⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Definitely. Sparks fly between Caleb and Emma amidst witty banter and the drive to prove themselves.

Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this construction project to prove himself in the family business, but he also needs to recover from the injury that ended his pro career. Too bad Emma Sumner, architect liaison and Caleb’s college nemesis, is back in town and assigned to the project. They’re going to have to see each other almost every day. Which means once again she’ll make his life a living hell. As for Emma, her job is on the line with this big project, made all the more challenging by the project manager. Caleb was the one who had snagged the scholarship she’d desperately needed to stay in college. She’s been living hand to mouth ever since and has no intention of ever forgiving the man. But the beautiful historic building they’re renovating is exactly the kind of project that they both love best. Their surprising common ground and a burning mutual attraction start bringing them closer and closer to a potentially explosive mistake. And that’s even before the secrets come out…

MY THOUGHTS

My heart just about broke for Emma. She deliberately held herself alone and separate from everyone, even as she and Caleb were growing closer. There was a moment in Caleb’s home, surrounded by evidence of all the love and support in his life, where her isolation came through so devastatingly clear.

Caleb was amazing. He stepped way out of his comfort zone so easily for Emma. He was there when she needed him, even though she didn’t want to need him. Both of them showed heaps of growth and change as a couple but also as individuals. I loved the Colburn family, the playful relationship between the brothers, and the way everyone welcomed Emma without qualms.

For all the very serious personal problems covered in this book, there were also plenty of fun, lighthearted moments, and, of course, the palpable chemistry that made it difficult for Caleb and Emma to keep their distance.

This book is for you if you like a steamy, small town romance with flawed yet endearing characters. It’s not necessary to read the books in this series in order, but it would help to get to know the characters and to see how the family dynamics develop.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 3, 2026
Sensuality Rating: Hot
Series: Book 1 of Colburn Brothers
Other books in the series: He Falls First