She knew. That's why Mom hadn't opened the door. She knew he was dead. Twenty years as an army brat and Ember Howard knew, too. The soldiers at the door meant her dad was never coming home. What she didn't know was how she would find the strength to singlehandedly care for her crumbling family when her mom falls apart. Then Josh Walker enters her life. Hockey star, her new next-door neighbor, and not to mention the most delicious hands that insist on saving her over and over again. He has a way of erasing the pain with a single look, a single touch. As much as she wants to turn off her feelings and endure the heartache on her own, she can't deny their intense attraction. Until Josh's secret shatters their world. And Ember must decide if he's worth the risk that comes with loving a man who could strip her bare.

Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros is a bestselling American author known for her emotionally charged romance and fantasy novels. She gained international acclaim with her hit fantasy novel Fourth Wing (2023), part of The Empyrean series, praised for its immersive world-building and compelling characters. Yarros has written over 15 novels, often blending themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Her work has earned her a dedicated fan base and critical praise, solidifying her as a prominent voice in modern fiction.