by Nora Roberts
First published 2026
Arden Bowie signs books at her debut reading when Dustin approaches with eager compliments and requests for her autograph. He appears at her next event, then the next. Arden tells herself he's simply an aspiring writer seeking guidance. She agrees to meet him for coffee, ignoring the warning signals in her mind. This decision proves catastrophic when Dustin assaults her. Though he receives a prison sentence at a psychiatric facility, his wealthy mother secures him only five years behind bars. Arden relocates to a small Oregon town, determined to rebuild her life. She forms a friendship with Gideon, a former LAPD detective. While Arden slowly heals and finds her footing, Dustin nurtures his rage and delusions from confinement. He remains convinced that Arden exists solely to serve his desires, and that his role is her protector. The question becomes not whether he will come for her, but who can shield her when he does.
Genres: mystery, crime, contemporary, thriller
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, second-chance
Setting: Oregon
Period: contemporary
418 pages · Kindle Edition · St. Martin's Press
Content warnings: abuse, sexual-assault, violence