Meet the Protagonists of My Work in Progress
Small-town romance. Second chances. A love that refuses to be left behind.
In Stay This Time, I take you to the heart of Timberline, Wyoming, where two people—bound by history, heartbreak, and unfinished business—find themselves at a crossroads. Meet Isla Winters and Cole Archer, the star-crossed lovers at the center of this slow-burn cowboy romance.
🩰 Isla Winters: The Dancer Who Never Planned to Return
Isla Winters had her whole life mapped out—New York City, center stage, and a future built on the relentless pursuit of perfection. As a ballet soloist, every step, every breath was dedicated to the art she loved… until a devastating Achilles injury ripped it all away. Suddenly, the life she fought for was gone, and the only place left to go was the one she never thought she’d return to—her hometown of Timberline, Wyoming.
But Isla isn’t the same girl who left all those years ago, and Timberline isn’t just a sleepy town anymore. It holds memories, regrets, and one person she can’t ignore: Cole Archer.
What Drives Isla?
A fierce independence that refuses to let her accept defeat.
A deep love for dance, even as she struggles to redefine what it means without the stage.
A need to prove—to herself and everyone else—that she’s more than just the girl who left.
Isla’s journey isn’t just about love; it’s about rediscovering herself beyond the identity she spent years perfecting. And maybe—just maybe—realizing that home was never the prison she thought it was.
🐎 Cole Archer: The Cowboy Who Never Stopped Loving Her
Cole Archer has spent the last decade doing whatever it takes to keep his family’s ranch afloat. Early mornings, long days, and the weight of responsibility have left no room for distractions—especially not Isla, the woman who walked away without looking back.
She was always meant for bigger things. He was never meant to leave Timberline. But now she’s here, stirring up memories and old feelings he thought he’d buried. And when Isla throws herself into saving the ranch’s future with wild ideas and relentless determination, Cole starts to wonder if maybe—just maybe—he was wrong to believe she’d never stay.
What Drives Cole?
A steadfast loyalty to his family and the land they’ve fought to hold onto.
A quiet strength that masks the heartbreak of losing the only girl he ever loved.
A fear of hoping for something he knows he might lose all over again.
Cole never planned to want Isla back in his life. But love doesn’t follow plans. And some things—like home, like heartache, like second chances—are impossible to outrun.
💕 Why You’ll Love Stay This Time
If you love:
→ Small-town romance with heart and humor
→ A slow-burn, second-chance love story
→ A strong-willed heroine and a rugged, devoted cowboy
→ Emotional depth mixed with swoon-worthy moments
…then Stay This Time is for you!
I can’t wait for you to fall in love with Isla, Cole, and the town of Timberline. Tell me—do you love second-chance romances? What’s your favorite trope in small-town love stories? Let’s chat in the comments! If you’d like to follow along with my writing journey, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for updates!
