Under the Table

Evanovich (Big Girl Panties) takes readers on a breezy stroll through springtime in New York City in this yummy contemporary romance. Just months after leaving her husband and everything else she dislikes about suburban Cleveland, Ohio, Zoey Sullivan is getting her catering business ramped up. When she gets a call from Tristan Malloy to cater his dinner party, she’s delighted. So what if the mysterious, wealthy émigré from St. Croix is a total nerd? He’s uncommonly gorgeous and his kitchen is to die for. It’s obvious from the get-go—to everybody but them—that they’re made for each other. The only hang-up is the teensy detail of Derek, Zoey’s husband, who’s back in Ohio supposedly pulling his act together before their trial separation deadline expires. Evanovich cleverly portrays two ethical people figuring out how to fall in love while keeping it chaste in deference to the faraway spouse. Readers looking for the tension of a love triangle without the qualms of infidelity will find that Evanovich strikes the perfect balance. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Apr.)