cover image Night Owl

Night Owl

M. Pierce. St. Martin’s Griffin, $14.99 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-1-250-05823-2

Pierce’s erotic romance trilogy opener introduces characters who are rich in flaws. Hannah Catalano is the anonymous writing partner of the mysterious Matt Sky, until they track each other down in Denver. Ignoring his own “assholery” for cheating on his traveling girlfriend, Matt acts on his attraction to Hannah and they begin an intense, kinky, sexual relationship. As the reasons behind Matt’s contradictory behavior are revealed, Hannah takes a step back, trying to decide whether she can commit to such a tumultuous relationship. Readers who aren’t put off by Matt’s derogatory dirty talk (e.g., “you’re such a slut”) will appreciate the slow, strong build of plot and romance. (July)