In the Distance

Romance fans looking for heat will want to get into the kitchen of the fictional Seattle bistro where 20-year-old Tyler Mitchell works. Tyler’s parents kicked him out when they discovered he was gay. He roamed the streets until Bistro 30 co-owners James Lassiter and Ethan Martin took him in. Now Tyler is in culinary school, trying to focus on his career. But Ethan’s ex, wealthy Trevor Pratt, visits from New York City and immediately takes a liking to the young sous-chef. The plot evolves with a good balance of tension as Tyler and Trevor endeavor to build a relationship despite the distance between them. Tyler must overcome his street-kid defensiveness, and Trevor needs to tone down his extravagant and privileged lifestyle. James and Ethan also have to pull back from mother-henning their ward and trust Tyler to make his own decisions. There is just enough to savor in this sweet yet salty story. (June)