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Working for Keeps: A Small Town Second Chance Romance
She broke his heart and ran. Three years later, corporate is sending her back to gut his factory.
Vera Warden left Forge Creek, Colorado with nothing but a goodbye letter on Mick Hayes's kitchen table. She wanted a career; he wanted a life rooted in the valley he'd never leave. So she told herself that walking away was a mercy.
Now she's back as the company's hatchet—and the union steward standing between her audit and four hundred jobs is the one man she swore she'd never face again.
Mick remembers all of it. The letter. The empty bed. The way she came apart under his hands. And he has no intention of making her job easy.
But when Vera discovers the company's plans go far beyond budget cuts, she has to protect the career she bled for, or fight for the town she abandoned—and the man she left in it. She can't do both.
A small-town, second-chance union romance with simmering tension, scorching chemistry, and a guaranteed HEA.
The blue collar heroes of Forge Creek, Colorado work hard, play harder, and fall fastest of all. From carpenters and welders to foremen and heavy equipment operators, these hardworking heartthrobs aren’t afraid to get dirty—or to claim the women who knock them off their feet. Hard Hat Hotties is a series of short, steamy, happily-ever-afters where every man has a tool belt, a rough touch, and a soft spot for the one woman meant to be his.
Join 12 of your favorite (or soon to be favorite) authors for a brand new, swoon-worthy, steamy series!
Vera Warden left Forge Creek, Colorado with nothing but a goodbye letter on Mick Hayes's kitchen table. She wanted a career; he wanted a life rooted in the valley he'd never leave. So she told herself that walking away was a mercy.
Now she's back as the company's hatchet—and the union steward standing between her audit and four hundred jobs is the one man she swore she'd never face again.
Mick remembers all of it. The letter. The empty bed. The way she came apart under his hands. And he has no intention of making her job easy.
But when Vera discovers the company's plans go far beyond budget cuts, she has to protect the career she bled for, or fight for the town she abandoned—and the man she left in it. She can't do both.
A small-town, second-chance union romance with simmering tension, scorching chemistry, and a guaranteed HEA.
The blue collar heroes of Forge Creek, Colorado work hard, play harder, and fall fastest of all. From carpenters and welders to foremen and heavy equipment operators, these hardworking heartthrobs aren’t afraid to get dirty—or to claim the women who knock them off their feet. Hard Hat Hotties is a series of short, steamy, happily-ever-afters where every man has a tool belt, a rough touch, and a soft spot for the one woman meant to be his.
Join 12 of your favorite (or soon to be favorite) authors for a brand new, swoon-worthy, steamy series!
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2026
About the author
Liz Durano
75 books411 followersLiz writes emotional angsty romance and women's fiction. When she's not writing, she's usually stepping all over her son's Legos.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 2, 2026
Talk about absolute relatable characters, small town blue collar vibes, and a love story that is patient and resilient.
Vera left town looking to make a mark in the world, and she felt that the choice needed her to ditch the small town, her family and the man she loves.
Now years later she is back to optimize the plant where Mick works and it is going to be difficult to face the man she left behind.
Mick is the union representative and also one of the shifts supervisors, he is quiet and observant, his love for the craft and town is keeping it here, so when Vera arrives he is wondering how they can save the factory before they implode.
Unfortunately for both, she is the one who will have to make decisions that will affect the entire floor and community. The close proximity, the latent attraction, and his devotion for her and her family will push them togeher as if the years havedn't passed. She needs him. and he is ready to reminder and show her that she belongs next to him
A great read!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vera left town looking to make a mark in the world, and she felt that the choice needed her to ditch the small town, her family and the man she loves.
Now years later she is back to optimize the plant where Mick works and it is going to be difficult to face the man she left behind.
Mick is the union representative and also one of the shifts supervisors, he is quiet and observant, his love for the craft and town is keeping it here, so when Vera arrives he is wondering how they can save the factory before they implode.
Unfortunately for both, she is the one who will have to make decisions that will affect the entire floor and community. The close proximity, the latent attraction, and his devotion for her and her family will push them togeher as if the years havedn't passed. She needs him. and he is ready to reminder and show her that she belongs next to him
A great read!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Working for Keeps by Liz Durano was such a fun and steamy second-chance romance! I really enjoyed the small-town setting and the chemistry between FMC Vera and MMC Mick. Their shared history made their relationship feel emotional and complicated, while Mick’s protective and determined personality made him a great hero. I loved watching them navigate old feelings, new challenges, and the possibility of finding their way back to each other. The story has a nice mix of romance, emotional moments, and steamy chemistry without losing the small-town charm. If you enjoy second-chance romances, strong chemistry, and a protective hero, this is a sweet and entertaining read. Overall, Working for Keeps was a great choice for anyone looking for a quick romance with plenty of heart and a satisfying happily-ever-after!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2026
Fighting for home!
Mick and Vera's story is one of fighting. Fighting for themselves, fighting for each other and fighting for a town that big corporate wants to destroy. Their strength lies in communication and Vera's tenacity for seeing the good. Woven into the story is the way they broke apart but learning from the past has brought them together and stronger. As always Liz has written a story that captivated me and pulled me into its world leaving me feel loved and warm
Can't wait to see what Liz writes next 😊
Mick and Vera's story is one of fighting. Fighting for themselves, fighting for each other and fighting for a town that big corporate wants to destroy. Their strength lies in communication and Vera's tenacity for seeing the good. Woven into the story is the way they broke apart but learning from the past has brought them together and stronger. As always Liz has written a story that captivated me and pulled me into its world leaving me feel loved and warm
Can't wait to see what Liz writes next 😊
August 31, 2026
Love this series of hard working men and the women that stand by them through life’s challenges. Vera returns home to Forge Creek to do an efficiency audit at Halvorsen Works. Her ex boyfriend is the union steward at that facility. Having to work together to save the plant. Great second chance romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2026
Vera and Mick
They were high school sweethearts that were torn apart three years ago by a one-sided decision. Now she is back.
This is about resilience of a town, a factory, a couple.
They were high school sweethearts that were torn apart three years ago by a one-sided decision. Now she is back.
This is about resilience of a town, a factory, a couple.
August 31, 2026
This is a good, quick story. I liked Vera and Mick and watching their story unfold.
August 31, 2026
AI is ruining our lives 😭😭
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews