Junkyard Heart

In this small-town romance—part of Riptide’s collaborative Porthkennack universe—set in Cornwall, two men forge an unexpected relationship. Photographer Jas Manning wants to get past the memories of his previous failed romance, and tattoo artist and carpenter Kim Penrose seems just the guy to give him what he needs. As they vacillate between “just friends” and “friends with benefits,” they genuinely fall for each other. However, they both have issues to confront—Kim is a recovering alcoholic, and Jas tends to self-sabotage—and, if they want any hope of a future together, they need to heal each other. Leigh skillfully portrays the atmosphere and appeal of the seaside community and its inhabitants, and her characters possess depth and charm. The physical and emotional chemistry between Jas and Kim is believable and satisfying, which helps to fuel their frequent erotic liaisons and their move towards happily ever after. However, the relative shortness of the story and the high ratio of sex to plot give this romance a rather rushed and regrettably forgettable air. (Dec.)