One Night with You

An uptight mayor falls for a driven property developer in Whelan’s gentle second Dorseys of Conception Bay romance (after Stuck with You). Cheramie Johnston has lived in small-town Conception Bay, Wash., for 15 years while caring for her grandmother, Mae, and steps up to fill in as the town’s interim mayor after Mae’s death. Her overbearing socialite mother does not approve, going behind her back to arrange a socially advantageous marriage between Cheramie and a Boston blue blood she’s never met. Cheramie doesn’t see a way around her mother’s scheming—but she’s determined to at least no longer be a virgin on her wedding night. She indulges in a night of passion and exploration with a Seattle stranger—and she’s shocked when her one-night stand turns out to be the developer who’s signed on to revitalize Conception Bay’s neglected waterfront, wealthy single father Deacon Dorsey. Cheramie and Deacon’s chemistry is instant and intense, but Cheramie’s mother isn’t about to see her plans for her daughter destroyed and sets out to break the pair up. Cheramie’s struggle to break free from her mother’s control rings true, as do Deacon’s regrets over not being more present in his teenage daughter’s childhood. Engaging secondary characters, especially Cheramie’s cheeky assistant, Cameron, add color. Lovers of small-town romance will be enchanted. (July)