It was an easy read with characters who have a good dynamic between them who you feel like you know. The chapters are broken up into the main characters point of view so you really feel their thoughts and feelings. At points you think you know how the plot will turn out but I was wrong and just wanted to keep reading.

This book was nicely written, and a great mix of romance and suspense. I enjoyed both character's POV - however I found some of Piper's inner dialogue inauthentic at times. She is an independent, self-sufficient and self-made woman, working as a librarian, but her inner dialogue at times is juvenile and immature.
The book was short enough to not be unnecessarily drawn out, but also long enough to run through the plot, climax and ending without feeling too rushed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op for the ARC.

Piper, a shy librarian, finds herself in danger after witnessing a possible body being dumped in the woods. She crosses paths with Aidan, a handsome town detective grieving the loss of his partner and secret love. Their connection is immediate, but before Aidan can fully commit, Piper faces a life-threatening situation that only he can save her from.

This light, steamy read offers compelling characters and sizzling romance—a perfect escape after heavier, more intense books.

An angsty romantic suspense. There’s forced proximity, protection, danger, and sizzling chemistry. It took me a bit to get into this book, but overall a great story and writing.

What you get:
-insta-lust / insta-love
-broken MMC
-fake dating
-small town
-romantic suspense

This one has good bones to it, but the insta-lust/insta-love was a bit too much for me. I get being attracted to someone, but right after you've just seen a dead body and run for your life? I don't know, it just didn't work for me personally. I did like how everything unraveled and how the MMC opened up about his trauma.