Good second chance romance. When Sierra and Jack were in high school, Sierra was Jack's math tutor, even though she was younger. He had a big crush on her, and just before his family moved away, he asked her to the high school dance. And though she liked him too, when she learned of some shenanigans related to the date, she turned him down flat. What she heard broke her heart, and she's never forgotten or forgiven him.

After a devastating crash in her fighter, Sierra left the Navy and returned home to try to rebuild her life. She helps her sister in the family bakery and helps at the family winery. She also helps look after her father, who has early-onset Alzheimer's. She has a new job lined up after the new year that will allow her to continue her service to the military and use her mathematical abilities. Jack Clayton is the last person she expects to see walk into the bakery.

Jack is happy to see Sierra again, even though she broke his heart when she refused his invitation. His family's company has big plans in the area, and he hopes to spend time with her. Her continuing anger over the dance confuses him, but that doesn't stop his flirting. When Sierra finds out he's buying up the local wineries and is after her family's winery, she sees red and blasts him. Undeterred, Jack challenges her to let him show her the changes and the plans.

Underneath Sierra's antagonism is the realization that she is attracted to him. She's determined not to fall under the spell of "Jerk" Clayton again. But while spending time together, she sees another side of him, and her heart is soon in danger. She knows they have no future, as her life is in Missouri, and he will eventually return to Oregon. Meanwhile, as Jack gets to know Sierra and spends some time with her family, he is torn between business and pleasure. He needs the James winery to complete his plans, but he knows Sierra is adamantly against selling, especially to him.

I ached for Sierra and Jack when the process was hijacked. The timing was especially awkward, though it helped open Jack's eyes to the depth of his feelings for Sierra. Sierra feels blindsided by Jack and is left feeling used. She's no shrinking violet in the face of what she feels is a betrayal and sets out to make her feelings known. I loved seeing her in action, even though it didn't change the outcome. I loved the effect on Jack and seeing how her example gave him the courage to stand up to his father. Jack refused to give up and went after what he wanted. The ending was sweet and emotional. I hope to see more of them in the next book (about Sierra's sister, Zoe) and see how their love progresses.

It was lovely to read a book that takes place in the Midwest. With so many set in Montana, Texas, or other western states, it's nice to experience other locations. I'd love to see more variety on a regular basis. I remember when the Harlequin American line started there was more diversity in the locations. ( )