Technically Yours

Former lovers are reunited in the workplace in this flawed second-chance romance from Williams (The Love Connection). Five years ago, Cord Matthews fell in love with fellow computer programmer Pearl Harris, but when Pearl was forced to choose between him and her career, she went with her head over her heart and moved away, leaving Cord heartbroken and wary of love. Now Pearl’s boss at the nonprofit OurCode, which aims to teach teens computer science, has been accused of embezzling, leaving an opening on the board of directors—and who should fill it but Cord. The pair are shocked to be reunited and try to keep each other at arm’s length—but their chemistry is undeniable. Unable to resist each other, they agree to keep their affair casual and on the down low so as not to jeopardize their careers. As old feelings reemerge and old wounds reopen, however, their fling enters rocky waters. Though the conflict feels thin, Cord is the kind of caring and supportive hero romance readers will adore. Pearl, for her part, is admirably strong and intelligent, but the intensity with which she pushes Cord away and, later, tries to control their relationship grows tiresome. This is best suited for Williams’s diehard fans. Agent: Sharon Pelletier, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Dec.)