Sixteen years ago, Merit Young left Granite Harbor, Maine, for California in search of a future that didn’t involve Ryan Taylor. He’d left her in pieces on her bedroom floor, delivering a blow she couldn’t have expected. But, now, at the request of her brother, Eli, she must return and confront the demons of her past—Ryan included. After the loss they both suffered, she isn’t prepared to face him—especially considering he’s the only one who’s always been able to see right through her.

Ryan has lived his entire adult life in survival mode. Growing up with an abusive father has taught him to keep women at arm’s length, and that’s never been a problem. Until Merit—the only woman he’s ever loved—strides through his front door. He’s not sure how long she’s staying, but he knows it’ll be long enough to destroy what’s left of his heart.

To overcome their dark past, they’ll have to shed light on a reality that will most likely tear them apart. Merit has been hiding a heartbreaking decision from Ryan, and he’s been keeping lies of his own.

Can two tortured souls heal after a lifetime of pain? Or will the hideous secrets of the past bury them both?

Exclusive Excerpt

I suck in a deep breath of uncertainty and relief. Uncertainty of how this situation would have worked out had the phone not rung and relief that we didn’t have to dig our way out of this. When a warden’s work phone rings, they answer. No matter the circumstances because, if he doesn’t, it could mean a real bad outcome.

Ryan drops his hand from the hem of my nightgown, and I don’t step back when he carefully leans forward to retrieve his work phone from the nightstand. When he does this, his head almost brushes my thigh. I should move. I should step back, but I can’t. I barely swallow. My heart still fluttering with no signs of slowing down, I know Ryan feels what I’m feeling right now.

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About the Author

J. Lynn Bailey has loved to write since she learned to read, around the second grade. When she isn't running after her children, watching COPS, or on the hunt for her next Laffy Taffy joke, you can probably find her holed up in her writing room feverishly working on her next book. She lives in Northern California with her family.

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