Gentleman Sinner

Malpas (The Forbidden) pairs off a ruthless club owner and a distraught nurse in this devastatingly effective contemporary. Izzy White is taking a shortcut home from her London hospital when she crosses paths with an injured young woman named Penny. Theo Kane arrives to help Penny, whom he calls the daughter of an old friend, and falls hard for Izzy. Though Izzy is still reeling from an agonizing experience with an abusive client turned stalker, she quickly falls into a tumultuous relationship with Theo. His own dark history makes him react badly to unexpected touch, but he holds back from explaining why. After a violent man from Izzy’s past catches up with them, Theo and Izzy reach an impasse that could close the door on their love forever. Malpas’s sexy love scenes scorch the page, and her sensitive, multilayered hero and heroine will easily capture readers’ hearts. A taut plot and a first-rate lineup of supporting characters make this a keeper. Agent: Andrea Barzvi, Empire Literary. (Feb.)