About That Kiss

December 18, 2017
In Shalvis’s fun fifth Heartbreaker Bay contemporary (after Chasing Christmas Eve), the magical fountain at the heart of San Francisco’s Cow Hollow district is working overtime to put couples together, but somehow Shalvis makes the trope feel fresh and exciting. Joe Malone, who’s retired from the military and working (like every other romance hero) in private security, shares a spontaneous, world-rocking kiss with woodworker Kylie Masters in front of the fountain. After that, Joe’s quite willing to help Kylie find a wooden penguin that was left to her by her grandfather and subsequently stolen. As they traipse across the city, they quickly realize the missing figurine is part of a fraud scheme. Joe and Kylie’s families (and Kylie’s dog, Vinnie) add depth to this treasure hunt. Series readers will enjoy seeing previously featured couples offering their advice and assistance. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House.

February 15, 2018

Woodworker artisan Kylie Masters has no intention of letting a tipsy, supercharged kiss she shared with uber-hot Joe Malone be anything more than the stupid mistake it was. Then a childhood treasure created by her late craftsman grandfather disappears, only to show up in photos left by a blackmailer. Suddenly Kylie's resolution to stay out of Joe's way goes up in smoke as she is forced to work with the one person who can get to the bottom of things--Joe, the top "finder and fixer" for Hunt Investigations, a crack investigative and security firm. Verbal sparks fly, and the sexual tension spikes as Kylie and Joe go in search of the culprit. Familiar, eccentric characters add sass and lighthearted fun, and the Pacific Pier Building's wishing well does its romantic bit in a story enhanced by a gentle dash of suspense. VERDICT A former bad boy hero with special ops skills and a relationship-wary heroine find truth, forgiveness, and passion in a funny romance that nicely continues this popular San Francisco-set series. Shalvis (Chasing Christmas Eve) lives in the Sierras near Lake Tahoe.

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