Rating: 4 out of 5.

This book was so freaking adorable! It’s the perfect grumpy sunshine book with fiery banter (pun intended) fantastic chemistry, & a sweet love story between people who thought love was not for them. It’s the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.

Jesse is a firefighter in a small town. He’s a local hero, grumpy loner, & due to a new house purchase, a reluctant landlord. He didn’t want a tenant, especially a female one, but here he is. Casey promises she’ll only be here a year, maybe less, & then he can go back to his peaceful life. If he can. He can’t stop thinking about Casey and all he wants to do is be around her. His feelings are so conflicted and he struggles with listening to his head or his heart. The backstory that explains his aversion to relationships is heartbreaking and sad.

Casey is an IT specialist & is constantly on the move. She moved to the small town to be close to Lou, the only woman that made her feel special & loved. Now that Lou’s gone, she’ll build her business & be on her way. Jesse is a thorn in her side & constantly changing the house rules, but she can’t deny he’s hot. Like stupid hot. He pushes her buttons & she can’t help but argue with him, but it’s just so fun. It’s clear Casey would love nothing better than setting down roots and being happy in the small town, especially if it means being with Jesse, but something always seems to jar her out of the dream and she pulls back. Her backstory is also heartbreaking and it’s understandable why she avoids staying in one place too long.

They’ve both been hurt & been let down by the people that should protect them. They find they can rely on each other & build something just for themselves. I loved that Casey was fierce & independent, but also loved Jesse’s protectiveness & yes, the fact that he comes to her rescue more times than she’d like to admit.

I received a gifted ecopy of this book from Grey Promotions. All opinions are my own.