Reclusive. Grumpy. Irresistible.

Dr. Jake McBride loves two things in life. His people and chicken cheesy-crust pies. Returning from Iraq, he's done with medicine and strangers...in fact, life. He knows all about trauma and plans on dealing with his, his own way. His needs are simple: solitude and working on his new career as the town recluse. The only problem with that - well, two actually - are the interfering towns folk of Lake Howling and Branna O'Donnell. He's damn sure that her return means nothing to him...until it does!

His first mistake was kissing her. His second was doing it again.

Branna O'Donnell is burnt out and needs a place to stop running. Strange how that place is back where she'd once been happy. Settling in to small-town life again comes with complications, and the biggest has a serious attitude. Once the town's golden boy, Jake McBride now wears a permanent snarl. Not that anyone but her seems to notice the sexy doctor has changed.

Sharing a bed complicates things, but no way is Jake leaving Branna alone until they find who is threatening her, and even then, he's not sure he'll be able to walk away. He can feel himself changing, and it's all on her, but when her past comes calling, with it comes the realization that more than lust is involved. He's not sure he can be her hero, but he knows he wants to try.

If you enjoy your small-town romance sizzling with a side of crazy, then Lake Howling is for you. Meet the real authority in town (the local book club) and Jake's interfering hot friends. Swim (or skinny-dip) in the ice-cold lake, then warm up with coffee and a mystery muffin at The Hoot Café. Plenty of feels and LOLs, all wrapped up in a town that will have you packing your bags to head there, from the moment you start listening to the book.

Books in this series:

• A Promise of Home
• The Texan Meets His Match
• How Sweet It Is