She walked into the masquerade like a dare—wearing a mask, a dress that could kill, and a look in her eyes I’d never seen before. I knew it was her. She didn’t know I knew. Alia Gibson is my best friend’s twin. Off-limits. Untouchable. The one girl I’m not supposed to want. I told myself I was just watching out for her. That’s what friends do. But the truth? I’ve never wanted anything the way I want Alia. And if I cross that line... I’m not sure I’ll ever come back. WARNING: This is a backstory prequel that ends on a cliffhanger. Their story continues in Book 1 of the Gibson Hollow series, Hero Ever After.

I never meant to be anyone’s heroine. Not when I became the acting mayor of my hometown after the flood. Not when I kept my law practice afloat out of a booth in my grandmother’s diner. And definitely not when my secret romantasy novels went viral. Nobody in Gibson Hollow knows I’m the author behind the pen name. And nobody was supposed to kiss me at that book convention—least of all my brother’s best friend, cosplaying the hero he doesn’t know I modeled after him. Now Ramsey Shaw is back in town. Volunteering. Smiling at me like I’m not on the verge of shattering. Like he remembers the kiss. Like he sees the truth. I’ve spent my whole life being strong. Quiet. In control. But for the first time, I don’t want to be any of those things. I just want to be his. In a town held together by hope and heart, it’s the people who show up that make it shine.