Shadows of Deceit by Alicia Barnes

Her boutique is failing, her heart is breaking, and the man she's loved for years is finally noticing her—just as danger closes in.

Harper Walsh has been secretly in love with Connor Whitaker for six years. Six years of being "just friends." Now her life is crumbling—bills are piling up, eviction notices are stacking, and Connor can't stand to be in the same room as her for more than five minutes after a disagreement that changed everything.

When two dangerous men make Harper an unbelievable offer, she refuses, choosing to solve her problems the hard way. She doesn't realize that refusing will bring a whole new set of complications into her life, including a new living arrangement at Connor's ranch regardless of the turmoil that has been brewing between them.

Except Connor isn't treating her like a friend anymore. He's protective, possessive, and looking at her like she's always belonged there. But someone from his past isn't ready to let go. And when Harper discovers the threats against her run deeper than she imagined, she realizes she's caught in a web of deceit and criminal conspiracy.

As danger escalates, Harper must choose to surrender everything to keep Connor safe, or fight back and risk losing the man she loves—and so much more.

Because some deceptions run deeper than love. And some shadows hide monsters.