When Poppy Hartman buys her beach cottage, she knows it's much more than just a home. It represents the beginning of her new life, after she was deceived by the man she thought for four years was The One. Now all she needs are some minor renovations to her little cottage, some of which she can do herself. The parts she can't do herself are the first problem. The second problem is the bearded barbarian who's working on the cottage a stone's throw away from hers and doesn't have even a hint of a social skill. Unfortunately, Poppy desperately needs the man's carpentry services. The third problem is, when she asks him to do the job for her, he refuses.

Hamilton Wheeler has been on dating hiatus for a year, after having been lied to by the woman he'd planned to marry and have children with, and working for Poppy Hartman is the last thing he wants to do, since he realizes the moment their eyes meet she will be trouble. Days later, he finds himself agreeing to do the job, and he isn't sure if this is the biggest mistake or the smartest move he's ever made.