Shattered Secrets

<p><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)><em>She's a young single mom hiding a dark past. He's a jaded former detective who's lost all faith in love. When a dangerous encounter forces them to live together their mutual attraction erupts into flames. But as her secrets come to light an unexpected threat emerges...</em></strong></p><p></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Scarlet Miller</strong><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)> has flown under the radar on peaceful Hudson Island for the past year and a half working hard to build a safe and quiet life for her four-year-old daughter. During that time she formed unexpected friendships-and a crush on the handsome friend-of-a-friend who's the epitome of tall dark and growly hotness. However since he's much older and way out of her league she knows nothing will come of it. Besides with her chaotic history romantic relationships are off the table.</span></p><p></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Matt Alvarez </strong><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>has come a long way since arriving on Hudson Island angry bitter and reclusive. With time therapy and the help of his friends he's recovered from a career-threatening injury and joined Hudson Security. He's eager to make a positive difference through his work and while he's not the most social guy he's looking forward to building relationships in his newfound community. Well except for Scarlet. Something about the beautiful waitress with the rainbow-streaked hair ties his tongue in knots. But no matter how alluring he finds her she's way too young for him. Which is fine because after a dramatic divorce the last thing he wants is any sort of commitment.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>When dire circumstances push them together their protective walls crumble revealing an undeniable connection. But as their relationship blossoms Scarlet's buried secrets claw to the surface bringing unforeseen perils with them. Can Matt protect Scarlet from the shadows of her past? Or will her skeletons destroy their future?</span></p><p></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)><em>Author's Note:</em></strong><em style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)> Please check the author's website for all tropes and CWs</em></p>