The Space Cougar's Cadet — Cassandra Pierce

Layla Kosajh is a professor of Interplanetary Diplomacy at Starforce Institute, a training school for aspiring military officers. Graduation is quickly approaching for the current crop of seniors, and one in particular is occupying her thoughts. Jaret Thek has already distinguished himself as a top cadet with a bright future. Ever since he took Layla's course in diplomatic history, the two of them have experienced a burning attraction in spite of their 20-Earth-year age difference.

Meanwhile, an interplanetary crisis is looming. Space brigands have been targeting nearby Earth colonies, and the Institute is preparing for war. Most of the graduating cadets, including Jaret, will be shipped out to fight, and Layla fears that graduation day will be the last time she sees Jaret, who has already been assigned a post on a warship. The two must resolve their feelings for one another before their last chance slips away forever.