Isle of Hope Series by Nicole Baker

Call my high school crush to repair my childhood vacation home? Yes, please. Although, I haven't seen him in almost a decade. He's probably married, bald, and sporting a beer belly. Spoiler He's not bald! He's somehow even more alluring now than he was when I was seventeen. Only now, he's a mean/grumpy mess of a man with a three old daughter that he's struggling to take care of on his own... moreCall my high school crush to repair my childhood vacation home? Yes, please. Although, I haven't seen him in almost a decade. He's probably married, bald, and sporting a beer belly. Spoiler He's not bald! He's somehow even more alluring now than he was when I was seventeen. Only now, he's a mean/grumpy mess of a man with a three old daughter that he's struggling to take care of on his own. Even with his grunts and sharp words, I'm still powerless to stop myself from crushing on him all over again. When I learn about the tragedy in his life, I even start to sympathize with him. As the summer progresses, we start to get to know each other. I see some of the man I used to know come back. Things heat up between us. We can no longer deny what has developed. Then I discover his big secret. The one that's been tearing him up on the inside, keeping him from moving on and finding peace with his past. That was when everything took a turn, and I'm not sure if we'll ever recover. less

A brother's best friend, enemies to lovers, second chance romance. When dedicated restaurant owner Layla Williams finally agrees to take a much-needed vacation, she’s expecting a week of relaxation in the picturesque Italian mountainside with her best friend. But when her friend cancels at the last minute, Layla's plans are thrown into disarray. To her dismay, her brother’s infuriating best friend, Josh, is sent in her place. Layla and Josh have a history—one that’s more bitter than sweet... moreA brother's best friend, enemies to lovers, second chance romance. When dedicated restaurant owner Layla Williams finally agrees to take a much-needed vacation, she’s expecting a week of relaxation in the picturesque Italian mountainside with her best friend. But when her friend cancels at the last minute, Layla's plans are thrown into disarray. To her dismay, her brother’s infuriating best friend, Josh, is sent in her place. Layla and Josh have a history—one that’s more bitter than sweet. Things go from bad to worse when they discover that their quaint Italian accommodations only have one bed. Forced into close quarters, their mutual animosity seems to deepen. But amid Italy’s romantic charm, from quaint vineyards to bustling markets, sparks begin to fly in a different way. Will the enchanting beauty of Italy and their growing attraction they both have for each other lead them to discover a connection neither expected? Or will old grudges and fiery tempers ruin their chance at love? less