Busy Bean Book 5: Studfinder by L.B. Dunbar

Busy Bean Book 5

Who does that sexy silver fox think he is, sitting in her spot in the Busy Bean Cafe?

Over forty, with zero filter, Rita Kaplan loves her coffee, her hiking boots, and her law practice. Life hasn’t always been carefree, though, and Rita’s past holds the scars of poor decisions after deep loss. She survived, though, and no smirky silver fox is going to get in the way of her happiness. Even if he knows how to use his drill, screwdriver, and every other tool in his box to tempt her . . .

Former arson investigator Jake Drummond could add ex-con to his resume if he had one. Instead, he’s serving the final year of his sentence on probation. This involves mandatory AA meetings, hosted by a feisty local attorney, and working on a renovation project, supervised by the same annoyingly attractive whirlwind, who also believes she owns the exclusive rights to a comfy couch in his new favorite coffee shop. Soon she’s everywhere, including the few places she shouldn’t be--like in his bed and in his heart.

Can opposites lower their walls and construct something everlasting . . . or will their connected past lead to demolition for two hearts in need of a rebuild?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56920362-studfinder

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

So glad we got Rita's story! Who wouldn't want the story about the woman who scares everyone away from her couch at Busy Bean and the brave man who refused to give up his seat? Clearly they were meant to be! And there was more to those characters than I could have ever predicted. Jake was recently released from prison after serving a crime he did not commit. He was not only a volunteer firefighter but an arson investigator. Why would he set a fire when he knows the dangers and has spent his life putting them out? The evidence was flimsy and the state needed someone to blame. Now, Jake is out and he just wants to move on. And then he meets Rita, his rival at Busy Bean and now his supervisor while he works on a renovation project that is part of his probation. Sparks fly between them but a relationship between them may not be the best idea. Not only that, they unknowingly share a bit of a past. Rita's life hasn't been easy. She lost her the man she was going to marry in an accident that scarred Rita. Not only that, but decisions afterwards in her grief led her to a spiral she has worked very hard to climb out of. Despite the pain and struggles Rita and Jake have gone through, perhaps they can find a second chance at love. I loved their story! There were so many complications and twists and turns to their story. I spent it trying to figure out the truth of who started the fire that led to Jake's sentence and how Rita and Jake would react when they realized their pasts were connected.  Truths were revealed that challenged them to forgive and overcome and it was just done very beautifully. Great addition to this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.