Smalltown Stories

Naina Verma never imagined her first job posting would bring her to the unfamiliar streets of Haryana. Far away from her small town, family, and comfort, she struggles to adjust to a place filled with silence, fear, and strangers who never feel safe. But everything changes when she crosses paths with Daksh Lohchab - Daksh is exactly the kind of person Naina should stay away from. Yet behind his rough exterior lies an unexpected calm... a strange sense of protection she cannot explain. In a city that scares her every day, Daksh slowly becomes the only thing that feels safe. A story of fear, loneliness, protection, and a love that begins where comfort ends.

WATTPAD ORIGINAL EDITION In 1955, mixed-race Ethan Harper leaves his progressive hometown for a summer in Alabama where he's not welcome, except by resident free spirit, Juniper Jones. ***** After getting himself into a bout of trouble, 16-year-old Ethan Harper's parents send him to Ellison, Alabama, to live with his aunt and uncle for the summer. But the year is 1955, and Alabama is a far cry from his beloved home of Arcadia, Washington. As much as it's hotter in temperature, it's colder in every other way, and Ethan learns the hard way that people see his mere existence as a threat. Amidst all the mayhem, a fiery, free-spirited, oddball walks into Ethan's life. Her name is Juniper Jones. She is the first person in Ellison who seems unfazed by their racial differences, and she promises to give Ethan a summer he will always remember, filled with endless adventure and discovery. With Juniper, Ethan can breathe, he can be, despite the incessant attention and bullying their newly formed friendship attracts. Can the two survive the summer, run in the light and block out the noise of the outside world? [Published version comes out June 16, 2020 with Wattpad Books!] [[word count: 70,000-80,000 words]]

WATTPAD BOOKS EDITION. There are some friends you never forget. It's the summer of 1955. For Ethan Harper, a biracial kid raised mostly by his white father, race has always been a distant conversation. When he's sent to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle in small-town Alabama, his blackness is suddenly front and center, and no one is shy about making it known he's not welcome there. Enter Juniper Jones. The town's resident oddball and free spirit, she's everything the townspeople aren't-open, kind, and accepting. Armed with two bikes and an unlimited supply of root beer floats, Ethan and Juniper set out to find their place in a town that's bent on rejecting them. As Ethan is confronted for the first time by what it means to be black in America, Juniper tries to help him see the beauty in even the ugliest reality, and that even the darkest days can give rise to an invincible summer . . .

Kelly just wants her business to succeed, and getting involved with a bodyguard is not part of her plan - but he is the only one who can keep her safe... ***** Kelly Harris is determined to make her antiques business a success. She won't let Tanner, a bodyguard who likes first edition poetry books, interfere with her life. But winning a mystery box at an auction changes everything. With Tanner working alongside her, they decipher the code in a forgotten journal, uncovering a young girl's journey to freedom and a powerful family's secret. Working for a high-profile security company, Tanner has seen the worst that humanity can do. He doesn't believe in love. But when disaster strikes, he finds himself doing everything he can to keep Kelly safe - even if that means letting her into the most vulnerable part of who he is. Leeanna Morgan is a USA Today Bestselling Author.

WATTPAD ORIGINAL EDITION When a summer of fun turns upside down, Olivia must figure out whether her paranoid imagination is playing tricks on her or if she's being followed - and by who. ***** It's been years since Olivia nearly drowned in Caldwell Beach, and after moving away, she's back for the summer to reconnect with old friends. However, not everything-or everyone-is the same. Her childhood best friend, Miles, is still sweet and carefree, but his older brother West is not. Disowned and working at the local garage, he's distanced himself from everyone, until Olivia accidentally uncovers the reason why. But as the two grow closer, strange things begin happening to Olivia. She can't stop seeing shadows and hearing voices, but as she slips into a downward spiral of obsessiveness and paranoia, she must fight to uncover the truth behind who is after her, and why. [[word count: 60,000-70,000 words]]

WATTPAD BOOKS EDITION. The past always resurfaces . . . Five years after almost drowning, Olivia Cathart returns home to Caldwell Beach determined to face her fears and take some risks-not just by swimming but by opening her heart. Hoping to rekindle her friendships, she's excited about a carefree summer with her best friends Keely and Miles. But life in the sleepy town has changed, and no one and nothing is as it seems. When a series of startling crimes threaten Olivia's fragile state, she is plunged into a terrifying game of cat and mouse. Her only solace from the chaos is West, Miles's disowned and ruggedly handsome brother, but even he can't answer the question on everyone's minds-is Olivia really in danger or is it simply all in her head?

WATTPAD BOOKS EDITION Griffin Tomlin is dead. And Clara's sister killed him . . . Four months after the murder, the entire town of Shiloh is still in shock. For Clara Porterfield, the normal world has crumbled around her in a million chaotic pieces. Now Clara lives in a new reality, where her sister awaits trial for murder, her mother obsessively digs in a dead, frozen garden, and her father lives and breathes denial. At school, Clara is haunted by her classmates' morbid curiosity-and all of the unspoken questions they won't ask. But none of them knows what she knows . . . Now Clara's sister wants something from her-the one thing in all of this that Clara isn't ready to face: the truth about what really happened that night. Because this story didn't die with Griffin Tomlin. There's another story that needs to be told. And sometimes, the lies we're told are nowhere near as deadly as the lies we tell ourselves . . .

When Hayley falls for a bodyguard whose secret is more dangerous than her own, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for love. ***** Tank has spent his life protecting people. He works for one of the most successful security companies in the world, makes more money than most people see in a lifetime, and has a past that no one can ever know about. Hayley Elliott will do anything to keep her mom safe. Her sister has found a cure for Alzheimer's and their mom is living proof that the supplement works - but hiding from the people looking for the supplement's formula is impossible. When the threat to their lives becomes deadly, she has no option but to trust a man who's living with a secret more dangerous than her own. With more at stake than their own lives, Tank and Hayley have to decide what is more important: protecting the past or risking everything for love. Leeanna Morgan is a USA Today Bestselling Author.

A guarded single mom moves to a small town for a fresh start, determined to keep her world small and safe for her and her son. But her plans unravel when she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with a man from her past-a steady, quietly intense police officer she once shared a one-night stand with-who now becomes part of their everyday lives. What begins as awkward encounters and undeniable tension slowly deepens into something neither of them planned for. As her son grows attached to him and the town begins to take notice, she's forced to confront her fear of things falling apart, while he proves, again and again, that he's not someone who walks away. Their relationship doesn't unfold perfectly-it's messy, realistic, and shaped by miscommunication, vulnerability, and growth. They learn each other slowly, through small moments: shared mornings, difficult conversations, quiet support, and showing up when it matters most. As her past resurfaces and challenges their stability, they must decide if what they're building is worth the risk. At its core, the story is about healing, trust, and the kind of love that isn't loud or dramatic, but steady-one that grows through everyday choices and ultimately creates a found family that feels like home.

Four years ago, Juliette Bennett walked away from Mason Brooks, the golden boy of college hockey and the only person she ever truly let in, and never looked back. She rebuilt her life in silence, burying heartbreak under long nights, hospital shifts, and the one secret she swore would never see the light again: her daughter, Maisey. Mason Brooks has spent years becoming everything he was supposed to be, star forward, team leader, the future of professional hockey, without knowing the biggest piece of his life was already missing. When fate drags Juliette back into his world, the past doesn't stay buried for long. Old sparks don't just flicker, they ignite. And the truth doesn't just hurt... it changes everything. Now there's a four-year-old girl with Mason's eyes, a love that never really died, and a history built on a misunderstanding neither of them knew they were living in. Juliette wants to protect the life she fought so hard to build. Mason refuses to walk away from the one thing he never knew he had. And when a daughter becomes the center of everything between them, one question remains- Do you forgive the past... or does it destroy the future you never got to live?

NEEDS EDITING THIS IS A FIRST DRAFT He built a fortress around his heart. She brought a wrecking ball and a secret. Elias Thorne is a mystery in Oakhaven, A solitary figure and the owner of a successful tattoo franchise, his wealth is as carefully guarded as his silence. He is the quiet grump the whole town wants to decipher, but no one ever gets close. Elias likes his life neat, organized, and utterly empty of anything that could remind him of love and loss. Then June Hayes arrives. Burnt out from the new york art scene and pregnant via a donor, June is determined to create a peaceful, new life for herself and her baby. To the locals, she's just a sweet, new artist. They have no idea she's also viral sensation with over a million followers who sells her work to the A-list. June sees Elias's grumpy exterior and smiles. She needs a friend, and she has decided the broody, ball cap wearing man (no seriously I never see him without a hat on - June) across the street is it. She invades his quiet space showing up at the inkwell every Tuesday and spending the day, sharing her music, and poking at his meticulous order. Elias fights it all, clenching his jaw and pulling his cap low to hide the truth: he fell for the Wildflower the minute she crashed into his life. As June begins posting subtle, faceless photos of him, their reluctant friendship turns into an online viral romance that threatens to expose both of their secrets. How do you guard a heart that already belongs to a Wildflower, a baby, and a life you swore you'd never have? And what happens when the most careful grump in Oakhaven blurts out, "That's my wife," just to stay by her side? Tropes: - Grumpy x Sunshine - He Falls First - Protective - Pregnancy - Small Town - Forced Friends - Friends to lovers - Secret Identity CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE

An Arranged Setup that Sparkled into a Love Story of Its Own. »»---♡---«« 'His nose is crooked!' 'I think he has some gray hair!' 'He looks too mature for his age!' 'Nah! He is seven years older than you!' 'One of his eyes seems smaller!' 'Don't you think he is smiling too much in this photo?' 'God! I wonder how, even after looking at hundreds of biodatas every day, none could catch my parents' attention. With every biodata they see, they manage to point out some flaw or another.' »»---♡---«« An Indian Arranged Marriage Story. Modern-day marriages are no cakewalk, and arranged marriages are certainly not. Set against an Indian backdrop, "Love Unrushed!" explores not only the complexities of an arranged marriage but also the pursuit of individual happiness within the confines of societal norms. If you are up for a simple and subtle blooming love story, ponder-worthy thoughts with social stigmas and taboos effortlessly slipped in here and there, and some real, relatable characters, then this story is definitely for you. You will find a part of Riya and Aditya hidden within you as they navigate their arranged marriage, unveiling the hidden layers of their personal and professional insecurities. There will be no unrealistic villains or overdramatic plots, but this story will undoubtedly highlight the true version of how marriages are arranged in India. Thus, this book tends toward a realistic portrayal with a touch of fiction. Please be kind. This book is under editing and the chapters with (•) are recently edited. Rest are in progress.

𝗨𝗡𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 : A Journey of eldest sons. 24 year old Jeon Jungkook, an alpha and the eldest son of a prominent family, felt suffocated by the weight of his parents' expectations. He was expected to take over the family business, marry a suitable partner, and carry on the family legacy. But Jungkook had other plans. He longed for freedom, autonomy, and the chance to forge his own path. Park Jimin, 24 years old omega also an eldest son, felt trapped by the societal expectations placed upon him. He exhibited the urge to stop the traditional strict rules of omega's in their society. His parents had always assumed that he would marry a good man, settle down, have kids and become a dutiful partner and a mother. But Jimin yearned for more. He wanted to explore the world, pursue his passions, and discover his true purpose. One fateful night, Jungkook and Jimin both decided to take a stand against their respective expectations. They packed their bags and set out on a journey of self-discovery. As fate would have it, their paths crossed. Both eldest son's of a family full of beyond expectations-where will this journey take them? 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 : Top Jungkook | Bottom Jimin | gay romance | morden omegaverse | alpha Jungkook | omega Jimin | romance | running away | chasing freedom | action | violence | eldest son trauma | trauma bonding | shared trauma | character development | happy ending © stargirlpjm | 2026 ✓

Hareame hasn't seen the sun in eleven years. Souta Hinami delivers the mail through the endless rain - carrying everyone else's joy and grief, but never his own. ---- Then one night, a letter arrives addressed to no one: "To: The Girl Who Listens to Rain." It leads him to Mio Tsukishiro, a quiet new girl who lost her ability to hear certain sounds, and grows flowers that only bloom in real rain. ---- What begins as one anonymous letter becomes many - until the line between strangers and something more disappears completely. ---- A slow-burn romance about letters, rain, and finding the right person at exactly the right moment. 🌧️📮

In which, Dominic turns his forced "hiatus" into a mission to get under Jade Callahan's skin, realizing too late that the only thing more dangerous than a Hollywood fallout is a girl who sees exactly who he is when the cameras stop flashing. (dominic fike x femoc) DISCLAIMER: This story has not been proofread yet.

Kennedy Mitchell has spent years secretly crushing on her best friend's older brother, Cade Foster. But after overhearing Cade tell his friends she's "not his type," Kennedy's heart shatters. To Cade, she's always been one of the guys-the tomboy who prefers basketball courts over shopping malls and hoodies over dresses. Determined to move on, Kennedy spends the summer finding confidence she never knew she had with the help of her older sister. But when a makeover turns heads and a new guy starts showing interest, Cade suddenly can't stop noticing the girl who's been right in front of him all along. The problem? Kennedy isn't sure she wants him anymore. Maybe being "not his type" was the best thing that ever happened to her.

She came to Aspen Ridge to disappear. After walking away from the life she thought she was supposed to have, Evie Brooks rents a room at a charming boutique mountain inn tucked beneath Colorado's golden aspens. She tells herself she'll stay just long enough to catch her breath, finish a freelance design project, and figure out what comes next. Falling in love was never part of the plan. Luke Callahan, the quiet owner of Aspen Ridge Inn, has spent years restoring the century-old lodge into a place where weary souls can heal. The last thing he's looking for is another reason to open the parts of his heart he buried long ago. As autumn settles over the mountains, the town comes alive with harvest festivals, bonfires, apple cider, and crisp mornings that seem to whisper new beginnings. But healing isn't as simple as changing your scenery. The past has a way of following you, and some wounds only begin to mend when someone sees the pieces you've tried so hard to hide. In Aspen Ridge, strangers become family, ordinary moments become unforgettable, and sometimes the road that brings you home is the one you never planned to take. Perfect for readers who love: 🍂 Slow-burn romance 🏔️ Cozy mountain towns ☕ Boutique inns & small-town charm 🧡 Emotional healing and second chances 🍁 Fall vibes, harvest festivals, and found family

The sea kept its secrets. The town kept its legends. Between them, two strangers found a summer worth remembering. ⤷ on going... © h5shyu. 2026.

Dr. Luciana Islington is a brilliant cyberneticist, set to merge her technology with Tony Stark. But when Luciana goes missing, after a frantic phone call, her daughter, Mackenzie, sets out on a journey to find her. The search leads her to Evansborough, a touristy small town in upstate New York where nothing seems to make sense. There, it is clear Mackenzie's mother had dark ties to the town's past. Meanwhile, worlds collide as Clint Barton, struggling not to unravel after his experience with Loki, is sent by SHIELD to investigate Ravenwood, the haunted house in Evansborough, triggering a ghostly chain of events involving murder, old magic, and small-town secrets. CONTENT WARNINGS: Themes of PTSD, sequences of violence, some injury scenes, a graphic murder scene, mild language such as d**** and H*ll, mild suggestive content, and moderate creepy sequences of supernatural horror.

*21+ readers. Depictions of violence, gore, blood, and sexual themes. * Some monsters hide in the dark. Others live in it. Sable knows what she is-what was done to her-and what she becomes when the world is quiet enough to listen. Out in the forests of Blackridge, jobs come and go, most of them illegal, most of them dangerous. She takes them anyway. It keeps her fed. It keeps her moving. It keeps the past buried. But when something starts tearing through the woods-something that leaves no clean answers behind-Sable is pulled into a job that feels less like work... and more like a memory she's tried to forget. Because monsters aren't just stories.