cover image HOT AND BOTHERED

HOT AND BOTHERED

Susan Andersen, . . Mira, $6.99 (384pp) ISBN 978-0-7783-2021-0

A classic plot line receives a fresh, fun treatment in the final book in Andersen's trilogy (Head over Heels; Getting Lucky ) featuring hunky former Marine buddies who find love—or rediscover it—in unexpected places. A weeklong, no-last-names romance in Pensacola leaves John Miglionni with the determination to take a hard look at his life, and high-society architect Victoria Hamilton with memories of hot loving and a very real pregnancy. Now, six years later, when Victoria's younger brother, Jared, disappears the night their father is fatally stabbed, Victoria hires a detective from Semper Fi Investigations to track down Jared and prove his innocence—only to discover the PI is her long-ago lover, John. Surprise daddyhood, concern for Jared and an awareness of their disparate backgrounds delay the sexual sparks between John and Victoria, but once the fire starts, there's no putting it out. Still, John and Victoria have to work through their issues of mistrust and uncover who really killed Victoria's father before they can have a future together. John's worries about his ability to be a good father and several likable, well-developed secondary characters add depth to this zesty novel, placing it a level beyond most of its competition. Agent, Meg Ruley . (Aug.)

Forecast: This book's electric pink cover, which places heavy emphasis on the word "Hot," will stand out on the shelves like a neon sign, beckoning browsers.