She’s the queen of heartbreak.He’s the one who got away.
Bailey Jones built a career writing love stories about brooding heroes. But in real life she’s never had her own happily ever after. Not with him.
Rhett Monroe was her first love. The boy who used to toss her into the lake every summer — and the man who walked away without looking back. Now he’s back — ex–Navy SEAL turned security specialist. Focused. Intense. And he’s not here for the memories.
Because someone is watching Bailey.Sending messages that feel a little too personal. Too obsessed.And Rhett is not letting her out of his sight.
He takes her to the one place a stalker won’t find her — Cedar Shores. But for Bailey, being stuck in close quarters with the man she never stopped wanting is far from simple. Especially when Rhett watches her like she’s something worth guarding. Like she’s his.
The tension that used to simmer between them now crackles. Every argument is charged with desire. Every touch lingers. And every heated look dares her to remember how good they could be.
She’s spent her career writing men who would burn the world down for the woman they love.
About The Author
My Review
This book is about an author forced back into the orbit of her childhood crush when danger pushes them into close proximity at the nostalgic lake house where their shared past began. It blends sweetness, spice, and a gentle thread of suspense into an easy, bingeable romance.
Bailey is preparing to launch her seventh novel when she learns Rhett—her brother’s best friend and lifelong crush—will attend the party. What should be a nerve-wracking reunion turns serious when Rhett reveals he’s there to protect her from a stalker. After a frightening incident, he moves her back to their childhood lake house, forcing proximity and long-buried feelings to resurface.
The lakeside setting is truly the heart of the story. The nostalgic atmosphere, summer memories, and sense of coming full circle give the romance a cozy, almost cinematic warmth. Bailey and Rhett feel grounded and layered, especially as Rhett’s darker past adds emotional depth without overshadowing the love story.
The supporting cast brings charm and humor, hinting at future installments. While a few awkward phrases occasionally disrupt the flow, the pacing remains strong and the romantic suspense keeps pages turning. Overall, it’s a comforting, heartfelt read perfect for fans of protective heroes and childhood-crush-to-lovers stories.
My Rating
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