Stone, Sara Jane

The multiple plots involving post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), family secrets, and second chances are weakened by lackluster writing that fails to provide any glimmer of hope. Josie is stuck and ends up making the same missteps again.

Brody and Kat's story brings Stone's "Independence Falls" series (Full Exposure; Caught in the Act; Hero by Night) to a mostly satisfying close. Fans will be happy with glimpses of all the prior novels' characters, although many may clamor for a bit more closure for the younger Summers brother, Josh. Both Kat's personal struggles and her relationship with Brody feel a touch forced, but Brody's fight to pursue his desires—in and out of the bedroom—are compelling enough to keep the story interesting.

The chemistry between Liam and Katie is presented as a fact rather than allowed to build for the reader, while the secondary characters are underdeveloped. Nonetheless, the couple's relationship is appealing in its push and pull. This latest from Stone (Full Exposure) just misses being a must purchase but will be appreciated by fans of the series.

A pair of career-focused, relationship-wary protagonists have their worlds upended when their one-night stand has unexpected results. This sexy, explicit Blaze title lives up to its incendiary series name and is a red-hot debut for the Brooklyn-based Stone.