Characters

• Jace Walker
  • A ruggedly handsome 36-year-old single dad rancher, has survived life's hardest storms. Jace's charisma attracts people like moths to a flame with his piercing blue eyes that show drive and vulnerability. Jace lost his loving wife, Delilah, to pneumonia, which had been a devastating loss. He persevered for his 6-year-old daughter Chelsea so that he could be strong for her. His hands are callused from hours spent tending to his cattle and working the land. The physical challenges of ranching show in his wide shoulders and sinewy body. But his kind heart and charm show how friendly is sometimes, often hidden by his grumpy demeanor
  Marianna Pearce
  • A captivating 28-year-old woman who effortlessly turns heads with her striking features. With her mesmerizing green eyes and luscious brunette hair, Marianna exudes a timeless beauty that is impossible to ignore. Marianna is friendly and naturally makes others feel important. She always goes above and beyond to convey optimism and compassion, whether it's listening to a friend or assisting a stranger. Marianna's spirit is unique. She has a talent for finding delight in the simplest things and spreading her infectious excitement for life. She appreciates life's basic pleasures and enjoys every moment, from watching a sunset to eating her favorite dessert.
  Chelsea Walker
  • A beautiful 6-year-old with a big heart and a sweet appetite! This happy bundle of joy can brighten even the dullest day with her contagious liveliness. She lives for sweets and cartoons. At the mention of sweets, her favorite delicacy in the world, her eyes light up like a thousand fireflies. From soft candies to flavorful lollipops, she enjoys every mouthful with absolute bliss. Chelsea is obsessed with teddy bears. Every area of her room has fluffy friends, each named and loved. Be it a goodnight hug or an imagined tea party, these fuzzy buddies are always there to comfort her and offer companionship.

Summary

• Jace Walker’s passion for being a rancher knows no limits as he’s offered a dream job. Unfortunately, it’s the summertime and he’s been staying at home with his daughter, Chelsea. Uncomfortable with daycares, Jace prefers to keep an eye on his daughter and keep her close to home. But with the Candelston ranch being on the other side of town, there is no way Jace can take the job without entrusting someone to look after Chelsea.Marianna Peters is Jace’s lifelong friend who is in town visiting when Jace gets the job offer. Drawn back to the small town she grew up in, Marianna is looking for any chance to stay longer. She takes the opportunity to offer herself as the one to look after Chelsea. Already having a close bond with her and Jace trusting Marianna with his & Chelsea’s lives, he accepts. Jace thought he could just hire Marianna as a nanny and that would be just that. Nothing ever prepared them for the sudden sparks and intense attraction that flies between them.Jace’s grumpy & dominant ways often clashes with Marianna’s headstrong personality, but they’ve always managed to still get along. When romance enters their friendship, how much will it change their relationship? Between Marianna feeling guilt since she knew Jace’s late wife Delilah, and Jace battling with these new romantic feelings for Marianna, will they choose to put their hearts on the line? Or discover that they are better suited, and safer, with just remaining friends.

Tropes

• Small Town
  Off-Limits
  Single Dad
  Grumpy
  Age Gap
  Dominant Alpha Male
  Nanny
  Rancher
  Friends to Lovers

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