Blurb:
A bohemian beauty next door. A billionaire single dad with secrets. And one little boy who’s about to change everything.
My life is all about control, and I’ve built walls to keep everything – and everyone- out.
Then Clara Michaels crashes into my life – vibrant, free-spirited, and completely unexpected.
She’s nothing like me. Where I’m reserved, she’s spontaneous; where I’m guarded, she’s an open book.
My son, Ben, lights up around her, and for the first time in years, I feel something more than grief.
Then there’s a kiss—a single, perfect moment that turns my world upside down.
Then a ghost from my past threatens to destroy the fragile peace we’ve found.
Clara’s presence is both a blessing and a curse – her laughter and warmth are the only things keeping me grounded, but I fear that letting her in could tear us all apart.
Can I protect my son and keep my heart intact?
Or will I lose everything just as I’m beginning to realize what truly matters?
Story Summary:
When Clara Michaels loses her apartment to a fire, she finds herself moving to the quaint town of Maplewood, where her childhood friend offers her a temporary place to stay. Little does she know that her new neighbor is none other than James Thornton, a reclusive billionaire and single father grieving the loss of his wife. James has retreated from the world, choosing Maplewood's serene environment to raise his son, Ben, away from prying eyes. Managing his successful investment firm from a distance, he remains a mystery to the townsfolk. Clara’s vibrant personality and unfiltered humor, however, catch him off guard and slowly begin to thaw his icy exterior. When Clara's friend moves away, Clara accepts a position as Ben’s nanny. She quickly becomes a ray of sunshine in the Thornton household, bringing laughter and warmth back into their lives. Despite their stark differences—Clara’s bohemian spirit versus James's orderly world—they find themselves spending more time together, united in their shared love for Ben. As their friendship blossoms into a deep, unexpected romance, James’s past begins to intrude. A former business rival uncovers scandals that threaten to unearth old wounds and shatter their burgeoning happiness. Clara stands by James, offering solace and support, but fears her presence might only bring more turmoil. In a heartfelt climax, James must confront his past to protect his future with Clara and Ben. Their love story proves that sometimes, being a heartbeat away from losing everything can bring you closer to finding what truly matters.
Characters:
Clara Michaels (FMC): Clara is a vibrant, free-spirited woman in her early 30s, with a bohemian flair that reflects her creative and spontaneous nature. She has curly auburn hair that frames her expressive green eyes, always full of warmth and curiosity. After losing her apartment to a fire, she relocates to Maplewood, where her childhood friend offers her temporary shelter. Despite the tragedy that brought her to the town, Clara exudes an unfiltered humor and an infectious optimism that quickly endears her to those around her. Her empathetic and nurturing personality naturally draws people in, particularly James Thornton and his son, Ben, who come to rely on her presence as a source of light and warmth in their lives. Clara’s journey in Maplewood challenges her to balance her spontaneous nature with the structured life of the Thornton household, all while navigating the complex emotions of falling in love with a man still haunted by his past.
James Thornton (MMC): James is a tall, handsome man in his late 30s or early 40s, with a chiseled jawline, piercing blue eyes, and dark hair that is usually neatly styled. Once a highly visible and successful billionaire, James retreated from the public eye after the tragic death of his wife. He now resides in Maplewood, a quiet town that offers him the solitude he craves to raise his young son, Ben, away from prying eyes and media scrutiny. James’s exterior is as cold and guarded as the steel walls he has built around his emotions, but beneath his stoic demeanor lies a man who deeply loves his son and is haunted by grief and guilt. The arrival of Clara, with her vibrant personality and disarming humor, begins to chip away at his defenses, making him question whether he is ready to embrace happiness and love again. James’s journey is one of healing, as he learns to confront his past and open his heart to the possibility of a future with Clara.
Ben Thornton: Ben is a sweet, shy boy of about seven or eight years old, with tousled brown hair and big blue eyes that mirror his father’s. Having lost his mother at a young age, Ben has grown up in the quiet, structured world that his father has created for him in Maplewood. He is intelligent and observant, often noticing the unspoken tensions and emotions around him. Initially reserved, Ben slowly opens up to Clara, whose warmth and playful nature help him rediscover the joy of childhood. He becomes deeply attached to her, viewing her not just as a nanny but as a maternal figure who brings laughter and love back into his life. Ben plays a crucial role in bringing Clara and James closer together, serving as a bridge between their two worlds.
Tropes:
- Small Town Romance
- Opposites Attract
- Next Door Neighbor
- Forced Proximity
- Single Dad
- Boss
- Billionaire
- Nanny
- Smart / Sassy
