First published 2026
Juliette Macintyre discovers a corpse in the dog park, strangled with one of her custom leashes. The pet groomer already faces suspicion in Labrador Falls because her father was a corrupt police officer. Now the locals think she killed Maurice Allsop, the town's most hated resident. Joel Cunningham runs the Brewed Awakening café and claims to dislike dogs. He serves bitter coffee without small talk or seasonal flavors. When the detective targets Juliette as the prime suspect, Joel decides to help her investigate. He refuses to open up about his past or bond with the foster puppy Juliette gives him. The real killer may strike again while the biased investigation continues. Juliette and Joel must ignore their growing attraction and follow the evidence. She needs to clear her name and prove she belongs in this small town that judges her for crimes she never committed.
Genres: domestic-fiction, mystery, crime, adult-fiction, thriller, contemporary-romance
Vibes: character-driven, emotional, fast-paced, small-town, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity, innocent-accused, slow-burn
Setting: Labrador Falls, Brewed Awakening Café, Dog Park
Period: Contemporary
304 pages · Paperback · Harlequin
Content warnings: death, murder