She's a survivor, but it will take someone truly special to make her see how strong she can be. As a former Night Stalker Army pilot, Callen "Owl" Kaufman has been in his share of dicey situations. Long-since retired from the military, he thought dangerous missions were a thing of his past, but rescuing Lara Osler from a serial killer was definitely one of the most harrowing yet. Now safe at The Refuge, Lara is struggling to heal months later...and Owl is struggling just as hard to hide his growing feelings. But he'll do anything to help the vulnerable woman recover-even if that means letting her go. Kidnapped by a boyfriend? Check. Held against her will by a serial killer? Check. Falling in love with her rescuer? Triple check. Lara thought her life was over, until her best friend showed up to save her with one of the most intriguing men she'd ever met. Owl is gentle, considerate, and he makes her feel safe. As time passes, Lara slowly begins to reclaim her life, thanks to the man who opened his heart and his home to a broken woman. But Owl doesn't see her as damaged. He sees someone who's gone through hell...and come out stronger on the other side. But strong enough to face a serial killer? Owl and Lara both know the man who terrorized her is still out there, biding his time. Waiting for his chance to steal back what he views as his... **Deserving Lara is the 5th book in The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.