Good friends to lovers romance. Luke has recently left the Marines to return home and run the family ranch. Besides suffering from PTSD and resisting getting help, he is also dealing with getting the ranch on a more stable financial footing. The last thing he needs is to fall for his friend's sister, which he has done. Luke is fascinated with Noah's sister, Bailey, and goes to his best friend, Bernie, for advice on winning her.

Bernie is a busy woman. She has a bakery/coffee shop that keeps her hopping for most of the day, plus she runs the local animal shelter from her family's barn. She'd like to expand the bakery but has yet to have the time to look into how to do it. Bernie has been in love with Luke since she was in kindergarten, but Luke is oblivious. She decides it's time to move on and seriously look at dating other men, though she will still have to deal with Luke on the shelter dog adoption event.

Luke irritated me with his complete cluelessness about Bernie's feelings for him. It was also apparent that he and Bailey were not suited as a couple. Fortunately, they figured that out quickly and became friends. I was happy to see Bernie hit him over the head with the way she felt, even though Luke didn't take it well at first. However, once his eyes were opened, he started looking at her differently and paying attention to the sparks of attraction he'd felt. Bernie is no pushover and keeps after Luke to deal with his problems as they enjoy their growing relationship. Luke also supports Bernie as she faces several challenges of her own. It still takes the thought of Bernie leaving to make Luke realize the full extent of his feelings. I liked his big moment in all of its awkwardness.

Part of the book deals with the challenges Luke and Bernie face with their businesses. I liked seeing how Luke worked with his family and friends to solve the ranch's financial problems. Bernie is very independent and has a hard time accepting advice. This becomes more important when her estranged father, a successful businessman, wants to mend his relationship with her and offers his help. Her struggle with her feelings over the matter was realistic.

#netgalley ( )