Tessa Marlowe

Alexander Hale built his empire on control — of markets, of people, of himself. Nothing and no one ever rattled him… until Elena Ward walked into his boardroom with a challenge that could destroy everything he’s built.
She’s the one woman he can’t have — brilliant, principled, and bound by rules he helped write. But every argument sparks chemistry, every glance burns hotter than it should, and every secret meeting pushes them closer to the line they swore they’d never cross.
When their forbidden connection ignites into something undeniable, the fallout threatens careers, reputations, and hearts.
To protect her, he’ll risk his empire.
To love him, she’ll risk herself.
In a world where power means everything, can they rewrite the rules — or will love be the one thing they lose?

Blurb:
Grace never expected her accidental text message to come with a quietly intense CEO, Luke - brilliant and gentle - to become the one person who made her feel seen.
What begins as awkward glances and late-night conversations grows into a slow-burn connection neither of them can ignore. But when work pulls Matt abroad and an ex reappears, Grace is forced to confront the fear she's spent years avoiding: that she isn't enough.
Luke knows exactly what he wants - her. And he'll cross countries, airports, and emotional minefields to prove it.
A story of quiet love, found family, soft mornings, messy feelings, and choosing each other every day, The Life We Built is a romance about building a life that feels like home.