[BEING PUBLISHED BY FRAYED PAGES X WATTPAD BOOKS IN 2026] [WATTYS 2018 WINNER - THE HEARTBREAKERS] They say "the cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea..." Natalie doesn't believe it. In fact, Natalie doesn't believe in much. Not until Brooklyn gives her something to believe in. [extended summary inside] [#1 in chicklit, new adult, realistic fiction, recovery, & addiction] Copyright 2018-2025 | Taylor Romagnoli [moonraess]

Ella is falling apart trying to live a "perfect" high school life. Then she meets Ren, who can see past her scars. Suddenly perfection isn't her only option. ***** Ella Volkov is a gifted music student, but she's depressed and starting to crack under the pressure of high school. Her overbearing father won't even let her choose what instrument she plays. Then she finds herself alone at a party with Ren, her best friend's crush. She'd always thought he was rude, but after that night he's all Ella can think about. Now she's trapped. If Ella dates Ren, it will ruin her friendship with Jenny. But if she stays true to Jenny, she's losing the one person who can see past her scars. It's up to Ella to decide if she will forge her own path, or stay in the "perfect" box designed for her... Content and/or Trigger Warning: depression, anxiety, self-harm, violence, sexual assault. [[word count: 50,000-100,000 words]]