Fourth in a series about first responders, set in Canada. Lindsay is tired from a long hot day running her vet clinic when the new RCMP officer in town, Matt, buys her a cold glass of white wine as she eats alone in the bar. When she decides against breaking her no-driving-after-drink rule, Matt walks her home. She likes him, but is pleased to just say goodnight.

BENEATH THE BADGE is an interesting, fit young man who's on a year's break from a more action-packed career path in the big city, finding his feet in small-town life. Seizing dogs from a puppy mill with the SPCA, Matt delivers them to Lindsay's clinic and offers to help feed starving pups. Cruelty is the one thing he can't abide. Next time Lindsay meets him she's brought Chinese takeout and reconsidered her options, and even if Matt is only on a temporary posting, she decides life is too short for them to remain apart. Out of her white coat and trousers she's an extremely sensual woman, and Matt is lost. But he's bringing his dark memories of undercover work to the relationship, and Lindsay isn't at all sure she can cope.

This novella by Donna Alward reminds us that life is not always easy for those who protect us, and yet we have to smile at the thought of a gorgeous, capable man in uniform. Who wouldn't want to see BENEATH THE BADGE?