Rose Montgomery has always relied on logic. It helped her survive childhood trauma, build a powerful voice in the world of trauma research, and keep her desires safely buried. But when a bomb goes off during her award ceremony, control slips—and the only one who can protect her is the man she thought she’d left behind.

Max Anderson walked away from the cowboy life—and from her—when they were too young to know what they wanted. Now a Marine veteran and PD Investigator, and a protective streak a mile deep, he’s not about to let Rose face danger alone. Even if moving her into his apartment reignites every forbidden spark between them.

But with old chemistry flaring, threats closing in, and everything Rose thought she knew unraveling, she’ll have to decide if trusting Max again is a mistake… or the safest choice she’s ever made.

Welcome to Newheart, Texas—where the lavender sweet tea flows freely, everyone is welcome, and second-chance cowboys burn for keeps.

Tropes & Triggers: Autism, bisexuality, bondage, cis-het romance, country-western romance, domination and submission (mild), degradation (mild), eating disorder (past) references, kidnapping, Neurodivergent affirming, second chances, small town vibes, social anxiety, suicide history reference

Narrated by author.