Blindsided

A jaded television reporter and a guide dog trainer form an unlikely bond in Walsh's delightful contemporary romance. Cara Bradley is haunted by the fear that she's nothing but a pretty face. Then she meets a woman for whom looks are irrelevant. Lenae McIntyre has had her fill of show business, but her new guide dog training center needs the publicity Cara's TV show can provide. Their slow-burn romance is a nuanced exploration of trust, desire, and negotiating boundaries, without a hint of schmaltz or pity. The sex scenes are sizzling hot, but it's the slow burn that really allows Walsh to shine. The only hiccup is the novel's big dramatic revelation: when the reason for the ending of Lenae's previous relationship becomes clear, it's anticlimactic. Despite the clunky pun of a title, the deft dialogue and well-written characters make this a winner. (Aug.)