Smooth Play

Basketball power couple Jaclyn and DeMarcus return in this strong sequel to Fast Break, as the Brooklyn Monarchs, perennial underdogs, continue an unexpected playoff run. Team captain Barron Douglas drinks too much and co-owner Gerry Bimm continues to sabotage the team. Troy Marshall, the Monarchs’ media executive, tries to shield the players from the media but ends up causing even more trouble. Enter Andrea Benson, a sports writer with a conscience and a sense for when people are in trouble. While atoning for her own mistakes, she tries to show Troy that his blind loyalty and impetuousness hurt not only himself but the team. Sparks are inevitable when an executive who can’t trust but values loyalty is attracted to a journalist who demands trust and values fairness. The bedroom scenes are sexy and fun, and the two make terrific friends and conspirators as well as lovers. (Jan.)