Jade's Song — Sabrina Devonshire

Jade Phelps fled from her old life to escape it all. The chaos and stress of American life. Her sister's constant criticism. Men who said she wasn't enough. She learned to listen to what was wrong with her more than what was right. She felt insignificant and unworthy of love. It had to end -- she knew it. In a small Mexican beach town on the Sea of Cortez, Jade begins again, making peace with herself day by day. She swims in the sea. She writes. She vows to stay away from men. But when she meets Luca and is instantly drawn to him, her plans fall apart. Will he hurt her or try to run her life, like everyone else? Or could Luca be her one chance for happily ever after?

Luca Espinoza grew up on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Now he's a famous pop singer who travels the globe with his band. His wavy dark hair, gorgeous blue-green eyes and to-die-for-body drive women wild. They throw themselves at him constantly, but most only see his fame and money. They don't see -- or even want to see past -- his celebrity veneer. On a short vacation, he meets Jade -- a beautiful, athletic woman full of energy and joy who swims with dolphins and shares his passion for artistic expression. She excites him in an alarming way and seems to genuinely like him. The bond he feels with her touches his heart. But he senses her fragility. And that the pain she's buried deep inside might destroy their chance for lasting happiness.

Note: Each book in the South of the Border series is a stand-alone read.