Finding My Destiny: A Coworker-to-Lovers, Fall Romance

by T L Russ

I uprooted my life and my family for a fresh start in the small southern town of Peach Ridge. What I didn’t expect was the tall, handsome coworker who takes my breath away with one look.

I didn’t plan on moving. I loved Atlanta, but when the job offer came, there was nothing else to do but pack up my whole world, along with my grandfather and my younger sister, and move. The town is small enough to provide a quiet life. A steady, simple life. At least that was what I thought until Travis Walker walked into my rented apartment. He isn’t the kind of guy I would normally go for, but there’s something about his heart-stopping smile and the intensity of his eyes that pull me right in. I know nothing can happen. We are going to be working together, and he isn’t why I’m here. Now all I have to do is control the fact that my breath catches every time he gets close. Yet with every late night we spend working side by side, it’s gets harder to keep from blurring every line that stands between us.

As our deadline and the Fall Harvest Festival approach, I’m not sure I can deny the spark between us, but I learned at a young age you can’t depend on anyone. It’s better to keep people at arm's length, but I can’t seem to do that with him. I came here for a new beginning. Maybe it’s time to find out if my shattered heart can still believe in love and if Travis is just the man who can prove it.

Finding My Destiny is the fourth book in the Peach Ridge Walker Family series; and a small-town short steamy romance. This book features interracial romance, coworkers, new-in-town, instalove, fall vibes, past pain, and close families. You can read it in one sitting, and it will make you laugh while tugging on your heartstrings. With no fade to black and providing a moment or two that might make you blush.

This book is part of a series, and each one is a standalone, but look out for other characters making a cameo. No cliffhangers. No cheating.

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding My Destiny by T. L. Russ is lovely small-town, workplace romance with two engaging main characters with just the right amount of angst and emotional conflict. Finding My Destiny is the fourth book in Ms. Russ’ Peach Ridge Romance: Walker Family series, and while mention is made of other couples’ history the book can be read as a standalone. After the loss of her grandmother, Destiny moves her family to Peach Ridge; this move will hopefully serve as a new start for Destiny’s sister and grandfather and a great job opportunity for Destiny. Travis Walker has worked tirelessly to make Peach Ridge a desirable vacation destination; however, it looks like his efforts have been totally unappreciated when the mayor hires an outsider to fill the job he was already UNOFFICALLY doing. But when Travis meets Destiny, the surprise new hire, for him it is close to love at first sight. And as she comes to know Travis better, Destiny finds herself also smitten. Unfortunately, her history is mired in disappointment and issues of abandonment. Can she trust that Travis will give her the love and stability that she longs for, or will her doubts push him away? I really enjoyed this well-crafted story, and I especially liked kind and nurturing Travis.

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[Shalalah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt small-town romance with sparks, sweetness, and second chances.

Finding My Destiny is a beautifully written story that blends the charm of Peach Ridge with the emotional pull of a love worth risking everything for. Destiny is a heroine I instantly connected with—strong, protective of her family, and determined to build a new life after leaving Atlanta. Enter Travis Walker: steady, magnetic, and the kind of man who proves that sometimes the best beginnings come when you least expect them.

The chemistry between Destiny and Travis is undeniable, building with every late-night work session and every small-town moment leading up to the Fall Harvest Festival. What stood out most to me was the balance between real-life challenges and swoon-worthy romance. This isn’t just about attraction—it’s about healing, trust, and finding a love that feels like home.

If you’re looking for an interracial small-town romance with heart, heat, and a hero worth falling for, this book is a perfect pick.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the chemistry and tension between Travis and Destiny. They were so similar in so many ways it was kind of ironic. She was one who was determined to keep control of everything and never accept help from anyone. Travis tended to be in control and be involved, but his was more by obligation and default than by a personal drive or need for it. Pops was maybe my favorite character in this story. Not being given credit for his wisdom, he slipped little nuggets in where he could, and they were perfect. The mayor though, geez, gotta I say I agree with what some think Travis should do. Read the book and you'll understand!! Before that though, he's got to find a way to penetrate Destiny's emotional barrier.

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Reading 📚

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town romance.
Destiny is a young woman who moves with her sister and grandfather to a small town for a new job. While she moves in, her neighbors and their brother help her with her boxes. That's when she meets Travis, a beautiful man and especially her new boss.
Travis lives in a small town where many couples form while she remains alone. He also misses the new position that the mayor has opened for the organization of the fall festival. But when he meets Destiny, he knows that everything is about to change.
Will Destiny and Travis have a happy ending or will their insecurities separate them….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding My Destiny is Book 4 of the Peach Ridge Romance: Walker Family Series. It's a short and steamy, he falls first, BWWM, close-proximity, curvy girl gets her coworker fall romance. Destiny has just moved to town from the city with her grandpa and younger sister to take a new job. Travis is her hunky coworker. He falls for her fast, but she needs a bit more time as she fights her attraction to him. As they work on the town’s fall festival, she finds it harder and harder to resist him. This was a sweet story with great chemistry and a happy ending.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding My Destiny: A Coworker-to-Lovers, Fall Romance story of Travis and Destiny...A woman who is guarded and who's been hurt before and move to small town with her family for a fresh start and met a gorgeous man, sweet and kind..a wonderful,heartwarming and lovely read..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Travis falls for Destiny at first sight but Destiny's past holds her back. I'm glad she learns that she can lean on others for support and admits she loves Travis.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth story in the Peach Ridge Romance: Walker Family, Travis and Destiny will have some things to over come if they are to get their happy ending. I found their story to be well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Petra Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story with interesting characters and a reasonable storyline, but I felt the ending was not well thought out, but that might just be me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.