Lily Tran never planned to return to her hometown—let alone stay. After a public breakup and the collapse of her dream job, she seeks temporary refuge in the last place she thought she’d find peace. But when she’s roped into helping with a local grant project, Lily finds herself working side-by-side with Jake Morgan, a rugged single dad who’s great with tools but terrible with emotions.

Jake lives by three rules: keep busy, keep Ellie safe, and don’t let anyone get too close. But from the moment Lily spills coffee on his toolbox, she chips away at the walls he’s built—one warm smile and witty comeback at a time. Ellie adores her, and worse, Jake can’t stop thinking about her either.

The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore what’s growing between them. But Lily’s life is still in limbo, and Jake’s heart is buried beneath the weight of past grief. Just when they begin to surrender to something real, choices must be made… and fears must be faced.

Will Lily choose to stay, even if it means risking her heart again?

Or will Jake let his past mistakes ruin the one chance he has to build something lasting?

Some messes are worth making—especially when love is the one thing you never expected to find.

Sierra R. Dalton