Protecting His Heart: a Small Town Cop Romance
Protecting His Heart: a Small Town Cop Romance
A difficult and emotional struggle depicted with masterful balance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I fell hopelessly in love with Ian and his drive to protect ."
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Synopsis
Synopsis
Ian escaped his past—or so he thinks. Rachel doesn’t dare accept help from the handsome cop. He vows to protect her, but at what cost to his own heart?
From a tragic past…
Police officer Ian McCleary knows from personal experience what abuse looks like. Thanks to his best friend’s family, he managed to escape his childhood—and the small town he grew up in. Now he’s back to protect and serve those who knew him as a kid. That’s all the more reason to stick to business and toe the professional line—even as his growing attraction to Rachel tempts him to cross it.
To a dangerous present…
Rachel gave up her dream of becoming a nurse, but she still craves marriage and a family with all her heart. Josh seemed like the answer—but now she’s hiding a secret that could destroy those hopes, too. She doesn’t dare accept help from anyone, not even the handsome police officer who steps in to help her. But Ian’s kindness makes her feel things she can’t ignore…
Can they create a new future?
When Ian’s past shows up on his doorstep, his world is thrown into chaos. He’s determined to protect those he loves, but can he protect his own heart? Does Rachel have the courage to leave Josh? Can she convince Ian to let down his walls and forge a new future together?
What readers are saying:
“Oh how I loved this story! I was completely hooked from the very beginning.” - Katie
“A masterful job weaving a tale of love, forgiveness, redemption, and suspense.” - Heather
“I fell hopelessly in love with Ian and his drive to protect.” - Bobbi
Chapter One Look Inside
Chapter One Look Inside
20 years ago
Twelve-year-old Ian McCleary peeked up at Kent Lawson as he paced the hospital exam room. His best friend’s dad was a big man but had never made Ian feel scared.
Not like his own dad.
Ian stared at the floor, cradling his right arm with his left hand. It didn’t hurt quite as bad now.
The doctor said it was broken.
Broken! He’d been beat up before, but had never broken anything…
“Ian, son…” The big man came to a halt in front of Ian, then bent at the knee so they were eye to eye. “I need to ask you a question, and I need you to answer honestly.”
He was going to ask Ian something that would be hard to answer, Ian just knew it.
“Yes sir.” He tried to make his voice sound strong but it didn’t come out that way.
Kent’s beefy hand came down on Ian’s shoulder. He spoke carefully, holding Ian’s gaze. “This isn’t the first time your father has hit you, is it?”
Ian’s eyes dropped; he thought he’d hid it well. But they had noticed.
They knew. Shame flared in his chest. But also another emotion, just as strong.
Hate.
And yet… could he betray his father?
Ian loved the Lawsons. He loved how they joked around with each other—especially how his best friend Jamie and his brothers teased their little sister, Carly. He loved how their house was always full of music and laughter. How Mrs. Lawson fussed over him at every meal. How they cheered for Ian and Jamie at their baseball games. He loved that Mr. Lawson took him fishing…
Like he was part of the family.
If only.
Ian swallowed, feeling Kent Lawson’s eyes on him but unable to meet them. He couldn’t lie to the one man he respected more than any other. “No sir.”
Kent’s hand tightened on his shoulder, but he didn’t speak.
Had he done the right thing? His answer was honest, but maybe he’d deserved it. Maybe he’d brought on Shamus McCleary’s wrath himself…
“It’s not your fault, son.” Kent’s normally loud voice was heavy and thick.
Ian was mortified to feel tears in his eyes; he’d promised himself he wouldn’t cry. No matter how bad it hurt.
But this was pain of a different kind, a kind he didn’t understand.
“The doctor’s going to put a cast on that arm, and then we’ll take you home,” Kent said.
Home?! The thought of going home filled Ian with panic. Would he be there? Would he—
Kent squeezed his shoulder, and Ian realized his whole body had tensed up. “You’re going home with us.”
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