Haunted by a shared tragedy, Cruz and Vivian find refuge in each other. The specters of lost loved ones linger, casting shadows over their lives. Guilt and redemption bind them, skating a delicate line between healing and love.
Cruz champions reconnecting service dogs with their military handlers—a cause close to his scarred heart. Vivian fled Houston, leaving behind shattered memories, but she returned to help Cruz in his mission. Their collaboration sparks more than passion—it ignites a slow-burning flame. Their shared love for these loyal companions weaves an unbreakable bond as they work side by side. But buried secrets threaten their fragile chance at happiness.
Can Cruz and Vivian overcome their haunted pasts? Will love mend their shattered hearts and build a future? In a game where victory isn't measured by goals alone, they'll discover that sometimes the most significant win lies in opening up to love.
USA Today Bestseller Alexa Padgett's books have garnered accolades from prestigious organizations, including Kirkus Reviews, National Indie Excellence Awards, and Publishers Weekly.
Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all--at least for a while. And she does in her books.
She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.