Reluctant Hearts — J.A. Smith

When Tessa Andrews's husband Tom is killed in car accident, her dreams of being a mother died with him. Devastated by the loss, she vowed she would never let her heart be broken again. Now, three years later, Tess lives alone in the big empty house she and Tom had planned to fill with children, love, and laughter. Struggling to make ends meet, she realizes she can no longer afford the mortgage, but she can't bear to part with their dream home. In desperation, she decides to rent out a room. But when Chris Stevenson and his adorable son Jake answer her ad for the rental, Tess is unprepared for both the desire she feels toward Chris and the love she has for his son. Although Chris is adamant that he doesn't want another relationship after Jake's mother abandoned them, he can't resist Tess any more than she can resist him, and their relationship blossoms -- until his gorgeous ex-wife returns, wanting her family back. Just when Tess thinks the pain of Tom's death might be fading, she's reminded, once again, how much it hurts to have a broken heart…