by Ciji Ware
First published 2011
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake has turned four hundred city blocks into rubble. A quarter million people have lost their homes. Architect Amelia Bradshaw stands amid the devastation with one mission: rebuild two luxury hotels before her competitors can claim the commission. Her client J.D. Thayer shares her determination to restore their beloved city. Together they face crushing deadlines, scarce materials, and ruthless rivals who want to see them fail. As Amelia drafts blueprints and oversees construction, she finds herself drawn to Thayer in ways that complicate their professional partnership. The city demands everything from them. Success means watching San Francisco rise from the ashes. Failure means losing not just their careers but their chance at love. Amelia must choose between playing it safe and risking everything for the city and man she's come to cherish.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, 20th-century, architecture
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, intimate
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, professional-partners
Setting: San Francisco
Period: 1906
544 pages · Kindle Edition · Sourcebooks Landmark