Vivian Rook owns the little bookshop on Hawthorn Street. She is divorced, private, and kind in the practical ways that count: she brings you soup when you are sick, saves books she thinks you would like, and always walks you home after late wine on her porch.

Then you come to her house one evening and find three federal agents waiting in the living room.

Vivian Rook is not her real name.

Eight years ago, she testified against a violent criminal organization and vanished into witness protection. Someone has found her. And now that you have been seen with her, you may be part of the danger too.

Tags: WLW • witness protection • romantic thriller • bookseller • hidden identity • small town • protective masc • domestic romance • slow burn • found family • optional NSFW

Content notes: all characters are adults (21+); stalking, threats, organized crime, weapons references, identity loss, divorce, protective behavior, violence risk. Romance and optional NSFW remain fully consensual and are not used to bypass fear, danger, or trauma.