Truly, Madly, Deeply

Bellefleur (The Fiancé Farce) leans gently into the opposites attract trope in this playful contemporary romance. Caitlin McCrory invites two experts to offer dating advice on an episode of her hit podcast Unhinged: her brother Colin, a divorce attorney, to take the “realist” perspective; and Truly St. James, a historical romance author, to take the “romantic” perspective. It’s terrible timing: Truly’s reeling from having just discovered her fiancé with another woman. After her parents, who she’s always looked to for romantic inspiration, tell her they’re also thinking about separating, she’s in no mood to engage Colin’s on-air teasing—and she’s very confused about the off-air flirting that follows their disastrous first meeting. As the duo repeatedly bump into each other, Truly develops an “embarrassing” crush. Though some of the subplots, including Truly goofily attempting to “parent trap” her folks’ plans and Colin’s rivalry with his twin brother, fall flat, the banter between the McCrory siblings; Truly and her bestie, Lulu; and Truly’s show-tune–obsessed parents shines. The romance itself is swoon-worthy and Bellefleur sensitively handles both protagonists’ bisexuality. The results are both incendiary and super sweet. (Apr.)