(MSRP: 9.9900)
Also available in digital formats
When Ben Sheridan is released from prison in 1936, he returns to his hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains with only one goal--to lead a simple life. Although he's paid his debt to society, he's never forgiven himself for the unthinkable act that forced him to take the life of his step-brother over a decade before. Small-town storekeeper, Heather O'Malley, has never played the victim, but to most she's still that "scarred" young woman, the past prey of a madman. Unconventional and independent, she seizes the opportunity to help Ben restart his life, in part to atone for her silence about the events that sent her rescuer to prison. Ben can't resist Heather's free-spirited approach to life, and she can't resist his reluctant charm. Neither intends to fall in love, but when dangers from their past threaten their fragile connection and another young girl turns up missing, they discover just how knotted together their lives are--and how fiercely they're willing to fight for each other and their future.
ISBN 1-60154-003-5
(162 pages) - sensual
Excerpt:
The girl waited in the doorway, and he caught her peering inside. Why didn't she seem put-off by the fact that he was a paroled convict? The way her gaze searched him, she seemed downright curious.
She smiled. "I didn't believe it when she said you were living down here, but it's not so bad."
He turned and handed her five one-dollar bills, trying hard not to notice how her shirt clung to her body in the heat. She was odd, wearing men's dungarees, yet it suited her. "You ought not to be here."
Something sparked in her eyes as she snatched the money from his hand, something like anger. "I'm sick of you men telling me what I ought to be doing or not doing. I do what I please. I may be young, but I've seen enough in my days. I'll tell you one thing--I'm not the least bit afraid you."
Didn't she have any sense? "You should be."
