This second book in Josie Riviera’s Flipping for You series made me run the gamut of emotions. I cheered on the budding relationship and despised the ex-girlfriend. I was heartbroken when it looked as if the self-centered ex may win back her guy and elated when the nice girl won.

This story, like the first, takes place in small town North Carolina. Attractive and very single attorney Desiree Contando has purchased an old Queen Anne home that needs much work to restore it to mint condition. Her brother-in-law has hired Keiran O’Malley, a former resident of Roses who is moving back following a break-up with his ex-girlfriend, to help with the project. He has excellent carpentry skills and needs a temporary place to live while making plans to reopen his family’s former Irish Pub, and there is space for him in Desiree’s home.

Real life emotions get in the way of their plans to maintain a professional relationship. They learn that they have much in common and feelings between the two grow well beyond that of two people working toward a common goal. When the former girlfriend appears in town to try and win Keiran back, he quickly realizes that he would be a fool to let Desiree go.

With the exception of the intentionally unlikeable girlfriend, the characters in this story are people I’d like to know. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching the romance unfold. This is a novella, so expect things to move more quickly than they would if you were reading a full-length novel.

Once again, I was able to request an advance copy from Ms. Riviera who generously provided me with one. I also purchase some of her books but love to get my hands on an early copy when I can since I enjoy them so much. Early access does not have any impact on my opinion of her work or require me to write a review. All opinions stated are my own. ( )