The Suite Spot

This thoughtful contemporary romance from Doller (Float Plan) brings together two wounded people within a tiny community. Single mother Rachel has ambitions of rising in the ranks at the upscale Miami Beach hotel where she works—so she’s devastated when she’s fired for defending herself against the sexual harassment of a wealthy guest. She hesitantly accepts a new job at a brewery hotel on a remote Ohio island—but discovers upon arrival that the boutique hotel does not yet exist, and is still a pipe dream of owner Mason Brown, who’s recovering from the death of his child and a difficult divorce. Though initially appalled at Mason’s deception, Rachel soon recognizes this as a wonderful opportunity, as Mason offers her creative control over the hotel while he develops his craft beer. The (perhaps overextended) descriptions of her furnishing the hotel will be great fun for HGTV fans, and Doller keeps the romantic tension sizzling as Mason and Rachel work and live together. A subplot about Mason’s growing bond with Rachel’s three-year-old, Massie, as he works through his grief adds to the emotional tapestry. Doller uses a vivid setting, strong secondary characters, and convincing depiction of loss and love to create a thoroughly satisfying story. Fans will be delighted. Agent: Kate Schafer Testerman, KT Literary. (Mar.)