by Cristina Santos (Author)

When Alice arrives in Ojai to care for her ailing grandmother, she never expects to find herself living with Arthur-a gentle horse trainer whose quiet strength masks deep scars. As Alice builds an innovative equine therapy program and forms bonds with her co-workers, she discovers something she never thought possible: a place that feels like home.

But both Alice and Arthur are running from painful pasts. Alice has spent years avoiding emotional attachment, convinced she's too damaged for lasting love. Arthur hides his addiction recovery, terrified that his truth will drive away the woman who's become his anchor. When crisis strikes and secrets surface, they must decide if their growing love is worth fighting for.

Set against the backdrop of a healing ranch and filled with found family, second chances, and the transformative power of trust, this is a story about two broken souls discovering that sometimes the greatest risk is letting someone stay.

Tropes:

• Workplace (horse trainer and occupational therapist)
• Forced proximity (roommates)
• Found family
• Latino MMC (Brazilian)
• Age gap (8 years)
• Addiction/recovery rep
• Chronic pain rep (cervicogenic headaches)
• Caretaking
• Slow burn

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