Julian Hale survived something no one should ever have to a kidnapping that changed his life forever. Now sixteen, he's trying to navigate high school, friendships, and a town that still whispers about the boy who disappeared. Autumn comes to Ashford in golden silence, but this year, someone new arrives at Briar Glen Academy. A boy who stirs something Julian thought he'd buried along with his memories. As past and present collide, Julian must learn what it means to trust, to survive, and to confront the shadows that never truly leave. A slow-burning, haunting story of trauma, secrets, and the quiet moments that change everything.

----‎‧₊˚✧ 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 #1 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 ✧˚₊‧---- Layla Ibrahim has one goal: to excel in school and prove she's the best. The only problem? She just failed a subject, and the last person she wants help from is Louis Miller-the annoyingly charming golden boy who gets perfect grades without even trying. But when circumstances force him to tutor her against his will, their mutual hatred reaches a whole new level. Until they had to strike a deal-one that benefits them both. But as the tension between them shifts from heated arguments to something far more complicated, Layla and Louis realize that what started as a simple arrangement might be harder to navigate than they thought. Enemies. Rivals. Academic disaster waiting to happen. And yet, the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the sparks flying between them. #2 on booklover #4 on bookclub #5 on booktok