It’s stories like this and writers like SJ Stewart that make be feel privileged to be a reader. With all I knew about this book going in, I thought I had it basically figured out, but I got so much more than I bargained for. This is a crime fiction but the romance is very much there and it’s incredible sweet. Like a rose growing from concrete. This was a gripping read from start until about 79% in before it hit any type of lull. It’s not action packed but it’s an emotional roller coaster. Amelie/Kia is by far one of my favorite FMCs ever and Bishop is top of my book boyfriend list for sure. Cause I love a man who choose violence about his girl. Content warning: This is a story about a human trafficking survivor, while the harshness of that circumstance isn’t played out in vivid detail (and why would you want it to be) there are flashbacks and triggering phrases and situations so please take that into consideration. Thoughts of and attempted suicide, kidnapping, mental, emotional, and physical abuse are prevalent. This is a beautifully written story and while it is understandably low on spice the passion and chemistry between the main characters is palpable. This is book one in a standalone series but they will be best experienced in order. If you haven’t read an SJ Stewart story you really are missing out on amazing stories written by a brilliant wordsmith.