The Phoenix Heart — Betsy Osborne

Wednesday is the pits for Alyssa Courtney. She's accused cartoonist Rade Stone of contributing to violence on children's television, yet can't produce the evidence. Her car's been stolen. And now her Bostonian reserve is melting fast as Rade's slightest touch transforms her into a shameless wanton!

Is this proper behavior for a mother of two boys, whose nonstop squabbling in front of Rade's model youngsters mortifies her? Hardly! But then, nothing's quite proper once laidback Rade showers her family with lavish gifts ... and cajoles her into the bedroom. They're completely unsuited, opposite in every way, yet something unites them with explosive force!