Wrecked (Cowles)

I loved him before I knew what the word meant. From skinned knees to first dates and everything in between. But he was never mine to love. I settled for friendship, even though I always wanted more. That was before. Before he ripped my world apart and didn't bother sticking around to help me pick up the pieces. I knit every last shred back together all on my own. And I've all but forgotten his name. Now, he's back, and everything is torn apart once more. But he's not the only one doing the tearing this time. And there might be no stopping the person who has it out for us both.

My past taught me to play it safe. To stay far away from handsome men who promised it all. My life was good without them. Stable, secure, predictable. But one kiss showed me that I'd been playing it safe for far too long. One night, and all I wanted was more of his wildfire. One challenge and my carefully constructed walls tumbled down. Amidst the rubble, I realized there was more to this man than I ever dreamed. When everything fell apart, he showed me what it meant to stay. How to truly live. But some demons don't stay buried. The past can come knocking when you least expect. And the life he's showing me might be shorter than either of us expected...

One night was all it took for everything to change. From college student to guardian in a single breath. My siblings became my world. No time for date nights or romantic dreams. I traded quiet weekends for sleepless nights. Giving my all to make sure they were cared for. But Griffin had a brokenness that called to me-one that mirrored my own. Gruff and just a little bit reckless. He was the last thing I needed. But everything I wanted. Only someone isn't happy about this new life I'm building. Deciding to set fire to everything I hold close. And when the smoke clears, there might be only ashes left behind...

There were shadows I was running from. Ones that haunted and taunted. Ones that made it so I had no choice but to disappear. I'd spent years hiding from the world. My little island haven, the only assurance of safety. It all changed the moment he showed up at my door. The hint of pain in his eyes told me that something haunted him, too. And I couldn't help but be drawn closer. But finding the person I needed most came with risks I never expected. And when our ghosts find us again, neither of us may make it out this time.

It was supposed to be a summer we'd never forget. Instead, everything was stolen from me. The best friend who was more like a sister. The innocent way I looked at life. Leaving me with only unanswered questions. Returning to the island is the second chance I didn't know I needed. And Hunter is the surprise that knocks me sideways. There's a hurt in him that calls to my own. A strength I find in sharing our scars. Igniting a spark that turns to flame. But someone isn't happy about the world I'm building for myself. And nothing will stop them from tearing it all apart...