They set rules for the summer – and broke every single one . . .

Renley Gossagehas nothing but a struggling candy shop and a dream. She is determined to make it as Cape Meril’s confectionary queen with no help, no shortcuts – and definitely no rich men wielding engagement rings and making things messy.

Theo Williamsnever thought he’d be flying across an ocean to propose to a stranger, but here he is, knocking on Renley’s door with a shiny diamond. She’s the one person who might be able to stop his life from falling apart, so he’s here with a marriage proposal – and more importantly for Renley, abusinessproposal . . .

The Deal:Theo needs a wife so his stiff-upper-lipped father won’t cut him off. Renley needs a financial backer, even if she’s too stubborn to admit it.

The Rules: One fake engagement. One summer. Zero romance.

But between collapsing drywall, gossiping neighbours, and the chaotic schemes of Renley’s aunt, their forced proximity turns into something dangerously close to real.

Except Renley can’t let go of the idea that standing on her own two feet means not accepting help. And Theo’s past is about to catch up with him.By the time the candy shop doors reopen, they’ll have to decide if this is just a summer fling – or a happily ever after worth breaking the rules for . . .