Deanne jumps into relationships heart-first.

Eager to start fresh after her nasty divorce, Deanne Moore adopts a stray dog and begins the healing process. She has learned--the hard way--to take chances and just enjoy life. The one thing she isn't expecting, though, is to get a second chance with her first crush.

Julius won't let lust burn away the last of his brain cells.

After losing his entire family in one blinding instant, Julius Zern has learned to steer clear of happily-ever-after scenarios. Meeting Deanne stirs something tender within him. So he stays. Overnight. And falls...hard.

But just as he begins to follow his instincts--and his desire for Deanne--trouble arrives and threatens to destroy their fragile bond.

40,000 words