FOR THE SEVENTH time, Houston CityBook is heating up the dog days of summer with its annual Sexy Issue, hitting newsstands and mailboxes all over Houston now.

With a special partnership with presenting sponsor Indigo Auto Group, the new issue features a roundup of hot shops, restaurant and current cultural events, as well as the cover story — a racy fashion shoot, per the custom.

The revealing fashion spread, shot on location as Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, for the first time features a real-life couple as models. Highly in-demand model Valen Custer recruited her fiancé, Brazilian hunk Vitor Villar, to join her in front of the camera. Shot by photographer Steven Visneau and styled by Todd Ramos, the story highlights stylish lingerie, underwear, swimwear and a preview of fall looks.

“Don’t blame me if the fashion images are a little extra spicy this year,” Editor-in-Chief Jeff Gremillion half-jokes. “Our models were terrific pros, up for anything, and they couldn’t keep their hands off each other!”

CityBook Creative Director Patrick Magee oversaw the project. Edward Sanchez, a frequent collaborator with the magazine, returned to run hair and makeup.

The issue also includes Managing Editor Evan W. Black’s report on the ups and downs of the Houston real estate market, with special attention to timely trends, including the increasing popularity to homes with built-in generators. Mid-Summer travel pieces — an ultra-luxurious resort in The Maldives and remote boutique getway in Costa Rica — are also on offer.

At the end of summer, CityBook’s Sexy Party, promoting the Sexy Issue, will return.

2017 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at a private home in Memorial

2018 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at the most expensive home on the market in Houston at the time

2019 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at a private home in Memorial

2021 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at Heights House Hotel

2022 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Jhane Hoang at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans

2023 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio