The Dean's List — Kelly Collins

After the death of his wife, enigmatic Jonathan Ferris lives in a world of acquisition and mergers, a world where he knows financial security, a world filled with desolating loneliness. Until River Roberts. She's intelligent, beautiful, sensual, and when their lives collide, his world is changed.

Twenty-five-year-old college honors student River Roberts has found herself hungry, tired, and out of options. While seeking advice from her best friend, she discovers something that could provide all she's looking for. She meets the requirements for The Dean's List, a university society that offers alumni anything they desire.
But it comes with a cost: secrets and loneliness.

In a world of commodities and trading, River and Jonathan must fight to preserve what their hearts desire. Will their collision be temporary, or will they overcome the many obstacles in their way?

This is part of a connected series. All books can be read on their own but are interconnected by previous characters and events.