FULL EXPOSURE

A vacation fling in New Orleans leads to an artistic partnership and the possibility of true love.

Planner, list-maker, and boudoir photographer Josie Parks was supposed to be traveling from her home in Washington, D.C., to New Orleans for a photo shoot, but when her client cancels, she decides to take the trip anyway for a much-needed vacation as she reevaluates her career goals. At the Mardi Gras parade, instant attraction sparks between her and Spencer Pham, a New Orleans native who's just returned home after losing the data analyst job he loathed. Spencer has long dreamed of being a filmmaker, and his latest idea is to make a documentary about his grandfather, founder of the first all-Vietnamese krewe in New Orleans. Josie and Spencer agree to help each other with their creative pursuits and even decide to team up for an art competition. Spencer brings out a spontaneous and relaxed side to Josie, but eventually she has to wonder if their relationship has a future. The New Orleans setting is richly described, and its diverse residents are highlighted. Josie and Spencer are charming, and their chemistry is hot. While there’s much that is delightful in the story, however, it lacks depth. The romantic arc is low-stakes as the couple meshes well from the start, and the character growth is shallow. This combination leads to a lack of tension throughout, making the novel feel uninspired.

Underbaked plotting and characters in a vibrant setting.