Buried Secrets Series by Silla Webb, Amanda Staton

Carly Jo Simon believed that Colton Weston was her future, but he shattered her heart into tiny pieces. Just like any little girl would, she assumed her daddy would always be by her side. Unbelievably, he turned his back on her when she needed him most, leaving her with no one in her life to turn to for support. Without options, Carly runs away from the only home she's ever known, leaving behind her heartache and the betrayal of the two men she loved most... moreCarly Jo Simon believed that Colton Weston was her future, but he shattered her heart into tiny pieces. Just like any little girl would, she assumed her daddy would always be by her side. Unbelievably, he turned his back on her when she needed him most, leaving her with no one in her life to turn to for support. Without options, Carly runs away from the only home she's ever known, leaving behind her heartache and the betrayal of the two men she loved most. Seven years later, Carly reluctantly returns to Kentucky. Her daddy is dying of cancer and Colton is nothing like the boy she once loved and left. After her daddy passes, Carly must uproot her life in South Carolina and take control of Simon Coal Company, where she has no choice but face the pain of her past. Can Carly keep her secrets buried deep beneath the black Kentucky coal and her heart safe from the fiery Colton Weston? less

Carly Jo Simon carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. When she unearthed her daddy’s secrets, she had no idea the repercussions she would be faced to live with. Now, his secrets are her own to carry, as she fights to protect her sister Savannah from their daddy’s daunting past and their bastard brother Drew. Savannah wears a mask of perfection, shielding everyone from the reality of her personal imprisonment... moreCarly Jo Simon carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. When she unearthed her daddy’s secrets, she had no idea the repercussions she would be faced to live with. Now, his secrets are her own to carry, as she fights to protect her sister Savannah from their daddy’s daunting past and their bastard brother Drew. Savannah wears a mask of perfection, shielding everyone from the reality of her personal imprisonment. When Savannah’s secrets are exposed, Carly stands by her, hand in hand, offering Savannah the comfort and strength she needs to move on. Despite carrying the weight of other’s secrets on her back, Carly’s own secrets burden her deeply. Although she battled to keep her heart safely guarded from Colton Weston, he owns every inch of her. But when Carly turned her back on Colton and opened her arms to her best friend Luke, she made a mistake that could shatter all three of their lives. They all have something to hide. But it’s the secrets that lie beneath the surface that could destroy them all. less

Shattered. One flicker of a flame ripped my life apart. For two years now my body has defied my will to live and although the shell of my existence still roams this ungodly world -- my heart died along with my wife and son. Their blood is on my hands and living my meaningless life carefree is the ultimate punishment of my self-conviction. Never lettin’ friends get too close to identify my pain, I suffer in the confines of my own heart, quietly... moreShattered. One flicker of a flame ripped my life apart. For two years now my body has defied my will to live and although the shell of my existence still roams this ungodly world -- my heart died along with my wife and son. Their blood is on my hands and living my meaningless life carefree is the ultimate punishment of my self-conviction. Never lettin’ friends get too close to identify my pain, I suffer in the confines of my own heart, quietly. All they see is the mask -- the humbled, empathetic man. Not the guilt stricken tortured soul I truly am. Until her. Our worlds collided like vehement waves of the perfect storm thrashing through the sea. Neither of us expected it, but both of us need to be saved from our own pain and destruction. But the ship sailed too fast. Fear and confusion consume me and I make the mistake of leaving her lost at sea just when she needs me the most, when her greatest predator would strike. Strugglin’ to survive through the wreckage my heart has been battered with, I have to battle my feelings and decide if I’m prepared to fight the darkest pits of hell to save her and Mend the Seams of her fragile heart or let her go completely. After all, she ain't even mine to claim. less