AUTHOR ELM JED

2025 OKRWG Heart Awards Finalist

Secrets build as Leo and Autumn make a decision that will change the course of their lives—eloping in secret.

Autumn swears she’ll never regret her choices with Leo, but every night he doesn’t come to bed doubt creeps in. Attempting to remain hopeful in a world that strives to destroy it, she concentrates on the Italian Lily and the employees, who give her grace and patience. The holidays are coming and the only one who seems to be missing is the man who holds her heart in his tender grasp.

Nothing prepared Autumn for the whiplash facing her ghosts, alongside the current shadows that creep upon her and Leo. The further they grow apart; the less control Leo appears to have.
He’s slipping. And a trail of blood seems to follow him wherever he goes.

Autumn will do anything to protect the man she loves, whether from family or those who threaten to take her life. Even if it means she must play the final card hidden up her sleeve.

There’s a reason Sarah Marie was successful.
There’s a reason why Autumn buried her.
Will the ghost of Sarah Marie be the key to freedom? Or why Leo falls to his knees?

Content Warnings
On Page
Self-harm, attempted self-harm, torture, gun & knife violence, skillet violence, blood/gore, on page deaths, panic/anxiety attacks, PTSD flashbacks, doors being broken down, motorcycle/vehicle chases, attempted murder, attempted kidnapping. 
Discussed
Sexual assault, thoughts of suicide & self harm, forced hospitalization, death/loss, homelessness, alcohol & drug abuse, and domestic violence.

Cliffhanger. 

BDSM Aspect of the Book:
Fire play, rope play (shibari), sensation play, blindfolding, someone calling “stop” to a scene, loose restraints, cut out of rope, and anal play.
Honorifics and the “stoplight” method are used.