Sink or swim

Navy chief Calder Euler should have known it was too good to be true: no one actually wins a mountain cabin in a card game. This fact becomes readily apparent when Calder arrives at his new vacation abode only to find Felix Sigurd and his two young nieces have also made plans to stay there. It turns out Felix's ex-husband, Tim, had no real claim on the cabin when he gambled it away. This leaves Calder no option but to make the return trip home until a twisted ankle and some inclement weather force Calder to spend a couple days--and nights--with Felix. Albert (Sailor Proof, 2021) continues her Shore Leave series with another engaging contemporary romance that not only reinforces the author's reputation for delivering plenty of steamy sensuality, but also realistically illustrates the challenges and rewards of building a future with someone you love, however unexpectedly.

With this second Shore Leave romance (after Sailor Proof), Albert delivers a charming love story that doesn't quite stick the landing. Navy chief Calder Euler can't believe his luck when he wins a cabin in a poker game--and his sense that things are too good to be true is proven right when the cabin's real owner interrupts his first visit. For his part, Felix Sigund wishes he were more surprised to learn that his resentful ex-husband gambled away keys to their beloved cabin after it was awarded to Felix in the divorce. When Calder winds up snowed in with Felix and his two adopted nieces for the weekend, an intense attraction blooms. Both know that Calder's bachelor lifestyle won't mix with Felix's single fatherhood, but they decide there's no harm in one night of fun. Neither expect that night to be life changing. As they create excuses to extend their fling, Calder questions what he wants for his future. The conflict remains mild throughout, with no real third act challenge to bring the story over the finish line. Still, there's no denying the chemistry between the men, and the hodgepodge, found-family dynamic is sure to please. Readers who prefer sweetness over drama will find plenty to enjoy. Agent: Deidre Knight, Knight Agency. (Mar.)