Popular Romance #12

In "My Helpless Heart," Dorie finds her quiet life upended when her sister Lil and Lil’s new husband Dave move into the family home. Though Dorie sees Dave as a brother, Lil grows uneasy, her possessiveness flaring as she watches her sister grow close to her husband. To ease the tension, Dorie pretends to have her own romantic troubles—only to find herself unexpectedly stepping into the role of protector, turning the dynamic on its head.

Joan’s sharp pride flares when John ignores her at a company picnic, sparking a bold decision: she’ll claw her way to success on her own. Rising through the ranks at Bracy department store by leveraging her charm and ambition, she climbs to acting manager—only to clash with her own choices when her ruthless profit-driven tactics backfire. Though the store’s reputation suffers, Joan finds unexpected peace in the love she never thought she’d earn.

In "Never Kiss Me!", Grace, the new librarian in a quiet town, keeps her distance from suitors—earning the nickname "lady iceberg"—until Earl, seeking help with his research, draws her out. As their connection deepens, she hides her growing feelings, claiming to be engaged to David, a war veteran said to be recovering in a hospital. When David unexpectedly arrives and reveals he’s fallen for someone else, Grace must face the truth about her own heart.