Trust doesn’t come easily when you’ve been running for as long as I have, which is why moving in with a man I barely know is such a bad idea.
Shepard Colson is all golden-boy charm and devastating good looks. But I know what it’s like to be taken in by easy smiles and the promise of forever—I have the scars to prove it.
Only the handsome contractor won’t stop coming by the bakery and prying little truths from my lips—those amber eyes of his seeing far too much. And when all the secrets come crashing down, he’s determined to keep me safe, even if it means moving into my rundown cabin to do it.
Now, Shep isn’t just rebuilding the walls of my home; he’s working his way into my heart. Suddenly, he’s everywhere: shirtless in my garden or in a towel coming out of my bathroom. And my resolve is no match.
Only it’s more than his golden looks. It’s him. The way he watches for my wounds but tells me I’m stronger than anyone he’s ever known. And I can’t help but fall.
But I should’ve known better than to think I could be happy—not when a ghost from my past still has me in his sights. And when he finds me, he’ll do anything to tear my life apart, even if it means ending it for good…
Thea started over in Sparrow Falls a couple of years ago after escaping from her toxic, abusive ex. She’s careful to live a lowkey life and not let anyone in, literally and figuratively. An emergency home repair forces her to accept help but she can’t bring herself to actually let Shep enter her home despite the fact that he’s sweet and kind. Shep is a total golden retriever and all-around nice guy so he’s immediately concerned when he realizes what’s going on with Thea. He doesn’t know who or what she’s afraid of, but her boundaries are clear and it’s heartbreaking. He’s determined to help on her terms to get the job done, but now he also has a new goal: to get to know Thea and be someone she can count on.
It takes time, but they slowly become friends and she begins to open up to him, even inviting him to stay with her when he needs temporary housing while he’s working on his own home. Once he knows her secrets, Shep is determined to help and Thea finds herself wanting to trust this man when she knows she shouldn’t ever trust anyone again. Her ex brings serious OM drama and remains a threat even with Trace and Anson’s help but Shep has some OW drama of his own, although it’s really not his fault.
I adored these characters, they’re one of my favorite couples from the author’s books, which is no small feat, and loved the supporting cast as well. Their story is emotional and sweet, with lots of heart and plenty of steam. The suspense is very much on point as well, giving their story some twists and turns. I can usually identify the bad guy from the start but this one had me guessing until the end, which I love.
