First published 2022
Hope Godwin moves to Oceanside, Washington, seeking a fresh start after losing her twin brother. She settles into a cottage with watchful landlords nearby and begins teaching at the local high school. When her landlord persuades her to help at his animal shelter, Hope meets Shadow, a rescue dog others consider hopeless. She also encounters Cade Lincoln Jr., a former marine volunteering at the shelter who carries invisible wounds from his service. Hope sees potential in both the damaged dog and the guarded veteran. As she works to gain Shadow's trust, Cade slowly opens up to her as well. Their growing connection gives Hope the sense of belonging she has been missing. But their budding relationship faces serious challenges when Cade's military past returns to complicate his present, while Hope must also navigate escalating problems among her high school students. Hope must decide whether love and patience can overcome the trauma that haunts both her and Cade.
Genres: fiction, romance, contemporary-romance, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Oceanside, Washington
Period: contemporary
304 pages · Hardcover · Ballantine Books
Content warnings: mental-illness