At His Service

In this light erotic contemporary, originally published online in four parts, two hardworking, stressed-out people discover their compatibility in the bedroom before realizing that it could lead to emotional and professional joy as well. In preparation for a wedding in the family, Leo Perconti (known as the General) descends on Boston to shape up operations at the ritzy family-owned Palazzo Hotel, which is being mismanaged by his brothers. Karin Norell’s hospitality degree depends on successful completion of her internship at the Palazzo; however, when she finds herself unexpectedly trapped in Leo’s penthouse suite, her desire for “a glorious night of passion” leads her to risk everything. Pretending to be a call girl, she willingly submits to his command: “trust me with your pleasure.” For Leo—who spends his days contending with scandal-seeking press, business rivals, a conniving ex, a mutinous staff, and his own demons of anxiety and depression—Karin’s submission sparks possessiveness and a desire to “explore some fantasies he had been hiding all these years.” The background drama lacks suspense, but Rock (the Carnal Coed series) nicely uses the extended, explicit bedroom scenes to convey growing respect and affection between appealing protagonists. Agent: Deidre Knight, Knight Agency. (June)