This was such a heartfelt and emotionally powerful read, especially for a story that’s just over 200 pages! Tess Lee and Jack Miller’s journey is an exploration of love, healing, and the courage to confront past traumas. Tess, a world-famous novelist, and Jack, a federal agent hardened by years in counterterrorism, are two wounded souls who find an instant, deep connection. Their love story is tender and raw as they navigate heartache and vulnerability, with Tess confronting her childhood abuse and Jack grappling with the loss of a loved one.

Despite its brevity, the book delivers rich, well-developed characters and moments that feel incredibly real. Tess and Jack’s openness and willingness to share their scars—both physical and emotional—create a moving story of hope and redemption. I found myself resonating with both characters in different ways and wishing I could be alongside them as they experienced their journey.

This is just the first book in a new series, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. A beautifully written story about finding light in the darkness.

This short book has all the feels. Tess is a novelist and Jack is a federal agent. They met one night and their connection is magical. As they pursue their love interests, old wounds get in the way. Can their love survive their pasts?

I loved this book and would highly recommend!

This book is about two people who are so perfect for one another. Two broken souls fitting together like a lost puzzle piece. Jack and Tess meet by chance in a bar and hit it off instantly. Tess feels so comfortable with him and is already telling him things she has never told anyone. Both characters are so similar in dealing with horrific past trauma and overcoming that. I love the way their friends all mingled and it became one happy family.


“I never thought I could have this kind of happiness until I met you, especially after Gracie. I love you with all my heart, and I don’t ever want to lose you. I’ll do anything for you.”

Oof. Okay guys, I read this in a day. I was a little skeptical about the insta-love right off the bat, but once I got into the story a little more I was hooked!

Tess is a famous author, Jack is a federal agent. They meet at a bar one night and hit it off quickly. But each of them has a significant amount of past trauma. Their love for each other is fierce and they work together to overcome their difficult pasts. This is truly a story about healing ❤️‍🩹🥺🥺

Jack is definitely book boyfriend material and is extremely patient and understanding.

This book has a heavy punch considering it isn’t too long. I was reading as fast as I could, trying to soak up this book! Tess and Jack are special and I am already looking forward to seeing more of them in their next book (although this does NOT end of a cliffhanger ✨)

Some tropes -
💥 insta-love
💥 author x federal agent
💥 trauma, healing
💥 hurt, comfort

Some fave quotes -
💫 “She’s sweet, smart, and so beautiful. There’s a gentleness about her, this deep kindness in her eyes. From the first night we met, there was something indescribable between us. No one has ever gotten to me like this. It’s like my heart just cracked wide open,” Jack said. He took a sip of his beer. “All I want to do is spend time with her.”

💫 “I never thought I could have this kind of happiness until I met you, especially after Gracie. I love you with all my heart, and I don’t ever want to lose you. I’ll do anything for you.”

💫 “On this morning, she rose to the smell of coffee, the taste of possibility, and a singular thought: Today I can live.”

💫 “I’m glad I hung up. Now I can always imagine he was calling to say he was sorry.” - AHHH this one really got me 🥹

💫 “Don’t you think I feel something every day when I see the scars on your body? Don’t you think I would give anything to take that pain away? But I know that I can’t, so instead, they remind me to show you every single day how much I love you, and to always be gentle with you. Can you please try to do the same thing? You can’t save me from the past, but you can be with me now, love me now. Just love me. That’s all I want.”

💥 there are some triggers to be mindful of.

(Will add my review to my bookstagram closer to pub day - @rene.reads_)