Cara Bastone Books

Struggling with the recent loss of her best friend Lou, Lenny feels adrift and disconnected from her life. Her only solace comes from temporary babysitting jobs, including one for single mom Reese and her daughter Ainsley. Complications arise with Reese's uncle Miles, who challenges Lenny's facade of coping. As Miles offers to help her tackle her "live again" list in exchange for his own familial connections, Lenny begins to realize that healing and love can emerge from profound loss, leading her on a journey of self-discovery.

Life-altering relationships are at the heart of this narrative, exploring how certain individuals can profoundly impact our personal journeys. The story delves into themes of connection, growth, and the transformative power of love and friendship. Through rich character development, readers witness the challenges and joys that come from these pivotal encounters, ultimately reflecting on the importance of the people we meet along the way.

Sometimes you get a second chance at a first impression Mary Trace is bright, bubbly and back in the dating pool in her midthirties. All of her closest friends are in love, and she refuses to miss out on romance. So when a regular customer at her trendy Brooklyn boutique wants to set Mary up on a blind date with her son, she gives a hesitant yes. John Modesto-Whitford is gorgeous and well-groomed, so maybe dinner won't be a total bust--until he drops a less-than-flattering comment about Mary's age. Desperate to be nothing like his snake of a politician father, public defender John Modesto-Whitford prides himself on his honesty and candor. But his social awkwardness and lack of filter just blew it with the most beautiful woman he's ever dated. Luckily, Mom's machinations keep Mary and John running into each other all summer long, and soon they resort to fake dating to get her to back off. When their pretense turns to real friendship--and some surprisingly hot chemistry--can these two stubborn individuals see past their rocky start to a rock-solid future together?

Set against a backdrop of tension and desire, the story explores the complexities of love and the struggles of emotional vulnerability. Characters grapple with their feelings, facing the challenge of opening up to one another amidst their fears and past traumas. Themes of resistance and acceptance intertwine, leading to a transformative journey where personal growth and connection become paramount. As they navigate their relationship, the characters learn that true intimacy requires confronting their deepest insecurities.