Spoiled, fickle, and prissy are only a few of the adjectives that have been used to describe Morgan Redford. Though she’s never had to worry about money, she’s determined to make a name for herself on her own terms. Her new venture won’t be an epic fail like her former professional cuddling service or the short-lived pet hotel. This time, through the nonprofit she cofounded, Morgan is doing something meaningful—helping teens who are aging out of foster care—and she’s got her eye on a property that could house these kids. But the competition is steep, and one of the bidders is someone she never expected. . . .
When real estate developer Drake Faulkner learns that his ex—the one who ghosted him years ago—is a potential buyer for the property his eccentric mentor is selling, his competitive streak amps up. No way is he letting her win the property he wants. Bitter? Yes. Petty? Probably. But his mentor has a stipulation: potential buyers must participate in an Ironman competition of sorts for the property. Drake refuses to play along with this ridiculous demand, until he discovers Morgan has signed up. If Little Miss Can’t Run a Block Without Gasping for Air is doing it, he will too. But as the gauntlet of games heats up and forces them to face the past, they are met with a pull that feels all too familiar.
Now, if only they could keep their eyes on the prize instead of on each other—but who’s to say they can’t do both?
Release Date: Dec 13, 2022
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Price: $10.99
Morgan comes from a famous and successful family. She can easily rely on her family’s name and money to get ahead in life but she wants to do it on her own. Her dream of opening a home for foster children is almost a reality. She found the perfect property but the owner wants her to compete for it and when she discovers it is her ex-boyfriend, Drake, everything changes.
Drake is not happy to discover he has to compete for the property. Morgan really did a number on him years ago. Being this close to her is bringing up a lot of emotions that he is unsure of how to deal with. The property is more important to him than anything so he is willing to put up a fight even if it is against the woman he still possibly loves.
Here is the thing with this story it is all over the place. The connection between Morgan and Drake is undeniable. They still have it. However, it is overshadowed by the competition. I get it. I really get it. We (the readers) are supposed to get a glimpse into their lives and the passion for the property. It just takes over at time when I felt the author could have delve more into the romance between them. I didn’t care about their careers or the property if I’m being completely honest.
The biggest concern that I had was how the romance unfolded. Drake and Morgan have this past where there was a lot unsaid. Basically, Morgan ended things without really explaining to Drake why. It felt that the love came back instantly which contradicts how they originally ended. They went straight back into their relationship. There is no real conflict resolution. The author tells us they are in love again and all is well. The story didn’t unfold neatly like most romances and I find that to be the case when an author tells rather than shows.
Overall, A nice, fun and sweet romance for those who need to get a quick read in.
~ Samantha
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