Everything about Zach Fitzgerald should make me want to run.

He deals in million-dollar art and ruthless opinions. I run a small-town bookshop, a growing gallery, and a life I rebuilt from nothing. We were never supposed to collide.

Unfortunately, now I’m stuck working with him.

When a huge summer event throws us together, he challenges everything I do. Questions every choice. Doubts my every instinct. And I refuse to back down.

So he changes tactics.

He watches me. He studies me. And then he starts to figure me out in ways no one ever has.

Including the one thing I’ve never said out loud. My biggest, darkest desire.

And instead of walking away, he uses it.

Now he’s set on making every one of my fantasies real, even if it wrecks me.

Because Zach Fitzgerald doesn’t play fair.

And once he decides he wants something?

He doesn’t stop until it’s his.

If you love enemies-to-lovers tension, small town drama, forced proximity, and a hero who gives you exactly what you want… even when he shouldn’t, you won’t want to miss this addictive, steamy standalone romance.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

The man thinks gray sweats are formal wear. I swear he’s one hoodie away from forming a boy band.

You know I live on oxygen and gossip.

“I’m going to need a moment,” Romy says, fanning her face as she looks out of the window at Asher’s security team pacing the sidewalk. “This is like every fantasy I’ve ever had come true, all at once. Protective heroes, security team, maybe a dash of why choose?” She sighs, turning to look at me. “You think we can persuade Asher to leave his team here permanently just for my entertainment?”

“He looks like a Bond villain,” she mutters, then sighs again. “But, like, in a way where you’d let him tie you to a chair and hope your ransom is never paid.”

He looks too big for his tuxedo. Not in a bad way at all. More like his muscles and the fabric decided to have a fight and his muscles won.

.

My Review:

 

I always look forward to reading Carrie Elks’ books. Her characters are unfailingly endearing, her humor is witty, and her stories are well-paced, amusing, immersive, and entertaining. What more could I possibly ask for, except for more of the same? I wouldn’t mind this series being continued into perpetuity, as their community is curiously quirky.