Zora Books Her Happy Ever After - by Taj McCoy (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Doesn't miss a romantic beat . . . McCoy expertly crafts a well-balanced love triangle between empathetic and passionate characters--and delivers plenty of comic relief in the form of Zora's lovable matchmaking grandmother." --Publishers Weekly, Starred Review


A heart-pounding, curvy romance about an indie bookstore owner who finds herself in a love triangle when she meets the author she's had a crush on for years...and his best friend.

Zora has committed every inch of her life to establishing her thriving DC bookstore, making it into a pillar of the community, and she just hasn't had time for romance. But when a mystery author she's been crushing on for years agrees to have an event at her store, she starts to rethink her priorities. Lawrence is every bit as charming as she imagined, even if his understanding of his own books seems just a bit shallow. When he asks her out after his reading, she's almost elated enough to forget about the grumpy guy who sat next to her making snide comments all evening. Apparently the grouch is Lawrence's best friend, Reid, but she can't imagine what kind of friendship that must be. They couldn't be more different.

But as she starts seeing Lawrence, and spending more and more time with Reid, Zora finds first impressions can be deceiving. Reid is smart and thoughtful--he's also interested. After years of avoiding dating, she suddenly has two handsome men competing for her affection. But even as she struggles to choose between them, she can't shake the feeling that they're both hiding something--a mystery she's determined to solve before she can find her HEA.

Review Quotes

Paste Magazine, "Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2023"
BiblioLifestyle, "The Best 2023 Romance Books"
Your Tita Kate, "2023 Filipino Book Releases to Put On Your Radar"

"McCoy doesn't miss a romantic beat in her swoonworthy sophomore rom-com. . . . McCoy expertly crafts a well-balanced love triangle between empathetic and passionate characters--and delivers plenty of comic relief in the form of Zora's lovable matchmaking grandmother. Readers will delight in cheering on this strong heroine." --Publishers Weekly, STARRED

"McCoy imbues [Zora] with a magnetic, engaging personality; it's easy to see why Lawrence and Reid are so smitten. VERDICT In the hands of a lesser author, the love-triangle element could feel completely predictable, but McCoy capably avoids tired clichés and gives readers a new perspective on the trope. . . . [An] outstanding novel." --Nicole Williams, Library Journal, STARRED

"McCoy's romance is genuine and sexy, and Zora's drive for honesty makes her a relatable heroine. The two handsome leads are not the true scene-stealers of McCoy's novel, though--that's Granny Marion, whose suggestive quips and sage advice will keep you hooked till the last page. Romance with a perfect blend of light mystery and strong female representation." --Kirkus

"McCoy returns with another soul-satisfying romance featuring a readily relatable, curvy-where-it-counts heroine, whose care and concern for her family, friends, and community provide a bright and shining through-line for this splendidly sexy love story." --Booklist

"Listen, if you haven't read Taj McCoy's books, you are missing out on some seriously stunning love stories! Exactly the kind of representation that so many of us have been hungry for." --Jesse Sutanto, author of Dial A for Aunties

"In this mouth-watering and mysterious romance, Taj McCoy champions writers, celebrates culture, and honors womanhood... all while tempting you with the very best guilty pleasure vibes. Zora Dizon is a sweet and smart heroine who deserves every moment of her happy ever after!" --Kai Harris, author of What the Fireflies Knew

"Books, humor and two handsome men vying for bookstore-owner Zora's affections, what more can you want in a story? Zora Books Her Happy Ever After is the perfect read! It brilliantly mixes sexiness with deep emotion. Taj McCoy has done it again, and I'm anxiously waiting for her next book! --Catherine Adel West, author of The Two Lives of Sara and Saving Ruby King

"Taj McCoy delivers a love triangle that romance fans will go gaga for. . . Heartfelt, hilarious, and deliciously sexy." --Sarah Echavarre Smith, author of Faker and On Location

"A fabulous story about a driven bookstore owner who must figure out if what looks good on paper could be as amazing in the real world. I loved Zora's fierce commitment to her community, her family, and her friends, but what really sizzled was Zora's chemistry with both men as she decided which path would lead to her happily ever after. A sexy, affirming, rom-com!" --Farah Heron, Author of Kamila Knows Best

"A beautiful love letter to Washington D.C., #BlackLove, and cozy bookstores. . . . Taj McCoy serves up heart, humor, and spice that romance readers have come to expect, but she doesn't stop there. McCoy flexes her literary muscles with an added mystery that's sure to delight fans." -- Charish Reid, author of The Write Escape

"Vibrant, scrumptious, and entertaining . . . McCoy's snappy dialogue, witty banter, and sizzling love scenes tackle a tricky feat: a convincing love triangle. Zora is a fabulous and relatable main character, and get ready for the incomparable Granny Marion to steal the show every time she's on page. Washington DC's thriving literary scene is lovingly on display, the food descriptions are delicious, with laugh-out-loud and heartwarming moments mixed in. Taj McCoy is an author to watch!" --Danielle Jackson, author of The Accidental Pinup

"Delightful and perfectly paced, Zora Books Her Happy Ever After had everything I wanted: a strong, independent heroine caught in a deliciously sexy love triangle, laugh-out-loud banter, and a sassy granny to boot. Throw in the bookstore setting and all I wanted was to curl up with these characters and never leave. Simply put, this book is magic." --Allison Ashley, author of Would You Rather

"While book-loving Zora may be falling for a mystery man, it's no mystery why readers will fall in love with this book! The love McCoy has for literature, D.C. and Black women winning is as authentic as the first editions Zora collects and the two fine Black men vying for her heart. Pour yourself a drink and kick your feet up with this one because McCoy delivered!" --Lane Clarke, author of Love Times Infinity