Tamsin Davies is a 30-something estate agent whose dream of becoming a barrister is slipping further from reach. Her ex-boyfriend just doubled the rent on her flat, which they used to share, and unless she can sell some property in the next six weeks, she’ll be moving back in with her parents in Margate – and putting her dreams on hold. Again.

Financial independence is her top priority. She’s not looking for love, and is certainly not looking to be hurt again.

But then she meets Ben.

He’s an aristocrat with muddy boots, a quiet confidence, and a plan to open a vegetarian restaurant. Tasked with finding him the perfect property, Tamsin discovers they share core values despite their vastly different worlds.

Ben is clearly drawn to more than her business acumen – he admires her focus, independence, and refusal to be impressed by his title.

But Tamsin won't mix business and pleasure. She’s determined to stay on track and will never give up her goal again for any man, even one as charming and attentive as Ben.

As a new year approaches, the offer of a scholarship in the US brings her barrister dream within reach. So should she hold tight to the plan – and a life she’s fought to build alone – or could she find space for Ben and be open to what a life with him might look like? Could a man actually support her dream rather than derail it?

genre tags: romance; low spice; friends to lovers; cosy; cinnamon bun; forced proximity; opposites attract