Avon Lake — A.J. Llewellyn

Detective Rhyen Devito is struggling to recover from the death of his work partner, Nico. To his parents, Nico was just a dog, but to Rhyen he was the most trustworthy partner who gave him unconditional love and total support. This was more than any two-legged partner ever gave him. After Nico's full-honors funeral, Rhyen transfers temporarily from the hectic Toledo K-9 unit to the more tranquil Holland village division. He surprises himself by answering a humorous online ad penned by a guy who might just be the answer to his romantic dreams. Miguel Castro has had a hard time since moving to the U.S. from Argentina. His longtime lover was violent, and Miguel sought legal protection after recovering from his injuries. Now located far from the west coast in beautiful Avon Lake, he misses only one thing. Companionship. He's attracted to Rhyen the moment they start talking. He knows Rhyen is grieving the loss of Nico and his heart aches for the guy. When Miguel invites Rhyen to go beachcombing with him, he hopes that sparks fly. the good kind.