Publication Date: May 2025
Blurb:
Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.
The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but fakes it that she can. Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise! But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.
Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.
What To Expect:
Readers can expect a contemporary romance with minimal spice and a small town setting. Themes of body image difficulties, trauma and acceptance are explored during the story with tropes of strangers to lovers, forced proximity and family drama.
Content Warnings:
Language: Moderate – Variations of sh*t, *ss, d*mn, f*ck 2x, h*ll, taking the Lord’s name in vain.
Sexual Content: Closed Door – Kissing only and innuendo such as: Character tells a guy to come find her later and that she isn’t wearing panties, revenge sex is mentioned, mild references to wanting to sleep with someone, a guy offers his girlfriend’s kisses as prize in a drinking contest, references to cheating
Violence: Mild – Fatal accidents, animal abuse
Substance Use: Moderate to Heavy – Accident caused by overconsumption of alcohol, drinking contest in bar, drunkenness, multiple references to drinking cocktails
Prejudices: Bullying about weight/appearance
Religious Themes: None
Other Topics: Eating disorder and distorted body image, negative self-talk about body
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