When to Hold Them

Gordon’s erotic romance offers up spice and substance, with a fascinating blend of kinky passion and intellectual introspection. Ex-con Doran Callaghan’s world has been reduced to his court-appointed reintegration program—and to Xavier Wagner, the sinfully sexy park ranger he sees across the main street of Bluewater Bay, Wash., every Sunday afternoon. Xavier is an educated, tightly controlled man whose entire world centers on the park he protects, and he harbors a deep desire for something more than his lone-wolf existence. Though relatively close in age, the two men are worlds apart in their experiences—a difference all too apparent when they attempt to go beyond their sizzling attraction and build a lasting relationship. Exquisitely detailed characterization is the hallmark of this deceptively deep, thought-provoking psychological study of trust, addiction, and building relationships. While the plot is simple on the surface, the eroticism and intimacy add a multitude of layers. (Aug.)