Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is my first Jill Shalvis book but I’ve already started checking out her backlog catalog of books on KU to read. The book is so sweet and the characters so lovable and witty they draw you in and make you thoroughly invested in them getting their HEA. Penny and Ryder have their own reasons for saying “no thank you” to love, so the last thing either of them expected was to feel so drawn to each other. They both are unexpected caregivers to family and while Penny is happy to do it and Ryder does it out of a sense of obligation, the push and pull of so much responsibility gives them plenty of things in common.

I loved Ryder’s brothers and can’t wait to read what I expect to be their HEA stories in future books of the series. Love and support is there, but so is a fair amount of teasing and nobody can get under your skin like a sibling. Penny’s grandmother is a hoot and I would love to read a book featuring her as well. While there is plenty of banter and steam, the book deals with serious issues of abuse (off the page), guilt, and forgiveness. The author does a great job balancing these themes throughout the book.

I listened to the book and the narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Their voices, inflections, and warmth makes you feel as if you’re sitting quietly in the corner watching the story unfold before your eyes. I hope they narrate future books in the series because they definitely give the story justice.

I received a complimentary Advance Listener’s Copy of this audiobook from Hambright PR. All opinions are my own.

Blurb

No one is going to convince her to fall in love again…

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

Penny’s learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

The Colburn Brothers Series

A trilogy of three unruly brothers, where adventures and shenanigans abound, as well as guaranteed, heart-stopping, heart-melting happily-ever-afters (with a blink and you’ll miss it overarching mystery) You’ll want to read this series in order!

TROPES

🩷 Small town with a side of sass
🛠️ Hot contractor
🏠 Found family
🙆‍♂️ He falls first (and hard)
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🫢 Is it fake dating when only one of you knows it’s fake?