[ boyxboy ] Noah Summerville is broken when his long forgotten uncle comes to his rescue and takes him to a small town of Alaska in a search of a new life. Then he sees Dylan McKenna with his man bun, thick thighs and intense stare. There is something about this man that makes him think coming to Alaska wasn't such a bad idea after all. However, Noah's demons follow him even as far as the coldest, darkest wilderness. He can't keep up, he's slipping and Dylan is right there in the middle of it all. Dylan McKenna has a motto: never commit and never fall in love. He revels in his solitude... Until a gorgeous, young man ends up as his new employee. He's trying really hard to keep things professional but the draw he feels for him goes beyond mild interest. Soon enough priorities shift, shields come down and truths get exposed. They might survive the harsh winter in Alaska. But will that be enough? Started: May 2024 Finished: December 2024

BOOK 1 in the Drowning/Bully Standalone Series. WARNING: This book contains intense bullying, explicit scenes, triggering language, violence, and psychological content. "You need to call off this party," I boldly told my stepbrother in the kitchen. He cocked his head attractively, his thin eyes scrutinizing me. His upper lip curled up in that seductive habit that I had become familiar with. "And why should I do that?" he murmured. His eyes were come-to-bed-with-me stunning, inviting with me with that inescapable pull, and damn if I didn't wet my panties. Get it together, Madison, said my insidious voice. I almost complied with that command until Caden went on and said something that left me breathless before his egotistical smirk. "Will you be my snack tonight?" He hates you. Don't forget that. I was reminded by my subconscious. *** Caden always goes extreme to make my life a living hell since after our parents got married four years ago. Although I'm similar to my stepbrother-the only difference between us is: I am a surreptitious bully, and Caden's a blatant bully. I wonder how sharing the same apartment for our first year at Stanford University will turn out. Honestly? I'm not eager to find out. Step into an adventure of passion, forgiveness, and second chances in this compelling two-part saga. This is Caden and Madison's story.