When her father is found in a coma after suffering a heart attack, Philadelphia divorce attorney, Julia Hughes-Humphries, returns to Friendship, the small western Pennsylvania hometown she's avoided for five years. A literal run-in at the hospital reunites her with the man she's vowed to steer clear of, her childhood best friend, Thad Tanner. The same best friend who dumped her and their friendship five years earlier.

Newly divorced, Thad has devoted all his time to building his security consultation business and creating a stable life for his son, Max. When he bumps into Julia?the woman who had his back until his stupidity got in the way?he has an opportunity to fix what he screwed up. He won't let anything, not even the feelings he's denied his entire life, interfere with their renewed friendship.

The more time they spend together, the more they're reminded of their chemistry and compatibility, and the sizzle between them becomes harder to ignore. Thad is determined to prove he can be what Julia needs, but she isn't the only one discouraged by doubts and restricted by responsibilities. Can their relationship survive as hidden truths are revealed, and secrets escape the shadows of the past?

Chantal Mer never set out to write books. Yet here she is, and she's having a blast. Happily ever afters for everyone makes her heart sing. When she's not writing, Chantal can be found walking her adorable dog, going to musical theater with her daughter, observing the night sky with her husband and his telescope, and learning about the latest advances in video games with her son. Give her a book and a glass of wine and she's in her happy place. Chantal lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband, two teens, her sweet pup, Miss Toffee, and her big orange tabby cat. ​Chantal also has the privilege of co-writing with her friend Susan Scott Shelley. Their low-angst stories have plenty of heat, a few laughs, and lots of love.