I used to think losing my mother was the end of my story. Now at forty-one, I'm realizing some chapters are just beginning…

After fifteen years of trying to break into the business and three years of recovering from her mom’s passing, Melody Archer finally has built her career writing romance novels that break the rules. What doesn’t help? Crafting stories with messy truths about love and loss—the kind that big publishing houses love to reject.

Then she meets him at Seattle's biggest literary gala.

One night of passion with a blue-eyed stranger who understands her need for real, complicated stories. Who makes her feel seen for the first time in forever.

Until Monday morning, when she learns that her hot hookup is Nathaniel Carlisle—publishing royalty, her new editor, and the man tasked with making her latest book "commercially viable."

Even worse, the chemistry between them is far from a one-night thing.

Now, Melody's career hangs in the balance. Hollywood wants to butcher her story. Corporate executives are circling. And Nate? He's proposing something revolutionary—if they're brave enough to try.

But when office sparks turn into something deeper, Melody has to decide if she wants to stick to the safe path, or rewrite everything for a love story that's definitely not in the employee handbook…

✔️ Workplace Romance
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ One-Night Stand to Something More
✔️ Child-free later-in-life romance
✔️ Forbidden Office Relationship
✔️ Second Chance at Love

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This sensual emotional romance is about finding love in unexpected places, fighting for your creative vision, and daring to write your own rules after loss. It features two stubborn souls in their forties, friends that feel like family, creative uses for editor desks, and a love that's perfectly imperfect.