Owner of a Broken Heart

The scorching first romance in the Richardson Sisters series from Hodges (Deadly Rumors) sees sportswriter Nina Richardson retreat to her hometown of Charleston, S.C., after being caught in a social media firestorm and dumped by her boyfriend. Marketing manager Clinton Jefferson has always admired Nina’s father, the owner of a successful B and B, and he’s not about to let his attraction to Nina blow his shot at working for him. Nina is equally resolved to ignore her chemistry with her father’s latest hire, burnt out on heartbreak and scolded by her older sisters to be more careful with her affections. But their determination to keep things professional lasts all of two seconds before they fall into bed. The sexual tension is palpable as Nina and Clinton navigate their desire and doubt, but readers will long for more of an emotional connection to accompany the lust. More impressive is Hodges’s characterization of Nina’s two sisters, each of whom is strong-willed, unique, and sure to provide fodder for future installments. Sizzling love scenes and a strong sense of family will have readers returning for the next in the series. Agent: Amanda Leuk, Spencer Hill and Associates. (Feb.)