Can’t Resist Her

For this fun second-chance romance, Alexander (Carolina Built) skillfully balances character development and steamy scenes with a moving story about the conflict between heritage and progress. Fiery Summer Graves and aloof Aiko Holt have held a torch for each other since their one passionate kiss in high school. Nearly 15 years later, Summer returns home to Austin, Tex., and the women get the chance to reconnect—but it won’t be easy. Summer hates seeing how her community has changed since she was last home and is distraught to learn that her old high school, which was founded by her grandmother, is slated to be demolished and turned into an affordable housing development. And who’s managing the project? Aiko, of course, who’s all about revitalizing Austin. Heat sizzles between these two, but if they can’t put their differences aside they’ll have to find a way to resist temptation. Even in their arguments, Summer and Aiko are an easy couple to root for, and readers will hope to see both of them achieve their goals. Anyone looking for inclusive romance should check out this breezy contemporary. Agent: Sarah Younger, NY Literary. (July)