Ashes and Spurs by Autumn Rider

In the rugged hills of eastern Oregon, a devastating wildfire threatens to consume everything Garth Holden has fought to protect. As ranch foreman, he shoulders the weight of his family’s cattle operation while a ruthless land developer circles like a predator, exploiting the chaos to force a sale. When a skilled smokejumper returns to coordinate the defense, Garth finds himself locked in a battle of wills with the one woman who understands the land as fiercely as he does.

Tannis Hardwell left years ago but now stands at the heart of the crisis, her expertise clashing with Garth’s command. Together they ride fire lines, set backfires, and face shifting winds that trap them in moments of raw survival. What begins as professional tension ignites into something far more consuming—an undeniable pull that challenges their independence and forces them to confront buried dreams and old wounds.

As the flames rage and the developer’s threats escalate, their partnership deepens into a connection that tests limits and builds trust. Late-night watches, narrow escapes, and heated confrontations strip away defenses, revealing a passion that demands surrender and offers strength. In the aftermath of destruction, they must decide whether to rebuild alone or claim a future together on the scorched but enduring ground. This is a story of resilience, desire, and the fierce claim two people make on each other when everything else is burning.