Lost Innocence

In Gallant’s well-wrought second Siren Cove contemporary (after Buried Truth), a firefighter and an artist discover how love can help them heal from past sorrows. Hunky firefighter Teague O’Dell, grieving the death of his wife, has moved from L.A. to Siren Cove, Ore., to get a fresh start with his six-year-old daughter, Keely. Nina Hutton, his beautiful new neighbor, grew up in Siren Cove and makes a living selling her paintings. Neither of them is looking for a relationship: Nina is still aching from the death of her fiancé, and Teague’s first priority is raising Keely. The initial physical attraction between them evolves into mutual respect and desire as Nina’s kindness toward the O’Dells reveals that her beauty is more than skin deep. Romantic tension intensifies when a miscommunication leads Teague to wonder whether Nina is only interested in a fling. A secondary story involving a sinister person who seems to be stalking Nina adds intensity and will keep the reader enthralled until the explosive conclusion. This satisfying installment is sure to draw new readers to the series. Agent: Dawn Dowdle, Blue Ridge Literary. (July)