It's Been A Year

She swore she'd never fall again—especially not for her ex's brother. But fate (and temptation) have other plans. August is tired of being called a hot mess. Sure, she's clumsy, chaotic, and just dumped her cheating boyfriend on Valentine's Day, but her small-town chocolate shop is thriving—and she's determined to keep her heart locked up for good. Until he shows up. Lowell has always stayed in his lane. But when his brother cheated on August—the one woman Lowell has secretly wanted for years—something snapped. Jake never deserved her. And now that a year has passed, Lowell's done pretending he doesn't care. August made it clear she wanted nothing to do with him after the breakup, especially not when he tried to comfort her. But he can't stop thinking about her—her quick wit, that wild hair, the way she melts under pressure—and this time, he's not backing down. She's his brother's ex. He's the one man she shouldn't want. But in a town where gossip travels faster than wildfire, keeping their hands off each other might just be impossible. Steamy tension, forbidden longing, and the kind of slow-burn that scorches. Perfect for readers who crave small-town heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters.