Stuck With You

The fabulous launch of debut author Whelan’s Dorseys of Conception Bay series pairs a retired athlete with his unintentional roommate, who’s just left a high-profile relationship. Recently retired star hockey player Clark Dorsey is not having a good day. First, he runs over his bike. Then Clark’s brother, Danny, sublets his part of their Seattle duplex to a perky nurse without Clark’s knowledge. But Clark feels an immediate attraction to his new roommate, Leena Lopez. Having broken her engagement with a hotshot baseball player three months earlier, the last thing Leena wants is more romantic drama—but Clark fueled her fantasies as a teenager, and having him as her roommate may prove irresistible. With the media ruminating on Leena’s broken engagement and Clark’s marital status, the pair decide to fake-date to appease the press. But when real feelings grow, can they keep up the ruse? Whelan nimbly handles touchy topics—including traumatic brain injuries, narcissism, and economically imbalanced relationships—while crafting a hero and heroine who seem made for each other and a fast-paced plot that keeps the pages flying. Whelan is a romance writer to watch. (Apr.)