Embers and Echoes: Maple Valley

By R.C. Stephens

He's determined to keep his distance.
She's about to ruin that plan.

Coming to Maple Valley was supposed to be temporary.
Work the summer on the orchard.
Keep my head down.
Find answers about the best friend I lost years ago.
Simple.
Until I met my boss.
Asher Thorne is everything I should stay away from-gruff, protective, and impossible to ignore.
He's an MMA fighter chasing his next big win.
A man who's spent his life moving from town to town, never staying long enough for anything or anyone to matter.
The orchard is the only thing anchoring him here.
And he's made one thing clear from the start.
Mixing business with pleasure is a terrible idea.
Too bad avoiding him is impossible.
Not when the way he looks at me makes my pulse trip.
And not when one kiss from him makes me want things I've never wanted before.
Falling for him was never part of the plan.
But the closer I get to the truth about my friend's disappearance, the more Asher insists I stop digging.
Because Maple Valley has secrets.
And someone wants the past to stay buried.
But I came here looking for answers.
I never expected to find the one man who could derail my plans.
Or ruin me completely.

A broody, guarded hero meets his match in a sassy heroine who refuses to back down. This small-town romance delivers high tension, hidden secrets, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H3KJCD93
• ISBN13: 9798198505148
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.7" x 5.5"