Green Beret Reid Steele needs a new career ASAP. After a knee injury permanently sidelines him from his dream job, Reid heads home to the mountains of Steele Ridge to regroup, but small-town life isn't cutting it for a man accustomed to action. When sexy boutique owner Brynne Whitfield captures his attention, Reid thinks he's found the perfect distraction from boredom. The last thing recently-dumped Brynne is interested in is another fast-talking man who will break her heart and dismiss her like yesterday's trash. Even if Reid Steele's body does make her yearn for things she knows are as bad for her as hot fudge sundaes. When Brynne's closest friend is murdered and she's also targeted, Reid can't resist the lure of action and goes on a hunt for answers to disturbing questions. But can he protect her from a cold-blooded killer-and win her battered heart?