A Vow of Seduction

“Hot Night in the Hamptons” by Malone (the Chase Brothers series) and “Seduced Before Sunrise” by Pope (Love and a Latte) make up this contemporary duology, with the common thread of women falling for men at someone else’s wedding. In Malone’s story, up-and-coming PR whiz Elina Sinclair wants nothing to do with love; after all, her seven-times-married mother has served as quite the cautionary tale. Then she meets hunky filmmaker Gabe Alexander at her close friend Reece’s wedding. Elina tries to stay far away from temptation until Gabe becomes a client of her PR firm. When their budding romance threatens to derail Elina’s career, she’s forced to make a tough decision. Pope’s contribution introduces mystery author Willa Arthur and political spin doctor Marcus Simpson, high school sweethearts who’ve long since lost touch. The deep hurt Marc inflicted on Willa back then is tough to get past. When their attraction is rekindled, Willa nor Marc risk losing their hearts. Malone’s story skims the surface and is enjoyable yet predictable. Pope’s storytelling digs deeper, straight into a wounded woman’s heart, and forces readers to remember the one who got away. Together, the stories are pleasant, if at times predictable. (Sept.)