Maggie Ward’s life fell apart in one terrible night, and nothing feels safe anymore—except Clay Thompson. He’s been her steady place to land, her protector, her friend. But when the silence between them starts to crack with unspoken need, Maggie realizes she’s clinging to the one man she’s never supposed to want. She swore she wouldn’t break again…but every time Clay looks at her, she forgets how to breathe.
Clay knows better than to fall for Maggie. She’s fragile, grieving, off-limits—and she’s the only woman who makes him feel alive. Wanting her feels wrong, but resisting her is impossible. Because when she reaches for him, he can’t walk away. Not this time. Not when she needs him most.
Loving her could destroy the balance he’s fought to hold. But letting her go would break what’s left of his heart.
A raw, emotional, friends-to-lovers, forbidden small-town romance about grief, healing, and the kind of love that hurts before it heals.
---
Keywords: Canadian Author, blue collar, contemporary, small town Canada
For readers who enjoy: Jennifer Ryan, Joan Johnston, Kate Pearce, Linda Lael Miller, Lindsay McKenna, Diana Palmer, Maisey Yates, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Lorelei James.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.