A contemporary beauty and the beast themed romantic suspense.
After an explosion leaves detective Grant Caldwell scarred he quits his job and tries to hide from his well-meaning family while he heals. When Belle Manikas, a beautiful new neighbor, moves in next door with problems of her own he finds himself drawn to her even while he tells himself she's nothing but trouble. Even though he knows he'd never have a chance with a woman like her--not with his disfigurement--he can't stay away.
Thanks to severe health problems as a child Belle grew up sheltered and smothered by her loving, if overbearing, family. Now that she's finally out on her own she plans to wring everything she can out of life. When she sets her sights on her brooding neighbor nothing can stop her from getting him into bed--until a madman fixates on her. With Grant now working for Red Stone Security, he sees it as his duty to protect her at all costs. Unfortunately a violent criminal is stalking Belle and will stop at nothing until he's destroyed her.
Length: 37,000 words
Red Stone Security Series, Book 2
Author Note: Danger Next Door is the second story in the Red Stone Security series but can be read completely as a stand-alone.