Burned — Nikki Duncan

Behind every stubborn man s downfall (into love) is a determined woman.

Vic Hayes is content with life in Whispering Cove. She owns a successful salon, has great friends and her perfectly manicured nail is on the pulse of the town s gossip. For real happiness, she s only missing one thing a man. Settling for less than the perfect man, though, isn't in her nature. He just has to see her as more than his best friend.

Widower Hauk Michaelsen always dreamed of escaping Whispering Cove, until single fatherhood, too young, made it impossible. He enjoys his life as owner of the small town pub. Friends, gossip, and his young daughter keep things jumping. He would do anything for his little girl, but he can t give her the one thing she desires most a mother.

When Vic and Hauk are teamed up for a Fall Festival project, sparks ignite suppressed flames. Testing boundaries they've never crossed, they find themselves eager to risk more if Vic can convince Hauk that history won t be repeated if he takes another chance on love.

Warning: To all the lonely guys out there: beware best (girl)friends and invites for coffee at the crack of dawn. It s possibly not your double shot mocha latte she s looking to wrap her hands or her lips around.