Break of Day

Madison’s uplifting sequel to Just This Night returns to the News 9 San Diego TV newsroom with another workplace romance and some unexpected twists and turns. Piper Strong’s childhood was painful; she survived her sibling dying and her alcoholic mother abandoning her to foster care. But Piper works hard, motivated to succeed despite her rough upbringing, and she’s climbed the ladder at News 9, ultimately becoming a producer for meteorologist Asher Anderson, the station owner’s slick, gorgeous, and entitled son. As their physical attraction heats up, Piper holds back from Asher, worried the romance will threaten her job, especially since Asher’s iron-fisted, controlling mother isn’t her biggest fan. Asher’s family relationships are complex; he has been manipulated into liaisons and a career by his mother, and he’s forced to carry a life-changing secret. Madison delves carefully into Piper and Asher’s struggles with their damaged families and a crushing phobia, deftly portraying two strong individuals who are determined to cut familial strings if necessary and live life on their own terms. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary. (Aug.)