Down Home

Peter Darcy thought he left "Elizabeth" behind in Halifax. After three unforgettable nights together—first names only, no promises, no future—he returned to Toronto and threw himself back into the life that was slowly crushing him. But when a panic attack lands him on medical leave, he retreats to his cottage in Balsam Bay to figure out who he is beyond the eighty-hour work weeks and impossible expectations.

Billie doesn't do second chances. As the owner of Balsam Bay's premier construction company, she's spent years proving herself in a male-dominated industry and rebuilding what her father nearly destroyed. She learned long ago that love doesn't last—not in her family, anyway—and she's built a good life on her own terms. She doesn't need complications, especially not from the client whose house she just finished renovating.

Except when she shows up to his housewarming party covered in mud, she realizes her client "Darcy" is actually Peter. And he's not letting her walk away again.

Forced to work together on a town development project, Darcy and Billie can't ignore the chemistry that drew them together in the first place. But Darcy's fighting demons he's kept hidden from everyone, and Billie's guarding a heart that's been taught not to trust in forever. When family betrayal threatens everything they're building—together and apart—they'll both have to decide what they're willing to fight for.

Can two people who've spent their lives running finally find the courage to stay?

Tropes:

• Vacation Fling

• Forced Proximity

• Small Town Romance (Nova Scotia, Canada)

• Hidden/Mistaken Identity

• Sunshine/Sunshine

• Friends with Benefits (to Lovers)

• Meddling Best Friends

Bonus: Mental health representation (anxiety/panic attacks, ADHD, PMDD)