Ava's life has never been easy. Working two jobs just to get by in a neighborhood that seems determined to knock her down, she's learned how to survive-but survival isn't enough. She wants control, confidence, and the strength to stand her ground.
Charlie Kane is gruff, sharp, and not the kind of man who lets anyone close. When Ava shows up at his boxing gym, he's reluctant to train her-but something about her determination and fire makes him break his own rules.
As they push each other in the gym and beyond, the line between teacher and student blurs. Sparks ignite, tensions flare, and attraction grows harder to ignore. But Charlie is complicated, and Ava is determined to hold her own. Together, they discover that building a life worth fighting for means more than strength-it means trust, desire, and sometimes stepping into danger willingly.
Millie Ripley has only ever known one player next door. Luke Dawson. But with only a couple months left before he graduates and a blackmailer on the loose, will their love story stand the test of time? And will they both need to grow up to face the truth?