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All he wanted was redemption…until she moved back to the mountain.

Detective Jackson Ford lives his life by two rules: the first, to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to prove he’s nothing like his father, a man who still slinks in the shadows of Rosemary Mountain. The second rule: no relationships. Ever.

Dr. Allison Bell never planned to return to Rosemary Mountain. But when a powerful man sabotages her career, she’s desperate for a fresh start and jumps at the chance to take over a struggling family practice in her hometown. She has no idea that the monsters from her childhood are still alive and well, just waiting for her return.

With Allison back, Jackson suddenly has a new mission: to protect his childhood best friend from the threats against her, no matter the cost—even if it means risking his heart.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2024

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About the author

Nicole Gardner

14 books60 followers
Mystery + Romantic Suspense author. Writer of quaint towns with cozy vibes, romantic suspense, and plot twists you'll never see coming. Nicole lives in Arkansas with her husband, sons, and two dogs. If she’s not at her desk writing, you’ll probably find her in the garden or creating teas and tinctures in her kitchen.

Connect with Nicole:

www.nicolegardnerbooks.com

Newsletter: https://nicolegardnerbooks.com/newsle...

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicolegardnerbooks

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicolegardnerbooks

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Community Reviews

5 stars
131 (74%)
4 stars
34 (19%)
3 stars
10 (5%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
118 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2024
Another phenomenal story in the Rosemary Mountain series.! I was fortunate to get an ARC and I could not put it down. Gardner’s writing draws you in and you get completely lost in her stories. The little twists she so carefully weaves throughout the story keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very end. In this book I loved how she balanced Jackson and Allison’s memories of the past with their struggle to find their place in the present and with each other, and to overcome their demons as secrets were revealed. I would highly recommend reading all of her books in order to get the best experience (even though they could all be read as stand alones) because once you read one, you are going to want to read them all.
Profile Image for Catherine Kim.
21 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in one read! I loved revisiting favorite characters who feel like they’re my old familiar friends in a town that feels so real and quaint. I want to actually go to Rosemary Mountain! I can almost smell the mountain air. I loved getting to know Jackson’s story especially since I’ve liked him from the first time we were introduced to him. His back story is heartbreaking but so full of redemption. The glimpses of Allison and Jackson’s childhood together felt so real and so pure. Theirs is the BEST kind of love, one based on friendship. I can’t wait for Nicole Gardner’s next book!
Profile Image for Ashley Guerber.
110 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2024
Another AMAZING read by Nicole Gardner. Received the ARC and couldn't put it down!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I would highly recommend reading the Rosemary Mountain books in order, but I love that you do not absolutely have to.
Jackson's story has just been itching to be written and I feel like this book gives him all the justice he deserves. As a former minor, background character, I feel all of my boxes have been checked on finally getting to see more of him.
Highly recommend!
6 reviews
June 27, 2024
What a great read! Nicole Gardner has hooked me again! This book can be read as a stand alone but I would definitely recommend reading the original rosemary mountain series to get the full experience.
This was such an easy read but not lacking in plot twists. She gets me every time and I never see them coming.
If you are looking for a cozy, feel good romance then this is your series! I feel like I have really connected with all these characters and I wish the story could continue forever.
132 reviews
August 18, 2024
It’s annoying because I liked almost everything about this book apart from this one tiny fact that I can’t seem to get over. The heroines mother went through some pretty awful things throughout the book and I just felt like at the end of the heroine pretty much dismissed time Mother’s efforts/discomfort. I could be the only one but that was it..
9 reviews
July 20, 2025
Amazing Books

I have managed to read several of these books. I had a hard time putting any of them down. The author Nicole Gardner is an amazing author. I felt as if I was right there with all the characters in all the books. If you like suspense and romance you have got to read her books. You will not be disappointed
Profile Image for Hailey Stokes.
3 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2024
Another incredible Rosemary Mountain story!! Allison and Jackson’s love story brought me to tears and the twists in this book kept me on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait for another book from Nicole!!
Profile Image for Andrea.
6 reviews
June 26, 2024
Another feel good story with a happy ending from author Nicole Gardner! Reading Jackson finally getting his happy ever after was so good. This was book was a quick and easy read with how well the storyline flowed seamlessly. I loved there was still a little mystery mixed in with the romance. Getting an appearance from my favorite Rosemary Mountain character, Fiona, was just the icing on the cake!
Profile Image for Kathy Zuercher Diveley.
1,691 reviews11 followers
May 21, 2025
Allison

Now a Dr., Allison returns to the town she spent her early years in. There her best friend Jackson has returned as a detective. They rekindle their friendship, but is there more ?
39 reviews
July 13, 2025
Loved the stories!

It's difficult to put into words how much I have enjoyed all these novels! The characters are all interesting! The plots and stories are believable. I wish I lived in a place like Rosemary Mountain!!
63 reviews
June 7, 2026
mountain freedom

I loved this book as well as all her other books, I love the location,I live in Bristol so I really relate a lot of stuff there is nothing like the Appalachian mountains.
Profile Image for Jessica.
7 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2024
I finished this book in less than 24 hours! It’s the perfect friends to lovers romance, with a touch of suspense!
15 reviews
September 5, 2025
Rosemary Mountain

I can’t believe I have finished the whole series! This is/was a masterpiece of intrigue, suspense and the best storytelling I’ve read in a long time!
10 reviews
July 12, 2026
Rosemary Mointain

Loved this second set of 3 books. I hated to see it all end. It left me wanting more. I could not put them down.
576 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2025
Fine book

Another couple finds each other in Rosemary Mountain. This time, childhood friends Jackson and Allison meet again in their home town, and they try to resist each other.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews