Melt into You

Modern women will struggle to believe that administrative assistant Natasha Jennings spends even an ounce of emotional energy on her boss of 10 years, chocolate marketing executive Damon Torrance. The cliché playboy, who relies on charm and Natasha’s deft maneuvering to keep him out of trouble, flounders when his latest public debacle finally drives her away. Realizing he actually needs and wants Natasha, Damon seeks her out and is stunned to discover her home life includes a son and a divorce. (That he was unaware of her pregnancy and maternity leave is glossed over as unimportant.) Incredibly, Natasha invites him into her home and bed, vowing to fix his life as if Damon’s self-destruction is her fault. Damon’s character lacks the dignity to fit the “reformed rake” formula and Natasha’s absence of personal drive is disappointing. Plumley’s attempt at humorous contemporary romance is a complete miss. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Associates. (May)