Four years ago, Scotty was the center of every one of my fantasies. He was funny, kind, and eleven years older than me–a protector. But one ill-timed confession and he vanished from my life without so much as a goodbye.
Now I am called to testify against the men who kidnapped me and the gorgeous, infuriating man I tried so hard to forget is assigned to protect me. I want answers and he refuses to give them.
But as much as he claims to hate me too, I see the way his eyes linger on my skin. How his hands itch to reach out. He understands me in a way I’ve never let another man get close enough to know. My scars, physical and emotional, are a constant reminder of the girl I used to be.
A girl I try to forget.
As we travel across the country, the tension and simmering heat becomes unbearable. He’s pushing me outside my comfort zone while I’m desperately searching for control––until I realize Scott is more than willing to give it to me.
Once this is over, I know he’ll disappear again. But for now, he’s surrendering his control, and I’m going to take it.
Sunny Shelly’s Review: 5 Stars
Four years after ghosting Gemma, Scotty has returned to the ranch because Gemma has been called up to testify in a federal trial against the mobsters who kidnapped and tortured her. And to get to Chicago, she and Scott have to take a road trip. Lots of tension between these two — the “I hate him but I still love him kind” — made for a delicious close-proximity tale. And wow, this book was spicier than the rest of the series as the balance of power between Scotty and Gemma shifted when they were behind closed doors. I loved it!
How did I never connect that Maggie from Chickalu Falls was Scott’s sister?!? Love when authors make those connections!
Before closing out this series, Lena set her readers up for the next book series she’s writing, and I can’t wait to see Gemma’s best friend find love and Kate’s rowdy band of brothers!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Lena Hendrix is a contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance stared with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.
When she’s not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on Tiktok or IG!
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