His Sexy Bad Habit

In the three years since his wife died, sexy Antonio Billups has kept his pants zipped, focusing on being a good parent to his young son. That doesn't stop him from noticing Serena Jacobs, the sizzling hot "Ice Queen" introduced in 2009's Betting on Love, when she hires him to renovate her restaurant. With cinematic chemistry that crackles on the page, the two embark upon a whirlwind romance. Readers, too, can fall in love with doting and stylish Antonio, who "channeled his inner Eric Benet with a pair of blue jeans, a white button down shirt, and black sports jacket." Even with a cookie-cutter storyboard and heavy-handed sex scenes, Hodges makes magic with this troupe, especially when it comes to Serena's clique of loyal college girlfriends, ready to spring to action when Antonio's sister-in-law intrudes with jealous meddling. (Jan.)