MALE MODEL

Benbow's breezy beach read features dazzlingly beautiful boys, steamy sex and a haphazard plot of love and revenge. High-fashion conglomerate Cameron Fuller USA is practically printing money—but its eponymous (and closeted) founder is saddled with a vicious wife and a nasty father-in-law who'd love to see him ruined. When Blake Jackson, a window dresser for Cameron's Rodeo Drive store, has a late night visit from the man himself, a whirlwind romance begins. During one of their many graphically detailed dalliances, Cameron ("honest-to-God violet eyes") convinces Blake ("unbelievably sexy") to be the spokesmodel for his new fragrance, and Blake becomes an overnight sensation. While Blake's star rises, his boss, Rafael, grows embittered, and Cameron's wife, Suzette, uncovers the truth about her husband's new friend. Further melodramatic complications follow (take a deep breath): Suzette's twin brother, Stanton, was Cameron's first love, but after Stanton's tragic death, Cameron and Suzette married for convenience and were bankrolled by her father, Silas, who always hated Cameron and blamed Stanton's death on him, but had no idea that they'd been lovers—until now. The star-studded cologne launch party exposes other long-buried and preposterous secrets, which lead to an outrageous end. Despite central-casting characters, this frothy fairy tale (with an edge) is a step up from Daytime Drama , Benbow's rather corny debut. Agent, Sally Wofford-Girand . (July)