Higher Education

Two single dads meet at the office, where it's hate at first sight in this new series from acclaimed author Jayce Ellis. Sending his daughter off to college is the proudest day of single dad JaQuan Reynolds's life. Everything took a back seat to raising her-including his career. He has no idea what comes next, but his newfound freedom is quickly curtailed by a crash deadline at work and the uptight, hovering presence of consultant Matthew Donaldson. He's surly and insufferably sexy, and Jaq's ready to check him out and write him off-right up until a work assignment forces them together. Every day. From now until Thanksgiving. Work and fatherhood have been Matt's whole world for years now, ever since his marriage ended. His eldest son is getting hitched over Thanksgiving weekend, and he's not going to let a work deadline get in the way of celebrating with his family-not this time. The hours aren't a problem, but the executive assistant on the project might be. Jaq's sexy voice makes Matt yearn for things he let go of a long time ago. Lust isn't on the schedule, and neither is longing. But as the weeks go by, Matt and Jaq are forced to reevaluate their plans... and discover that even the most tight-knit of families can make room for one more.

Carlton Monroe is finally getting his groove back. After a year playing dad to his nephew and sending him safely off to college, it's back to his bachelor ways. But when his teenaged niece shows up on his doorstep looking for a permanent home, his plan comes to a screeching halt. Family is everything, and in the eyes of social services, a couple makes a better adoptive family than an overworked bachelor father. A fake relationship with his closest friend is the best way to keep his family together. If things between him and Deion are complicated, well, it only needs to last until the end of the semester. Living with Carlton is a heartbreak waiting to happen, and once the adoption goes through, Deion's out. He's waited two decades for Carlton to realize they're meant for each other, and he's done. It's time to make a clean break. But it's hard to think of moving away when keeping up the act includes some very real perks like kissing, cuddling, and sharing a bed. Even the best charades must come to an end, though. As the holidays and Deion's departure date loom, the two men must decide whether playing house is enough for them - or if there's any chance they could be a family for real.