There’s nothing like having your sanctuary destroyed. My life has been a series of carefully cultivated, strategic moves to ensure peace and quiet.

I’m generally a happy guy but there’s one thing I can’t stand: having my space invaded. After all, that's why I chose this run-down building that no one wants to live in.

And then he moved in. The obnoxious, arrogant classical musician who spent his first night banging on the wall and insulting my playlist.

But as much as it’s been fun driving him up the wall, I start to see the cracks in his holier-than-thou demeanor—which I suppose is impressive for a blind man. Something about his life is more tragic than I want to think about, and it doesn’t take more than a few kind words to get him to open up.

Where I once wanted to torment him until he moved out, now all I can think about is how he’d feel in my arms. I’m not sure if he’s willing to give me a chance after everything I’ve done, but this Christmas, I have hope.

And this New Year’s Eve—if luck is on my side—I’ll be ringing it in with the one man I will never let go. Instant Regret is the second book of the holiday duet featuring a smartass woodworker, a tired best friend, a wooing plan with deep enough cracks you could see through to the core of the earth, and the sweetest, steamiest happily ever after.

Malicious Compliance and Instant Regret must be read in order. .