Dandelion Sighs

by Marie Johnston

When I return to Bishop’s Bay after my mother’s death, I’m determined to improve our family’s flagging lakeside resort. But in a town stuck in the past, no one’s lining up to let me take the lead. My siblings would rather save the ranch, the resort staff doubts my every decision, and the one move that could secure its future? It’s blocked by one stubborn strip of land.

Enter Jasper Duke—laid-back, charming, and apparently allergic to ambition. When I quite literally drop my grief and my expectations on him, I never imagine offering him a job, or that he’d say yes.

Then I learn he’s the one between me and the land I need. He’s got a trust fund that says marry or lose the property, and the date to make it happen is a ticking clock over his head.

I don’t do messy men with no direction. Been there, done that. Jasper’s done chasing dreams that crash and burn. He’s like dandelion one sigh and he’ll be gone, while I’m left wondering if I’m going to lose everything, including my heart.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 10, 2026

About the author

Marie Johnston is an award-winning, best-selling paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn't happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Your dandelion sighs are going to make me earn my keep…”

Jasper Duke is back in his hometown, the last single Duke sibling. With a house waiting for him to get married, but that’s the last thing he wants. Sheridan Bishop has just taken over her family resort now that her mother has passed. She is drowning in new responsibilities and needed upgrades. But when she literally bumps into Jasper on the street everything changes for her.

I really enjoyed Jasper and Sheridan! They were so perfect for each other and simply wanted to make the other person happy. They worked so well together as a couple and as coworkers at the resort. They were the perfect ending to the Duke series. Thank you Grandma Annie for the tricky trust and the happily ever afters that came from it!

🔥: “Just a taste, boss. That’s all I need. Then we’re done.”

[Ariana Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5.

This was a great conclusion to the Duke family series (Return the Coal Haven). I have loved all the couples. And enjoyed Sheridan and Jasper as well.
There is a lot of self doubt between the two MCs. And that was kind of a downer sometimes. But the banter and family made it feel more lighthearted and loving.

It was enjoyable seeing how they learn to grow and trust each other and themselves. I enjoyed the found family vibe that Sheridan got from all the Dukes, Barton’s, and Knights that have become one big family.

I received this as an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.