Cedar Hollow has always thrived on gossip, but nothing stirs the quiet mountain town like Carrington Asher catching the eye of Dawson Kinkaide. Carrington, a plus-sized waitress with fire-red hair and a sharp wit, is used to being underestimated. Between long shifts at Marilyn’s 50’s-style diner and shouldering more than her share of small-town stares, romance is the last thing she expects. Until Dawson walks in. Dawson Kinkaide—tattooed, broad-shouldered, salt-and-pepper gruff—runs the salvage yard on the edge of town. He’s a man with a past, a reputation, and no patience for games. But the moment he sees Carrington, something in him shifts. Protective. Possessive. Hungry. The age gap should make him cautious. The town whispers should drive her away. And his dark history—especially the unfinished business with Weston, the man who’s sworn to stir up trouble—should be reason enough to keep his distance. But Dawson doesn’t do distance. Not when it comes to Carrington. She’s sunshine to his shadows. Curves made to be worshiped. A mouth made to test his control. And when danger closes in, Dawson will burn the whole town down before he lets anyone touch what’s his. Rough hands, soft heart. Heat, healing, and a forever kind of love. Welcome back to Cedar Hollow.