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Living in a town with so many haunting memories has its price to pay. Wanting to leave and never look back, Ryker's stuck dealing with secrets, preferring to leave them in the past. Well, that was until a girl entered his life, changing his view and outlook. Will he improve or deteriorate because of this new girl's presence? Join Ryker on his journey as he discovers the true definition of life. A little humor goes a long way. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher: i&i Publisher
Ryker
Ryker
For guys, life is a party or a good time. The guys coast by not giving a shit what happens. As long as girls, drinking, smoking, or whatever is there. That is them, not me. That was my twin. He thinks about the next notch on his bedpost or the next score while hiding behind a persona. I prefer to be real.
People may call me a pessimist, but I'm a realist. I don't consider the glass half empty or half full but as the truth. I'm not into drinking or drugs. I'm not even into a casual fling because it's not my thing.
I'm not a goody goody by any means. I fight, I have a mouth, and I'm always looking for engaging conversation.
People assumed things about me since I don't have a girl hanging on me. People think I'm gay, far from it. I've never been into casual flings with girls. Oh, they have tried. Yeah, I will admit. I've messed around. As far as going further, nah, I'll pass.
My parents are always on my ass. Ryker, when will you do something? There's more to life than your bed. Ryker, do something. Yeah, you get the drift. I get they care, but damn, a little leeway is nice.
School bores me. It serves no purpose. Anything I do, I pass. My grades are impeccable, but it bears no interest to me. Call me moody, but I could do without it.
You encounter the same thing and people. I grew up with the people I have known throughout the years. My family goes there while the others had scattered. My parents settling in the town where they grew up is beyond me. I'm still wondering what is wrong with my family that made them stay.
Besides my parents, my two uncles stuck around as well. The others left this godforsaken town. I'm not too fond of it here and hate it. The minute I get a chance, I am going and never coming back.
"Ryker! Breakfast!" Mom yelled, breaking me from my thoughts. I exhaled, rubbing my face. I glimpsed at the clock, seven a.m. Then turned back to face the ceiling. One more year in this forsaken town, then I'm out of here.
My door flung open.
"Did you understand your mother? She said breakfast."
I turned and looked at Dad.
"Yeah, I'm not deaf."
"Sometimes, I have to wonder."
He leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed. His auburn hair flopped on his forehead. I didn't dare defy him to the point of him losing his shit. He could wipe the floor with me.
He straightened up and headed to the kitchen. I sat up, pulling on a pair of black jeans and a black tee-shirt. I shoved my feet into my boots and tied them. Then I left my room, heading to the kitchen.
I walked in to see mom at the stove and dad, my twin, and sister at the table. They were talking, but I wasn't paying attention. I grabbed a plate and started dishing food onto it. Mom pointed to her cheek, wanting a kiss. I gave her a quick peck before taking a seat next to my other half.
My twin and I could not be more different. While he presented himself better, I went with the flow. Our personalities differed from each other. He was upbeat and always ready to make conversation while I stuck with my thoughts. They call it being an introvert. I call it being real.
My sister was about a year older, who graduated last year. She was starting college today. She and my other cousin were heading out to the local college before they transferred.
As we ate, I listen to everyone talk with a nod here and there. I didn't need to speak this morning. A few minutes later, my other cousins strolled into the house. Sasha goes to school with my sister, and her younger brother, Frisco, was a senior like us. Then our other cousin Evan walked in behind them.
"You boys ready for your last year?" Dad asked.
"Oh, hell, yeah. I can't wait," Frisco said.
"Language," mom said.
"It's time for us to get going," my brother said.
He scarfed his food as I finished mine. With that, we headed out.
Once inside the car, my brother turned over the engine, and we were off. Yep, it'll be one hell of a year. I can already taste it.
Carrington Carrington Jones grew up with seven brothers and sisters. He has a happy-go-lucky nature with a tender heart, which sets him apart from his siblings with their personalities. He meets a woman who captures his heart. The only problem is she has a husband. Carrington’s brothers advised him against pursuing it, especially Mason and Charles, understanding it’s a terrible idea. Carrington can’t stay away from the woman. What happens with romance blossoms? Will Carrington discover his happiness, or will his heart get broken? A forbidden romance is enticing but arises in tragedy. Carrington will discover that it’s not romance where his heart lies but what occurs from it. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Matthew Harper always does the right thing. He doesn’t drink or smoke and protects his family, but he lets his past rule him. After dealing with the loss of his girlfriend Sadie, he thought he could move on, but ghosts of the past resurface. It made him close off his heart to someone who could love him more profoundly than the ocean. What happens when a past love resurfaces, making him rethink his earlier decisions? Will he get a second chance at happiness he deserves or breaks another’s heart again? It takes help from some cousins and an unexpected situation to show Matthew that we can’t let the past rule our future. The heart wants what the heart wants. *The Gray Series spin-off series. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
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Growing up next to the Harper boys, Tori Williams learned to hold her own with them. Her brother Gabe is best friends with the boys, and Tori deals with the youngest Harper boy, Deacon. There’s a slight issue when Tori dates Bradley Wilson, whom the Harper boys can’t stand. Wanting to keep Tori from her idiot ex-boyfriend, Nate and Deacon develop a plan of their own. Elias Harper graduated college and returned home to work in construction. While Nate and Deacon scheme to keep Bradley from Tori, another issue arises when Elias takes an interest in a particular neighbor girl. What happens when four years change people? Will a love connection happen, or will someone get burned? With the Gray gene cemented in your DNA, all bets are off. Follow Elias as he discovers who held his heart while growing up. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Lex and Piper are ready to settle down and have a family of their own. After celebrating the wedding of Michael and Lyric, something significant happens to Lex and Piper, which turns the Gray family upside down. Will they be able to get through this, or will they falter? With the help of The Gray Brothers and The Gray Sisters, Lex and Piper will learn the meaning of what it is to be a Gray. Love and humor go a long way for this family. Follow Lex and Piper on their journey as we find out if they can find their way back to each other. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
As the quints head into their third and final year of college, they are going to discover the thing that truly matters most - family. Follow them on their journey as the sisters deal with situations beyond their control. That is when the family becomes essential, especially the Gray Family. Now all they must do is get through the next two years with minor issues. Considering these are The Gray Sisters, expect the unexpected. With a little bit of help from the Brothers and a whole lot of humor, anything is possible. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
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