It’s an unwritten rule somewhere: small-town librarians shall not commit spontaneous acts, for fear of mortal embarrassment. I’d certainly just proved it true, though hiring an escort was perfectly logical. How else should I overcome my fear of intimacy without risking heartbreak?
Unfortunately, what came next wasn’t so logical.
Instead of a dating coach, Griffin King showed up. Yes, that Griffin King: my childhood neighbor and now, to my dismay, an obscenely handsome pro football player. He’s not actually an escort, but how was I supposed to know that?
Avoiding him after the mix-up is impossible. The man is everywhere—put in time-out by his agent after a PR snafu. Griffin might be an outrageous flirt determined to torment me until I snap, but he’s also the perfect man to help me.
The lessons aren’t what I thought they’d be. Neither is Griffin. Every time we touch, every time he shows me a different side to myself—and to him—I can’t help but wonder if we’re about to break another rule: the playboy and the good girl aren’t supposed to fall in love.
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My Review
This is is a tender, slow-burn romance with a deeply emotional core and just the right balance of humor and heart. Ruby Tate, the rule-following librarian with a yearning for connection, makes an endearing heroine whose vulnerability and quiet strength resonate throughout. Her awkward but sincere attempts to understand intimacy are handled with care, making her growth feel honest and earned. The standout, however, is Griffin King—charismatic on the surface but carrying the weight of a carefully crafted persona. His emotional depth, especially in scenes where he opens up about identity and expectation, elevates the story. His unexpected love for period romances (and those swoon-worthy hand-flex moments) adds layers of softness and sensitivity that contrast beautifully with his public image. Their chemistry grows naturally, and the “dating lessons” trope is executed with charm. The rules they establish—and inevitably break—set up moments of romantic tension, heartfelt revelation, and genuine change for both characters. Though the ending is satisfying, readers may wish for more post-arrangement scenes to savor their fully realized relationship. Overall, it is a heartfelt and introspective romance that explores vulnerability, identity, and the courage it takes to rewrite your own story. A quietly powerful love story that lingers.
My Rating
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