The older brother of Elle's best friend. He is described as a brooding, protective "alpha" figure who has a significant age gap with Elle.

The narrative centers on Elle navigating a personal crisis while rediscovering herself in a new environment.

Desperate for a fresh start, Elle spends her summer at a beach house with her best friend and her best friend's older brother, . James was the center of Elle's childhood daydreams, but he has grown into a gorgeous yet unpredictable man—fiercely protective one moment and belligerent the next. While Elle initially stays there to hide from her troubles, she finds herself drawn back into her long-standing crush on James, who is determined to keep her safe even from himself. Key Characters

The story explores the dynamic between a younger woman and her best friend's older brother.

A 19-year-old dealing with the fallout of an internship scandal and her parents' messy divorce.

is a contemporary romance novel by Elizabeth O’Roark , published in October 2014. It follows Elle Grayson , a young woman whose life has recently imploded after losing her job and facing a national media scandal. Plot Summary