Annabelle Greenwick has walked away from two lives. She isn’t looking for a third. But when she finds shelter in a quiet Victorian-inspired estate tucked away from the world, she doesn’t expect it to feel like home—or to meet a man who’s spent years teaching himself how not to need anything at all.

Valen Eldcroft doesn’t eat. Doesn’t sleep. Doesn’t ask for more. That’s just how life works when you’ve hollowed yourself out enough that the world stops asking back. But Annabelle is different. Soft where he’s silent. Brave in ways he’s never dared. And somehow, she sees him—clearly.

What begins as quiet companionship becomes something more—something neither of them knows how to hold. As intimacy deepens and the past resurfaces, they’ll have to decide if love is worth the fear it wakes. And whether healing means letting go of the past—or finally reaching for the life they stopped believing they could have.

A tender, character-driven romance about longing, safety, and learning to want again—even when it terrifies you.

For readers who love character-driven romance, slow-burn longing, and open-door intimacy that earns its place—where every touch matters and the love scenes move the story forward.

About the Author

E. V. Thorne writes emotionally rich romance with a focus on safe, stable relationships and deep character healing. With a background in psychology and a strong interest in emotional resilience, her stories explore themes of vulnerability, intuition, and connection. When not writing, she pursues a variety of creative hobbies and projects. For updates, bonus content, and more, visit evthorne.com.

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