Flirting with Forever

A woman must muster every bit of her flagging self-confidence in order to find love in Bastone’s poignant final Forever Yours romance (after Can’t Help Falling). Thirty-seven-year-old Mary Trace’s blind date, 31-year-old John Modesto-Whitford, hits a nerve when he blurts out that he thought she would be younger. Mary is devastated, but as a successful Brooklyn business owner with strong, supportive friendships, she tries to let it roll off her back—a goal that would be much easier if she didn’t keep running into John. John, a public defender, actually deeply admires Mary, but is inexperienced with women and has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth. After Mary’s boutique is vandalized, John lends a shoulder and helps her rebuild. They grow closer and come to realize what the reader will feel is obvious from the beginning: that the age difference between them shouldn’t matter. But both must work through deep insecurities before they can create a lasting relationship. Though occasionally repetitive, the romance is cute and the Brooklyn setting is lovingly rendered. This character-driven contemporary is sure to satisfy series fans. [em]Agent: Tara Gelsomino, One Track Literary. (Feb.) [/em]