A guarded college quarterback's dark past resurfaces when classmate Elena Madison pierces his cold exterior, sparking a dangerous connection that could either redeem or destroy them both. *** Everyone at Ohio State University knows about Blake Andrews, the infamous all-star quarterback of the football team and rumored insomniac. Most refer to him as crude, egotistical, and cold. It isn't until he meets Elena Madison that his world is suddenly flipped upside down. She brings the dark past he has tried to keep hidden for years up to the surface, risking pulling them both under for good. Undeniable attraction radiates between the two clashing souls and he begins to wonder if she can save him from the darkness within him. He's never met someone with such an irritating personality; with her persistent desire to know more about him despite his exhausted efforts to push her away. She is about to uncover what's hidden under his rough and cold exterior-whether she's ready for it or not. After all, eyes are the window to the soul. *** "Thank you," he murmurs sleepily, raising his hand to bring it to my cheek. His thumb slides against my soft skin slowly, it burns hot at his touch. "For what?" I question, my eyes feeling very swollen and heavy now. He takes a deep breath and swallows. "For being my light." *** *MATURE* HIGHEST RANKINGS #1 in enemiestolovers #1 in collegeromance #1 in panicattacks #1 in badboy #1 in brooding #1 in enemiestofriends #1 in trauma #1 in grumpyxsunshine

Julius Santo was a name that had every human's skin crawling. Most people know of him due to the lethal Mafia he leads, his silver eyes that have watched countless souls fade away, or the sinister scar that crosses his brow. But for Hazel Alexis, Julius Santo was a man of kindness. Someone who was willing to listen to her vent, converse with her, or simply be in her company. Julius was a saviour to Hazel. A hero who guarded, supported, and kept her safe. Hazel Alexis is an innocent, quite oblivious, nineteen-year-old woman. She works as a nurse in a small health clinic, aiming to earn enough money to leave her toxic household, and also spends her weekdays studying at her local college. As her new friendship with Julius evolves, she can't help but fight the overwhelming feelings that develop between them. Obtaining a crush on your best friend could never end well, could it? Every day, the simple things he does drive her deeper into the obsessional crush she has with him. But the hidden truth that remains between the two was the undeniable reality of how their end could possibly be. The mixture of his secret, her obliviousness, and the ultimate reality of it all was bound to cause chaos. What happens when Hazel discovers Julius Santo's true identity? ••• Best Ranks #4 Friendstolovers - March 2022 #1 GrumpyxSunshine - May 2022 #8 Chicklit - May 2022