One Warm Winter

Pope artfully weaves unresolved threads from Mostly Sunny into a superbly paced love story full of flirtatious humor, genuine passion, and a touch of intrigue. Wynter Bates lives a purposely quiet life, but when her adoptive father, tech billionaire Warren Bates, runs for president, an illicit affair in his past makes front-page news and raises questions about whether Warren is actually Wynter’s biological father. Cullen Whelan, Wynter’s bodyguard, knows she’s a good person who doesn’t deserve to be hounded by the media. He whisks Wynter away to his home and found family on the island of St. Thomas to outrun the frenzy. Shared secrets and sultry nights weaken Cullen’s resolve to keep things professional with Wynter, and the pair give in to temptation. Wynter slowly coaxes an overprotective Cullen to accept that he also needs care and support, even as they prepare to confront Wynter’s past. Pope’s signature wit won’t disappoint readers as her delightfully well-matched couple overcome deep emotional scars to find love. Agent: Emmanuelle Morgen, Stonesong Literary. (Apr.)