Frisk Me

Layne (the Redemption series) launches the New York’s Finest contemporary romance series with this stellar example of the genre. The recent endeavors of Luc Moretti, the youngest son in a family of NYPD officers, have earned him the nickname America’s Hero, catapulted him to unwanted fame, and made him the subject of a national television special that the department hopes will counter some recent negative press. Reporter Ava Sims is assigned to his story; she intends to advance her career, and her reporter’s sense tells her there is something more to Luc than heroics. Luc and his loving family, especially his outspoken grandmother, offer a nice counterbalance to Ava’s dysfunctional background, which leaves her unwilling to let anyone get close to her. Ava and Luc’s sparks are immediate, and the evolution of their relationship—which starts with little common ground except a dedication to singlehood—is stimulating and realistic. They negotiate their professional and romantic interactions with banter that’s clever but not self-satisfied, and their moment of truth feels warm and real. Fans of slightly gritty contemporaries will adore this. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Aug.)