Visions

Past intertwines with present in Rose's (Kiss the Rain) charming new erotic romance. When Paige Burton and Mayson Montgomery were children, affluent Mayson pushed disadvantaged Paige into a fountain; as adults, they had stunningly intense but anonymous sex at a masked New Orleans party. When fate brings them together a third time in their hometown of Galveston, Tex., six years after the party encounter, Paige wants nothing to do with Mayson, believing she'll still be the rich bully from so many years ago. But Mayson quickly recognizes their chemistry and potential, so she embarks on a secret project to slip past Paige's defenses. After the blistering beginning in New Orleans, the plot takes a while to build momentum, as Paige clings stubbornly to her grudges and takes frustratingly long to connect the dots between her masked and unmasked lovers. Fortunately, the seduction unfolds with enough spice and sweetness to keep readers satisfied. (June)