Sometimes the last thing you expect is exactly what you need, the final missing piece. And sometimes it comes in the form of a towering, broody sheriff, determined to get in your way at every step.

Ridley Sawyer knows what its like to miss someone, to feel like a piece of her vanished—because it happened to her the night her twin sister disappeared.

Now, Ridley channels that loss into hope, traveling the country covering cold cases for her true crime podcast. She might not have found justice for her sister but that doesnt stop her from finding it for others.

Until Sheriff Colter Brooks gets in her way.

Colt knows what its like to have reporters descend on his town in the wake of a tragedy, and hes not about to let a fiery podcaster stir up trouble. It doesnt matter that her haunting blue eyes tell him theres more to Ridleys story or that he cant stop imagining what it would be like to touch her.

But when Ridleys cold case turns hot and shes thrust into the crosshairs, Colt has no choice but to step in. Suddenly, Ridleys living at his house, drinking his whiskey, and stealing his dogs affections. But shes also proving that shes so much more than his first impression.

And as they get closer to the truth, the game theyve been playing might just turn deadly…

Since the moment our lives fell apart, the only thing that mattered was making a good life for my son. A life where he was happy and safe. I just never expected to find that safety with a hockey player known for his brutal dominance on the ice and his recklessness off it.

But Cope Colson is so much more.

The gentle way he makes sure we’re okay. The playful care he shows my son. The way he truly sees me.

When my life comes apart yet again, it’s Cope picking up the pieces. Now, we’re living in his house, eating his incredible, chef-worthy meals, and it’s not just my son who’s falling.

It’s me.

Because when Cope touches me, I lose all sense. I’m no longer thinking about staying safe, I’m thinking about how my skin ignites with every glance, how I come undone with the barest brush of his fingertips, and when we give into temptation…I’m lost.

But Cope has secrets and so do I. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, there’s nothing they won’t do to end our happiness once and for all…