Sparks fly

This sexy and endearing contemporary from Jamal (If We Were a Movie) finds late-blooming 20-something Stella Renee Johnson, a journalist, determined to lose her virginity. So, at the suggestion of her free-spirited best friend, she heads to a Manhattan sex club on Valentine's Day. There, sparks fly with dashing Max Martinez Williams and the pair embark on what should be a steamy night. Their hookup comes to a screeching halt, however, when both realize they forgot to bring a condom. When Max goes off to hunt one down, Stella grows self-conscious and bails. Max despairs of ever seeing her again-- until they run into each other during a work meeting. The digital magazine where Stella works is implementing Max's newly developed AI tool, Sparky, which is aimed at helping writers synthesize research. The pair are thrilled to be reunited, but Stella's coworkers are worried the technology will eliminate their jobs, so the lovers feel they must keep their involvement a secret from everyone at the office. The grounded workplace drama adds heft to a sensual plot helmed by unforgettable leads, both of whom are Black, bisexual, and book smart. The result is a nuanced tale that's sure to please. (Dec.)

Stella is 27 and ready to lose her virginity, so when her best friend invites her to a sex club, she uncharacteristically says yes. There, in short order, Stella has a meet-cute and a sexy tryst with a mysterious man. When their fiery moment gets interrupted, she loses her nerve and runs away. The next day at her job as a writer for a digital media company, she discovers that he's the CEO of a tech company as, at a staff meeting, he introduces a new AI tool that Stella and her colleagues will be forced to use going forward. This announcement sends shockwaves through the staff, raising ethical concerns and fears of layoffs and making Stella's new love interest, CEO Max, public enemy number one. Amidst the chaos, Stella and Max begin a clandestine affair, struggling to keep their blazing-hot relationship secret from everyone. What starts as a thrilling hookup becomes increasingly real for both of them, forcing them to reveal their love, regardless of the fallout. VERDICT Jamal's (If We Were a Movie) ultra-steamy novel features dual points of view, complex cultural and sexual identities, compelling workplace drama, and an uplifting happily-ever-after.--Migdalia Jimenez