March 1, 2023
Drake Faulkner has it all--a successful, fulfilling career as a real estate property developer, guardianship of his teenage twin siblings, and a company he runs with his best friend. The only thing missing is the one who got away: Morgan Redford, the beautiful daughter of a famous actor who disappeared from Drake's life with no explanation, leaving a gaping hole in his heart. Fifteen years later, the two meet again, but this time as competitors for the same property. Drake wants it because it's the first building his architect father ever designed, while Morgan's nonprofit plans to use it to house teens aging out of foster care. Can they rekindle their romance while engaging in professional competition? Narrator Zenzi Williams does well distinguishing the characters by using tone, volume, and specific emotive elements for each individual. While many overused romance tropes are woven into the narrative, the characters' willingness to embrace self-reflection and improve communication to avoid repeating their past mistakes is a breath of fresh air in a genre where miscommunication so often fuels the plot. VERDICT Cooper's (Business Not as Usual) second-chance romance is a delightful blend of humor, spice, and tenderness.--Katy Duperry
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