Lone Wolf in Lights

Kennedy sensitively handles domestic violence and healing in her emotional second Naked Moose romance (after The Devil in Blue Jeans). Willow Quinn left Portland after her abusive ex, Niko, nearly killed her. Teaming up with her longtime besties Aubrey and Charly, she becomes co-owner of a bar in charming Timber Falls, Mont. She’s immediately attracted to local carpenter and bull rider Eli Cole, who has had his own tragic experience with domestic violence: his sister Miranda was killed by her boyfriend. Despite being drawn to Eli, Willow is skittish about romance. In the meantime, she’s determined to transform her pain into action by founding a craft group for local survivors of domestic violence. After Willow begins to get threatening emails from a member’s ex, however, she and Eli agree to fake date for her protection, a charade that soon becomes all too real. Willow is a resilient and empowering heroine, and readers will swoon over strong, silent Eli. This offers plenty of both heat and heart, readers who like their cowboy romances on the sensitive side are sure to be sucked in. Agent: Jessica Alvarez, Bookends Literary. (Oct.)