First published 2013
Ellie Johnson arrives at the University of Texas carrying years of verbal abuse from her mother. At eighteen, she believes no one could ever love her. She plans to focus on her studies and build a new life far from home. Then she meets Gunner Mathews, the starting linebacker for the football team who also happens to be her brother's best friend. Gunner lives for two things: football and his grandfather's ranch. But when he sees Ellie, everything changes. He pursues her relentlessly, determined to prove she deserves love. Ellie fights her growing feelings at every turn. Each time Gunner breaks through her defenses, fear drives her away again. Her past wounds run deep, and trusting someone feels impossible. Gunner must decide how long he can wait for her to open her heart. Ellie must choose between the safety of isolation and the risk of letting someone in.
Genres: romance, young-adult, contemporary-romance, new-adult-romance
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Texas, University of Texas
Audio CD · Tantor Media Inc
Content warnings: abuse, emotional-abuse, physical-abuse