I flew through this book, but admittedly didn't love it. The romantic suspense was done so well, and the small town atmosphere of Ranger Ridge felt so cosy and quaint, however the intense and eerie crimes were potted through the book perfectly, giving readers an equal amount of comfort and unease.
The story begins with Millie, who's running from her home county and her cheating ex-fiance. Her car breaks down on a lone highway- which is quite iconic to the story- until Ranger Ridge's own Sheriff, Emmet Ranger, begrudgingly comes to help her. From there they get off on the wrong foot, beginning an enemies to lovers romance. To start with I did find their blooming relationship bland and almost forced, but as Millie's stalker and possible suspect to other crimes gets more unhinged, Emmet shows his kinder, more realistically protective side. I enjoyed their cute moments and tension, and the few spice scenes were well written.
The POV's of 'Redacted' were unnerving, and definitely creepy. I did guess who it was from my list of two suspects, but it didn't take any enjoyment from the fast paced story. However, what irked me the most is the amount of time skips and information we miss due to them, a lot of times we're told rather than shown things only when it's relevant. I liked the other characters too, especially Greer and Rory, who are Emmet's sisters. I'm looking forward to getting a book about moody, introverted Greer and Emmet's best friend and bad boy fire rescuer Denvers.
The ending ties up pretty much everything for Emmet and Millie, leaving them with a cute happy ending showing how far they're healed and learnt to lean on someone from the help of each other.
3/5 🌟