Afterburn (paperback)

 Scott Pataki became an EMT to save lives, but ten years later, the stress of his job is killing him. He’s counting down to his escape from San Amaro Island to work on a cruise ship. Estranged from his family, there’s nothing holding him back. But when his big move is only a month away, the half sister he never wanted to meet, and her bulldog advocate, Mercedes, crash into his life.

Mercedes Stone is a sucker for underdogs and lost souls. Though she’s drowning in responsibilities as a caretaker, business owner, and volunteer, she can’t ignore a homeless teenager’s plight. She’ll do anything to help her, including lock horns with Scott, the troubled but tempting half brother the girl’s determined to bond with. It doesn’t take Mercedes long to see he’s not the heartless jerk he wants everyone to believe he is.

Scott feels his hardened heart softening, but he fights it, knowing he’s the dark cloud to Mercedes’ bright sunshine. Will he chase the peace he craves or figure out the best way to weather any storm is together?