Mackenzie Phillips was a beautiful young widow. She was happy with her life, priding herself on her teaching skills and her ability to get along with people. Being an English teacher at a busy Rockhampton high school, love didn't rate very high on her agenda of things to accomplish.

That is, until Dean Ashleigh, a most annoying man, had transferred and been appointed to the position of the new deputy principal at the school where Mackenzie worked. Much to Mackenzie's dismay, she found that he was also to be her new neighbour. Her life was about to change forever; she had the distinct feeling that it wouldn't be for the best.

Dean Ashleigh was a thorn in Mackenzie's side. Since their very first encounter, their dislike for each other was evident, so why was it that she cared what he thought of her when they couldn't speak two words to each other without it turning into a heated argument.

"Why couldn't you have rented the house to a crotchety old maid, one who likes nothing better than to sit on the verandah and abuse everyone as they walk past!" Mackenzie asked, knowing she was being totally unreasonable. She could see the humour building on her friend's face, so she tagged on, "No, I mean it. Anything would be better than the situation your moving is going to place me in. My god, Jazz, what were you and Rob thinking when you agreed to rent your house to that horrible man?"