Tear You Apart

Riveting, poignant, and powerful, this vividly erotic novel from bestselling women’s fiction author Hart (Switch) explores the tempestuous collision of two lives and, unexpectedly, two hearts. Synesthetic art gallery staffer Elisabeth Amblin is a married middle-aged mother going through the motions of her life. When she meets artist Will Roberts, she realizes he fits perfectly and inexorably into the empty space in the center of her life—an emptiness she hadn’t known was there. Though neither of them wants to be caught up in an affair, Will and Elisabeth also can’t seem to wrench themselves apart. The unflinching realism and beautifully evoked synesthesia (“His voice... smelled and tasted like warm, oozing caramel”) add texture to an engaging and touching story. This tale is no light read as it shifts among shattering passion, soul-rending pain, and deep emotional hollowness. Even readers who usually disdain infidelity stories will be pulled in by Elisabeth and Will’s intense affair. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency. (Sept.)