Bound

When graphic designer Amery Hardwick escorts a friend into the Black Arts dojo in a questionable part of downtown Denver, she catches the attention of sensei Ronin Black. He’s surprised by her ability to defy him and decides to personally instruct her in self-defense, first in class and later in much more intimate venues. James launches her new “romantica” series in an urban setting and puts Japanese erotic rope bondage at center stage. As Amery gets literally tied into knots, she must also untangle how she feels about Ronin’s craft and his cloaked past, which she slowly uncovers, one secret at a time. James masterfully builds the sexual tension between Amery and Ronin, delaying their intimacy until they’ve built a bond. Readers who like romance in their erotica will be frustrated by the cliffhanger conclusion, which suggests that happy-ever-after won’t arrive until the end of book three. Agent: Scott Miller, Trident Media Group. (Feb.)