Former pro bull rider Adan Franco never imagined his life would take this turn—named guardian to his late friend’s twelve-year-old son and tasked with closing out his friend’s estate, Adan is thrown into a whirlwind of grief, responsibility, and change. To settle matters in New Mexico, he embarks on a road trip that’s as emotional as it is practical. His companion? Solana Vargas, his best friend’s cousin and the woman he’s fought hard to keep at arm’s length.
Solana Vargas has always believed her heart belonged to Adan. At twenty-five, she’s far from the shy girl he remembers, and she’s determined to prove that she’s more than just a friend—she’s the partner he’s always needed. The journey to New Mexico becomes a turning point as miles of open road and quiet moments give them a chance to uncover hidden truths and confront the feelings they’ve kept buried for so long.
But as Adan grapples with fatherhood and Solana fights to show him the love waiting in plain sight, their path is far from easy. Together, they must learn to embrace their fears, rely on their faith, and open their hearts to the promise of a life they can build as one.
Will this road trip lead them to the love of a lifetime—or will their doubts and fears drive them apart forever?
Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.
Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.