May 2025:

Willow is 27 and just trying to survive adulthood. She’s moved to a quiet town in Maine to escape her overbearing family, trading stress for small-town serenity. Now, she works in a cozy bakery and just happens to live next to the ridiculously attractive town sheriff. Honestly, what more could you want?

To get her pushy family off her back, Willow invents a fake romance with her dreamy neighbor. It’s all harmless fun—until her family decides to visit a year later. Instead of confessing the truth, she enlists the sheriff in a weekend of pretend love… and let’s just say, not everything stays fake.

This book is cute, romantic, and delightfully far-fetched. The chemistry is swoon-worthy, even if the plot requires some suspension of disbelief. The family dynamics were a bit hard to swallow—I’ve had my ups and downs with relatives, but the level of toxicity here made me raise an eyebrow. Then again, maybe I’m the problem!

There’s also a side plot involving a stalker that tries to inject some suspense but doesn’t really land. It feels like a half-hearted attempt at intensity that neither adds depth nor drama. Honestly? I would’ve preferred another steamy scene instead.

If you're looking for a light-hearted, well-written romance with a sprinkle of spice and a dash of small-town charm, this one hits the spot. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this author. As her writing evolves, I suspect her stories will grow in depth and continue to resonate—especially with readers like me who appreciate both heat and heart.