First published 2017
Mathias Mitchell smiles easily but carries deep wounds from his family's betrayal. He settles in Happily Inc., California, where the constant weddings provide a stream of bridesmaids for his no-strings lifestyle. Behind his house lies an animal preserve where he watches his neighbor Carol Lund care for the animals. Carol works as a gamekeeper and believes she lacks the appeal to interest a man like Calls herself ordinary, Carol is shocked when Mathias offers to help her find companions for her solitary giraffe. His persistent pursuit surprises her even more. She eventually lets him into her bed, but his thoughtless behavior shatters her trust. Now Mathias must prove that Carol matters more than anyone else ever has. This story asks whether love can survive when someone you care about lets you down completely.
Genres: animals, romance, contemporary-romance, second-chance
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, second-chance
Setting: Happily Inc., California
384 pages · Kindle Edition · Harlequin