He sees a future with her. She can't escape her past. Will undeniable chemistry lead to the greatest mistake or a happy accident? Lance Mullen is just putting his life back together. Returning to Cliffside Bay to open a bookstore after losing his high-powered NYC job, the only thing missing is the perfect woman. But when a wild New Year's party leads to a fateful first kiss with the gorgeous employee who has friend-zoned him, he isn't sure if he's unleashed a nightmare or found a dream come true. Former librarian Mary Hansen knows loss better than anyone. After a miscarriage led to a divorce, she promised she'd never open herself up to heartbreak again. But when a few too many holiday drinks set off a night of drunken passion, she's terrified to discover she's pregnant with her boss's baby. Marrying her so she can use his insurance, Lance despairs that she doesn't see him as anything more than a pal. And with the life she once yearned for at last within her reach, Mary fears she's doomed to repeat her painful history. Will these two unlucky souls find their happily ever after with each other? Tainted: Lance and Mary is the fifth book in the tear-jerking Cliffside Bay women's romantic fiction series. If you like friends-to-lovers stories, steamy attractions, and small-town sagas, then you'll adore Tess Thompson's heart-fluttering tale. Buy Tainted: Lance and Mary to fan the flames of desire today!