The story is set in Lake Tahoe, California, where we meet Tae Holmes and her mother April. April raised Tae alone and the two are close. In fact, they bought a duplex together and are now neighbors. Tae is an event planner and works from home. She is determined to support both herself and her mother, so money has been tight. When we meet her, she is handling her first event for an adventure company for athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors.

An awkward encounter involving her most recent blind date has Tae leaving the event in search of ice cream when she bumps into former Marine Riggs Copeland. Tae and Riggs were high school friends before having a brief fling. I loved the chemistry between them immediately. Tae is all bristly and Riggs acts all laid-back and assured.

Through Shalvis’s story we get to know Riggs and Tae as she weaves side stories involving Riggs and his brother, Tae’s father and a terrible secret. All set against the backdrop of the adventure company. I loved the events, secondary characters and the slobbering dog. I laughed aloud, groaned, and read into the wee hours. Shalvis delivers characters you want to root for and befriend.

Fans of small-town romances will love this summer read. While this is the second novel in the Sunrise Cove series, it will work as a standalone. Each has its own story and romance to enjoy. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer