The Longest Run

A love story born on the edge of survival

Carly Lawson thrives on adrenaline and purpose as a ski patroller at Big Sky, Montana. Beneath her calm exterior, though, lies a closely guarded secret from her past that still haunts her. When she crosses paths with paralyzed ski racer Christopher Markham, the sparks fly.

Chris has spent two years rebuilding his life after a catastrophic ski accident left him in a wheelchair. Once his kingdom, the mountains now challenge his pride—and his Paralympic ambitions. Meeting Carly awakens a longing for connection he's tried to bury under layers of determination and grit.

But as their connection deepens, their insecurities resurface. Carly fears that revealing her past could shatter the fragile trust between them, while Chris wrestles with the fear that he'll never be enough for a woman like Carly.

Can the power of forgiveness heal even the deepest wounds?

You'll love The Longest Run if you enjoy heartwarming, inspirational love stories; small-town charm; disabled heroes and feisty heroines; fling-to-more slow-burn romance; sports romance; or unexpected pregnancy.

This novel is part of a larger series but can be read as a standalone.

Steam level: Somewhat detailed intimate scenes.

The Longest Run explores healing, resilience & forgiveness but addresses difficult experiences that may be triggering for some, including themes of abortion.

What readers are saying:

"Words can't describe how amazing this story was." ~ Moriah

"An absolute page turner. I couldn't get enough of Carly and Chris." ~ Kayla

"Ms. Kelly handles the hero's disability and emotional uncertainty with a combination of delicacy, forthrightness, honesty and sympathy. The lovemaking scenes are beautiful in both their eroticism and their initial tentativeness over the hero's possible sexual 'inadequacy'." ~ belathe4th

"It literally gave me chills!" ~ Lisa X