This is an intense, emotional, and suspenseful story about two people still running from demons from their pasts. But has one has forged new roots in Redemption Hills and the other just dreams of being able to. They are damaged, haunted, tired, and lonely. Their connection sparks immediately and their lonely hearts recognize pain, wants, and need. They want to hope but are scared of loss or further pain. But the small possibility of finding a home, comfort, peace, and forever is worth lying to themselves about being just friends while their bodies and hearts react in uncontrollable ways.

Jud Lawson is rugged charm, chaos, protection, fierce loyalty, and danger rolled into one. He fights demons, remorse, guilt, nightmares, grief, and feels he is continually doing penance for his sins. But is dark past also prepares him to be ready to battle and fight if needed. He sees the real her that she hides from everyone, and she engages his protective streak. 

"I have you, Salem."

But in turn, Salem sees the good man he is in his core, not just the intimidating giant or what he has done. She has her own scars and secrets. She has had to be cautious, untrusting, and never lets anyone get close. 

“I do see, Jud. I see a man who is kind and good and gentle and fierce. I see a man who’s haunted. Haunted like me.”

Being vulnerable and trusting does not come easy to either of them. Their present is affected by the pain from their pasts. But if they can find it in them to share their burdens and fight for each other and alongside each other, they might have a chance to beat their demons back together and find a better future. 

A dark tower. A ferocious warrior. A wicked savior. I wanted him to be. To stand for me. For us. But I could never ask that of him.

These two are fire and storms and lightning strikes and magic. This installment is full of secrets, twists, suspense, intense passion, and all the feels. It combines this author's usual lyrical style with more edge, grit, and fierceness. It brings back his brothers, Trent and Logan, Eden, Tessa, and sweet little Gage. The scenes with kids in this one are so adorable and just lighten the mood. It has the dangerous edge of the tatted, rough, ex-MC guys mixed with the sweet promise of love, redemption, and happiness with understanding women. But at the core of it all is doing whatever it takes for family and those that mean the most.