Just Like That

McCade (The Criminal Intentions Serial) sets this modest contemporary romance at Albin Academy School for Boys, as alumnus Summer Hemlock returns after seven years away to work as an assistant for Fox Iseya, his former psychology professor. Fox, a widower, is intimidating, frosty, and full of cutting remarks, but Summer, who had a crush on Fox as a student, is determined to win him over. When Fox urges the anxious Summer to conquer his fears lest the students get the best of him, Summer responds by impulsively kissing Fox. Summer then proposes that Fox reward Summer with one kiss per day if he continues to act boldly. Fox accepts the challenge. McCade’s focus is intimate, concentrating almost exclusively on the relationship between the lovers. The eventual conflict is likewise internally motivated, as Summer must contend with his fears, while the emotionally closed-off Fox “has made an art out of running away while staying in place.” The romantic longing, themes of bravery and confidence, and moments of cozy domesticity shine in this May-December romance that, aside from some overheated sex scenes, is otherwise as restrained as its characters. This is sweet but slight. (Aug.)