Wow, what an incredible first month post launch! The biggest welcome to The Bookshelf at Pages & Playlist to each of you. We’re so excited that you are here, and we can’t wait to share our Forced Proximity book picks for the August book boxes.
While these two picks certainly share in the forced proximity trope, they also have similar threads in forbidden romance, steam & spice, commanding main characters, and much more (that we’ll keep zipped up so we don’t spoil you, even though we're dying to spill).
Without further ado, scroll on to see what we’re serving up in these sparkling picks for August! 🌟
Our August Fantasy Romance pick:
Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
The Bachelor meets the Hunger Games. Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart.
Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King's rule. Her only desire is to get free and pay him back for every moment of misery.
When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight when she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge.
But Lor doesn't belong in the Sun Queen Trials. She doesn't understand why she was freed, and she isn't a citizen of the Sun King's court. The other Tributes resent her presence and will stop at nothing to ensure Lor is wiped off the gameboard, permanently.
Now Lor must win, because if she loses, she dies. Or worse, she'll be sent back into the hands of the Aurora King.
You can expect:
- Morally grey characters
- “I knew you wouldn't be shy”
- Masquerade ball
Content warnings:
- Death, blood, and people killing each other
- Mention of past sexual assault (off-page)
- If there is a particular content theme that is triggering for you, we suggest doing additional research on the title to ensure your mental health.
Note: This box is not sponsored by Nisha J. Tuli.
Our August Contemporary Romance pick:
The Nanny by Lana Ferguson
A woman discovers the father of the child she is nannying may be her biggest (Only)Fan in this steamy contemporary romance by Lana Ferguson.
After losing her job and being on the brink of eviction, Cassie Evans finds herself with two choices: get a new job (and fast) or fire up her long-untouched OnlyFans account. But there are no jobs to be found, and as for OnlyFans. . . . Well, there are reasons she can’t go back. Just when all hope seems lost, an ad for a live-in nanny position seems the solution to all her problems. It’s almost too perfect—until she meets her would-be employer.
Aiden Reid, executive chef and DILF extraordinaire, is far from the stuffy single dad Cassie was imagining. She is shocked when he tells her she’s the most qualified applicant he’s met in weeks, practically begging her to take the job. With hands that make her hindbrain howl and eyes that scream sex, the idea of living under the same roof as Aiden feels dangerous, but with no other option, she decides to stay with him and his adorably tenacious daughter, Sophie.
Cassie soon discovers that Aiden is not a stranger at all, but instead someone who is very familiar with her—or at least, her body. She finds herself at a loss for what to do, given that he doesn’t remember her. As their relationship heats to temperatures hotter than any kitchen Aiden has ever worked in, Cassie struggles with telling Aiden the truth, and the more terrifying possibility—losing the best chance at happiness she’s ever had.
You can expect:
- Single dad(dy)
- “You have to be quiet”
- Dual POV
Content warnings:
- Death of a parent recounted
- If there is a particular content theme that is triggering for you, we suggest doing additional research on the title to ensure your mental health.
Note: This box is not sponsored by Lana Ferguson.
