Demitrius by Kathi S. Barton

Mandy’s life has been anything but easy. Scarred—literally and emotionally—by her violent past, she’s determined to create a safe, stable home for her young nephews. The last thing she expects is help from a stranger… let alone one as frustratingly irresistible as Demitrius Erikson.

Demi is used to the heat of the kitchen, not the whirlwind that is Mandy Wilson. When he offers her a too-good-to-be-true rental, he doesn’t expect his carefully ordered life to be turned upside down by her fierce independence and guarded heart. Sparks fly, tempers flare, and emotions boil over as these two opposites clash, comfort, and eventually collide.

But with threats from the boys’ past closing in, Demi and Mandy must decide if they’re stronger together—or safer apart. Can love truly heal old wounds, or will fear keep them both from the home and happiness they deserve?