cover image Caught Up in You

Caught Up in You

Jules Bennett. Zebra, $7.99 mass market (313p) ISBN 978-1-4201-3910-5

In Bennett’s lively second Monroes contemporary (after Wrapped in You), the family of adoptive siblings begins to realize their dream of opening a spa for women in Haven, Ga., in honor of their deceased sister, Chelsea. When Cora, the heiress to the Buchanan Chocolate empire, escapes her oppressive family and applies to be a masseuse at the spa, Braxton Monroe, who’s helping run the place while taking a break from his job as a history professor, agrees to a trial massage and is astonished by her healing touch before realizing she can’t see. Cora’s determination to prove her independence despite her recent blindness leads her to hide her wealth and status from her new community, and she’s afraid to let anyone get too close to her; Braxton, still suffering from his former fiancée’s betrayal, cautions himself against romantic involvement with an employee. But the chemistry between them is undeniable, and neither has the ability to fight it for long. Bennett creates appealing, amiable lovers whose genuine affection for each other convincingly conflicts with their struggles to be true to their personal goals. A fun cast of supporting characters, including bickering brothers, a newly adopted teenager, helpful girlfriends, and a guide dog, add zest to this enjoyable romance. (Dec.)