Welcome to Hardwood Beach, the best beach with a ridiculous name on Lake Michigan. Where if the wind and waves don't carry you away, your heart certainly will.

Ryan

When I found my girlfriend in bed with another man, I packed a bag and left without a word. No fighting, no tears, no goodbyes. I drove away from that life and swore off women forever. Forever single sounds way better than being cheated on.

But when I literally trip over James Hart, the last thing I expect is for sparks to fly with another man. He laughs too much and sees the good in everything. He's like a ball of sunshine all the time, and it makes me want to hurl. And yet, I can't stop staring.

Exploring the side of me I've hidden for all these years was easy compared to the emotions that came rushing in afterward.

James

My dating life is nothing but a series of short-term flings. So when a grumpy tourist trips over me at the beach and won't quit eyeing me up, I don't expect anything lasting to happen.

But Ryan Baker feels different. There's something about his rare smiles that makes my heart sing. But I don't want him to just be another notch in my belt. Things between us get hot and heavy fast, and I don't find out until after that I'm his first experience with another man. When he acts like he's about to run, I do everything I can to get him to stay.

Can I convince a heartbroken man to trust in love again?