Dirty for Me

Ashenden, a veteran author of the steamy and sensual contemporary, launches a Detroit-based series that plays to her strengths and her readers’ taste. Tamara Lennox is wealthy, ambitious, and determined to atone for the mistakes of her past. She just wants to finish her punishing internship at her family’s investment firm and earn a permanent position there. Then she meets a sultry heartthrob whose past demons could reappear and sweep them both away. Zee West swore off getting involved with any woman—especially women from the other side of the tracks—but when Tamara walks into his gym, sparks fly. Tension and heat pervade the frequent sex scenes, which range from frantic to tender. There’s just enough plot to be satisfying, and the damaged protagonists are easy to cheer for. Zee and Tamara are refreshingly mature as they navigate the transition of their relationship from a temporary affair to a full-blown romance. Readers will eagerly anticipate future installments in the series. Agent: Helen Breitweiser, Cornerstone Literary. (Aug.)