The hometown legend
(Book)

Rory Sullivan has always grown up in her sisters' shadows. But this summer, she's determined to make some changes. Rekindling her teenage friendship with Pyrite Falls's prodigal son, Gideon Payne, feels like a good start. She can instantly see he's in pain, but she's sick of being afraid of life, and she refuses to be intimidated by him. But is she brave enough to act on her attraction to Gideon's raw physicality? Decorated army hero Gideon's return has sent the local community into parade-planning overdrive. Except Gideon isn't the all-around golden boy who left. His life imploded in the same explosion that caused his honorable discharge from the army, he lost his career, his marriage, and he damn near lost himself. Gideon knows Rory is far too innocent for someone as damaged as him. But the scorching hunger between them is irresistible? All he can offer is something temporary, unless Rory can make Gideon see he's capable of giving her everything she needs.