First published 2012
Laura Reed watches a promising student crumble under relentless bullying at her high school in Serenity, South Carolina. The harassment threatens to destroy the teenager's future, forcing Laura to confront her own painful past. She teams up with pediatrician J.C. Fullerton, who carries his own scars from childhood torment. Together they rally the Sweet Magnolias and mobilize the entire town to protect the student and send a clear message that bullying will not be tolerated in their community. As Laura and J.C. work side by side, their shared mission ignites deeper feelings between them. Both have built walls around their hearts after years of hurt, but their connection grows stronger with each passing day. The fight to save one student becomes a battle to heal old wounds and create something new. Laura and J.C. must decide whether they can trust enough to let love in.
Genres: fiction, romance, contemporary-romance, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Serenity, South Carolina
384 pages · Kindle Edition · Harlequin MIRA
Content warnings: emotional-abuse