Book excerpt: What if a second chance at romance comes at a price they can’t afford to pay? Riley Reynolds is kickstarting her dream of opening a karate school. Newly divorced, the last thing she needs is another man throwing her life off balance. But when her first heartbreak—sexy contractor Van Wilde—swaggers into her dojo, Riley is caught between old wounds and the exhilarating sparks sizzling between them. Struggling to bond with his estranged teenage son, single dad Van Wilde convinces Riley to teach them self-defense, hoping the activity will help him grow closer to his son…and to the fiery woman he never stopped loving. When passion reignites, Van and Riley draw strength from each other as they confront their demons and find the courage to forgive. But can they navigate their painful past, a challenging present, and their hopes for the future all while facing a ruthless adversary? In a vengeful bid to sabotage her business, Riley's abusive ex-husband opens a rival mixed martial arts school across the street. And when he does the unthinkable, Van and Riley will be forced to protect more than their rekindling romance.