Downtown Devil

Starred review from May 2, 2016
Mixed-race millennials approach first-date sex, surprise threesomes, dirty talk, and male bisexuality with an unjaded, wide-eyed excitement and focused intensity that’s so hot it sets fire to the pages of this sequel to Crosstown Crush (the first in McKenna’s Sins in the City series). Aspiring Pittsburgh photographer Clare Geddes kicks off her 30s by hooking up with barista and model Mica. Their sizzling chemistry leads to a second round that includes his backpacking buddy and best friend, Vaughn. Whenever Mica flakes, stalwart Vaughn is there for Clare, and they backtrack into romance while bonding over psychoanalyzing Mica’s troubled teenhood and marveling at his aggressive erotic magnetism. There’s plenty here for the reader who just wants to enjoy hot encounters, but there’s also an encouraging message for readers on the dating scene: indulging in moments of wild exploration won’t ruin your chances for a solid, monogamous relationship down the line. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary.