When Everly Reed collides with the cynical and devilishly handsome Mason Valdez, she knows trouble is ahead, but she never could have guessed how much she would be drawn to the storm. ***** Nineteen-year-old Ever Reed likes when things make sense. Which is probably why she excels at math, enough to secure her a spot at an Ivy League school out of state. Sheltered by her mother and older brother Asher for most of her life, Ever hasn't experienced much of the world, but she knows New York will be an adventure. Enter Mason Valdez: cynical, arrogant, and undeniably attractive-exactly what Ever doesn't need. But as their paths keep crossing, Ever finds herself intrigued by Mason, and eager to know the boy behind the bitter mask. As secrets, scars, and painful pasts rise to the surface, Ever knows one thing for sure: they can only make it through if they face their storms together. [[word count: 150,000 - 200,000]] Cover designed by Frances Louise De Ramos Spinoff to The Hoodie Girl Book One of the A Thousand Storms series [[The Fiction Awards 2018 Best Overall Story and Best Romance Winner]] Content/trigger warning: This story mentions sexual assault and childhood abuse

I turn around and look into his blue eyes, searching them. When I'm certain that he's not lying, butterflies erupt in my stomach and I gulp audibly. His fingers move from playing with the tips of my hair to my cheeks. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. His other hand moves from my waist to my jawline and he trails his thumb along my bottom lip. He pulls my face closer until I can smell his minty breath. His eyes close and so do mine. My head tilts to the side slowly and I feel his lips on mine. *** Natalie Bennett: a sassy 17-year-old, who, after leaving her home in Paris, starts at Lakewater high in America. Natalie is humble, sarcastic and smart, funny and forgiving. She complains when she has to wear dresses, heels and make-up and she can't stand annoying fake girls. Alex Collins: cocky, egocentric, and a magnet to the female race, that is, all girls except Natalie, who can't stand him. Alex is a player, a model, and a singer. His family is rich. He's the definition of a bad boy, but behind those ray bans hides an intelligent soft side. But when they unexpectedly bump into each other both Natalie and Alex begin to realize there might be more layers to the other than they expected. Unedited Enjoy reading! *** This book is amazing by far one of the best books I've ever read!!!! :) @DeaChloe LOVED IT SOOOO MUUCHHH!!!!😻😻🥺🥺🥺. You're an amazing writer honestly, it will forever be one of my absolute favorite books.❤️ @ShadowRose99 OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK❤❤ thankful so much for distracting me during quarantine because I have been struggling with my mental health slot during this but this book has helped me be distracted so thankful so much ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ @Elcoopz