Borrowed Heart

This charming contemporary by the prolific Grey (Buried Passions) opens with Robin, an American tour guide in Germany, recovering from a broken heart after being dumped by his ex, Mason. Robin is also still adjusting to a literal heart transplant that left him with scars and devastated his self-image. When Johan, the tour’s hunky bus driver who likes to sleep in the nude, has to share a room with Robin, there is a potential for romance. But Robin’s self-doubts keep him from seeing how perfect Johan is. Just as their relationship starts looking up—after some fun at a water park—Mason joins the tour in progress and gives Robin grief. While Johan makes Robin feel safe and secure, Mason engages in some suspicious behavior that causes trouble. The thin plot functions as an excuse for travelogue scenes and romantic moments, as well as chats about living life to the fullest and the benefits of second chances, and Grey’s breezy style makes it all go down smoothly. Fans of destination romances will find this one perfectly fits the bill. (Mar.)