As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him—especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next!

Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob’s father isn’t exactly welcoming.

Riley doesn’t trust Phoenix, doesn’t want her in Jacob’s life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he’s about to find both—if they can forgive the mistakes in their past…

To celebrate release day, Brenda Novak is giving away the first book in the series, When Lightining Strikes (autographed)  and this cute apron! (Just Like Mom’s is the fictional restaurant in Whiskey Creek)

To enter, just leave a comment. I’ll choose a winner tomorrow.

Excerpt:

His voice had a rough edge that made her fear he wasn’t taking what she’d said as the apology she’d intended. “Right,” she said. “Sex and love are two different things, and boys can make that distinction more easily than girls. That’s all I’m saying. I get that now.”

“I see. What a great thing to learn.”

Was he being sarcastic? She was so confused. “It was a lesson I needed. And learning it the way I did means I’ll never forget.”

A muscle moved in his cheek.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Did I say something wrong? I was trying to apologize for…for falling in love with you. Or for holding on to you when I should’ve let go.” None of this was coming out right. She could tell that much, so she stopped trying to explain and opted for the direct approach. “Regardless of anything else, know this―I promise I’ll never single you out like that again or do anything else to make you uncomfortable.”

There. That had to be clear. She smiled up at him, hoping what she’d said would finally meet with his approval. But there was that damn frown again. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Nothing. Don’t worry. You nailed it. And so innocently, too.”

She pressed her fingers to her temples. The pain meds had really kicked in. “I admit my thoughts are…somewhat disjointed. What, exactly, did I nail?”

“That you can’t trust a guy,” he replied. “That a guy doesn’t know what love is.”

That sounded a bit harsh. Had she actually said those things? “Maybe not all guys,” she clarified.

“Okay. Only me,” he said and walked out.

“I was trying to apologize!” she called after him.

He shook his head as he turned back. “For ever loving me?”