By Ruby Barrett

A former firefighter at loose ends and an academic with a confidence problem join a friendship studyand become more than just friendsin this brand-new standalone fromThe Romance Recipeauthor Ruby Barrett

Jesse Logan doesnt want a fresh start. He wants his old life backthe life where he was a firefighter, before an injury made that impossible. The life before his grandfathers Alzheimers got so bad that he doesnt recognize Jesse anymore. When a friend tells him about a paid psychological study that could prove enlightening, Jesse sees it as a chance to get back to the man he was before the accident while making a little extra cash.

All Lulu Banks is asking for is a fresh start. Back home after a devastating breakup, shes struggling to find her place. Shes always been a lot, and she knows thattoo loud, too eager, too obvious about her feelings. For her, the friendship study seems like a great ideauntil shes paired with Jesse Logan, who recently ghosted her after a blind date that led to a steamy make-out session.

Now, that old familiar tension is back. The two are frequently paired together on study assignments, and despite the programs strict no romance rule, theyre quick to find a workaround that allows them to explore their tenuous connection. And soon theyre on their way to total self-improvement

As long as they dont get caught.