Mo Sarda carefully guards his peaceful life from other people's messy feelings. He co-parents his daughter with no drama, sits quietly at family gatherings, tends to his beloved plants, and volunteers to teach blacksmith skills at the local Folk School. No one seems to get him, except for his family, and that's completely fine with Mo--there's no one else he needs. Then along comes Jessica Anderson and her damn crossbow.

After the unexpected death of her sister, Jess has made new roots in Michigan to move forward with her life. Her grief still stings, but she's excited to start her professorship job and continue pursuing her passion for archery. Luckily, her new town has a Folk School with ample practice space. Then Jess has a combative run-in with Mo and all her plans to avoid complicated feelings start to crumble. No one should look that hot banging an anvil.

Before long, the two are drawn to work together to save the beloved Folk School from closing its doors. The heat is on them to plan a Renaissance Faire to raise the much-needed funds, but the more worthy pursuit could be the fire growing between them--if only they would be willing to give each other a shot.