Thank you to Melanie Jacobson for the book to review. All opinions are my own. 

When Jolie Shaw's life falls apart, she retreats back to her hometown. But she's not the quiet and shy girl that left all those years ago. She intends to make her presence known by renovating the old dive bar.  But when some locals cause a scene at the bar's opening, the sheriff has to intervene. And Jolie is shocked to find that it's former bad boy Lucas Cole. As the high school versions of each other are replaced with the reality of who they have each become, sparks fly. But with Lucas being the guardian of his niece, they have more than just each other to consider. 
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Melanie Jacobson is cementing herself in my upper echelon of sweet rom com writers. I really enjoyed this sweet love story. But it's more than just a love story. Jolie is on a journey of self discover and having to contend with who she was and who she wants to be. Jacobson reminds me of Katherine Center in that regard. She allows her characters to have room to grow and develop. 

I also appreciate that these characters aren't typical rom com middle class characters. They both grew up in poverty. And I appreciate how they have to contend with that part of their past as they confront their futures. 

Lastly, there is much bookish and library love found within these pages. I appreciate how books and libraries represent healthy escapes as well as connection points.  
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This is a closed door romance. 

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