cover image Forbidden Promises

Forbidden Promises

Synithia Williams. HQN, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-335-01324-8

Williams (His Pick for Passion) makes waves with this exceptional tale of forbidden love, the first in the Robidoux Family series. Four years away have done nothing to diminish India Robidoux’s secret feelings for her sister Elaina’s ex-husband, Travis Strickland, whom she’s known since she was a teenager and with whom she once shared one perfect kiss. Travis always knew he’d married the wrong sister, but his teenage affair with Elaina left her pregnant, and he did what he thought was right. Now Travis is a high-powered lawyer helping out with his best friend, and India’s brother, Byron’s Senate race. When Byron calls India home to work for his campaign, the close proximity to Travis tests her self-control and familial loyalty. Travis doesn’t want to cause a rift between India and her family, so he attempts to conceal his feelings, but the more time they spend together, the more their desire bubbles to the surface. With skillful characterization and sizzling chemistry, Williams succeeds at capturing the allure of this taboo connection. Even skeptical readers will be hard-pressed not to root for India and Travis. Agent: Tricia Skinner, Fuse Literary. (Feb.)