Second Chance at Love — Rhonda Laurel

Only the heart truly knows when it is ready to love again.

Alex Popovich has been reluctant to open himself to love again after the death of his wife years ago. Instead, the dedicated doctor has thrown himself into caring for his kids and his patients. But when an opportunity arises to be the head of cardiology at a state-of-the-art hospital in California, Alex decides it's a great time for a fresh start. Things are beginning to look up for him...until a fender bender with Peyton, a spirited art teacher, throws his life for a loop. She's beautiful, talented, and fiery. Having a social life, much less a new romance, is the last thing Alex wants right now, but he can't help being drawn to her. Now he must decide whether to continue living in the past or risk taking a chance on an unexpected future...

Peyton Colfax is having a difficult year. She's left New York City for a small town in California, putting a failed relationship behind her as she searches for new inspiration for her struggling art career. To make ends meet, she's substituting as an art teacher while hoping to score an artist residency in Maine. After a minor car accident on the way to her job interview sends the handsome Alex Popovich crashing into her life, she realizes he's trouble right away. The minute she sees him, she's reluctantly attracted to the hot, single dad who is obviously a terrible driver. Too bad he also has an ego the size of California. Although she tries to keep her distance, no matter where she goes in the sleepy small town, he always seems to be around, being both infuriating...and sexy. She's not sure if she wants to risk losing her heart to a man who might not be ready to commit. Especially if she's not sure she'll be staying in town long enough to put down roots...