Ally Jackson's life took a dark turn at the hands of those who were supposed to protect her. The shadows of her father and brother's vile actions loomed over her, casting a sinister pall over her young life.
Ally's world shattered when the truth of her father's heinous crimes emerged, ripping apart the façade of the perfect family. The bruises on her skin spoke volumes - a silent testimony to the horrors she endured in the confines of her own home. Her mother, oblivious to the nightmare unfolding under her roof, was left reeling from the betrayal.
As her father was hauled off to prison, Ally's relief was short-lived as another predator emerged from the darkness. Her brother, tainted by the same twisted desires as their father, sought to claim her innocence. In a harrowing showdown, Ally fought back with a ferocity born of survival and fled into the unforgiving wilderness, a fugitive from the demons of her past. Half-naked and broken, she was rescued from the clutches of her brother's depravity, but the scars of her ordeal ran deep.
As her brother was stripped of his freedom, Ally was left to navigate the treacherous waters of healing. Counseling became her sanctuary, a fragile lifeline in a sea of turmoil, as her mother assumed control of the family business, a reluctant heir to a tainted legacy.
High school became a battleground of whispers and taunts, a harsh reminder of the isolation Ally faced. The merciless scrutiny of her peers made her a pariah, a figure of mockery and scorn. But amidst the shadows of her past, a flicker of light emerged in the form of a kindred spirit.
A girl, whose empathy shone like a beacon in the darkness, extended a hand of friendship to Ally. Then, a boy entered her life, his eyes filled with understanding and warmth. With his gentle presence, Ally discovered a sanctuary in his embrace, a refuge from the storms that raged within.
Kate Blanchard rarely goes outside of her comfort zone - especially when it comes to boys. Between her younger sister who's desperately trying to find herself and her mother who can't get out of bed, boys are the last thing Kate needs to think about.
But when she finds herself staring into the captivating eyes of JD Whitmore, he becomes the only thing she CAN think about. When she's with him, every worry in her life begins to fall away and it seems as though JD is the only thing keeping her together.
But the more she gets to know him, the more Kate begins to struggle to stay afloat. And maybe, just maybe, JD is drowning her in more than just love.
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PREVIEW:
His eyes narrowed at my upward turned lips, and I quickly tried to mask it with a frown. It was too late though. His clasp on my chin tightened, so hard I almost jerked away. "Do you find this funny, Katie?"
I tried to say "no," but my lungs were so deflated and his grip on my chin was so tight that I think all that came out was a moan or mumble.
His eyes, positioned right in front of me, were like two mesmerizing whirlpools, sucking me in. In a resolute, velvety voice, he said, "Good."
Then, he snapped my entire head to the side with just a flick of his wrist so he had easier access to press his lips against my ear. Tightening his grip even more firmly around my chin, his other hand came up to wrap around my clavicle, his long, strong fingers creating cavities near the nape of my neck.
"Because the next time you refer to yourself as boring or plain or average," he growled. "I won't be so forgiving."
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***TRIGGER WARNING***
This book contains overall themes and specific scenes of abuse and assault. Please read at your own risk.
If you are currently in an abusive relationship, or find yourself relating to the abusive aspects of this story in any way, please know that you are NOT ALONE and there is help available.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Lots of love to you all.