Andrew Baker is trapped at his own wedding. His mission in life has always been, and always will be, to make his parents proud. That just so happens meaning marrying Jenny Wells. Caged in an abusive relationship he can't seem to leave, he can only do one thing: run away.
On the road, he can escape his problems, he can leave them behind. But a certain group of boys teach him that moving on doesn't always mean forgetting. And that love isn't always what you're taught.
"It's crashing down on me now, what I've done. I can feel it, their eyes and their judgement. It's a stone, a boulder, on my back. My face falls, and I try not to stumble backwards on my feet. I drive back the growing lump in my throat. I have to stay strong, or what was this all for?"
A trip to Fiji with her dismissive boyfriend and his alluring mother lands Valentina into the most unexpected romance of her lifetime.
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College student Valentina has been at a standstill in her relationship for three years, so when her boyfriend invites her on vacation to Fiji with his estranged fashion designer mother, Val can't think of anything worse. Mothers-in-law are notoriously one of the most dreadful aspects of a committed relationship, right? But nobody prepared Val for the aloof, refined Diana, who at first seems to absolutely detest her but soon warms under the tropical sun. As a unique and steamy connection sizzles and the two begin sneaking around, Val wonders if she's finally found the love she's been looking for in the most unexpected of places. But can their spark last, and is it worth what it will cost them?
WARNING: This story contains mature themes such as depictions of domestic abuse and coercion that may be upsetting to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.