Hold Me Close by J.H. Croix

Owen Manning has perfected the art of keeping his distance. His passion is limited to intellectual pursuits and running his internationally renowned engineering firm in Alaska. Ivy is his newest recruit—brilliant and beautiful, she takes his breath away and tempts him beyond reason. Considering that reason and intellect are what drive his life, losing control isn’t something he does. Ever.

Ivy Nash is passionate about her career and loves nothing more than spending hours with her nose buried in research. Engineering is her life and her first love. The last thing she expects is to take one look at Owen and discover she’s never really known the meaning of passion.

Forbidden desire burns fast and hot between them. One kiss nearly sends them up in flames. They each have their own reasons for wanting to keep their distance, so they make a deal. They’ll give into the madness and let it run its course. Because of course it will. Neither one of them is prepared for the fire between them to singe their hearts.