No Substitute for Maturity — Carolyn J. Rose

After tangling with killers (NO SUBSTITUTE FOR MURDER) and a deranged drug dealer (NO SUBSTITUTE FOR MONEY), substitute teacher Barbara Reed craves routine, relaxation, and quality time with drug cop Dave Martin. Moving in together seems like the way to achieve that. But Dave's teenage daughter is part of the package-a package filled with drama, conflict, stress, and shirked responsibility. And Allison's issues are only the tip of a looming iceberg. Thanks to Mrs. Ballantine, Cheese Puff's obedience level falls to new lows. Meanwhile, Barb's smarmy ex-husband lands a job at her condo complex, curriculum changes spark teacher turmoil, and Barb's bombastic sister, Iz, launches a protest against the justice system. Then the police chief resigns, leaving Dave at the mercy of a new boss with an old grudge-a boss who wants Iz arrested for murder.