Meet Emma Ellerbee and her best friend Roo Bailey. Together, they share a love of anything chocolate, retro 90's music, and 15-year-old hottie, Nick Rangioni.
From tent-hopping on Friday nights (backyard camping parties called "The Tents"), to the annual block party ("Affair on the Square"), neighborhood traditions spark more than bonfires and star-gazing. It's a funny breeding ground for awkward crushes, proving that life doesn't always work out the way we want it to...and that true friendship is often the sweetest gift.
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From one ridiculously bad decision after another, 14-year-old Emma Ellerbee tries to navigate her hormones, parties, hot neighbors across the street, a pesky 10-year-old, 4 older brothers, and her best friend.
Has Emma met her match with the Rangioni crew? Plus, how many cupcakes can one girl eat?? Will Roo eventually forgive Emma for that one little (gigantic) mistake? And can Emma finally forgive herself?
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[Excerpt from Nick Next Door, Novel is PG rated]
[Light & Fun, Easy Read]
I'm still fuming when I make it back to my house, but the sight of my mom and Roo baking, and the delicious smell of sugar, instantly lifts my mood. "Ray of Light" by Madonna is streaming in the kitchen.
"How did it go?" Roo asks.
"Exactly as I expected."
"That bad?"
"Like if the Titanic was also hit by a meteor."
"Want to talk about it?"
"Never again."
"Thanks, honey," my mom interjects. "For going over there. I really appreciate it - still feel like baking?"
"Yeah, I'm in." I grab a whisk and a bowl, along with some eggs.
It's time to bake.
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Josh and Katie have been best friends since he first moved nextdoor midway through freshman year. They were attached to the hip and acted like they've known each other for years.
Josh Parker was the all American boy who all the girls wanted, including Katie. As Katie and Josh's friendship blossomed she quickly formed a crush on Josh, but as the years progressed, her crush turned into love.
Five years after leaving Miami brokenhearted after finding out about Josh's engagement to his childhood sweetheart. Katie unexpectedly reunites with her former best friend, and Josh quickly realizes that his feelings for her are not just platonic anymore.
*
As I'm walking out of work I get a call from my brother to pick my niece up from school.
For the past 4 years that little girl has had me wrapped around her finger and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Unfortunately I got stuck in traffic on the way over so I'm late for pick up. Once I get to Melanie's classroom I fill out the sign out sheet that's on the wall and make my way into the classroom.
I faintly hear Melanie laughing so I know she's not upset from me being late.
"Hey I'm so sorry. I got stuck in traff..." I said stopping mid sentence, stunned at the woman in front of me.
Standing in front of me is someone I considered one of the most important people to me back in highschool. As soon as I looked into those Caribbean blue that I used to know so well, I knew it was her.
It takes her a few seconds to realize who I am. She stands there stunned. We continue to stare at each other until she breaks the silence.
"Josh?" She asks not believing it's actually me.
"Hey Katie girl."
Mature content
Sexual scenes
Inappropriate language
(Book #1 of the Dreams series)