This book can be read as a standalone. PUBLISHING WARNING: Contains Hot Sex, and is not intended for those under 18. Burke Devereaux’s life is turned upside down after receiving news of his brother’s death. After years of being gone from Hidden Hills, NC, the guilt-ridden bear shifter returns home for the funeral. Tasha Wilder, an overweight, bear shifter librarian, used to lust after the sexy, high school basketball player back in the day. She never acted on those feelings, knowing full well he’d never want someone as plain as her. Burke is now back and she does her best to keep her animalistic urges hidden by keeping her distance—until fate intervenes. Doing her best to offer him only sympathy during an unexpected encounter, her inner beast explodes with unbridled lust and passion. Burke tackles his inner demons and finally accepts that Tasha is his mate, but he hadn’t expected her to deny their destiny. What can he do to convince Tasha she’s his one and only?