Ella Tipton is a survivor. In the wake of an attack that left her nearly dead, shes spent each day putting her life back together. Once vibrant and outgoing, shes needed to reclaim the best parts of who she was while retaining the hard won lessons. There hasnt been room for any romantic entanglements, even if she were ready. Still, it didnt mean she had to stop sneaking looks at Mister Tall, Dark and Tattooed himself.

Security professional Andrew Copeland isnt quite sure when his jones for the lovely and decidedly skittish Ella developed. Hes known her for years, has watched her triumph over the pain shed been dealt. Cope is no stranger to women, but he knows the nervous flush he gets every time he talks to her is different than any attraction hes had in the past. Determined to get Ella to let him in, Andy does the one thing he can think of to get close: he offers her hands-on training in self-defense.

While Ellas sure hes just being nice, the prospect of being able to touch him and gain the tools to push away the last vestiges of her fear is more than she can resist. Soon enough, Cope shows Ella his feelings are far more than friendly and re-ignites something deep inside her. Before long desire and love turn them both inside out.

November 2, Berkley Heat