AMONG THE WILLOWS by JENNIFER L. STRAND

He's a cage fighting cowboy who never stopped loving his best friend, but all she's ever done is run.

Romy Miller is a laid-off teacher who hasn't been home in twelve years. Not since she hooked up with her best guy friend and ran off to college. She has cut all ties to Willows, including her narcissistic father, but when she receives a collect call from her older sister in jail asking for help, she decides there is no choice but to return home.

Since his childhood crush, Romy, broke his heart, Jude Larsen hasn't been home to the family ranch. Instead, he channeled all his frustration and self-worth into a championship MMA career. That is, until he receives a call from his uncle the ranch is now a crime scene and Romy's sister is behind bars.

Now both are returning to Willows. While Jude brings his training camp to the ranch in preparation for the biggest fight of his career, Romy embarks on a relentless quest to clear her sister's name. What neither of them knows is that someone else isn't happy that she's returned and will stop at nothing to ensure she doesn't find the truth.

This is a spicy cowboy + sport romance with suspense meant for adults 18+. The content of this book may not be suitable for all readers. Content warnings: explicit language, incarceration, abandonment, loss of a parent (off page), narcissistic parent, domestic abuse (off page), assault, suicide attempt (off page), mental health representation.