Dusty by Kathy Ivan

Deputy Sheriff Dusty Warner left behind a chaotic childhood for the quiet streets of Shiloh Springs, Texas. After several years in big city law enforcement, he’s finally found contentment and a sense of peace in the small town he calls home—until a cold December night changes everything. On a lonely stretch of road just weeks before Christmas, Dusty discovers Sharon alone, afraid, and nearly frozen to death. Something about the beautiful stranger tugs at his protective instincts, and he can’t shake the feeling she’s running from more than just car trouble.

Sharon Elliott can’t tell the handsome deputy the truth; her ex-fiancé Cooper Madison is hunting her because she stole from him. Something he’ll kill to retrieve. She’s struggled to stay one step ahead of him, but it’s getting harder and harder. With an offer of a temporary place to stay, she’s cautiously optimistic and accepts, knowing it’s probably her last chance to regroup before running again.

But Cooper’s reach extends farther than Sharon imagined. When his people track her to Shiloh Springs, her safe haven evaporates. Sharon must decide whether to trust the man who’s offered her help—and maybe more—while Dusty faces a choice that could destroy the peaceful life he’s built.

With the holidays approaching, can two wounded souls find love and safety together or will Cooper Madison’s relentless pursuit tear them apart before they discover if their growing feelings are real?

Some secrets are worth dying for.
Some are worth killing for.
And sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.