Posts Tagged ‘College Romance’

The Lies Beneath

Posted: March 13, 2023 in Adult Dark Romance, Age Gap Romance, College Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Fiction, Forbidden Romance, Mature Fiction, Mature Romance, New, New Release, Series
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Title: The Lies Beneath
Duet: The Westwick University Duet Book One 
Author: Bri Blackwood
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes: Forbidden, Gothic, Age Gap, College Romance
Release Date: March 13, 2023
Privilege has its secrets…
Westwick University is known for its prestige and pedigree for hundreds of years.
Many people would die to come here…
And some have come here and died.
There are lies buried within these walls that the world doesn’t know about.
But I do.
It’s what happens when your family has gone to the same college for generations.
Stories and secrets are passed down, making me yearn to know more.
I’m determined to discover if each and every one is true, but I’m distracted.
Because my new professor has taken a particular interest in me.
Or so I think.
I shouldn’t be tempted because anything with him is forbidden.
But the way that he only has eyes for me has set me on edge.
I can’t tell if there is something there or if I’m making it all up in my head.
Why would a billionaire, who is known for his solitary life after the death of his wife, want to teach here?
There’s so much I don’t know.
But I know that lies do nothing but lead to more lies.
And when I uncover the truth, the world will implode.
The Lies Beneath is the first book in a dark forbidden gothic college romance duet that has enemies-to-lovers themes. This book may not be suitable for all readers due to dubious situations that might be triggering. It ends in a cliffhanger.
 

Bri loves a good romance, especially ones that involve a hot anti-hero. That is why she likes to turn the dial up a notch with her own writing. Her Broken Cross series is her debut dark romance series.
She spends most of her time hanging out with her family, plotting her next novel, or reading books by other romance authors.
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We All Fall Down

Posted: February 15, 2023 in College Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Cover design, Cover Reveal, Fiction, Mature Fiction, Mature Romance, New, New Adult, New Adult Romance, Pre Order, Series
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 ★✩★ COVER REVEAL ★✩★

We All Fall Down

Harling Hill duet Book 1

By Tara Lee

Goodreads: 

Cover Designer: Darling Book Design

Release Date: March 6

Hosted by DS Book Promotions


Preorder HERE


Blurb:

one down

all down

we all fall down

 

I was never supposed to be there.

wrong place, wrong time.

But in the darkness I saw something that wasnt for my eyes.

Overnight they become my shadows, each after one thing.

Me.

They’ll do anything to keep me quiet, including making me believe they care.

Lies. All of it.

When the truth is exposed they do whatever it takes to keep me.

Can we survive or will we all fall down!


About Tara Lee:

Tara lives in Hobart, Tasmania Australia with her husband her college sweetheart, son and daughter

She is a qualified baker by trade and loves to read in her spare time.

She’s obsessed with books, shoes and handbags.

She fell in love with writing while on maternity leave with her son she had stories in her head and had to get them out.

She’s always been a lover of romance and sweet stories she cant get enough of.

She finally took the leap in 2018 putting pen to paper creating her first romance novel. Eli and Charlotte were the first characters that ran through her mind wanting their story told. They are the first couple from her Pleasant Grove Series each couple has been fighting for their story to be told next.

Follow Tara HERE

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Brutal Hearts

Posted: February 13, 2023 in College Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Mature Fiction, New, New Release
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 ★✩★ RELEASE BOOST ★✩★

Brutal Hearts

A Dark College Romance | A Wicked Empire Standalone

By Jordan Grant

Goodreads: 

Hosted by DS Book Promotions


AMAZON 

US  | AU  | UK  | CA 

Available on Kindle Unlimited

Also avialble in Paperback 


 

Blurb:

— Archie —

I was born into an easy life, and I like it that way.

Easy money.

Easy sex.

Easy … every-damn-thing.

But that luxury came with a price, and it’s almost time to pay it.

It’s senior year, my last one of freedom before I inherit the family empire and watch my dad gleefully sail into retirement on the tails of his fifth—sixth? —divorce from my mother.

I’m the golden boy of Arlean University, the first-line running back with so many touchdowns they call me Bring-It-Home Blakely. Men want to be me. Women want to be beneath me.

I do what I want. When I want. To whomever I want.

I am revered. Adored. Utterly untouchable.

Or so I thought.

A red-headed transfer student with a know-it-all complex and Satan’s temper threatens to ruin my birthright.

She saw something she shouldn’t have and stuck her nose where it didn’t belong.

Then, she smiled at me when my father introduced her as his fiancé.

Game on, future Mrs. Blakely.

 

— Layne —

I have fought for everything I’ve ever had.

Food, shelter, safety, life.

Twenty-one years ago, I was born in the wrong place at the wrong time to the wrong woman.

I learned to survive on my own and to do whatever it takes—beg, borrow, and steal—to stay alive.

Every night for as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of vengeance, and no one, especially the god of my new college, will stand in my way.

I don’t believe in gods anyway.

I don’t believe in forgiveness either.

I believe in blood for blood and pain for pain, and I will make it rain down from my hands in a thunderstorm.

I’ll destroy anyone who stands between me and what’s mine, and I won’t shed a tear while I do.

There is no quid pro quo in my world. It’s take it or leave it, all or nothing.

Get out of my way, golden boy, or I’ll tarnish your gilded armor black before this is over.

 

**Note from the author: Brutal Heartsis a dark enemies-to-lovers, college romance. It features mature themes including an explosive heat level, bullying, and, like my other novels, struggles with mental illness.**


*This is a standalone novel but part of the larger Wicked Empire universe, which follows characters introduced in my Voclain Academy series after they leave high school and enter adulthood. Reading the Voclain Academy series or Vicious Love, the first standalone dark college romance of the Wicked Empire universe, is not required to enjoy this book.*


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Brutal Hearts

Posted: February 7, 2023 in College Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Mature Fiction, New, New Release
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 ★✩★ NEW RELEASE ★✩★

Brutal Hearts

A Dark College Romance | A Wicked Empire Standalone

By Jordan Grant

Goodreads: 

Hosted by DS Book Promotions


AMAZON 

US  | AU  | UK  | CA 

Available on Kindle Unlimited

Also avialble in Paperback 


 

Blurb:

— Archie —

I was born into an easy life, and I like it that way.

Easy money.

Easy sex.

Easy … every-damn-thing.

But that luxury came with a price, and it’s almost time to pay it.

It’s senior year, my last one of freedom before I inherit the family empire and watch my dad gleefully sail into retirement on the tails of his fifth—sixth? —divorce from my mother.

I’m the golden boy of Arlean University, the first-line running back with so many touchdowns they call me Bring-It-Home Blakely. Men want to be me. Women want to be beneath me.

I do what I want. When I want. To whomever I want.

I am revered. Adored. Utterly untouchable.

Or so I thought.

A red-headed transfer student with a know-it-all complex and Satan’s temper threatens to ruin my birthright.

She saw something she shouldn’t have and stuck her nose where it didn’t belong.

Then, she smiled at me when my father introduced her as his fiancé.

Game on, future Mrs. Blakely.

 

— Layne —

I have fought for everything I’ve ever had.

Food, shelter, safety, life.

Twenty-one years ago, I was born in the wrong place at the wrong time to the wrong woman.

I learned to survive on my own and to do whatever it takes—beg, borrow, and steal—to stay alive.

Every night for as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of vengeance, and no one, especially the god of my new college, will stand in my way.

I don’t believe in gods anyway.

I don’t believe in forgiveness either.

I believe in blood for blood and pain for pain, and I will make it rain down from my hands in a thunderstorm.

I’ll destroy anyone who stands between me and what’s mine, and I won’t shed a tear while I do.

There is no quid pro quo in my world. It’s take it or leave it, all or nothing.

Get out of my way, golden boy, or I’ll tarnish your gilded armor black before this is over.

 

Note from the author: Brutal Heartsis a dark enemies-to-lovers, college romance. It features mature themes including an explosive heat level, bullying, and, like my other novels, struggles with mental illness.


*This is a standalone novel but part of the larger Wicked Empire universe, which follows characters introduced in my Voclain Academy series after they leave high school and enter adulthood. Reading the Voclain Academy series or Vicious Love, the first standalone dark college romance of the Wicked Empire universe, is not required to enjoy this book.*


Follow Jordan Here:

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IG 

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Defiant Little Love

Posted: January 12, 2023 in College Romance, New, New Adult, New Release
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Title: Defiant Little Love
Series: Lake State University #9
Author: Rachael Brownell
Genre: Fake Enemies to Lovers Romance/College Romance
Release Date: January 12, 2023
 
There really is a fine line between love and hate. Friends and enemies.

Max Palmer is an a-hole.
And I’m in love with him. I’m pretty sure I have been since the day we met.
I’ve tried to quit him. Multiple times. But he’s an addiction that refuses to be ignored. Which is why one minute we’re together, colliding with hurricane force, and the next we’re pushing each other away, pretending not to like each other. Fighting the feelings that are bubbling just beneath the surface.
For years we’ve been able to hide our secret love affair from everyone.
I’m tired of lying to myself about the way I feel.
Of hiding the truth from the people that matter most to me. Even if I know they won’t approve. Even if my confession may destroy friendships in the process.
I’m also pissed off because he started dating one of my sisters. The same night I was ready to confess my feelings for him.
If he was looking to get a rise out of me, it worked.
I’ve wasted years with him. Lying and pretending I was happily single, focused on school so no one would suspect otherwise.
And how does he repay me?
By shoving his new relationship in my face.
Well, screw him. I’m not wasting another minute of my time crying over a man who was never really mine to begin with.
If he wants to play games, it’s on.
Because I don’t plan to lose my heart to Max Palmer.

 

 
 
 
Rachael Brownell is an International Bestselling author of new adult romance.
 
She lives in Michigan with her husband, son, snuggly dog, and hateful cat. She moonlights a few days a week (her excuse to get out of the house and socialize) and writes almost full time. Her first book was published way back in 2013 and since she’s released more than 30 additional titles.
 
When she’s not writing her next novel, you can find her hanging out with her family, watching her son play baseball, or running on the treadmill at the gym (though she skips more days than she goes). She also enjoys golfing but is still learning, so if you see her on the course… stand back.
 
 
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Brutal Hearts

Posted: December 15, 2022 in Adult Dark Romance, Adult Fiction, Adult Romance, College Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Mature Fiction, Mature Romance, New, New Adult Romance, Teaser Release
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✩✩✩ TEASER REVEAL ✩✩✩

Brutal Hearts

A Dark College Romance | A Wicked Empire Standalone

By Jordan Grant

Goodreads: 

Release Date: January 16, 2023

Hosted by DS Book Promotions

 



 

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Blurb:

— Archie —

I was born into an easy life, and I like it that way.

Easy money.

Easy sex.

Easy … every-damn-thing.

But that luxury came with a price, and it’s almost time to pay it.

It’s senior year, my last one of freedom before I inherit the family empire and watch my dad gleefully sail into retirement on the tails of his fifth—sixth? —divorce from my mother.

I’m the golden boy of Arlean University, the first-line running back with so many touchdowns they call me Bring-It-Home Blakely. Men want to be me. Women want to be beneath me.

I do what I want. When I want. To whomever I want.

I am revered. Adored. Utterly untouchable.

Or so I thought.

A red-headed transfer student with a know-it-all complex and Satan’s temper threatens to ruin my birthright.

She saw something she shouldn’t have and stuck her nose where it didn’t belong.

Then, she smiled at me when my father introduced her as his fiancé.

Game on, future Mrs. Blakely.

 

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Brutal Hearts

Posted: November 28, 2022 in Adult Dark Romance, Adult Fiction, Adult Romance, College Romance, Cover design, Cover Reveal, Dark, Dark Romance, Mature Fiction, Mature Romance, New, New Adult Romance
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★✩★ COVER REVEAL ★✩★

Brutal Hearts

A Dark College Romance | A Wicked Empire Standalone

By Jordan Grant

Goodreads: 

Cover Designer: Maria Spalda

Release Date: January 16, 2023

Hosted by DS Book Promotions

eBook Cover

Paperback Cover

 

 Pre Order

AMAZON

A WickedEmpire-Standalone


Blurb:

— Archie —

I was born into an easy life, and I like it that way.

Easy money.

Easy sex.

Easy … every-damn-thing.

But that luxury came with a price, and it’s almost time to pay it.

It’s senior year, my last one of freedom before I inherit the family empire and watch my dad gleefully sail into retirement on the tails of his fifth—sixth? —divorce from my mother.

I’m the golden boy of Arlean University, the first-line running back with so many touchdowns they call me Bring-It-Home Blakely. Men want to be me. Women want to be beneath me.

I do what I want. When I want. To whomever I want.

I am revered. Adored. Utterly untouchable.

Or so I thought.

A red-headed transfer student with a know-it-all complex and Satan’s temper threatens to ruin my birthright.

She saw something she shouldn’t have and stuck her nose where it didn’t belong.

Then, she smiled at me when my father introduced her as his fiancé.

 

Game on, future Mrs. Blakely.

 

— Layne —

I have fought for everything I’ve ever had.

Food, shelter, safety, life.

Twenty-one years ago, I was born in the wrong place at the wrong time to the wrong woman.

I learned to survive on my own and to do whatever it takes—beg, borrow, and steal—to stay alive.

Every night for as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of vengeance, and no one, especially the god of my new college, will stand in my way.

I don’t believe in gods anyway.

I don’t believe in forgiveness either.

I believe in blood for blood and pain for pain, and I will make it rain down from my hands in a thunderstorm.


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Tangled Little Truths

Posted: September 10, 2022 in College Romance, New, New Release, Romance, Series
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Title: Tangled Little Truths

Series: Lake State University #7
Author: Rachael Brownell
Genre: New Adult College Romance
Release Date: September 8, 2022
 
 
 

 
 

” 5 fantastic stars! These 2 have instant chemistry and I’m totally here for it. The pull towards each other is undeniable. This book will have you swooning from the very first pages.” Angie, NOLA504Nerds

 
 
I kissed her and she ran.
She was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen and the way she was looking at me that night, the electric charge between us, had my jeans feeling snug the entire show. When I found her standing alone between sets, I couldn’t help but approach her.
It wasn’t my intention to kiss her. I should have gotten to know her first. Asked her more than her name. But after watching her while I sang my heart out, I wasn’t thinking straight.
That was more than three years ago. When we were both naïve freshmen.
I’ve been watching her ever since. From afar. Like a crazy stalker. (Not my proudest admission.)
She’s even more beautiful than the first time I laid eyes on her. So when I walk into the rec center and find her waiting for me, alone, with lust in her eyes, I pounce. Again. Like an idiot.
Only this time, I don’t feel an ounce of regret because I don’t plan on letting her run away from me again. She’s been my inspiration for years and it’s about damn time she figured it out.
There’s only one way I can do that… I need to sing her the song I wrote about that night.
About her.
I could try to slowly weasel my way into her heart the way she has mine over the years, but I’m sick of wasting time. I want her to be mine today.
Tomorrow.
Forever.
Because the truth is… I’ve been hers since that very first night.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rachael Brownell is an International Bestselling author of new adult romance.
 
She lives in Michigan with her husband, son, snuggly dog, and hateful cat. She moonlights a few days a week (her excuse to get out of the house and socialize) and writes almost full time. Her first book was published way back in 2013 and since she’s released more than 30 additional titles.
 
When she’s not writing her next novel, you can find her hanging out with her family, watching her son play baseball, or running on the treadmill at the gym (though she skips more days than she goes). She also enjoys golfing but is still learning, so if you see her on the course… stand back.
 
 
 
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Lake State University Books 7-9

Posted: August 25, 2022 in College Romance, Cover design, Cover Reveal, New, New Adult, Pre Order
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Series: Lake State University Books 7-9
Author: Rachael Brownell
Genre: New Adult College Romance
I kissed her and she ran.
She was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen and the way she was looking at me that night, the electric charge between us, had my jeans feeling snug the entire show. When I found her standing alone between sets, I couldn’t help but approach her.
It wasn’t my intention to kiss her. I should have gotten to know her first. Asked her more than her name. But after watching her while I sang my heart out, I wasn’t thinking straight.
That was more than three years ago. When we were both naïve freshmen.
I’ve been watching her ever since. From afar. Like a crazy stalker. (Not my proudest admission.)
She’s even more beautiful than the first time I laid eyes on her. So when I walk into the rec center and find her waiting for me, alone, with lust in her eyes, I pounce. Again. Like an idiot.
Only this time, I don’t feel an ounce of regret because I don’t plan on letting her run away from me again. She’s been my inspiration for years and it’s about damn time she figured it out.
There’s only one way I can do that… I need to sing her the song I wrote about that night.
About her.
I could try to slowly weasel my way into her heart the way she has mine over the years, but I’m sick of wasting time. I want her to be mine today.
Tomorrow.
Forever.
Because the truth is… I’ve been hers since that very first night.
Releasing September 8, 2022

She owns my heart. My goal is to one day own hers again.
I want her.
What she doesn’t want is me. She made that perfectly clear the summer after high school when she broke up with me. That hasn’t stopped her from crawling in my bed on more than one occasion though.
Not that anyone knows about us, or our past.
We’ve kept that secret under lock and key for years. But I’m getting sick and tired of lying to my friends. I’m not ashamed of my love for her.
Yes, I love her.
I always have. And I know she loves me too. She’s just afraid to admit it.
When we get caught in a compromising position though, all the lies she’s been telling start to crumble around her. And if there’s one thing she hates more than me at the moment, it’s being vulnerable.
That doesn’t stop me from taking advantage of her weakened state. Of trying to work my way back into her heart. Of reminding her why we should be together. But the more she lets me in, the more her lies are starting to get twisted.
The ones she’s telling others but mostly the ones she’s been telling herself.
If I want my second chance, I’m going to have to find a way to break through the fortress she’s erected around her heart.
I know she’s the one for me. She has been since we were teenagers.
My first love. My last. My only.
Releasing November 10, 2022

There really is a fine line between love and hate. Friends and enemies.


Max Palmer is an a-hole.

And I’m in love with him. I’m pretty sure I have been since the day we met.

I’ve tried to quit him. Multiple times. But he’s an addiction that refuses to be ignored. Which is why one minute we’re together, colliding with hurricane force, and the next we’re pushing each other away, pretending not to like each other. Fighting the feelings that are bubbling just beneath the surface.

For years we’ve been able to hide our secret love affair from everyone.

I’m tired of lying to myself about the way I feel.

Of hiding the truth from the people that matter most to me. Even if I know they won’t approve. Even if my confession may destroy friendships in the process.

I’m also pissed off because he started dating one of my sisters. The same night I was ready to confess my feelings for him.

If he was looking to get a rise out of me, it worked.

I’ve wasted years with him. Lying and pretending I was happily single, focused on school so no one would suspect otherwise.

And how does he repay me?

By shoving his new relationship in my face.

Well, screw him. I’m not wasting another minute of my time crying over a man who was never really mine to begin with.

If he wants to play games, it’s on.

Because I don’t plan to lose my heart to Max Palmer.

Releasing January 12, 2023

 
 
Rachael Brownell is an International Bestselling author of new adult romance.
 
She lives in Michigan with her husband, son, snuggly dog, and hateful cat. She moonlights a few days a week (her excuse to get out of the house and socialize) and writes almost full time. Her first book was published way back in 2013 and since she’s released more than 30 additional titles.
 
When she’s not writing her next novel, you can find her hanging out with her family, watching her son play baseball, or running on the treadmill at the gym (though she skips more days than she goes). She also enjoys golfing but is still learning, so if you see her on the course… stand back.
 
 
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Quintessentially

Posted: July 28, 2022 in College Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New, New Adult, New Release, Series
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Title: Quintessentially: An ABCs of Love Novel
Author: Aleatha Romig
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Indie Sage
Editor: Lisa Aurello
Publication Date: July 28th, 2022
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb:

A secret-baby, second-chance contemporary stand-alone romance

 

Quintessential~ “Representing the most perfect example of quality or class” 

 

A trip back to the small Indiana town of Riverbend to finalize my grandmother’s last will and testament throws my world off its axis. I wasn’t prepared to learn the stipulations of
her will or that she’d left her beloved mercantile Quintessential Treasures to my college summertime love, Kandace Sheers.

 

Imagine my greater surprise when I learn about the secret that’s been roaming Riverbend for the last five years. Here are a couple of hints: 

 

She’s five years old.

 

She has her mother’s silky auburn hair and my golden eyes. 

 

The answer should be simple—I take responsibility for the girl and go back to Chicago where my life awaits.

 

It turns out, Grandma had other plans because life’s never that simple.

 

Have you been Aleatha’d?

 

Enjoy this sweet, funny, and sexy secret-baby, second-chance contemporary stand-alone romance that brings back the feelings of what it’s like to be young and in love. A stand-alone in Aleatha Romig’s ‘Lighter Ones,’ QUINTESSENTIALLY – the ONE.

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis as well as part of the year in Bradenton, Florida, USA. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her friends and family, including her beloved grandchildren.

 

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than a million e-readers. Her next series, INFIDELITY (not about cheating) hit New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. Aleatha has since released over forty-five novels in multiple genres: dark romance, romantic suspense, thriller, and romantic comedy. She went back to her dark roots with the Sparrow Web trilogies: WEB OF SIN, TANGLED WEB, WEB OF DESIRE, and DANGEROUS WEB and the Devil’s Series Duet: DEVIL’S DEAL and ANGEL’S PROMISE. Her recent releases include the romantic suspense standalone, KINGDOM COME and her new Sin Series, are taking the reading world by storm.

 

 

The titles keep coming. Be sure to check out her website to stay up to date.

 

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America, NINC, and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and Wildfire Marketing.

 

Author Links:

Facebook | Amazon | BookBub | Website | Goodreads

Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Pintrest |  Audible | Newsletter

Before I can get out of the SUV, there’s a knock on my side window.

Turning, I see my old friend.

“Look, Mommy, it’s Dax.”

My cheeks rise as my smile broadens. “It is.”

I unlock the doors, and Dax opens my door. “Hi.”

It’s not fair what he does to me. My heart is racing, and my skin feels clammy. Standing here, Daxton Richards is sex on a stick. His cheeks are red from the sun, and his blond hair is damp and combed back. His smile glistens and letting my gaze sweep lower, I notice how the Dri-FIT shirt stretches over his shoulders and wide chest. He’s wearing khaki shorts and cloth loafers.

“Hi,” I say back.

“I was afraid you would change your mind.”

“I did about a hundred times.”

His smile grows as his golden orbs stay focused on me. “Then I’m glad you didn’t do it one more time.”

He offers me his hand, and I get out of the SUV. He steps back as I open Molly’s door.

As I unbuckle her, I say, “Molly, this is Dax, Mommy’s old friend.”

“Hi, Dax,” she says excitedly. “You don’t look old. Not like Grandmom did.”

Dax and I both laugh.

Once she’s out of the car, Dax bends his long legs and gets down on his haunches. “Hello, Molly. I’m very glad to formally meet you.”

I bite my lip to keep my tears at bay as I watch the two of them looking at each other with the same color eyes. My heart leaps; my chest feels tight. I’d never dared to dream that this would happen and now here it is, more than I ever imagined.

Molly offers Dax her hand.

He glances up at me.

All I can do is nod.

Taking her hand, he shakes it.

“Hi, Dax,” she says.

“How about some ice cream?” I say as I take Molly’s hand.

The whole evening feels surreal as if I’m in a dream.

The Tastee Freeze is located next to a small stream. The ground in between is covered in white pebbles with several picnic tables and benches. There are lights strung over our heads for after dark.

I reach for my purse after I order for myself and Molly, but Dax won’t have it. He adds a blueberry shake to the order and insists on paying.

The three of us sit on a bench facing the stream as Dax asks Molly questions and she tells him everything and more. At some point, he lifts his arm over the back of the bench, and it stretches from him over Molly to me.

My thoughts are filled with Hallmark stories despite telling myself to not have hope. It’s exactly what I do have.

Next door is a small playground near our library.

After our ice cream is done, Dax and I walk Molly to the playground and find another bench where we can watch her. She runs off with a smile as she sees Amber, a friend from school.

“You’ve done an amazing job,” Dax says. “She’s perfect.”

I shake my head. “I think she is, but she isn’t perfect.” I smile at him. “She’s amazing. Each day I feel like she’s growing and comprehending so much more.”

He scoots closer and lifts my hand. “I’m sorry you had to take care of her alone.”

I contemplate retrieving my hand, but I don’t. “I haven’t done it alone. My parents are wonderful. Ruth was fantastic. Chloe and Mick are great.” I grin. “And so is Justin.”

Dax releases my hand and rubs his jaw. “Yeah, so your brother punched me this morning.”

My eyes grow wide, and my fingertips go to my lips. “He didn’t.”

Dax nods with a grin. “I deserve it. If the roles were reversed, I’m not sure Mick and Ricky could have kept it to one punch.”

I reach for his chin and turn his face toward me. “Are you hurt? I’m sorry.”

His smile grows. “I’m fine. I’m glad you care.”

My gaze goes out to the playground where Molly and her friend are climbing a slide. “I’ve always cared.”

This time, it’s Dax who reaches for my chin, bringing my gaze back to his. “You’re more beautiful than I remember.”

“Yeah, well, you’re not as handsome.” I laugh. “You’re more, too.”

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