Rye Hayes has built the perfect walls around her heart—and for good reason. Ten years ago, a musician boyfriend left her with nothing. Now she manages Nashville's most respected songwriter venue, raising her daughter Lily and keeping 'rock tourists' at arm's length.



Darian Mercer's fifteen-year career just imploded. His best friend and business partner betrayed him, leaving Darian with nothing but a legal mess and a one-way ticket to Nashville. Trading rock arenas for intimate songwriter rounds feels like starting over at thirty-four—if he can convince the skeptical venue manager to give him a chance.



When Darian performs, his raw honesty and authentic songs catch Rye off guard. Despite her better judgment, she offers him a regular slot. He's nothing like the selfish musician who abandoned her.



As their professional collaboration deepens, Darian's vengeful ex-partner arrives in Nashville with lawyers and a plan for revenge. Industry pressure mounts, custody of Lily becomes threatened, and Rye must choose between the life she's built and the risky promise of love.



Can a woman who's sworn off musicians trust her heart to a man whose ex-partner will stop at nothing to destroy him?