No Strings Attached

Angell returns to the Florida boardwalk town introduced in No Tan Lines with another lighthearted story about the rivalry between the carefree, struggling Cates clan and the stiff, affluent Saunders family. Dune Cates, an international beach volleyball star, is at a crossroads in his career and temporarily back home when he runs into Sophie Saunders. She has nursed a major crush on him ever since childhood, when he rescued her from bullies. Sparks fly, but Sophie is daunted by the gorgeous women who pursue Dune and is determined to become more adventurous and daring by taking various jobs around the town of Barefoot William. As she gains confidence and makes real friends for the first time in her life, she finally realizes she is worthy of being loved. While there are sizzling romantic interludes, this is also an endearing and humorous coming-of-age tale with a sweet heroine. Agent: Roberta Brown, Brown Literary Agency. (May)