cover image The Company We Keep

The Company We Keep

Mary Monroe, . . Kensington/Dafina, $15 (320pp) ISBN 978-0-7582-2551-1

In her 11th novel, Monroe (She Had It Coming ; God Don't Play ) takes on the music industry, walking in the Jimmy Choos of Teri Stewart, Eclectic Record's hardworking executive publicity director. Much to the chagrin of her best friend/assistant Nicole, Teri fills her empty social schedule with work, pounding away at projects through holidays, meals and whatever else might keep her from finishing the job. Secretly, though, Teri admits it's lonely at the top; enter handsome, influential DJ Harrison Starr. While staying on his good side is only smart business—ensuring plenty of airplay for Eclectic's artists—the chemistry between them suggests there's more than business in the couple's future. When they do get together, however, their professional roles, a cast of interesting characters (Carla, the psychic psychologist; Yvette, the social climber) and, naturally, a secret from the past may mean their happily-ever-after is more like a one-hit wonder. Swift, salty writing and steamy sex scenes will keep readers cheering for the couple, and a twisting plot will keep them turning pages. (Mar.)