Ruthless Exposure. The Santiago Brothers, #5

When danger stalks the wild, their only chance at survival is each other. Wildlife biologist Dr. Alexis "Lex" Barber has devoted her career to protecting the fragile Everglades. But years of fighting for funding, battling poachers, and standing up to powerful interests have left her scarred and suspicious-especially of law enforcement agencies that dismiss her work. When her research site is vandalized and a tiger cub is dumped on her doorstep, she knows her enemies are closing in.
What she doesn't know is that the one man sent to "help" her is the same man who once cost her a research grant to save the crocodiles. U. S. Fish & Wildlife Agent Diego Perrera isn't supposed to open a case. His orders are simple: smooth things over with Lex and walk away. No digging, no drama, no trouble. And definitely no telling her the truth-that he was the one who recommended her grant be denied.
Diego hates hiding secrets. His father's lies fractured his family, and the last thing he wants is to become the man he once admired. But the moment he steps into Lex's dangerous world of crocodiles, swamps, and sabotage, he realizes walking away isn't an option. Thrown together in the wild, Lex and Diego uncover evidence of a sophisticated trafficking ring and a conspiracy that runs deeper than either imagined.
With every clue, their professional friction sparks into something far hotter, even as the secrets between them threaten to tear it all apart. If Lex learns of Diego's betrayal, it could destroy her trust and end the fragile connection they're building. If they can't stop the predator stalking her research, it could cost them their lives-and a love worth fighting for. Fans of Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, and Linda Howard will devour Ruthless Exposure, a heart-pounding romantic suspense filled with enemies-to-lovers tension, a protective hero, dangerous secrets, forced proximity, and a fearless heroine fighting to protect the wild.
Perfect for readers who crave high-stakes action wrapped in a slow-burn romance that cuts just as deep as the danger. The Santiago BrothersRuthless ReckoningRuthless ShelterRuthless ProtectorRuthless PursuitRuthless ExposureFinal Ruthless (Coming 2026!)