Only a Fling by Delancey Stewart is the first book in the Kasper Ridge series where Ex-military 
pilot Archie Kasper “Ghost” and his sister inherit Kasper Ridge Resort in Colorado from Marvin, their eccentric great-uncle. They have limited funds but want to renovate and start running again. Knowing he needs help; Ghost turns to his ex-Navy pilot friends. Their renovation project includes a treasure hunt as they work together and try to solve Marvin’s clues to a family treasure. This is Will’s (Fake Tom) and Lucy’s story.
Lucy took over her grandfather’s (Papa) construction company when he retired and is hoping to win the bid for the Kasper Ridge resort. Getting the contract will provide financial stability to the company and let them rehire workers they had previously let go. The only drawback is working with Ghost’s friend, Will, the arrogant but sexy project manager. She knows the attraction between them could only be a summer fling. Over the years she has watched everyone leave Kasper Ridge for the bigger cities, she knows that he will also leave once the resort job is done.
Will has spent his entire life living in his father’s shadow and trying to make him proud. He followed his steps to become a Navy pilot and then returned home to work for his father. When Ghost calls and offers him the job as project manager, Will sees this as an opportunity to finally make his own path in life. His attraction to Lucy was not part of his plans and neither was staying in Kasper Ridge. Can he escape his father’s shadow and realize his own worth?
The book was well written, and the pacing was perfect. The treasure hunt gave the story some depth and added some intrigue to the series. I loved meeting all the characters as they worked together on the clues and their restoration project. The sparks were flying during Will and Lucy’s cute met. Lucy was one strong woman while working on the construction site, but Will was able to see her soft side and her brilliance. I loved seeing Will’s character grow and finally create his own life path. They made a great couple and complemented each other perfectly. I look forward to seeing all the characters again and watching them as they renovate and follow the clues to solve the treasure hunt.
Book Info:
Publication: August 1, 2022 | Kindle Edition | Kasper Ridge #1
My new boss is a former fighter pilot — and it should be illegal to be that hot. But this city-boy condo builder doesn’t know the first thing about construction in a place like Kasper Ridge.
Will hired me to oversee the renovation at the old Kasper Ridge Resort – a job that will make my company and guarantee that Papa can live comfortably to a very old age. I just need to keep my eyes on the prize and make sure Will Cruz doesn’t make any assumptions about my abilities just because I’m a woman in construction.
And the prize is not Will Cruz’s ocean blue eyes or those rock-hard abs. Besides, all those muscles and that killer smile are temporary. I’ve lived in the mountains long enough to know that slick city boys don’t stick around for the long run.
So I tell myself the things I need to hear to stay strong, hold firm, maintain my distance.
Until Will kisses me one night and I forget pretty much everything I’d been telling myself about protecting my heart.
I know it’s only a fling, but what if there’s a chance Will Cruz is the one? What if I give him my heart, and he doesn’t stay?
Pamela Conway
What a great start to a new series!! A wonderful couple & supporting characters!! Will Cruz aka Fake Tom is hired by his ex-fighter pilot buddy Archie “Ghost” Kasper to run the construction project for a hotel in Kasper Ridge, CO that he inherited from his Uncle Marvin. Lucy Dale owns & runs the construction company hired for the job. Will is trying to prove himself to his father back in CA that he’s capable of being in charge & Lucy is a woman proving herself in the world of construction. Of course Will & Lucy butt heads while trying not to be attracted to each other. I really liked that there were women represented in the construction field & Monroe was an ex fighter pilot, very non traditional! Also, enjoyed the missing treasure story line, can’t wait to read the rest of the books to find out what it is! Will & Lucy were a great couple who were reluctant at first to get involved because they worked together & neither wanted to jeopardize their jobs, they both had too much at stake. Once they got to know & understand each other they were able to work well together & date with some ups & downs of course. Lucy had major hang ups & couldn’t believe that anyone would stick around Kasper Ridge to be with her & have a life together. There were funny, entertaining, heartwarming moments & some heartbreaking, frustrating moments. It’s always a bonus to have the friendship & loyalty of the supporting characters to add to the richness of the story. You won’t want to put the book down & you’ll be eagerly awaiting the next one!! I received an arc from the author for an honest review.