In this beachy romance from USA Today bestselling author Clare Gilmore, one woman returns to her hometown and grapples with the past she’s fought to escape while discovering a love that might give her a reason to stay.

Rowan Olsen never planned on returning to Twin Fates Island, North Carolina. That was before she lost her job. She’s finally managed to find work at Salt Air Resorts, but it comes with a sticky condition: spend her first six weeks in Twin Fates helping the CEO decide which half of the island is better suited for his next hotel.

The problem – aside from lying to her mother about where she’s going and dodging her ex-boyfriend and estranged father once she arrives – is that Rowan is competing against Connor Nichols, another resort manager who grew up on the island’s north side. And though she’d never admit it, Connor has the clear advantage when it comes to winning over their boss. North Fate is idyllic and luxurious. South Fate is crowded and … kitschy.

But this is a matter of hometown pride, and Rowan intends to prove the beach town she still loves has just as much charm as Connor’s. She could plan the perfect itinerary if only Connor would stop distracting her, but he’s hard to avoid (since he rented the townhouse next door). Harder still when he shows up on her scouting missions offering to call a truce.

Spending time with him is such a bad idea, but there are lots of things Rowan can’t help when it comes to Connor. Like how fun he is to spar with. Or how bad of an enemy he makes. Or how easy it is to forget in his presence that even though she’s falling for him, Rowan swore to leave the island. And once the competition is over, this time it’ll be for good.