Whiskey Sharp: Torn

Dane’s satisfying third Whiskey Sharp contemporary (after Jagged) branches out from the close group of friends who hang out at a Seattle barbershop to follow Cora Silvera and Beau Petty. Cora’s tired of taking care of her mother, Walda, and is ready to build a life of her own. As she begins to make plans, she runs into Beau for the first time in 17 years, and they fall hard and fast for each other. Beau wants to be by Cora’s side forever, but his past with the Road to Glory cult has made it hard for him to build a lasting relationship with anyone. Dane is a whiz at crafting steamy sex scenes that feel real, hot, and intimate, and these are the book’s strongest suit. The narration sometimes drags with excessive narrative explanations and clunky descriptions, but the story is still sweet and refreshing, especially because the romance always comes first. Dane’s fans will find this a strong continuation of the series. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary. (June)