A forbidden, filthy, and deeply emotional small-town romance

I should've stayed far away from Jack Kohen.

He's grumpy, broody, built like sin—and my big brother's best friend. Off-limits since forever. But when I move back to Sizzle Cove, the heat between us doesn't just simmer—it explodes.

We're supposed to be setting up for the town fundraiser. Instead, he's got me pinned against the fire truck, growling filthy promises I definitely shouldn't want.

He says it was a mistake. Then does it again. And again.

But I'm done being his dirty little secret.

In our tight-knit mountain town where gossip spreads faster than wildfire, hiding isn't an option anymore. And when a man who runs into burning buildings for a living is too scared to claim me publicly? That's when I know I need to draw my line in the sand.

If I'm good enough to touch, I'm good enough to claim. And if Jack wants to keep me? He'll have to face my brother, fight his demons—and stop hiding behind those fireproof walls.

Because I'm not playing anymore.

I want all of him… Or nothing at all.

Tropes inside:

• Grumpy firefighter hero
• Sunshiney, sassy heroine
• Forbidden romance
• Brother's best friend
• He falls first (and hates it)
• Secret hookups → public claim
• Emotional walls, steamy payoff
• Slow-burn that explodes