She survived a hell most people couldn't fathom...Two years later, Calida Jokobi has constructed her life with two goals in mind: to keep the remaining pieces of her heart safe and her deepest secrets buried. However, pretending you're fine only works if no one challenges the lie.One man puts it all at risk.Malcolm has been her friend. Her first crush. And her first kiss. Now he wants to be the man to prove that past decisions don't make her unworthy of love.The closer he gets, the more her façade begins to crumble, leaving the truths she's worked to hide vulnerable to exposure. With the life and happiness she's dreamed of in reach, can Calida let down her defenses and trust not only Malcolm, but also herself?**The story is about recovery from an abusive relationship and does contain mentions on past events that could be sensitive for some readers.**

Getting to know your neighbor has its benefits... Lana Martin does things by the numbers. Thinking choices through with the help of her trusty spreadsheets is how she lives her life. It's safe, comfortable, logical. A method that never failed her... Until she strayed all because of the annoying neighbor she's yet to formally meet. Emilio Ramirez likes to have fun and enjoy himself. Life's too short for overthinking and second guesses. He thought himself to be friendly, and likable... Until he crosses paths with his next door neighbor. A woman who seems to have a permanent scowl reserved for him. Loud music and a dog that doesn't care about boundaries just may have these two sharing more than a wall.

A broken AC forces Jess Watson outside for a little relief. But when she catches a glimpse of the sexy neighbor directly across from her having—ahem—a private moment, her rising body temperature is no longer due to the weather. Ryan Branson is amused by the tongue-tied, flustered woman he suspects watched him as he pleasured himself. Intrigued, he sets out to see if her hedonistic desires stop at watching...or if she’d be up for more than loaning him a cup of sugar. As their sexy encounters escalate, Jess and Ryan put a new spin on getting to know your neighbor. The chemistry between them is strong—but will friends with benefits be enough?