Content warning for depiction of gun violence leading to the death of a non-primary character and threat to children, discussion of PTSD, realistic descriptions of symptoms of PTSD, cheating (not between main characters), and some physical violence.

Imagine if the sexy carpenter on the host of your favorite HGTV show fell for YOU while renovating your house. Sound good? This book will be perfect for you!

Michael and his brothers are the stars, the brains, and the brawn on a popular Canadian house renovating TV show. Their latest project, flipping an old Victorian mansion into a shop/kitchen for a home chef about to launch her own soup business, is the perfect distraction for Michael who is battling PTSD symptoms.

Michael is a hero to everyone except himself for his role in stopping a man who shot and killed his wife from also taking the lives of the children in her home daycare center. Michael is haunted by what he didn't do, which is save her life.

But, as the project commences, Michael has another little problem, namely he's utterly smitten with Emily, the homeowner and chef on this latest project. She's witty, funny, and beautiful, but also engaged. To a jerk.

For Emily, having the Knox brother's flip her nonna's home is a dream come true, the perfect jump start to her new business. Too bad her out-of-work chef fiancee is being completely unsupportive and absentee, plus host and head contractor Michael is very, very distracting.

As the demolition commences, Emily and Michael become fast friends, and more as Emily realizes Trent is not the one for her. But, just as this new romance begins, Michael's refusal to address his mental health struggles threaten to derail everything, especially as Emily offers to get him help.

While this story includes difficult topics, the author does a lovely job of making them fit within the story (not just included for shock), and never uses sex as a magical cure all. Watching Michael face his demons with support from Emily is truly wonderful.