Heartbroken after the death of his beloved Nana, Hannes, the family outsider, finally allows himself to grieve. The legal battle over Nana’s quirky old house -- the only place he’s ever felt accepted and loved -- is over, and he moves in and finds a sense of peace. ... And a rabbit. An adorable bunny with a huge personality moves in, too, and refuses to leave. Hannes instantly falls in love with the sweet animal who helps heal his heart. But one morning, Hannes’ view of the world changes when the rabbit transforms into a man. A man named Mattis. After the initial shock, Hannes and Mattis discover a connection between them that runs deeper than it seems. Will their newfound feelings survive unraveling secrets and meddling families, and grow into something real? Something deep and everlasting?

9 Willow Street

“Really, Hannes,” my mother exclaims. “Is that any way to speak to your parents?”


Father winces at her haughty tone and tries to smooth it over. “I understand you’re surprised. May we come in and we’ll explain?”


“Uh, sure.” I open the door wide so they can enter. “Can I get you something to drink?”


Mother looks around, wrinkling her nose as though she’d stepped right into a crack house, but Father smiles again. “A cup of coffee would be great. If you have those good beans you used to buy.”


I narrow my eyes and glare at him. Who is this guy and what has he done to my father? What’s up with all the smiles and the friendly politeness?


“I do. I’ll just…” I shut the door behind them and nod in the direction of the kitchen. “Take a seat in the drawing room and I’ll be right in.”


I rush into the kitchen and prepare the coffee the way my father likes it—strong enough to make his eyes water and keep him up doing surgery all night, if necessary.


Chapter 10