From USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Jennifer Bernard comes a friends-to-lovers standalone romance in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series.

Graduate degree in hand, Ruthie Malone has returned to her Alaska hometown to prove she's not the same awkward girl everyone remembers. And she's definitely made an impression—stirring a hornet's nest of old secrets with her research into Lost Harbor's forgotten past. Seems the only person in her corner is her new coworker, a Scottish chef who's as surly as he is sexy—and a close friend. Which means hands off.

Alastair Dougal first visited Lost Harbor seeking answers to his sister's tragic death, but the charming town keeps calling him back, again and again. Now he's taken temporary work and has become unlikely friends with a nerdy redhead who's equal parts quirky and exasperating. But when a nasty part of his past comes calling, it's Ruthie who has his back—and his attention, after she reveals a side that's less shy historian, more sensual hottie.

Busy trying to uncover old secrets, Ruthie and Alastair don't want to ruin their friendship...until one wild beach bonfire puts them on course for a slow burn by starlight.