If you like HGTV, hunky dudes who can build things with their hands, and big families, you will like this book. The main characters are Adrian Villanueva, a devoted son and brother, and Sofia Valenti, a grieving daughter, chasing her dreams while trying to fulfill increasing familial obligations. Sofia’s dad’s construction company gets involved with a reality TV home renovation show and it’s off to the races.

Although this is a romance novel it deals with some really heavy grief and loss. Sofia’s brother, Gabe, was killed in the Iraq war and the whole family is still reeling in this book, years later. Adrian’s dad was deported when he was young, and his mom is still working through devastating anxiety and agoraphobia.

The relationship between Adrian and Sofia runs hot and cold while they both try to navigate personal ambition, the business and Valenti family politics on top of filming a show. The steam is very good - we are inside Sofia’s as she deals with her insecurities about her body. Adrian is THE SWEETEST, and there are gray sweatpants.