Tack & Jibe

This charming romance from Suzanne (the Spotlight series) explores the world of sailboat racing in the idyllic Outer Banks of North Carolina. At 22, Willa Rogers lives in her grandparents’ Porter Island beach cottage with her laid-back roommate, Bodhi, works at Bodhi’s moms’ sailing store, and allows her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers to believe she’s an accomplished sailor even though that couldn’t be further from the truth. When a world-class regatta comes to town, everyone expects Willa to enter. Desperate, she seeks lessons from recently retired champion sailor Lane Cordova, who agrees to teach her if Willa will promote Lane’s real estate business on social media. Lane is 14 years Willa’s senior, prickly, and defensive—and Willa quickly falls in love. A series of misunderstandings lead both Willa and Lane to believe the other is involved with Bodhi, until they finally admit their feelings for each other. But Lane’s parents, who don’t know she’s interested in women, and a massive storm on the horizon may ruin their happily-ever-after. Suzanne has done their homework on sailing, and the flawed heroines are both honest and heartwarming. This light, beachy novella is a must-read for anyone who enjoys queer romance. (July)