Feelin’ Pine by Brynn Hale

Maitlyn
I just wanted to get away from it all, but my past always follows me.
My dog Kraine goes crazy at something outside of my rental cabin.
Logically, I know it can’t be my ex, but then again, he’s known for being unpredictable and illogical.
And then there’s that smell.
Smoke.
I try to tell myself it’s all okay, but when Kraine runs away into the forest, and I get lost looking for him…
Nothing is okay.
And when I run into Jake in the mountains, my lack of trust in men makes me want to run the other way, but the forest isn’t safe for either of us.
Jake is strong, but he’s been hurt, too, and two broken halves just don’t make a whole in my mind.
Will I be able to get away from my past and find love again, or will our love burn up like the forest fire?

Jake
I’ve been burned. Both professionally as a Hotshot Mountain Firefighter and by falling for the wrong woman.
A hike into the mountains is supposed to be my last hurrah to make sure my ankle’s ready to return to duty.
But when a dog shows up like Lassie, asking for my help, I follow him and what I find is a scared forest siren.
It’s not just the forest that’s on fire, it’s my body, my heart, my soul.
I need this woman in my life.
The trust we built goes up in smoke, like the pine trees surrounding us, as her past resurfaces.
And then it’s not my ankle that hurts the most, but the bullet in my leg.
I have to save her, but will she save me back?