The books in the Woods Lake series can be read as a complete standalone novel, but you will get the most out of the books if you read them in chronological order. This will give you the background of the characters and the history of the linked friendships and relationships. Jesse - 28; mechanic; self-proclaimed "not a relationship guy"; described by others as "a fun for a weekend guy not a relationship guy.” Lexie - 22; art teacher; recently out of a relationship and has sworn off dating and men. After finding out that they both like pizza, poker, swimming, and video games; they decide to be friends. When Lexie's ex shows up and she needs a place to stay, Jesse offers his guestroom for a week until he knows her apartment is safe to return to. By the end of the week, Jesse may not want Lexie to leave, but he's not sure she would want to stay. . . . . I was always the weird art girl that never fit in because I’m super shy, would rather being reading or painting, and there were exactly zero art classes offered all through school.” “Since when are you shy?” “Since forever.” “But you’re talking to me and telling me everything.” “I’ve literally known you my entire life. It’s different." . . . “You need to come hang here. It’s a small town. You’ll see people you know.” We both reached for pretzels again and laughed as I pulled my hand back so she could grab first. I took a sip from my beer and then grabbed a couple pretzels. “Not really my scene. I do it when I get dragged out, but I’m more a small get together person. I’m a total nerd Jesse. Backyard BBQs, pool hangouts, poker, or video games. That’s more my speed.” “If you tell me you know how to cook, you might just change my mind about my opinions on relationships. I love barbecues, pool hangouts, poker, and I’m a video game nerd.” She squinted her eyes together a bit. “What’s that face?” She smiled. “I’ve just been warned and heard stories about your opinion on relationships.” “It’s not something I hide. I don’t do relationships. I have no interest in getting married or having kids. I’m honest about that from the start. I’m a fun guy for a weekend, or a week, or few weeks at most. Then girls move on because they realize I was serious when I said I don’t do relationships.” “At least you’re honest about it and don’t hide it.” There was a hurt in her eyes when she said it. “I’m a firm believer in what you see is what you get and with me you get someone to hang out and do things with and have the freedom to walk away anytime because I’m not looking for a commitment.” I reached across the table and touched her hand. “I don’t know what he did Lexie, but if he let you walk away or pushed you away, it’s his loss.” . . . “Where have you been all my life? You play video games. You can kick my ass swimming. You like poker. You like pizza and beer and you eat brownies from the pan.” “All of that describes a friend. That’s where I’ve been, in the friend zone, and since you don’t do relationships and I only end up with assholes so I’m swearing off men, I think we have potential to become good friends.” . . . I like coming home to her. Shit. I’m so screwed. I don’t want her to leave, but what if she doesn’t want to stay? What if I’m just a good distraction from what she went through with Kyle?