Here and Now by Corinne Michaels is a heartfelt and steamy romance that seamlessly combines love, trust, and mystery. The second book in the Ember Falls series, this story centers on Miles Anderson and Penelope, two characters with complex pasts, slowly learning to let their guards down and embrace the possibility of love. Miles is everything you could want in a hero—persistent, understanding, and patient, but never overbearing. His determination to win Penelope's trust and get her to take a chance on a relationship is genuinely heartwarming. The slow-burn romance between them is beautifully done, with tension building from their first interaction to their eventual, explosive connection. Miles isn't just after her heart; he truly wants to be there for her and her son, making his pursuit feel authentic and emotionally grounded. Penelope, on the other hand, is a woman on the run, trying to protect her son and keep her life stable. Her fear of opening up to anyone is palpable, ......