Forged: Enemies to More, Slow-Burn, Clean Romantic Suspense

She was the very first name on his revenge list. And the very last person he wanted to partner with.

Tessa Ward has built her life on facts, not feelings. A brilliant forensic accountant, she follows financial trails with the precision of a scalpel—never letting emotions get in the way. But when she uncovers a hidden web of stolen money, she’s pulled into a dangerous world far from spreadsheets and safe answers.

Enter Jude Hale—tattooed, muscled, and carrying more secrets than he's willing to share. A reformed con man turned cyber-defense expert, Jude is assigned to work undercover with Tessa. His instincts run hot and impulsive; hers are cold and calculated. They’re oil and water—until a shared mission forces them into tight quarters, tighter secrets, and the kind of tension that can’t be ignored.

As they get closer to uncovering a treasonous espionage plot, the line between deception and truth blurs. Jude’s past could destroy their mission. Tessa’s fear of emotional chaos could destroy them both. And time is running out.

To survive, they’ll have to trust each other with everything—including their hearts.

Tropes:

Opposites attract

Forced proximity

Grumpy-sunshine (with reversed gender roles)

Redemption arc

Slow burn with high stakes

Found family

Undercover mission

Emotional wounds from the past