From New York Times bestselling author Shanora Williams comes a deeply heartfelt romance about the tragedies that put our lives on hold—and the love that makes us want to start again.

Javier Valdez hasn’t had much luck with nannies, and he can’t imagine this one will be any different. Octavia Klein is all sass to his stoicism, free spirit to his hard work. But he’s a widower, and with a career in the NBA, he can’t keep doing this alone.

Despite Javier’s reservations, Octavia turns out to be the best thing for his four-year-old daughter…and for him. But he’s reluctant to admit it. Javier swore off love after his wife died, and Octavia has her own reasons for avoiding relationships.

As their bond deepens far past professionalism or even friendship, it’s hard to deny the crackling tension of something more. They’re both toeing lines they said they wouldn’t cross—and when their pasts come rushing back, there’s no telling which way they’ll fall.

With old wounds reopened, can Javier and Octavia overcome the pain once again? Or will their future together become just another scar?

Shanora Williams is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her versatile voice, diverse characters, and high-stakes love stories. Whether grounded in reality or set in a magical world, her books explore connection, chaos, and the kind of love that lingers long after the last page. When she isn’t writing, she’s deep in family life, binging her favorite shows and books, working out, or getting cozy with a Nintendo Switch in hand. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and three sons.