Stripped

In this charming debut contemporary, first in the Happy Endings series, a laundry mix-up involving a ridiculously star-spangled sequined thong becomes the meet-cute for a male stripper and an elementary schoolteacher. When Zac Fallon moves into the apartment below Robyn Flores, it’s the perfect opportunity for her to take a walk on the wild side. He’s only in town for the summer until his troupe heads off to another city, and she plans to go back to school in the fall. They agree to a fling, never expecting that they’ll prove highly compatible inside and outside the bedroom, or that they might develop feelings for one another. Even complications involving Zac’s fellow dancers and Robyn’s jealous boss can’t dim their passion; however, their different professional ambitions may put an end to their newfound relationship. Castile delivers genuine chemistry between the leads, and her strippers strike the perfect balance between sexily risky and cuddly. The only flaw is the ending, which is fulfilling but feels a little too safe for the premise’s daring potential. Nonetheless, with well-developed characters, a satisfying romance, and a lighthearted, fast-paced story, Castile’s debut is thoroughly entertaining. Agent: Adrienne Rosado, Stonesong Literary. (Sept.)