Bang on Trend

An aspiring fashion journalist falls into a tense relationship with a mysterious man in this flawed, disturbing romance from Muñoz (I Dare You to Break Curfew). Milo McLaren works as the assistant to Rebel magazine's imperious editor. When up-and-coming Japanese designer Kenji Suzuki and his hunky business partner Kazuhiko "Kaz" Yukifumi discuss Milo's good looks right in front of him in the office, assuming he won't understand their Japanese, Milo surprises them by responding in kind—and the exchange sparks Kaz's interest. When Kaz invites himself to join Milo's table at a restaurant, he witnesses Milo's first encounter with his ex-fiancée, Celeste, in a year. Milo's vulnerability ignites Kaz's protective instincts, but their subsequent attempts at dates are often interrupted by Kaz's shadowy business dealings. The couple's encounters bring out a controlling, borderline abusive Kaz, though Muñoz tries to pass off moments like him physically removing Milo from a professional event in jealousy as erotic rather than troubling. And just as Milo and Kaz begin to explore a real relationship, a jealous Kenji blackmails Milo into breaking things off. While some unexplained details tantalize for the sequel, other pieces are left frustratingly underdeveloped, and the murky consent between Milo and Kaz will turn off many readers. Even the steamy sex scenes can't save this. (June)