cover image Secrets and Ink

Secrets and Ink

Lou Harper. Samhain, $4.50 e-book (130p) ISBN 978-1-61921-874-1

When Det. Nick Davies meets grocery store cashier Jem Mitchell, their mutual attraction is instantaneous and soon turns physical. Just as quickly, they discover they’ve met before: when Nick arrested Jem for prostitution. Despite this, the two can’t keep away from each other, especially after Jem is caught up in a blackmail scheme involving an up-and-coming movie star. When Jem’s former lover is murdered, Nick and Jem must discover who’s sending him threatening letters—in between intensely charged erotic encounters, of course. Harper (Hanging Loose) delivers a fast-paced romantic tale whose protagonists deal with heavy issues and undeniable chemistry. The novella doesn’t have much opportunity for digression, leading to a predictable plot focusing more on emotional conflict, sexual tension, and character development than intrigue and mystery. As erotic gay romances go, this is popcorn: light, pleasing, and gone before you know it. (Dec.)