After graduating from college (the first woman in her family to do so), Gwendolyn Ross sets off for Catalina Island, where she’ll be interning at the new bird park. While she hopes to spend the summer of 1928 finding new species and creating habitats, Gwen has her aspirations dashed when her supervisor gives her the feminine task of selecting the tile for the park’s aviary. Determined to prove her worth, even if it takes time, she carries out her assignment. When she arrives at Catalina’s tile factory, Gwen meets easygoing tile artisan Michael Cathner—and can’t deny the powerful chemistry between them.

Then she learns of Michael’s reputation as a ladies’ man and refuses to become another conquest. Yet the more she spars with Michael, the deeper her attraction grows. As they explore their feelings, Gwen fears that loving Michael may ruin the plans she’s carefully laid out for her life. And Michael learns that his usual charms won’t work on this headstrong girl.

Amid the splendor of the roaring ’20s and the natural beauty of Catalina, Gwen will discover whether she can change a rogue’s ways—or if he’ll change hers.