Drew McAlister saw her instead of just her perfect face … she thought. Her first love, her only love, was all a lie. It was devastating.
Tess Bakker didn’t care about his damaged face. She gave her beautiful heart to him, and in a flash of young stupidity, he hurt her. He didn’t expect forgiveness.
Years later, they inherit the resort they both love, and suddenly have to live there for a year to protect it from those threatening to destroy it. Tess believes it’s her future, and Drew wants to help. But being here again and not holding her could kill him. Surrounded by the endless beauty of nature, they finally confront the pain of their past. After all, it’s where they met.
As a fragile truce stretches, Tess sees the differences between the boy and the man. His help and smile still tempt her heart, but new lean muscles tempt her touch. It’s a big risk. When more threats come from all sides, Drew is determined to protect her and their little paradise this time. But will it be enough to prove he’s the man for her heart and has been all along?
A second chance, forced proximity, hero with a beard romance containing memories of first love, a shy beauty turned fighter, a would-be hero who’d do anything for her, and 5+ sexy scenes with no cliffhangers and a guaranteed Happily Ever After. It’s about the definition of beauty, the power of purpose, and the timelessness of real love.
Christina Braver writes steamy, contemporary romance usually set in the Pacific Northwest. Her stories are character driven and feature strong heroes with softer sides, heroines who make it happen, and the guaranteed happily-ever-after we all need.
She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and pairs that knowledge with information from prominent sex therapists to write novels described as “a little bit nerdy, a little bit dirty.” Her books bring toe-curling spice and real-life tips while addressing deeper issues such as sexual health and sex positivity for everyone.
She lives outside Seattle, and when she isn’t writing, Christina can be found biking with her husband, laughing too loudly with friends, sipping wine, or reading.