Rea, Kerry. The Jewel of the Isle. Berkley. Nov. 2024. 336p. ISBN 9780593815649. pap. $19. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Emily Edwards did not expect to be broken up with halfway through a hike to train for her upcoming trip to Isle Royale National Park. Unfortunately, she can’t take a trip to the bear- and wolf-filled remote island alone, so she scours the list of tour guides that her now ex-boyfriend put together for her as a concession to abandoning her after a terrible year of grief. Ryder Fleet has very little outdoors experience since he was only in charge of the marketing side of Fleet Outdoor Adventures, yet when his late brother’s fiancé asks him to take on an unexpected guide job to help them save his brother’s precious boat, he cannot say no. Emily and Ryder are not prepared, though, for the wild ride that they will find themselves on—including a murder and a jewel heist. As they are running for their lives, they may also find that they can help each other with their grief and find love along the way. VERDICT Rea (Lucy on the Wild Side) takes readers on a delightful adventure that’s packed with action, twists, and humor in this forced-proximity rom-com. Hand to fans of Jo Segura and Sarah Hawley.—Morgan Lockard

Smith, Tiana. Mr. Nice Spy. Berkley. (My Spy, Bk. 2). Nov. 2024. 352p. ISBN 9780593550328. pap. $19. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Pyrotechnics engineer (a.k.a. fireworks designer) Andee Paxton has always been told that her biological father was a famous actor. When she decides to take a DNA test, she’s surprised by the results. Her dad is famous, but he’s not an actor. Those who read the first book in this series will remember criminal mastermind Holt. He’s back, and this time, he’s the heroine’s father and has escaped prison. The CIA wants to use Andee as bait in order to catch Holt. Enter Officer Adam Chan. Before they can execute the CIA’s plan, Holt kidnaps Andee and Chan. Soon, lines are blurred, and their fake relationship is starting to look like it might have promise. Between all the flirting, they’re racing to stop Holt and save the world. Though this can be read as a stand-alone novel, those who enjoyed The Spy and I will be happy that Adam’s getting his own story. Two unique main characters (a heroine in the engineering field and a hero with hearing loss) only add to the appeal of the story. VERDICT This second book in Smith’s “My Spy” series has it all: romance, intrigue, mistaken identity, and a race against time.—Nanci Milone Hill