Famous writer Marcus Kastanos gets shot while promoting his bestselling book. When the news of the shooting makes it to TV, he gets contacted by his thirteen-year-old daughter that he never knew he had. Isabel's mother (Marcus's college girlfriend) recently died from cancer, and now Isabel (Izzy) wants to meet her father. Marcus is also contacted by his college friend, Ginger Townsend, who he hasn't seen since college. Ginger's always been in love with Marcus, and she needs to know that he is doing okay. Marcus decides he needs to take the time to get to know his daughter, so Ginger generously offers to have Marcus and Izzy come and stay with her at her cottage by the lake for the summer.

This was a very enjoyable friends-to-lovers story. Marcus was the type of guy who never wanted to be tied down and always off to the next new adventure, so finding out he was a father really threw him for a loop. He was determined to do his best for Izzy, but at times he was very thickheaded when it came to being a parent. Ginger's help was a real blessing for him. Ginger was able to connect with Izzy, since Ginger had lost her own parents at an early age. Ginger was hoping she'd be over her feelings for Marcus after all these years, but found them resurfacing even as she was trying hard to fight those feelings. It was fun to see Marcus falling helplessly in love with Ginger, and him wondering how he had failed to notice how lovely and beautiful she was back in college. I liked Ginger's cozy cottage (even if it was a bit run-down) on Promise Lake. The setting was peaceful and tranquil by the woods and the lake. I adored Izzy's sweet little dog, Lulu. The only thing disappointing was the story's rushed ending. Still it was a very enjoyable and emotional read. ( )