«Eye of the Tiger» by Melanie Greene

Their matchmaker folks think it’d be great
If Natalie and Evan would date
Watch them say, “No thanks,”
But plow into the banks
Of the slippery slope where they skate

Natalie East and Evan Lee are determined to stay single. Their parents are just as determined to get them together.

Nat, still reeling from the abrupt end of a three-year relationship, needs to prove to her mother that they are both capable of enjoying successful single lives. Her conventional mother pressures her to date their new friends’ self-indulgent and status-obsessed son. The interference drives Natalie wild.

Evan worked like a demon to launch his career. Now he's ready for a devilish amount of fun. While he was achieving success, his parents planned his future; they gush that Natalie is sweet, steady, and ready to settle down. Each message from his family hacks away at his joking, easy-going façade.

When Nat and Evan involuntarily connect over coffee, neither is what the other expected. As their friendship grows and passions emerge, will they risk losing their independent lives? Are they prepared for a journey from lighthearted friends to steamy lovers…or more?