[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]

Michael has been released from his work as a police officer for not being able to control his temper. With seemingly nothing else to do, he returns to his hometown and to the house that is now vacant after his father's death. He expects there is nothing for him there, but he can busy himself with getting the house ready to sell. But then he meets Fintan Hulme, proprietor of the town's bookshop. There's attraction and chemistry, but can that overcome Michael's policeman tendencies and Fintan's criminal past?

I want to describe this as a smooth, easy read. When I finished, it felt much shorter than it actually is, but not because of lack of story or pacing. It's just an engaging and well-written story. There's a bit of suspense and action here with some romantic elements thrown in for good measure. This is the start of a series that looks to be more of a 'takes place in the same space but doesn't involve the same main characters throughout' type, and I'm certainly looking forward to continuing it. ( )

Michael's anger management issues lead him to leave the Metropolitan Police and moving back to Trowchester, his childhood home town, where he faces his father's house and all the memories it brings, as well as a town that has changed with new people and businesses. These include the bookshop and its owner, Fintan Hulme, who has a past in crime.

I enjoyed this book as my train and spare-few-minutes read on my phone. ( )