For as long as I can remember, Lachlan West has been my brother’s best friend and the love of my life. Trouble is, he kissed me four years ago and then never spoke to me again. I was doing great pretending he doesn’t exist until I was assigned to write an article about former college athletes, and I learn that the sexy single dad is my first interview. Determined to wow my editor with an amazing sportsball piece—(have I mentioned I know nothing about sports?)—I head to Ember Falls, ready to face my fears—and the man I love. The grumpy quarterback turned fireman wants nothing to do with me or my article. Yet, somehow I persuade him to let me follow him around for a few weeks, and even if he said yes just to get rid of me, I’ll take it. But the longer I stay in his small town, the more complicated our story gets. The boundaries we set fall to the ground—along with our clothes. He holds me like I matter, touches me like I’m cherished and kisses me like he loves me. We both know I have to leave Ember Falls, and he’ll never follow—I only wish I could write a different ending to our story.

I’ve crafted my new life in Ember Falls with two simple rules: maintain superficial relationships and always be ready to run. But when my son’s incredibly hot hockey coach Miles Anderson walks in, things get very, very complicated. With his charming smile and our accidental dates, he’s the exact opposite of any man I’ve ever dated. That should make saying yes to being with him simple, but nothing in my life is easy. In fact, it’s a mess. Miles makes me smile and treats my son like his own. When we’re together, I forget about my troubles and dream of a life that I will never be able to have with him. It’s only a matter of time until the past comes knocking and I’ll have to leave, breaking us both in the process.

When my ex-husband leaves me for the co-star in his movie, moving back to Ember Falls feels like my only option. Everett Finnegan, my first love and the man I’ve never forgotten, is ready to welcome me with open arms…and an open bed. But when I find out I’m pregnant with my ex’s baby, my entire world is upended. My ex doesn’t want the baby, but I plan to rebuild my life as a single mother and figure out how to handle all of this alone. Except that I don’t seem to be alone―Everett always shows up for me. I don’t expect him to get mixed up in all my drama―not when he has his own. And I wish he would listen to me when I say we have to stop whatever it is we’re doing. But he wants me, the baby, and my heart. So when I’m forced to return to California sooner than planned, I’m devastated. Everett can’t leave Ember Falls, and I can’t stay. Saying goodbye to him the first time was hard enough. This time, it just might break me