Deepest fears. Deadly desire. Courage over control. Millenia ago, the Old Gods created the World Tree to connect and protect the Higherworld, Mortalworld and Underworld. But a secret war rages as those who want to rule the Mortalworld seek to destroy the Tree. Only the Immortal Keepers stand in their way. Dangerous and powerful, Nate Jones is a witch by birth, a police detective by choice. He’s dedicated to protecting his family and community—including their newest resident, who stole his heart the day she moved to town. Single-parent Sim Morris knows two things: love is overrated, and always listen to your gut. And now her intuition has led her to a country town in Gippsland, Australia, where she can raise her little girl in a safe community. Except it turns out the locals, like detective irresistible with the piercing gaze, have a dangerous secret. When a deadly plot to annihilate the World Tree forces Nate and Sim to work together, and their sizzling chemistry ignites, what will they do when their deepest fears come true? And what will they sacrifice to save the Tree, and everything—everyone—they love? Winner: Romance Writers of Australia First Kiss Competition 2021 Finalist: Romance Writers of Australia Ripping Start Competition 2021