Friends Don't Have a Fling

Once Elle lets the tiger out of the cage, it’s impossible to get him back in…

Elle Baker’s had enough of men telling her how to live her life. She loves her job at the Treats to Tempt You shop in Doubtless Bay, New Zealand. But repeated issues with her overbearing father and arrogant ex have persuaded her it’s time for a fresh start, and she’s planning to move away to Wellington at the end of the month.

When Stuart Casey’s childhood sweetheart lay dying, she made him swear to her that he’d never love another girl as long as he lived. So far, he’s kept his promise, even though he knows it was unfair of her to make such a demand. He’s only twenty-eight, and their marriage was hardly physical at the best of times. But how do you get back in the saddle when you’ve never even been on a horse? Stuart craves the happiness and affection he sees in his friends’ relationships, but he’s beginning to think he’s destined to be single and lonely.

Then Elle makes him a surprise proposal. A long weekend away in a beach house with her—and she’s not expecting him to sleep on the couch. She says she wants to help him find his feet before he launches back into the world of dating. Desire fights with guilt, and desire wins.

Elle’s offer isn’t completely altruistic—she fancies Stuart rotten, and is more than happy to spend a few days showing the gorgeous English teacher a few tricks of the trade to help him move on. But once she’s let the tiger out of his cage, it proves impossible to get him back in. And the new and improved Stuart won’t let her go without a fight.

Tropes: Virgin hero, fling, friends-to-lovers