Under Contract

The only thing more fragile than the ruin she inherited is the contract they swore not to break.

Architect Kara Hawksley needs control. After a professional and personal life collapse in the city, she escapes to the remote cliffs of Ashbluff Cove to renovate-and then demolish-the dilapidated Astor Manor. The project is her last chance to prove she can build a life on her own terms.

Her plans are instantly derailed by Declan Grimshaw, the grumpy, massive groundsman living in the tiny cabin next door. Declan is all calloused hands and silent judgment, treating Kara's blueprints like a personal offense. He sees her as a ruthless tourist; she sees him as an infuriatingly handsome obstacle.

But when a massive storm forces them into the dark, chaotic confines of the Manor's crumbling Orangery, their professional boundaries collapse into a desperate, forbidden encounter.

They establish a rigid, new contract: strictly professional. No feelings. No repetition.

But as they're forced to work side-by-side-deciphering a century-old mystery that binds their families together and fighting a slick town politician who wants them gone-the proximity becomes inescapable. Declan's scarred past is revealed, and Kara realizes she's falling for the messy, uncontrollable chaos of the man beneath the grunt.

The problem? Declan refuses to be fixed. And Kara will soon have to choose between the predictable, successful life she was meant for, and the messy, vital love of the man who threatens to burn her whole world down.

If you love forced proximity, grumpy heroes, witty banter, and steamy secrets, you'll love this slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance