Hard Truth. Blackstone House Romantic Suspense, #9

Some monsters hide in the dark. Others sit in the halls of power. Giselle Martineau was never the most accomplished journalist, but she was getting by until the hunt for her father's killer cost her almost everything-her job, her home, and her credibility. Still, she won't give up. A monster is slumbering under Washington, DC, and it's only a matter of time before it awakes. When the murder of Ruby Costello and tales of a botched cover-up hit the headlines, she recognises the hallmarks of the group her dad was hunting for years.
Compass. Blackmail and backhanders, corruption and criminality, dirt and deceit. They use any tool in their quest for one thing: power. Few believe Compass exists, but Giselle knows the truth. They're everywhere, and they're chipping away at democracy piece by piece. Politicians and scandal have always been inseparable bedfellows, but Greyson Meyer tries to keep his nose clean. Mostly. He doesn't take drugs or bribes, and he votes with his conscience.
But when a ghost from his past begins stirring up trouble, Grey finds himself the victim of a smear campaign that threatens his reputation and his seat in Congress. As he battles the headlines, a pesky journalist worms her way into his life, spouting conspiracy theories and accusing him of sticking his head in the sand. And maybe Giselle is right? The lies are piling up, and people are watching his every move.
And then there's the message he received from Ruby's best friend eleven years ago: Compass is coming, and I don't want to end up like Ruby. Uncle Clem said I can stay with him for a while. Don't talk, or they'll get you too. Hard Truth is a darkly funny romantic suspense with a hot-mess heroine, a shameless flirt of a hero, and an unhinged girl squad.