This book completely swept me away—I couldn’t put it down and ended up pulling an all-nighter to finish it!

Ridley and Colt’s story has everything I love in this genre, which, honestly, I don’t read nearly enough: it was captivating, intense, and brimming with emotion.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the intensity of what happens to Ridley and her sister, followed by her criminal investigation and how her quest for justice collides with Colt’s sense of duty.

Their relationship, initially tense, slowly transforms into something deep and irresistible, and I loved every step of that journey. The spice scenes were incredibly well-written.

Ridley is a fascinating heroine: her courage and determination to uncover the truth, despite the dangers, completely won me over. As for Colt, he’s the perfect balance of protector and vulnerable. As the sheriff of this small town, he carries the weight of his past while trying to shield Ridley from the growing threats tied to her investigation.

The forced proximity trope is masterfully executed, giving their romance a slow-burn tension that kept me on edge until the very end.

I wouldn’t say no to a future book about Emerson—she’s such a great character, and I’d love to stay in Shady Cove a little longer.