Back in the Game: Champion Valley, Book 2

Kern’s middling second Champion Valley contemporary (after Winner Takes All), set in a small town in Colorado, has likable, relatable protagonists but is marred by lackluster writing. Construction contractor Brandon West unexpectedly falls head over heels for Stella Davenport, his son’s dance teacher, and is smitten even after she throws up on his shoes on their first date. Brandon, 37, has endured 18 difficult years as a solo parent, and he’s ready to enjoy some time of not being intensely focused on anyone else, but Stella has him reconsidering his aversion to commitment. The two spend a lot of time trying to resist the inevitable in a most endearing way. Just as they finally give in, she gets a great job opportunity in Chicago, and Brandon refuses to leave Colorado. Kern’s uninspired prose style is the major drawback of this otherwise sweet story. Agent: Kristyn Keene, ICM. (Nov.)