One Hot Night: Old Port Nights, Book 1

Audra Leone, 43 and single, is determined to make her antiques shop a success on her own. Her landlord, Scott Beckett, may be an attractive, flirtatious 34-year-old former athlete, but she intends to keep their relationship strictly professional. After Scott rescues her from a couple of predicaments, Audra realizes that he is more than his tabloid image, and that she needs more in her life than just her shop. Hunter (Bending over Backwards) is completely comfortable with the limitations of the novella form. The quick pace ensures that the reader will never get frustrated with Audra’s inner conflict, even if both protagonists’ backstories could use more depth. The sex scenes are detailed but well-balanced with emotional reveals and character moments, and the relationship is based on more than lust. Fans of erotic contemporary romance will enjoy this quickie. (Jan.)