The First Time at Firelight Falls: Hellcat Canyon, Book 4

In the sexy fourth California-set Hellcat Canyon contemporary (after Dirty Dancing at Devil’s Leap), Long introduces her hottest hero so far: clever, handsome Gabe Caldera, principal of Hellcat Canyon Elementary and former Navy SEAL. Florist Eden Harwood keeps everything close to her chest, including the identity of her 10-year-old daughter’s father, but her attraction to Gabe, and his to her, grow impossible to hide. She initiates a series of secretive sexual encounters with him, but the intensity of their passion unfortunately disguises the confusing magnitude of their true feelings. Their shaky balance is compromised when someone from Eden’s youth arrives unexpectedly in Hellcat Canyon, and she must deal with her own past actions, plus swiftly multiplying consequences, by building an honest and solid relationship with Gabe. Vivacious banter and rich rapport among the secondary characters invigorate this enchanting, fun, and realistic series. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Agency. (May)