cover image A Touch of Temptation

A Touch of Temptation

Julie Blair. Bold Strokes, $16.95 trade paper (288p) ISBN 978-1-62639-488-9

Blair (Making a Comeback) goes a little heavy on the drama in this contemporary romance, but the characterization is top-notch, with emotional beats tied heavily to the increasing erotic entanglement of the leads. Lawyer-to-be Kate Dawson goes to stay in her grandmother's cabin for several months while she studies for the bar exam. To her surprise, she befriends her neighbor, butch landscaper Chris Brent. Kate is straight and feminine, with a longtime boyfriend; Chris doesn't have a femme bone in her body, and likes her flings without attachment. What starts as a bonding over classic movies soon opens the door for more, and Kate's curiosity and a mutual attraction lead to an intense relationship, with Kate realizing she's not so straight after all. With her sexual awakening comes a new appreciation for carnal pleasures, and Chris is all too happy to oblige. But given the disapproval of Kate's mother and Chris's own aversion to love, readers will wonder just how they'll find their own screwball romantic comedy ending. This is a sizzling, satisfying romance that hits the spot. (May)