandal means one thing—he and Bea must wed immediately!
Sarah Rodi’s latest Regency romance is steamy, emotional, heartwarming and utterly compelling. Set amidst the glamour of London’s society—and the irresistible drama of the ton—join this dreamy duke and relatable fish-out-of-water heroine as they navigate the very real romance hiding behind the veil of their convenient betrothal.
– Jenny
Perfect for fans of:
👠 Cinderella
👶 Secret baby
Their Blind Date Emergency by Kate Hardy
A few words from author Kate Hardy…
Now I’m middle aged, I really enjoy writing slightly older characters. When my editor asked me what I was planning for this one, I didn’t think I could get away with another fake fiancé book (my all-time fave trope). But then it occurred to me: I married my blind date but, in more than 110 books, I hadn’t actually written a proper blind date book! I thought that was something I ought to remedy. What could be more awkward than going on a blind date, really liking them, and then discovering that they’re your new boss…
I had a lot of fun planning dates for Dani and Simon. As the other half has retired, I co-opted him as my research assistant, just to check that the dates were romantic enough. (That Rachmaninov scene wasn’t in London, but it was glorious. And that wine bar with nice cheese – in real life, that’s our local vineyard. I just moved it indoors and about 100 miles south.) He is enjoying being my assistant – and got to go to the Romantic Novelists Association’s awards do with me this year. The edit-paw-ial assistants would also like it known that their job – to remind me when it’s time for lunch or walkies, and to sit on my feet to make sure I stay at my desk until I’ve done my quota for the day – is just as important.
– Kate
Kate’s Editor, Jenny says…
Kate Hardy is a master at writing romances that fill you with warmth and hope. Their Blind Date Emergency is no exception! When Doctor Dani’s meddling daughter sets her up on a blind date, she goes with great reluctance. But Simon is unexpectedly charming and oh-so-gorgeous. Despite herself, Dani feels the long dormant butterflies in her stomach flutter back to life. Then she starts her new job and meets the head of the Emergency Department—it’s Simon! Accidentally dating her boss is not ideal. He should be firmly off-limits now, and yet the connection between them refuses to be pushed aside… Pick up a copy to discover how they navigate their off-limits workplace romance!
– Jenny
Perfect for fans of:
💼 Workplace romance
🌃 One night
💓 Forced proximity
Don’t Miss Out!
For 20% off discount on all of these titles in paperback and eBook, use code: JULYEDIT 💗
