I had the privilege to read an ARC copy of Dirty Whispers by Paula Cox. Emily has had a terrible past, but it crashes into Jude's and they both fall hard and fast. But Emily's brother won't leave her alone and that's hard to Jude to handle. Jude is an enforcer for the mob and Patrick is a woman beating druggie who thinks Emily is his property. Emily finds out she is a strong woman and can speak her own mind. Being with Jude makes her stronger and it's now possible to stand up to Patrick and everyone else who has tried to smother her. All the while falling in love with Jude and he having to find out how to deal with a strong woman who has grabbed his heart and won't let go. He doesn't only have to protect her he can't let her go. Love is strong and wins out against evil.