He fixes engines. She fixes everything else-except her exit plan. When a city-bred heir inherits a collapsing farmhouse and a town with an agenda, the only man who can keep her wheels turning is the gruff mechanic who swears off small talk...and temptation.

PR consultant Tessa Blake comes to Bell River to clean up an estate, flip the house, and run. Dean Carter lives to rebuild what's broken and keep his past buried. Their truce is simple: no flirting, no shortcuts, and no pretending the heat between them isn't real. But the town wants Tessa's land rezoned, an old rival is stirring trouble, and every "quick fix" reveals deeper cracks-porch boards, truck parts, and two guarded hearts.

As letters surface, fires spark, and a dirty vote looms, Tessa and Dean go from banter to battle partners-measuring twice, cutting once, and risking everything for the one thing that finally feels solid. Slow-burn chemistry, blue-collar swoon, small-town grit, and found-family warmth lead to a steamy, heartfelt, guaranteed HEA-for anyone brave enough to stay.