Ivy Callahan has spent her whole life proving she’s more than just “Liam Callahan’s little sister.” Running guest experiences at Mountain Laurel Lodge is her passion, and she refuses to let anyone—especially her overprotective older brother—tell her what to do. But when a false fire alarm brings Elk Ridge’s finest to the lodge, Ivy finds herself caught in an unexpected deal. Be Maddox Archer’s plus-one to a wedding in exchange for not having to explain the firehouse mix-up.
Maddox Archer has spent years following one rule. Don’t date your best friend’s little sister. It’s a line he’s never dared to cross—no matter how much Ivy’s teasing smile and fiery spirit tempt him. But between his nosy firehouse crew and his matchmaking mother and grandmother, he’s out of excuses. Desperate to avoid another awkward family lecture about “settling down,” he reluctantly agrees to Ivy’s help.
There’s just one problem: spending an entire weekend pretending to be her boyfriend feels way too real. And when one fake kiss turns into something more, Maddox has to decide. Break the one rule he swore to keep, or risk losing the only woman he’s ever wanted.
A heartwarming, small-town fake dating romance filled with slow-burn tension, a protective firefighter, and a sassy, independent heroine who won’t settle for anything less than real love.
