Michaela "Mike" Marconi, the plumbing sister of the Marconi
Construction Company, has no plans to settle down any time
soon -- if ever. She's had plans made for years to build
her dream house on her dream land, but those plans go down
the drain when she learns the property she always wanted
has been sold to Lucas Gallagher, research scientist.
Circumstances force them to lean on each other, even though
they can't be in the same room without falling into an
argument. Soon sparks are flying for another reason, but
the past comes creeping back, making happily-ever-after
doubtful.
This book is the latest installment in Ms. Child's series
about the loves and lives in Chandler, California. As
usual, she gives us fascinating new characters, while
reintroducing us to the residents we've known from the
beginning. This time was just like previous experiences
with this author's books. As soon as I opened the front
cover, I was pulled into the story, rooting for the
heroine, and later was sorry the story was ending. A good
read.
Lucas Gallagher is the geek who bought the land
Michaela "Mike" Marconi wanted for her dream house. She
thinks he's infuriating, annoying and totally rude. Yet, he
gets to her more than any other man ever has. But though
Lucas may be a scientist, he's the rock star of scientists.
His inventions have made him millions, his research is
reshaping the study of medicine and he holds patents for
numerous technological marvels. But now, when it means
everything, he's failed. His younger brother, the
family's 'golden child' is dying of cancer and Lucas,
despite his brilliance, can't help him. In Chandler, he
tries to hide from the world he knows.
Mike tried running away from her problems when she was a
kid. When her mother lay dying, Mike ran. When her world
crumbled, Mike hid. And she's learned that the only way to
win is to stand your ground and keep trying. She doesn't
understand what Lucas is talking about half the time, but
she knows exactly what he's feeling. And while criticizing
his complete lack of architectural ability, and remaking
the house he's trying to build, Mike finds herself slipping
into Lucas Gallagher's life.
She wakes him up and he shakes her up: the two of them are
complete opposites, and nothing can keep them apart. Until
Lucas's brother Justin comes home to die.