Lifers — Jane Harvey-Berrick

After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate. Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn't changed since he was sent away. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn't even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror. Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can time or distance erase the pain of living? Torrey Delaney is new in town, and certainly doesn't behave in a way the locals believe a preacher's daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex quickly spreads. And that's on top of her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman â€" the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter's path. As friendship forms, can two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan's demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey's walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, they struggle to find their place in the world. Can they battle the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered? Is love a life sentence?