He never planned to fall for her. Now he'll risk everything to save her.

SBI Special Agent Brian Malone likes his life simple. As a dedicated investigator and unapologetic bachelor, he has rules for a reason?and none of them include getting attached.

Then Tess Bingham crashes through his carefully constructed defenses.

After putting medical school on hold to raise her younger brother, Tess has built a stable life for herself and Andy. She's not interested in a charming state investigator with a reputation for avoiding commitment, no matter how persistent the attraction between them becomes.

When a storm damages Tess's home, Brian offers her and Andy the use of his family's beach house until repairs are complete. As they spend more time together, their friendship deepens, walls begin to crumble, and resisting their growing feelings becomes harder with every passing day.

Then Tess disappears.

Now Brian isn't just investigating a crime... he's hunting the people responsible. Because this isn't just another case. It's the woman who won his heart. And he'll break every rule to bring her home.

Perfect for Readers Who Enjoy:

• Law Enforcement Hero
• Slow Burn Romance
• Protective Hero
• Kidnapped Heroine
• Touch Her and Die
• Found Family
• Small Town Romance
• Race Against Time
• Emotional Romantic Suspense
• Reluctant Attraction
• HEA guaranteed

**This story is also published under the title Seaside Secrets by Sheridan Cole (©2026). The Sheridan Cole edition presents a sweeter, closed-door version of the same novel with refreshed narrative and dialogue. Both editions, published by Suspenseful Seduction Publishing, share the same storyline, with differences in language and on-page intimacy.