The Protective Lumberjack

A Sweet forced proximity bodyguard romance

She's brilliant at exposing financial fraud. He's haunted by his past. They didn’t expect to find a future together.

Forensic financial analyst Ava Gale loves the thrill of unraveling complex scams. When her investigation into a sophisticated Ponzi scheme targeting small-town investors turns dangerous, she's assigned a bodyguard she's convinced she doesn't need.
ExSpecial Forces operative Marcus Reid thought his hero days were over. Struggling with PTSD and scars that run deeper than the burns seared into his skin, he's found purpose in Allenby Security's mission to protect people who can't protect themselves. But his new assignment—guarding a brilliant, stubborn analyst who treats corporate threats like puzzles—might be his biggest challenge yet.
Ava's never needed anyone's help, and Marc's never protected someone who refuses to stop. But when the investigation escalates to attempted murder, they'll have to trust each other with more than their safety.
As bullets fly and evidence disappears, Ava discovers that a partnership with Marc doesn't impact her abilities—it makes them better. And Marc learns that heroism isn't about being fearless; it's about choosing to protect what matters, even when you think you can’t.
Together, they'll expose a scheme that threatens Collins Ridge. But will they risk their hearts?

A sweet, uplifting and emotional, small-town romance about finding love, redefining heroism, and discovering that the right partner makes everything possible.

A protective hero with hidden wounds, a brilliant and socially awkward heroine who doesn't think she needs saving, forced proximity that unexpectedly leads to more, and a love built step, by hard-won step. Book 1 in the Collins Ridge Security series—welcome home.
iClean language and only kissing. Cozy suspense. Nothing dark. HEA guaranteed.