Hopeless (Chestnut Springs Book 5) Elsie Silver

In this captivating romance, Beau Eaton is the town’s revered prince and a decorated military hero with a troubled past. At 35, he exudes charisma and confidence. In contrast, the 22-year-old shy bartender, hailing from the wrong side of the tracks, feels like an outcast. Despite their differences, their lives intertwine through an unconventional arrangement: a fake engagement.

Beau proposes the ruse to demonstrate that the protagonist's infamous last name doesn't define her, while also gaining respite from his family’s relentless scrutiny. She seizes the opportunity, hoping to shed her family’s tarnished reputation and save money to escape the small town. The agreement is simple: wear his ring, follow his lead, and convincingly display affection in public.

However, their staged engagement takes an unexpected turn as genuine emotions begin to blur the lines. Behind closed doors, their interactions become increasingly intimate, defying the initial boundaries of their arrangement. The pretense of their relationship starts to dissolve, and the heroine finds herself falling deeply in love with Beau, despite his earlier declaration that he’d never succumb to love.

What was meant to be a temporary solution evolves into a passionate and heartfelt connection, leaving her head over heels for her fake fiancé. This romance explores themes of love, redemption, and the transformative power of genuine affection.