Dead of Summer — Samantha Wilde

A Whistlemore series novella . . .

A one-night stand was all Desiree Zimmerman wanted, but she's bitten off more than she can chew with Aiden Thorne. The hot cop gave her the ride of her life, but she can't risk getting involved with someone from town. Not when her business's reputation is on the line. But when she walks into her shop and finds the front window has been smashed by a brick with a nasty note attached to it, she's forced to call the police. Of course, her poor decision is the one who responds to the call.

Aiden can't get enough of Desiree. Their night together was pure ecstasy. But seeing the destruction to her shop ignites his blood. She's a hardworking citizen who doesn't deserve the hate crime. When there's another attack and Desiree is nearly killed, Aiden steps in. He might not be able to stop the attacker from tormenting her, but he can at least protect her from harm. As Aiden gets closer to Desiree, he quickly learns someone in her past could be after her.

Desiree's stalker is persistent. She barely walks away from one attack after another. Aiden is furious that the assailant keeps slipping through his fingers. And when the hunter makes a particularly bold move, fear takes hold of Aiden. The person is getting more and more ballsy, their desperation to see Desiree dead apparent. As the tension builds around them, fire builds between them. Aiden won't stop fighting for Desiree's survival -- and her heart.