The Missed Connection

An impromptu kiss bonds rival academics in this fun, flirty rom-com novella from Williams (The Love Connection). When chemistry professor Gia Price shares a midnight kiss with a stranger while stranded at the airport on New Year’s Eve, she has no idea he’s the main critic of her work and she’s shocked when, months later, he becomes her colleague. Alexander Felix Ennings is as by-the-book as they come, but the straitlaced professor can’t deny his attraction to his impulsive, outspoken fellow educator. When the dean assigns them to tour peer colleges for a STEM outreach project, neither looks forward to spending two weeks traveling together, but between departure gates and baggage claims, sparks fly, and the flames of their first meeting are rekindled. Their intellectual relationship is built on challenging each other, but as Felix’s feelings grow, he softens in his assessments of Gia’s work. Gia, who works hard for her rightful place in a male-dominated profession, balks at Felix handling her with kid gloves and ends the relationship, pushing Felix to reexamine his new stance. There’s a ton of chemistry between the witty, mismatched duo, and their heated rivalry, sensual sex scenes, and snappy dialogue will surely charm readers. This is a bite-size treat. Agent: Sharon Pelletier, DG&B. (June)