On the hustle

Herrera's deliciously sexy second Dating in Dallas workplace romance (after Here to Stay) starts when New York real estate mogul Theo Ganas's personal assistant, the enterprising Alba Duarte, quits her job to start a book-themed interior design business in Texas. Theo has secretly been pining for Alba since hiring her three years ago, but he's held himself icily aloof to avoid crossing any lines. He's been waiting for her to move on to another job so that he could ask her out, but he wasn't banking on her relocating to Dallas. When he's invited to host a home renovation TV show, he seizes the chance to reunite with Alba, agreeing to take the contract only if they hire Alba as the designer. Alba can't pass up the exposure--and she's shocked to find a much transformed Theo. Gone is her insufferable boss and in his place is a charming flirt. Things heat up when they share a penthouse during filming, but Theo's desire to take care of Alba conflicts with her need to be in control, threatening their budding relationship. The couple's palpable chemistry, sensual love scenes, and laugh-out-loud banter make them a swoonworthy pair. Contemporary romance fans should snap this up. (Oct.)

Ready to launch her own design business, perfectionist and chronic workaholic Alba Duarte, the eldest daughter of Dominican immigrants, finally turns in her notice to ice king and unfairly gorgeous real-estate mogul Theo Ganus. She hoped he would at least show a hint of a reaction, but alas, she only gets a barely audible "okay" and a "can you hand me a towel" as the former Olympic swimmer carries on, taking his ridiculous demands and frosty demeanor with him. But then Theo shows up in Texas to co-host a popular renovation TV show--the same show that has hired Alba, who is working hard to make her Instagram-famous bookish bedroom makeovers her full-time job. Theo has always been in love with Alba, and now that he's no longer her boss, he's determined to win her heart. VERDICT An excellent contemporary romance made even better by listening. Narrators Lola James and Sean Crisden bring this steamy and sensually charged story to life, both vividly realizing Alba's and Theo's respective accents and the other characters in the story.--Elizabeth Gabriel