An instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller, featured on The Today Show and CBS Mornings. From the bestselling author of Before I Let Go, an empowering and sizzling novel about two single parents navigating the balance between sacrifice and their own happiness—perfect for readers of Tia Williams and Colleen Hoover. “Heart-searing, sensual, and life affirming.” ―Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author Soledad Barnes has her life all planned out. Because, of course, she does. She plans everything. She designs everything. She fixes everything. She’s a domestic goddess who's never met a party she couldn't host or a charge she couldn't lead. The one with all the answers and the perfect vinaigrette for that summer salad. But none of her varied talents can save her when catastrophe strikes, and the life she built with the man who was supposed to be her forever, goes poof in a cloud of betrayal and disillusion. But there is no time to pout or sulk, or even grieve the life she lost. She's too busy keeping a roof over her daughters' heads and food on the table. And in the process of saving them all, Soledad rediscovers herself. From the ashes of a life burned to the ground, something bold and new can rise. But then an unlikely man enters the picture—the forbidden one, the one she shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. She's lost it all before and refuses to repeat her mistakes. Can she trust him? Can she trust herself? After all she's lost ... and found ... can she be brave enough to make room for what could be? "One of the finest romance writers of our age.” ―Entertainment Weekly "A gorgeously grown-up romance and a story about self-love and reinvention ... a great novel for readers who appreciate multilayered romantic fiction with elements of domestic drama, scandal, and inspiration." ―NPR Glamour: Best Books for Book Clubs

Portrait

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. An EBONY Power 100 Honoree, Kennedy and her writings have been featured in NPR, EntertainmentWeekly, USA Today, Glamour, Cosmo, TIME, and many others. Kennedy is an executive producer for her Skyland series, which is currently in development for television at Peacock. The cofounder of LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, Kennedy has a passion for raising Autism awareness. She is a wife to her "lifetime lover" and mother to an extraordinary son. Find out more, at: KennedyRyanWrites.com Facebook.com/KennedyRyanAuthor Bluesky: @kennedyryan.bsky.social Instagram: @KennedyRyan1 TikTok: @KennedyRyanAuthor