No Words

Bestseller Cabot’s third Little Bridge Island rom-com (after No Offense) tackles weightier issues than it can support but is nevertheless buoyed by its effervescent elements. Bestselling author Jo Wright thought she and fellow bestseller Will Price hit it off two years ago, so she was outraged when he belittled her books in an interview shortly thereafter. When she’s invited to the Little Bridge Island Book Festival in the Florida Keys, she only agrees because she’s assured Will won’t be there. Of course, he turns out to be an integral part of the festival, which means Jo finally has to confront him. Some elements of the plot don’t quite cohere, as the romantic arc is slow to start and then unfolds in just 24 hours. Occasional shifts into a surprisingly dark tone also detract from the charm, as when, early on, Jo momentarily suspects that Will might be grooming teenage girls. Still, witty prose, an entertaining cast of diverse characters, and a romance that’s enchanting once it actually develops mean this mostly playful escape is sure to please the author’s fans. Agent: Laura Langlie, Laura Langlie Literary. (Sept.)