Becky Ellison has poured her heart into Going West magazine, the publication her father started. She's also a writer whose first novel-her pride and joy-was savaged by Rick Ethier's scathing review, effectively killing her publishing career. Words like sentimental claptrap and treacly still sting years later.

Now Rick has become the new publisher of her magazine. He doesn't remember her, but Becky remembers him all too well. As they clash over the magazine's vision and direction, Becky discovers that Rick's cynical exterior hides deep wounds from his own past-wounds that shaped his harsh view of the hopeful, heartfelt stories Becky loves. He's been given twelve months to turn the magazine around before moving on to his real life, while Becky's fighting to preserve the legacy her father built.

Rick and Becky challenge each other-he pushes her toward excellence while she shows him that hope and realism aren't opposites. Their professional tensions create genuine obstacles that can't be solved with a kiss, making their eventual understanding feel earned and meaningful. A satisfying enemies-to-lovers workplace romance about forgiveness, artistic integrity, and learning to see beyond first impressions.