Protecting his best friend's vulnerable widowed sister has a trained soldier defying orders. But with her husband's murderer now targeting her, will it kill their chance at love? Stephanie Anderson struggles to put the pieces back together. Trying to rebuild her world after her beloved's unsolved homicide eight months earlier, the shattered woman can only focus on caring for her sweet toddler. So when two suspicious men show up claiming to be detectives, she's grateful her handsome next-door neighbor is home on leave from the Army. Ray Lungren keeps his word. Years after high school, he still honors his best friend's demand not to get involved with his sister... until the gorgeous widow begs him for help. And when he discovers she's in danger from drug traffickers, the heroic soldier worries he won't be able to deny their chemistry much longer. Taking refuge with the capable hunk who makes her pulse race, Stephanie draws closer to him after the fake cops break into her home. And though Ray works feverishly to solve the case, he fears he can't beat the ticking clock of his return to duty that will leave the vulnerable girl who fills his heart alone and undefended ★★★★★ There's so much to like in this story! A swoon-worthy hero. A strong-willed heroine. A solid plot. The well-crafted writing reels you in, making you cheer for Stephanie and Ray. These are two people you can relate to. You'll be desperate for them to find their happily ever after! Arlene - Author of the Valentine Beaumont Mysteries ★★★★★ Wow, what an excellent debut for Bad Karma Special Ops series. A well-written storyline that is fast-paced, action-packed with danger, suspense, romance and all around good feels. The characters are captivating and easy to fall in love with. Read this in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading more in this new series. Maggi - Goodreads ★★★★★ These are so good I want to devour everything of Brody's in one sitting! Michaela - Goodreads ★★★★★ I had to read straight through to the end!! Whew! Definitely an excellent happy-ever-after. Highly recommended!! Celia - Goodreads Heat level: Slighty steamy. Contains sexual content on the page. Not overly explicit. Profanity: Moderate Contains hunky hero, a strong female heroine, and sweet toddler.