[Comp.] Darlena Ellis and Dela Parker were cousins who got along perfectly, despite their very evident differences. (We don't talk about their fights, because this is a book that focuses on the positives...almost always)
Dela was Pragmatic. Logical. Rational. Someone who always knew what she wanted. And she never stopped until she was satisfied. Ambitious, and hardworking, she could lead anyone out of trouble. But one thing's for sure. You could never meet someone more loyal to the ones she loved.
Darlena was the exact opposite. Emotional. Unpredictable. She swung between the extremes, wildly navigating her way through life with dreams and not plans. Passionate about too many things, felt too many things, loved too many things, was too many things.
So, what happens when a summer vacation, a love triangle, first kisses, a game of truth or dare, unkept promises and secrets get involved?
Madison is a reserved girl with a comfortable yet uneventful life back home. She has good grades, a loving sister, and a father who's intent on her living her life to the fullest. But as soon as she arrives in Portland, thousands of miles away from her safety net, she's caught off guard by Archer, her new housemate. With his intimidating brown eyes, clipped replies, and mysterious demeanour, Archer is bound to wreak a little havoc whether she wants him to or not.
He doesn't want her to pick up the pieces of his broken self as many have tried and she doesn't plan on upending her new life for a boy who won't even spare her a glance. Over time and amidst the various little white lies and destructive mistakes, they continue to hide their feelings. She wishes to protect her newfound friendships and he wishes to battle his demons alone.
He'll promise her he needs her when no one's around to hear then insist there isn't anything between them when suspicions start to raise. Faced with situations she could only dream of and challenges she thought she'd never overcome; she has to hold herself together while her world crumbles around her.
Will Madison throw caution to the wind and risk losing everything for someone who wouldn't do the same for her?