Taking over the family farm in our small town was the only future I knew. But the never-ending work left me with no social life and my virginity intact. Until my childhood rival graced us with his presence and was convinced he could help me with my…problem.
Owen Ramsey was an elite professional baseball player that left Ashfield without a backward glance. But when he was left at the altar, he sought refuge back in our town. I hated how he could simultaneously make my heart race and my hands fist. And I really despised how good he looked in a pair of baseball pants.
He needed my help just as much as I needed his. If I agreed to fake date him, he would help me snag the man I had my eye on and I would help convince his ex that he wasn’t heartbroken.
But with his return to baseball looming, we realized maybe the hate we felt was really something more like love.
The fear of disappointing my family was too great, even though I craved something different for the first time ever. Owen was used to hitting balls out of the park, but I wasn’t sure I was meant to be his home run.
Aspen and Owen have been enemies their entire life, so there’s a sordid history of pranks and hard feelings. She’s surprised when run into each other and just . . . get along like normal people. Even more shocking, she likes him. It’s truly a first for them, but Owen already has a plan. He’ll be there for months through the off-season rehabbing his shoulder and he’s going to show Aspen they don’t have to be enemies.
She lives and breathes her family farm, working long days every day to keep Sunny Brook Farm running smoothly. It’s not what she’d choose for herself, but she has to do it, or her dad can’t retire. Working such long hours doesn’t lead to much of a social life and while Aspen is an introvert happy to stay home, she’s also ready to punch her v-card and decides her crush is the perfect man for the job. Too bad she has no idea how to talk to him. Or what to do on a date. She’s a mess and has no idea how to make any of this happen.
When Aspen confides in Owen, revealing her problem, he suggests a mutually beneficial solution: they pretend to date so his ex knows he’s moved on, and he’ll help Aspen find her confidence with practice dates. He’s surprised but happy that she quickly agrees, although it’s clear he has no intention of helping her get another man’s attention. Owen is a big cinnamon roll and so sweet, he’s just what Aspen needs. Her family seems to forget about her most of the time, so nobody needs her own personal cheerleader more and Owen is the perfect man for the job. Their story is sweet and steamy, and I loved everything about it. I’d like to thank the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
