Bayside Cottage: a friends to lovers romance (Sea Stars and Second Chances) by Juliet Brilee

She gives too much of herself. He’s convinced he doesn’t deserve love. When an unexpected discovery at an old lighthouse turns the past upside down, will two wounded hearts finally risk the future they both long for? Alina Lucas has always been the person everyone depends on. Friends, neighbors—even strangers know she’ll never say no. But constantly giving her time, money, and energy has left the middle-aged artist exhausted, financially stretched, and wondering if she’s forgotten how to care for herself. Trent Wilson understands regret better than anyone. Haunted by the consequences of one terrible night from his past, the quiet massage therapist spends his days trying to make amends through good deeds. Helping others is the only way he knows how to live with the guilt he carries—even if it means believing happiness isn’t meant for him. When their longtime friendship begins to deepen into something unexpectedly tender, both Alina and Trent are startled by the connection growing between them. Read more