We’re back in Infinity Ridge, where this time Harper Stone meets her match.

Harper Stone is the self-sacrificing, people-pleasing, golden child of the siblings. She’s the caregiver to her elderly father, who is quite a handful, and has basically dedicated her life to that and their ranch. She’s sassy, feisty, and tenacious, but ultimately does what’s expected and takes care of everything. She has major trust issues, and her self-worth took a hit because of her cheating ex and now ex-best friend.

Ares Pierce's life and career in Chicago have hit a major snag, and now he’s back at Infinity Ridge for a mandatory sabbatical, and he also needs to deal with his late grandfather's family medical practice and help his grandmother. But he’s an outsider, so the townies aren’t so welcoming to him yet. He’s broody, mature, a chronic overachiever, and a bit overwhelmed. But he also does like to help people and wants to be productive while he is in town if he can just get people to let him.

But bantering with Harper is the first thing that makes him smile in a while. So when it looks like she could use a lifeline, he slides in to help her save face and they find themselves in a fake relationship deal to help it look like she’s not still pining for her ex and to help him get more townie credit and inspire patients to actually let him treat them.

They both are adamant that they’re not looking for a relationship, set rules and boundaries, and he’s only supposed to be there for a predetermined amount of time. They think they have it all completely under control…until they don’t.

This is a small-town, fake dating, fish out of water, city boy vs. cowgirl romance with snark and spice.  I was invested from their grumpy, sarcastic, not-so-meet-cute through the fake dating shenanigans to finding a connection neither one of them expected. Their chemistry is amazing, and they cannot seem to stop things from getting out of their control.

I adored both Ares and Harper and loved seeing them have opportunities for growth and chances to feel seen. He helps her begin to heal, and she makes him actually live life, but there are challenges, complications, miscommunication, and potential for emotional damage.  There is a lot of uncertainty mixed in with obligations, priorities, personal issues, and fear

This brings back the Stone and Gatlin families and townies from the first book. They are quite entertaining. I am excited to keep reading the siblings' stories.