First published 2006
Woody lives in a beach shack in Malibu with his Labrador retriever Coltrane after his wife left him when he quit practicing law. He spends his days surfing California waves until a mysterious theft draws him into an investigation that complicates his simple existence. Two women enter his world: Anna, who radiates energy and joy, and Ingrid, whose calculated charm proves irresistible. Coltrane serves as both spiritual guide and storyteller, offering commentary on his owner's romantic entanglements through a dog's perspective. As Woody pursues the crime and navigates his feelings for both women, he must confront whether intense love inevitably leads to crushing emotional pain. The story unfolds against the backdrop of sun-drenched Malibu beaches, where Woody seeks to solve both the mystery and the puzzle of his own heart. This tale explores whether a man can embrace passionate love without being destroyed by its weight.
Genres: romance, mystery, crime, contemporary
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Malibu, California
154 pages · Paperback · CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform