Debut Novel
Debut Novel
Debut Novel Debut Novel
Ana-
I never expected to fall for someone like Knox—overconfident, a flirt, the kind of man who walks into a room and owns it without even trying. He saw through every wall I put up, pushed every button I had, and made me feel things I wasn’t ready for. Every moment with him was electric. Addicting. But just when I let myself believe in us, life had other plans.
Knox—
Losing baseball broke me. It wasn’t just a game—it was my future, my identity, the only thing I’d ever wanted. When it was ripped away, I stopped believing in anything, least of all myself. But then came Ana. She didn’t try to fix me. She saw me—all the shattered, angry, lost pieces—and somehow, without even meaning to, she stitched me back together.
Losing her once nearly destroyed me. Losing her again? Not an option. I’ve already let go of one dream. I won’t let go of her.
Content Warning- This story contains elements that may be triggering, including a brief depiction of potential opioid addiction as well as cheating. However, the depiction of addiction is accompanied by themes of recovery, healing, and the supportive love of those around the character. Character actions of personal accountability, remorse, and self-reflection follow the brief encounter of cheating.
Fall in Love again.
Meet Blake & Luke.
Blake-
I thought I was done with love. One night with the wrong guy was all it took to unravel me—proof that I’m not as tough as I seem. So I swore off men, convinced I needed to work on myself. Heal myself. But life has a twisted sense of humor. Just when I settle on solitude, I crash—literally—into Luke.
My best friend’s older brother. The one I’ve always wanted but never let myself peruse. He’s everything I told myself was off-limits: older, accomplished, heartbreakingly unattainable. And worse—he sees right through me. Every time I try to keep my distance, he looks at me like I’m the one thing he’s been waiting for.
But crossing that line could cost me everything. Even if not crossing it is already tearing me apart.
Luke-
I didn’t spend years pining after Blake. That’s not how it happened.
Back then, she was just my sister’s best friend. A little wild, always around, always laughing too loud. I had a wife, a life I thought made sense.
Quietly, slowly,my marriage was crumbling around me; over long before I admitted it out loud. And somewhere in that silence, there she was—Blake. Not trying. Not even looking at me that way. Just… being her.
And suddenly, I couldn’t stop seeing her.
It wasn’t some big romantic moment. It was a tangle of small ones.
Now five years later, she’s here. Still trying to pretend we’re just friends. Still keeping me at arm’s length. But I’ve already lived through loving the wrong person. I know what that feels like.
This—what’s between us—it’s the first thing that’s felt real in a long time.
And I’m not walking away from it.
Content Warning:
Before you step into this story, I want you to know that it holds deep emotions, messy love, and characters who are trying to heal in their own imperfect ways. Throughout their journey, you’ll find angst and emotional pain tied to both past and present heartbreak, as well as the complicated process of learning to trust and love again.
This book also explores intimacy, including sexual exploration with toys, as the characters discover themselves and each other in new ways. There is a physical altercation between two characters, moments shaped by grief and loss, and family conflict that makes love feel both fragile and fiercely worth fighting for.
If any of these themes are tender spots for you, please take care of yourself as you read. This story is filled with love, resilience, and healing—but only you know what feels right for your heart. No matter what, you are not alone.
Fake? Not a chance.
Meet April & cash.
April-
When a man emotionally wrecks your best friend, you don’t forget it.
When he follows that up by ruining the best night of her life, you don’t forgive it.
So when Cash Bennett shows up, smirking, smug, and somehow still devastatingly hot, I know exactly who he is.
Or I thought I did.
Every instinct I have is screaming no…
My heart, that's a different story.
Cash-
She arrived like a storm at my door, eyes blazing with fire, heart heavy with pain I couldn’t turn away from.
A week in Jamaica, pretending we’re more than strangers.
One bed between us, no space to hide.
She doesn’t know me. She sees only the man who broke her best friend’s heart.
But standing near her feels like the only truth I want to know.
Content Warning:
Before you begin, I want to offer a gentle heads-up about some of the themes explored in this story. This book contains emotional and intimate content that may be difficult for some readers, including:
Infertility and the emotional impact surrounding it
Characters grappling with inexperience and vulnerability around intimacy
Public play (sexual content in semi-public settings)
A scene where a sex dream transitions into real sexual activity while one character is in a sleep-heavy or semi-conscious state
These elements are handled with care, but I recognize they may not be for everyone. Please take care of yourself and read at your own comfort level.
Mistletoe? How about lights.
Fall in love with Ana and Knox all over again.
Knox,
The stockings are hung, the lights are low,
The kids are gone so it’s time for show.
A hint of lace, a playful dare,
A "reindeer game"… one we can share.
A clue in your pocket, one more by the bed,
The last leads to where our fire once led.
Follow the trail, unwrap what you see,
And maybe you’ll find the gift is... me.
—Ana
Content Warning:
Dear Reader,
Welcome to a spicy little holiday escape where the cocoa is hot, the games are naughty, and the emotions run just as deep as the snowdrifts!
Before you dive in, here’s a little festive forewarning:
This story contains steamy moments that include playful sex games (yes, there may be christmas lights involved), intimate photos, and some holiday drinks that pack more than just a punch—they come with side effects. Amid the sparkle and spice, the story also gently explores the emotional complexities of life and love after kids, because even Santa needs a moment to reflect now and then.
This book blends heat with heart, laughter with longing, and yes—plenty of adult cheer. Please proceed with caution, you’re the most important part of Christmas.
With holiday mischief,
Harper Rae