Nessa Hale is a hopeless romantic. Growing up, she witnessed her grandparents and parents’ epic love stories. But Nessa hasn’t been as lucky. Instead, she spends her free time swiping right on online dating apps and enduring hellish first dates trying to find the one. But when one of those dates ends tragically, Nessa is left emotionally shattered.

Ronan Crawford understands what it’s like to feel broken. As a retired Navy SEAL, he still suffers from the after-effects of war. Forming new friendships and working security at Phoenix, the secret sex club in the heart of New York City, has given him a purpose. He likes protecting people again. So when Nessa asks him to teach her self-defence techniques, he’s concerned, but up for the challenge. He can tell Nessa is suffering and he’s prepared to be her safe haven. What he’s unprepared for is how Nessa makes him feel like he’s coming back to life.

The more time they spend together, the more Ronan and Nessa help each other heal. As their friendship blossoms into something more, Ronan introduces Nessa to a world of no inhibitions and wicked desires. But when Nessa’s recovery is threatened and her life is endangered, Ronan vows to protect her at all costs. He knows he’ll have one chance to make Nessa safe again, but only Nessa can bring Ronan back from the darkness threatening to bury him….