coming spring 2025
bound to last
Scarlett “Scottie” Hayes, bestselling romance author and reigning queen of happily-ever-afters, is in the middle of a crisis—she’s got a deadline looming and absolutely zero inspiration. So, she does what any sensible writer would do: she heads back to her quiet hometown of Pinebrook, where the pace is slow, the coffee is strong, and her high school ex-boyfriend, Josh Callahan, just happens to own the local bookstore. Yep, that Josh Callahan. Ethan’s younger brother. The one she never quite got over.
Their reunion is… complicated. Filled with awkward moments, lingering tension, and a whole lot of unfinished business. But as Scottie and Josh are forced to spend more time together—thanks to a town full of matchmakers and a few bookstore events—old feelings begin to resurface. And despite the past hurts between them, it’s clear their connection is still as strong as ever.
Now Scottie’s faced with two options: keep running from the story she’s been trying to avoid all these years, or finally embrace the possibility that this second chance might just be the best love story of her life.
Bound to Last is a heartwarming, witty tale of love, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the one who got away… even when you swore you were done for good.
setting:
charming small town
trope:
frenemies to lovers
heat level:
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
fun facts & romance tidbits
The idea for Bound by Words came from my love of second-chance romance and the magic of reconnecting with an old flame. I wanted to explore what happens when a writer returns to her roots, only to find that her past—especially the high school sweetheart who broke her heart—is still very much alive. The combination of shared history, unresolved feelings, and a small-town bookstore felt like the perfect setting for a love story waiting to be rewritten.
Josh Callahan is Ethan’s younger brother, down-to-earth, thoughtful, and a bit reserved. He’s a man of few words but has a deep emotional side. He’s got a quiet strength and is the type of person who’s always there for others, even when he’s hurting himself.
Frenemies to Lovers with a side of second chance romance. Scottie and Josh’s love sparks from old tensions and unspoken feelings that simmer beneath the surface, igniting a romance neither character saw coming.
The story takes place in Pinebrook, a picturesque lakeside town known for its quiet charm and cozy bookshops. The town feels untouched by time, with quaint cafes, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. It’s the perfect place to get lost in a story—or find one.
Sweet with three spicy peppers. Scottie and Josh have a magnetic pull that’s impossible to ignore—every glance, every playful jab is charged with an intensity that teeters between frustration and undeniable attraction.
The bookstore where Scottie and Josh reconnect is inspired by one of my favorite cozy spots, where I always imagined romance could spark among the shelves and well-worn pages.
want a free love story?
Ready for a cozy love story that’ll make your heart skip a beat? Grab your free copy of Meet-Cute Café, where sparks fly over lattes and unexpected romance brews between a small-town baker and her new (and very charming) neighbor. Sign up now and escape into a sweet, feel-good romance that’s sure to warm you up!
