Star-Spangled Secret — Caroline Lee

Fireworks and tempers are both hot this Fourth of July! Celebrate with this sweet second-chance, small-town romance about a veteran with a son he didn't know existed!

It's no secret that Tripp Weston used to be a bad boy. Back before he left home without a forwarding address, back before he joined the Army and got straightened out, he was known for his short fuse and explosive temper. Alyssa McIver was the only person who'd ever kept him calm, and she was far too good for him anyhow...

When Tripp left town so suddenly seven years ago, Alyssa was left with a secret of her own. Now little Jeremiah has his father's anger-management issues, and between his tantrums and her job, Alyssa is worn out. Her sister claims everything is better with a partner, but Alyssa has only ever loved one man.

But now Tripp is back in Quinn Valley, and nothing is as he expected. The homecoming he'd dreamed of has been shattered, the woman he was sure he'd lost is staring up at him with hope...and there's a little boy with Tripp's eyes and Alyssa's smile who needs someone to guide him. Tripp's hard-learned control is just what the Jer needs, and he yearns to share those lessons with this secret son of his.

With Jeremiah's birthday approaching, can Tripp convince Alyssa he's worth trusting again? Or will her protectiveness of their son keep the three of them apart?

This Independence Day, sparks will fly in Quinn Valley!