Inheritance and Old Wounds

After her beloved Aunt Katherine's death, Sadie Waters returns to the quirky coastal town of Queen's Cove, burdened by heartbreak and financial ruin. At the will reading, she's shocked to learn she's inherited the inn—alongside Holden Rhodes, the gruff handyman who made her teenage summer miserable. Old wounds resurface as Sadie and Holden are forced into an uneasy partnership. The town's warmth and Katherine's memory linger, but so does the sting of past rejection. Both are reeling from personal failures: Sadie's fiancé stole her money, and Holden's life is all work, no love. Their reunion is prickly, but beneath the barbs, something unresolved simmers.

Reluctant Partners

The will's terms force Sadie and Holden into a reluctant business partnership. Neither wants to run the inn, but selling isn't simple—legal hurdles and Katherine's wishes complicate things. Sadie, desperate for cash, proposes a buyout, but Holden refuses, suspecting she's in trouble. Their dynamic is tense, laced with old resentments and new, inconvenient attraction. The inn, full of memories and untapped potential, becomes a battleground for their clashing personalities. As they navigate legalities and logistics, the town's nosy affection and Katherine's legacy push them together, even as they try to pull apart.

The Inn's Dilemma

Sadie's financial desperation grows as she faces the reality of her debt and the impossibility of running the inn alone. Holden, meanwhile, feels the weight of a promise to Katherine to take care of the place. Selling would solve Sadie's problems, but Holden's sense of duty—and his growing awareness of Sadie's struggles—make him dig in his heels. The inn itself becomes a symbol: of second chances, of unfinished business, and of the possibility of healing. Their arguments are fierce, but so is the undercurrent of mutual respect and curiosity.

Broken Trust, New Debt

Sadie's backstory unravels: her ex-fiancé Grant was a con artist who stole her business loan, leaving her with crushing debt and shattered trust. The pain of betrayal makes her wary of men and commitment. Holden, for his part, is haunted by family expectations and his own sense of inadequacy. Both are stuck—Sadie in her shame and fear, Holden in his rigid routines. Their banter masks deeper wounds, and the inn becomes a place where both must confront what they've lost and what they still want.

The Buyout Bargain

Sadie proposes a desperate solution: Holden can buy her out for a fraction of the inn's value if he'll let her go. Holden, sensing her distress, counters with a new deal—he'll pay her, but she must stay and lead the inn's renovation, and, in a twist, help him find a wife. Their arrangement is transactional on the surface, but emotionally charged underneath. Sadie's pride and Holden's stubbornness clash, but the deal keeps them in each other's orbit, setting the stage for reluctant cooperation and unexpected intimacy.

Matchmaking for Money

To earn her buyout, Sadie agrees to find Holden a suitable partner. She approaches the task with her trademark sass and creativity, dragging him to singles events, practice dates, and awkward social outings. Their "business" relationship is a cover for growing attraction, and the lines between fake and real begin to blur. Sadie's efforts to coach Holden in romance reveal his hidden vulnerabilities, while Holden's steady presence chips away at Sadie's defenses. Their banter turns flirtatious, and the town watches with knowing amusement.

Renovation and Revelations

As Sadie throws herself into redesigning the inn, she rediscovers her passion for art and design. Holden, helping with the physical labor, finds joy in creation and teamwork. Their collaboration is messy, competitive, and full of sparks. The renovation becomes a metaphor for their own healing: tearing down old walls, making space for light, and learning to trust again. Along the way, they share secrets, confront past hurts, and begin to see each other—and themselves—in a new light.

Small Town, Big Hearts

Queen's Cove's quirky residents embrace Sadie, offering friendship, support, and a sense of belonging she didn't know she needed. Holden's family, too, becomes a source of warmth and gentle meddling. Through bar shifts, girls' nights, and family dinners, Sadie and Holden are drawn into the town's rhythms. The inn's renovation becomes a community project, and the couple's slow-burn chemistry is the talk of the town. The small-town setting amplifies every triumph and setback, making their journey feel both intimate and universal.

Practice Dates and Real Feelings

Sadie's "practice dates" with Holden—meant to prepare him for real love—become charged with genuine emotion. Their physical attraction simmers, and moments of vulnerability slip through their defenses. A drunken night, a shared dance, and a series of near-misses bring them closer. When they finally cross the line into intimacy, it's explosive and tender, forcing both to confront what they truly want. The pretense of matchmaking falls away, revealing a connection neither can deny.

Forest Walks and Confessions

Walks in the forest become a safe space for honesty. Sadie confides her fears about trust and commitment; Holden shares his own insecurities and the burden of responsibility he carries. The natural beauty of Queen's Cove mirrors their growing sense of peace and possibility. In these quiet moments, they begin to imagine a future together—not just as business partners or friends with benefits, but as something more. The forest, like the inn, becomes a place of transformation.

The Art of Letting Go

Sadie's journey comes full circle as she confronts her artistic block and paints again for pleasure, not just work. Holden encourages her, seeing her talent and worth even when she doubts herself. Both must let go of old narratives—Sadie's belief that she's broken, Holden's conviction that he's unlovable—to make room for new dreams. Their willingness to be vulnerable with each other becomes the foundation for real intimacy.

Lines Crossed, Hearts Stirred

The boundaries between Sadie and Holden dissolve as their physical relationship deepens. What began as a transactional arrangement becomes a genuine love affair, full of laughter, passion, and mutual support. They challenge each other, push each other's buttons, and bring out the best in one another. The inn, now transformed, stands as a testament to their growth and partnership. But old fears linger, and the question of commitment looms.

Friends with Benefits

Sadie and Holden try to keep things casual, insisting they're just friends with benefits. But their connection is too deep, their lives too intertwined. The town, their families, and even their own hearts refuse to accept the pretense. As they navigate jealousy, vulnerability, and the messiness of real love, they must decide if they're willing to risk everything for a chance at happiness.

Falling for the Enemy

Just as Sadie and Holden find their rhythm, old wounds resurface. Sadie's ex makes contact, shaking her fragile trust. Holden's workaholic tendencies and need for control create new tensions. The question of marriage—what it means, and whether it's necessary—becomes a fault line. Both must confront their deepest fears: for Sadie, the terror of losing herself in another person; for Holden, the fear of never being chosen.

The Proposal Problem

Holden's desire for marriage collides with Sadie's aversion to it. When she discovers a ring, panic and old trauma resurface. Their argument is raw and painful, exposing the gap between their dreams. Both feel betrayed—Sadie by Holden's expectations, Holden by Sadie's refusal to choose him fully. The breakup is devastating, leaving both adrift and questioning everything they thought they knew about love.

Breaking Points

Separated, Sadie and Holden struggle to move on. Sadie returns to Toronto, haunted by memories and regret. Holden throws himself into work, but nothing fills the void. Both are forced to confront what truly matters: not pride, not fear, but the willingness to be vulnerable and to choose each other, flaws and all. Their friends and family offer tough love and perspective, pushing them to reconsider what they're willing to risk for happiness.

Apart and Adrift

Time apart brings clarity. Sadie realizes that her fear of marriage was less about the institution and more about trusting herself—and Holden. Holden, in turn, sees that love isn't about control or ceremony, but about showing up, every day, for the person you choose. Both are miserable without each other, and the prospect of a life apart becomes unbearable. The new year brings a chance for redemption.

Second Chances

On New Year's Eve, Holden tracks Sadie down in Toronto, with the help of her best friend. Their reunion is messy, emotional, and full of relief. Both apologize, owning their mistakes and fears. They agree that love is worth the risk, and that they can define commitment on their own terms. The proposal is unconventional, but heartfelt—Sadie asks Holden, and he says yes. They return to Queen's Cove, ready to build a life together.

Choosing Each Other

Back in Queen's Cove, Sadie and Holden marry in a simple, joy-filled ceremony surrounded by friends and family. The inn, now fully renovated, becomes a symbol of their journey: imperfect, beautiful, and full of love. They start a business together, blending their talents and dreams. The past is honored, but no longer holds them back. In choosing each other, every day, they find the home and happiness they both deserve.

Characters

Sadie Waters

Sadie is a talented interior designer whose life implodes after her fiancé cons her out of her business loan, leaving her with crushing debt and a broken heart. Returning to Queen's Cove for her aunt's funeral, she's forced to confront old insecurities and the grumpy handyman who once made her feel unwelcome. Sadie's humor and sass mask deep wounds—her fear of trusting men, her shame over past mistakes, and her struggle to believe she's worthy of love. Throughout the story, she rediscovers her passion for art, learns to ask for help, and slowly lets herself be vulnerable with Holden. Her journey is one of self-forgiveness, learning that real love doesn't require perfection or control, but courage and openness.

Holden Rhodes

Holden is the quintessential small-town handyman: stoic, hardworking, and emotionally guarded. Haunted by a childhood accident and a sense of never being chosen, he's built his life around responsibility and routine. Inheriting the inn with Sadie forces him out of his comfort zone, challenging his need for control and his fear of vulnerability. Beneath his gruff exterior lies a deeply romantic soul, desperate for connection but terrified of rejection. Holden's journey is about learning to let go—of old hurts, of rigid expectations, and of the belief that he's unlovable. With Sadie, he discovers that true partnership means showing up, even when it's hard, and choosing love over pride.

Katherine Waters

Katherine's death sets the story in motion, but her presence lingers throughout. A free spirit who poured her heart into the inn, she represents unconditional love, second chances, and the courage to live authentically. Her decision to leave the inn to both Sadie and Holden is a final act of matchmaking, forcing them to confront their past and build something new together. Katherine's legacy is one of community, creativity, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong.

Elizabeth Rhodes

Holden's mother and Katherine's best friend, Elizabeth is the emotional anchor of Queen's Cove. She welcomes Sadie with open arms, offering support, advice, and a model of enduring love. Her own marriage is a testament to the power of compromise and growth. Elizabeth gently nudges both Sadie and Holden toward healing, reminding them that happiness is worth the risk.

Olivia

Olivia runs the local bar and becomes Sadie's confidante and ally. Her no-nonsense attitude and dry humor provide comic relief and tough love. Olivia's own complicated history with Holden's brother Finn hints at deeper layers, and her friendship with Sadie is a source of strength and belonging. She represents the importance of chosen family and the courage to face the past.

Emmett Rhodes

Emmett is Holden's brother and the town's mayor, embodying the Rhodes family's blend of warmth and mischief. He pushes Holden to open up, challenges his assumptions, and offers perspective on love and commitment. Emmett's own journey from commitment-phobe to devoted husband serves as a mirror for Holden's growth.

Wyatt Rhodes

Wyatt, a professional surfer and new father, brings humor and heart to the Rhodes clan. His easygoing nature contrasts with Holden's intensity, and his relationship with Hannah models a different kind of partnership—one built on trust, playfulness, and shared dreams.

Finn Rhodes

Finn is the wild card of the family, always chasing adventure and stirring up trouble. His unresolved history with Olivia adds depth to the story's exploration of forgiveness and second chances. Finn's presence reminds Holden of the importance of letting go and embracing life's messiness.

Willa

Willa is Sadie's longtime friend and former roommate in Toronto. Her unwavering support, creative spirit, and gentle honesty help Sadie navigate heartbreak and self-doubt. Willa's own artistic journey parallels Sadie's, and her encouragement is instrumental in Sadie's decision to choose happiness over fear.

Grant/Jason

Grant, Sadie's ex-fiancé, is a charming con artist whose betrayal leaves lasting scars. Though he never appears directly, his actions shape Sadie's fears about trust, commitment, and self-worth. Grant represents the dangers of ignoring red flags and the importance of self-forgiveness.

Plot Devices

Forced Proximity and Inheritance

The central device is the forced partnership: Sadie and Holden must co-own and renovate the inn, despite their mutual animosity and painful history. This setup creates constant interaction, escalating both conflict and chemistry. The inn itself is a living symbol—of legacy, healing, and the possibility of new beginnings.

Enemies-to-Lovers and Fake Arrangement

The story leans into the enemies-to-lovers trope, with Sadie and Holden's banter masking deeper attraction. Their transactional deal—Sadie as Holden's matchmaker in exchange for a buyout—serves as a "fake relationship" device, blurring the lines between pretense and reality. Each "practice date" and renovation project becomes a stage for emotional growth and romantic tension.

Small Town Setting and Community

Queen's Cove is more than a backdrop; it's a vibrant, meddling community that both supports and complicates the protagonists' journey. The town's warmth, gossip, and traditions create external pressure and opportunities for connection, while the inn's renovation becomes a communal project, mirroring Sadie and Holden's internal transformation.

Symbolism and Art

The physical act of renovating the inn parallels the characters' emotional journeys—tearing down old walls, making space for light, and building something new. Sadie's return to painting, especially her self-portrait, symbolizes self-acceptance and the courage to be seen. Art becomes a language for vulnerability and love.

Commitment and Choice

The question of marriage—what it means, who wants it, and why—drives the central conflict. For Sadie, it's a trigger for old trauma; for Holden, it's a symbol of being chosen. Their journey is about redefining commitment on their own terms, learning that love is an active choice, not a contract or a performance.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

Early references to Katherine's regrets, Holden's longing for family, and Sadie's artistic block foreshadow their eventual growth. The inn's transformation, the recurring motif of forest walks, and the evolution of their "practice dates" all parallel the deepening of their relationship. The story uses callbacks—like the infamous alien dildo and the secret library—to tie together humor, vulnerability, and community.

Analysis

Stephanie Archer's In Your Dreams, Holden Rhodes is a masterclass in contemporary romance, blending sharp wit, emotional depth, and the transformative power of love. At its core, the novel is about two wounded people learning to trust again—not just each other, but themselves. The forced partnership and enemies-to-lovers dynamic provide fertile ground for both comedy and catharsis, while the small-town setting amplifies every triumph and setback. Archer's use of renovation and art as metaphors for healing is particularly resonant, illustrating that true change requires both demolition and creation. The story's exploration of commitment—what it means, why we fear it, and how we define it for ourselves—feels both timely and timeless. Ultimately, the novel argues that love is not about perfection or control, but about showing up, choosing each other, and building something beautiful from the mess. The journey from distrust to devotion is messy, hilarious, and deeply moving, offering readers not just a love story, but a blueprint for hope and self-acceptance.

Last updated: September 27, 2025