Winner Takes All

Kitt (Fearless Men) explores the complications of interracial dating in this steamy but uneventful romance. Multiracial Black woman Jean Travis often struggles to sort out who actually wants to date her versus those who just see her as exotic. But race is the furthest thing from her mind when Patrick Bennett, her white high school crush, wins the lottery and Jean is tasked with presenting him with his prize on behalf of the mayor’s office, her employers. Despite the life-changing circumstances under which the pair reconnect, the second chance romance that follows is remarkably low-key. The only threats to Patrick and Jean’s budding relationship are Jean’s insecurities about interracial dating and some minor complications with Patrick’s newfound wealth. Though Kitt’s mellow story offers plenty of pleasant escapism, readers will likely grow frustrated that Jean seems to exist solely to help Patrick adjust to being a multimillionaire; her own career ambitions and emotional struggles take a backseat to his. Still for fans of breezy romances with plenty of heat, this will be just the right kind of fluff. Agent: Lisa Vance, Aaron M. Priest Literary. (Apr.)