***NEVER FAR AWAY was originally published as THE FIRE WITHIN. Fully updated, heavily revised, with cameos of Hidden Cove firefighters, the title was changed to reflect the content.

She’s a feisty counselor of troubled teens. He’s the fire department psychologist who’s trying to outrun his demons. They clash at every turn.

Until one New Year’s Eve encounter changes everything.

PTSD plagues Dr. Reed Macauley and he tries to channel the disorder into helping other firefighters with the malady. He keeps the nightmares at bay by distancing himself from his colleagues. But when, in a moment of weakness, he surrenders to Dr. Delaney Shaw’s allure, he finds he can’t put that particular genie back in the bottle.

Delaney has fought her attraction to Reed for a year, ever since she met him at workshops and they clashed on philosophies. When he acts on his feelings for her, she won’t let him go. She can help him, she knows she can.

Tragedy in the Rockford Fire Department throws them together as they must work side-by-side to help the victims cope. She won’t give up on him, and he won’t give in to her.

Will they ever be able to find happiness together?

The horrific consequences of PTSD, edgy firefighting scenarios, and an irresistible intimacy of the main characters haunt the pages of this bittersweet firefighter romance.

Be sure to follow up with the rest of the Rockford Fire Department Series: FEEL THE HEAT, RISKING IT ALL and CODE OF HONOR and catch up with the Hidden Cove Firefighters series, whose characters appear in all these Rockford books.

*** NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Kathryn Shay spent five years riding fire trucks with a large city fire department, eating in their firehouses and interviewing hundreds of America’s Bravest.

Praise for NEVER FAR AWAY:

“Those of you who enjoy a tender, moving love story will be richly satisfied with this remarkable novel. Shay creates a deeply moving tale of struggle and survival and the torturous pain that results from PTSD.” Winner of the Word Weaving Award of Excellence

“One of the most enjoyable aspects of Shay’s works are her heroes; Reed is no exception. He is bull-headed, stubborn, wrong, and Shay tortures him but still the reader is sympathetic to his plight.” The Romance Journal

“These are special people, and in Shay they have found a sensitive and talented interpreter of their stories.” The Romance Reader

“Kathryn Shay’s latest story offers rich characterization and an emotionally compelling storyline that touches on life’s many obstacles.” RT Book Reviews Top Pick