Breaking Lauren

By Jordan Deen

Seventeen-year-old Danny Cummings' life is far from a fairytale, but that's okay since he doesn't believe in happy endings. After spending a year in juvenile hall for maliciously beating his sister's boyfriend, Danny embraces his badass image. Spending most nights drinking, fighting and collecting gambling debts for his Uncle, Danny's life is out of control. His addiction to the bad boy lifestyle won't let him do anything about it, even with his family begging him to go straight. But, when fifteen-year-old Lauren McIntosh stumbles into one of his nightly escapades, the self-proclaimed anti-romantic can't concentrate on anything except Lauren and the fact that she's on the same path his sister was on. Danny knows true love happening for the villain is as common as gamblers paying their debt on time, but he's never backed away from a challenge before and he hates the idea that history will repeat itself.

Growing old with the man she loves-in the small town where she was born-is the only dream Lauren McIntosh has ever had; that is until her family is practically run out of town amidst rumors of arson and adultery. So, when she meets Danny at her new school and hears the rumors about his activities from her new friends, she wants nothing to do with him or the gossip that seems to follow Danny everywhere. After a dangerous and ill-fated attempt at sneaking out, she develops unwelcomed feelings for Danny that he seems to reciprocate. But, Danny's unrelenting pursuit makes Lauren nervous, especially since he's the only one that wants to know the secrets surrounding her family's move. Lauren can't tell if Danny's intentions are true or if he has other plans for their new found and unlikely friendship. The only way to figure out is to let him in and that could destroy everything, including the popularity and social acceptance she desperately seeks.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jordan Deen
• Release date: Jan 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310409110

Jordan Deen

Jordan Deen is a Young Adult and New Adult Fiction writer from a small suburb of East St. Louis, Illinois. Her novels are a mixture of urban fantasy, paranormal and edgy contemporary. In her free time, she loves to read, bake, attend concerts, travel and play with her two-legged and four-legged sons. She is known for her love of quirky clothes, multi-colored hair and has a fondness for tattoos, high heels and cupcakes. In addition, she is a tech junkie that can be found most mornings and early afternoons on her tablet talking to folks on Facebook and Twitter about books, current events and music.Her debut novel, 'The Crescent' was a 2010 Reader's Favorite Award Winner. Her third novel, 'Breaking Lauren' was a Texas Book Association Finalist in 2013.

Book preview

Breaking Lauren

BY

Jordan Deen

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine or journal.

Copyright © 2014 by Jordan Deen

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

eISBN: 978-1-310409-1-1-0

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Acknowledgment

To all my readers, fans, and supporters-

As always, there are so many to thank—and not nearly enough time to do it in.

First and foremost, I want to thank Black Rose Writing for their continued support and help in making my dream a reality. I love that they have given me a vessel to bring the voices in my head to life.

To my readers and amazing friends— it’s no secret what a struggle this year-and-a-half has been. I thank each of you for propping me up through those dark days and for listening when I couldn’t get myself to put my fingers to the keys. Sometimes, the only way to heal the wrongs is to write it out; I’ve learned that from you and you will forever have my gratitude.

Special thanks to Lynsey Newton, Shannon Delany, Jennifer Murgia, and J.A. Souders for their kind words and support. Each of you had a hand in my continuing on this journey—my sincerest appreciation goes to you all.

To my family—I could not express enough how much I have appreciated your unfailing support. I’m thankful you were there for Drew and I when so many others had failed us. You’ve empowered me to stand up for myself and the importance of my voice.

To Jer- thank you for showing me all things happen for a reason, and sometimes you just have to join the circus.

To my Grandma and Aunt, I’m sorry the two of you will not see this book in print. Our family is not the same without you. You were taken too soon.

To my son, Drew, you are my world, my moon and my stars—I see the future of humanity in your eyes and I know you make the world a better place. I love you to infinity and back.

Life is about the journey, not the destination. This year has definitely been my journey to self-discovery, realization, betrayal, love, loss, heartbreak, healing—and finally—acceptance.

Much Love,

Jordan

Danny

My best friend Brandon starts pounding on my door at 2:01 a.m. It’s time to begin the second part of my day… the part that I’ve become addicted to and need more than anything else. I never thought fighting would become such a huge part of my life … I guess time can really change anyone. I reach over to the cardboard box that I’ve been using as a nightstand and pick up my favorite shooter. A few swigs of vodka will help me do what I have to do, what my crew and makeshift family expects of me. Lifting the glass, I toss it back trying to avoid breathing the fire through my nose.

Uncle John enticed me into this world using sex, money and alcohol—it’s ironic that two of those things don’t thrill me anymore. Like most nights there’s a girl in my bed. I can’t remember how she got here, and I don’t know how she’s getting home. But, I can’t care about that now. I’m just waiting for the vodka to do its job so I can go and do mine and make more money that I’m really not even spending anymore. Sure, I went through a phase where I bought everything I could imagine—the newest phones, TV’s, video games—but that passed quickly. Most of the other guys in the crew waste their money on drugs but there’s no way I’d let myself go that far.

Hey. I nudge the girl. If it weren’t for her faint breathing, I’d think she’s dead. That’s the last thing I need; I’m already running late for tonight’s collection and it’s not her fault she ended up in the middle of my shitty of a life. You’ve gotta go.

Nothing. She doesn’t move.

Hey! I push a little harder on her side. Finally she rolls over and I recognize her, a cheerleader from my high school—Melinda, I think. Can’t say I ever thought I’d wake up with her, but it won’t happen again. It’s time to go, princess. Her arms stretch over her head as I get up and pull on yesterday’s pants and t-shirt.

You got a ride? I ask reaching in my wallet for cab money. I don’t have time to take her home, although it’s not likely she’d want to be seen in my truck, and she can’t stay here.

Melinda’s eyes glaze over as she’s either trying to wake up, or figure out how she ended up in bed with me. I’m not sure if she was at DJ’s last night or not. But, it’s a safe bet if she was she probably found exactly what she was looking for. She wanted a dance on the dark side, most princesses do, but it always leads to awkward moments like this one that I always want to rush through. When I first moved in with my uncle, I didn’t mind a new girl every few days—hell, it was fun. Now the newness has worn off. It’s mostly more trouble than it’s worth … especially at times like this.

Did you hear me? I slide into my boots, and pick up my keys, hoping she gets the hint that being in my bed doesn’t mean the invitation is open to stay there.

Um, yeah. Her perfect pink fingernails cover her eyes briefly, and then she stumbles getting off the bed to pull on her designer jeans. I wait impatiently, not wanting to embarrass her, but not wanting to have a conversation with her either. The vodka hasn’t kicked in yet, and the shooter is beckoning me to take another swig of that saving liquid to erase this painful interaction with one of Mountain View’s social elite.

I guess I’ll see you at school? she asks, opening the door, but we both know that’s a lie. Monday, she’ll be back in the safety of the main quad with the other cheerleaders and football morons, and I’ll be at the benches with the slackers. The world will be in harmony once again. She’ll act as if tonight never happened. Hell, I’ll act like tonight never happened.

—

An hour later, my shirt’s covered in blood. At least it’s not mine. It never is. I carefully plan out my attacks; calculate the risks for any given scenario—my uncle taught me that. However, my best friend, Brandon—well he’s another story. He’s more of a ‘take action and ask questions later’ kind of guy. But, he’s had my back when no one else has—like a certain year I spent in Juvenile Hall—so I let him slip sometimes.

Tonight’s not one of those times.

My cousins and I assess Brandon’s handy-work. They’ve been questioning Uncle John’s decision to put me in charge of the crew. Brandon knows I slipped by giving this guy another two weeks to come up with the cash he owes. So, tonight, Brandon has taken the lead after I delivered the first blow. I am in charge. Brandon is my enforcer—at least that’s how this one will go down.

Trevor’s right eye is pink and swollen from the punch I gave him earlier—a mind-numbing hit that left him dazed and my knuckle split open. But, it readied him for what always comes next in the loan shark game. Trust me, gambling collections are a hell of a lot harder than they are portrayed in those video games Brandon’s always playing.

Tonight’s mark, Trevor, is high on coke and thrashing beneath Brandon. Collecting from junkies is the worst. You never know if they’ll have a needle or a crack pipe that’ll break and land you in the hospital. For Trevor’s sake, I hope he doesn’t because that’ll only make this bad situation that much worse. You’d think if he had money to buy smack, he’d pay towards his losses from the horse track. I guess that’d make too much sense. At least I learned a thing or two from my dad—you don’t waste good money on bad things.

No! Stop! Stop! Trevor screams as Brandon presses his knee into Trevor’s ribcage, smashing his body into the gravel. If Trevor manages to get free, we’ll have to chase him down, and my cousins will tell Uncle John he made the wrong decision giving me my own crew. My ex-police Sergeant dad would not be proud of my new responsibility or the fact that I’m doing my bookie uncle’s handy-work, but he left me no other choice.

Let me go! I swear, I’ll pay, I’ll pay. Trevor continues to beg. There’s no way he can come up with the ten grand he owes John. He’s too far-gone, and the real point of this visit is to make an example out of him—no one can avoid paying John his dues.

Where’s the money? I ask, and Brandon shoves him harder into the ground.

Huh? Brandon shoves again, and Trevor starts throwing up. God, I hate junkies, but this is exactly what Brandon wants. Trevor tries to talk around the chunks sliding from his mouth. I’m embarrassed for him, but suppress those thoughts, and consider pulling out my flask of vodka to help take the edge off. Trevor made his choices. We all have demons we run from, but some run faster than the others.

I can’t understand you, Brandon goads, and pushes Trevor’s face straight into his own filth. Brandon is laughing like a hyena—manic and crazy. He is enjoying this far too much. I resist telling him to stop with my cousins carefully scrutinizing my every move. I can’t help Trevor get out of this situation; Uncle John is the only person who understands and accepts what I’ve been through. I owe him my life for what he’s done for me. Showing Trevor any further leniency would be disrespectful.

I’ll get it. I swear I’ll get it, Trevor repeats.

You’re full of crap, Brandon says, filling the void from my lack of participation or enthusiasm for this collection. Most nights, I don’t mind collecting from the scum of the earth, but this is different. Trevor was my friend in grade school before the dark clouds settled in. Before he was addicted to drugs and gambling and before I was branded a violent offender and sent to juvenile hall. We’ve given you two weeks to come up with it. You’ve gotta give us something.

One of my cousins laughs and yanks Trevor’s wallet from his back pocket; just as I suspected, it’s empty. That’s not going to help him—then again, anything less than the ten thousand would’ve been pointless anyway.

I’ll get half … I can get half by tomorrow morning if you just let me go, Trevor cries out. Man. I swear. I swear!

Brandon knows we have the upper hand. Trevor played right into this wicked taunting game we’ve become so good at that it has become our second nature. Plus, we know if he offered half by morning, he can get half by tonight if we push enough.

Well, that does me no good for now. Where are you going to come up with five grand? I say, taking the lead back now that he’s thrown us a bone. If we come back with money all will be appeased, and the fact that I didn’t rough Trevor up myself will be forgotten … just like the mercy I’ve shown him.

I’ve got money. I swear. I’ll get it, he repeats as if I didn’t hear him the first time.

What’d ya think, Brandon? I give the signal that we’re almost done—the money’s within our reach. Think we should give him until the morning? Trevor sobs again and shakes his head as though he’s already celebrating his release. They all do that, but freedom comes with a price for our visit: his front teeth and a broken nose. Plus, he’ll give us that half tonight. That’s the minimum for one of our visits; even I know that. Anything less is a failure. That’s the price you pay when you can’t run faster than your demons.

I guess, Brandon replies, winking at me, and flashing the grin that makes him look like an escaped mental patient. He loves this kind of crap, the drama. For me, I just want the business of the night over with, and more liquid eraser sliding down my throat—my empty bed is waiting for me to collapse into.

Trevor relaxes on the ground, and Brandon eases up his knee as I’ve done to so many others. I’m thankful it’s not my knee tonight, especially since it gives Trevor a false sense of security. He has no idea what Brandon has planned; Brandon’s banking on that. If he tenses before Brandon accomplishes his mission, he won’t lose those teeth, and that’s unacceptable. In one swift move, Brandon clutches his fingers around the scruff on the back of Trevor’s neck and forces his head into the asphalt. But when Brandon continues to pound his face into the ground, I know he’s out of control and needs to be reined in before he takes this collection a little too far. Brandon sometimes doesn’t know his own strength, or to stop when he’s ahead. Plus, I’d never fully unleash Brandon on someone I at least half like.

By six a.m., I finish counting the wad of cash my uncle split between the four of us and head towards my room. Other than a few scrapes on my knuckles, a black eye, and a serious case of buyer’s remorse … the night was a success.

Sort of.

Can there be redemption if you’ve sold your soul to the devil?

Lauren

My parents and I arrive in California a month into my sophomore year. We’ve moved to save my parent’s marriage … I guess. We’ve abandoned our hometown of Fairview because everyone stared at my mother as if she had a giant A on her chest, no, not for adultery, for arson. Dad should’ve worn the giant red A for adulterer.

Yup, after twenty years of seemingly perfect matrimony, my father allegedly cheated on my mother, and she allegedly burnt our house down in retaliation. It’s hard to believe either story is true considering dad still brings mom roses every Sunday and she still bakes him an apple pie before games; although, now he watches games on TV instead of on the sidelines. Dad was fired from his coaching job at the High School and the insurance company refused to rebuild the house … I guess both stories hold some truth … no matter how much they suck and I refuse to believe them.

Summer taught me one very painful lesson: small town people talk about any disasters because they have nothing better to do. Even people that said they were our friends gossiped and spread lies about us. Luckily, my older brother and sister didn’t have to endure being shunned by their friends since they were already at college by the time everything fell apart. Good for them but terribly bad for me. I got thrown center stage into the spotlight, a place I’ve never been comfortable in, but I’m hoping to change that.

I’ve changed clothes more than twenty times for my first day, trying to look cooler and skinnier than I actually am. Even though I’m fifteen, mom’s hovering by my bedroom door to inspect my clothes and make- up to make sure I’m not trying to mirror my older sister. Her presence is making my mission of looking awesome almost impossible. The sound of footsteps outside my door makes me forget which shirts I’ve already had on and which ones are still an option.

My parents might see California as an opportunity to start their marriage over again, but I see it as a chance to reinvent myself. No more being teased for being Lynn and James’s chubby kid sister. This is my chance to step out of the shadows and finally be popular instead of the tag-a-long. I hated being called that by my sibling’s friends, even though it fit since I’m five years younger to them and never had really close friends of my own. Or a boyfriend because all the boys in town hung out with my brother and wanted to date my sister … they barely gave me a second glance. But that’s o-v-e-r. I’m done with it and that life. My mother and sister were both cheerleaders and popular in school. My father and brother were on all the sports teams and just as popular … this is my chance to have the life I’ve always wanted. Today’s just the beginning. So, I have to get this right. You only get one chance to make a first impression—and I’m going to knock it out of the park, or, at least I hope I do. If I can channel half of mom or Lynn’s charisma, then today should be a breeze.

—

Mountain View High looks more like a college than a high school. Getting lost on the way to the office for my schedule is zero fun. The map they give me doesn’t really help anything either. Then again, I’ve always been directionally challenged. Rushing to get to my Theater Tech class, I run straight into a short blonde girl with heavy make-up and a crazy short denim skirt on. I drop my backpack and she drops all her books. So much for not looking like a fool on my first day.

I’m so sorry! My skin lights on fire. This is not the first impression I wanted to make.

Oh hey, are you new here? She gives me a wide grin.

Yeah. I let out an uncomfortable laugh and start picking up the scattered items from the sidewalk: some hers, some mine. There’s no way to salvage today. Maybe I can get a do-over tomorrow.

Thanks. Where you heading? I’m Alexis by the way.

Umm … the Theater Arts room. I’m Lauren. Oh man. Where is my charisma? My charm? If I’m going to redeem myself, I need Lynn—not Lauren. She’d know exactly what to say in this situation.

Cool. I’m going there now. Come on. She grabs my hand and goes the opposite way. So, where are you from? Did you just move here?

How did you know? Paranoia fills my gut that the word outsider is stitched on my shirt for the whole world to see. Talk about uncomfortable. I’m going to have to avoid this girl for the rest of the year.

You have a funny accent. She smiles again. Her kind eyes give me hope that I might be able to salvage things after all. So, you’re from another state?

We just moved here from Illinois. My older brother and sister are still at college there. Mentioning Lynn and James makes me homesick and angry at myself for sounding like the mousy-tag-a-long sister again.

Oh. Why did you move then? she asks, ending my inner search for my cool alter ego.

That’s a really long story . . . Full of a past I have no intention of sharing … with anyone.

Well, then … you can tell me over lunch! Alexis stops in front of the door to the Theater Arts department and introduces several girls. The only names I remember are Mandi and Jamie, but only because they’re wearing cheerleading outfits, an honor I hope to get soon. If not this year, definitely next, after I have a long talk with my mother and lose some weight, that is.

Just as Mr. Claymore calls the class to order, the theater doors fling open filling the theater with rays of glowing sun. I swear the boy that cuts through them is walking in slow motion. He’s at least five foot eight, not too tall or too short, with light brown hair and dark brown eyes with a football jersey on. My heart goes into hyper speed and my head is cloudy.

With my eyes wide, I lean over to Alexis. Who’s that?

Ahhhh—that’s Josh Miller. He’s on the football team, shortstop in the baseball team, forward in the soccer team; he’s a high school coach’s dream.

Wow.

Yeah and pretty much everyone’s crushing on him.

Is he a senior? Oh man. Pllleeassse say no! He has to stick around long enough to fall for me.

Nope, junior.

He’s … he’s just …

Alexis giggles. I know, right?

"Do you have a crush on him, too?’ I ask without thinking, feeling instantly possessive over number nineteen—Josh Miller.

No, I don’t date high school boys. They’re too immature.

Are you a junior? I hope she’s not since she’s pretty much the only person that’s talked to me since we moved here.

No. I’m a sophomore. You?

I don’t answer, my eyes lock with Josh’s. He’s sitting across the aisle, less than five feet from us, with a smile that’s growing inch-by-inch, revealing the most perfect teeth I’ve ever seen. I feel faint when he asks about me. "Who’s your new friend?’

He asked about me? Oh my god! Breathe Lauren, breathe!

This is Lauren. She just moved here from Illinois. Alexis’s voice is distant as she gives him the play-by-play on her new dorky, mouth-half-open friend. Chills are competing for space up and down my spine as he leans in to introduce himself.

Hey, Lauren. I’m Josh.

Hey. I can’t manage to say anymore. If I believed in love at first sight, I’d say this is it. Harps and angels sing and that reverberates in my ears. I have no idea what the teacher even says during the next forty-five minutes; I’m too busy planning my honeymoon. Lynn would be so mad if I get my fairy-tale before her. Then again, mom’s going to be pissed if I ask to date a jock … I’ll have to call in dad for back up, that’s for sure. I’ll do anything to make #19 mine.

—

I agree to meet Alexis at my locker after lunch since I’ve got no idea how to get to hers. But Alexis is nowhere in sight. Instead, Mandi and another girl are waiting for me.

This is Jenn, Mandi says.

Hey. I’m Lauren.

I know. I heard all about you this morning from Mandi. Jenn smiles and hooks her arm through mine.

Loud laughing and screams from the tables in the grassy area behind my locker catch my attention. Teenagers are lounging all over the tables and benches eating lunch.

Don’t look over there. That’s bad news, Mandi cautions.

What do you mean? I stare even though she warned me not to.

"They’re a bunch of losers.

Reviews for Breaking Lauren

[alwaysyaatheart · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When I read the synopsis for this book I immediately thought it would be something that I would really like. I mean the idea is great and there's nothing I love more than a misguided bad boy. I totally fell for Danny. His character was great. Loved everything about him, the good, bad, and ugly. I was really proud of him and how he progressed throughout the book. Lauren, however, was a different story. In the beginning, I thought she must have something really special about her for the hot bad boy and the high school quarterback to both have their eye on her, especially since she kept referring to herself as a little overweight, but unfortunately, I never saw what that was. As the book progressed, I found her character to lack the depth and appeal that Danny's had. I actually kind of wanted to slap some sense into her a couple of times and tell her to get a grip and look what's in front of you. For the benefit of the doubt, she was very young and had "vain imaginations" that she felt she had to live up to. Given the shamble that her parent's marriage was in, I couldn't understand why she would be so insistent on having the same thing. The idea behind the story was really good, but I felt like Lauren's denial of her feelings for Danny went on too long and I would have liked to have seen her and Danny get past that hurdle by the time the book ended. The ending....WOW......major cliff hanger. I was a little disappointed. If you're a cliff hanger lover, then this is right up your alley. I don't mind cliffhangers, to a point. I can handle hanging off the Smokies on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but this was like dangling by your fingertips off of Mt. Everest, and despite what I thought of Lauren, I have got to see what happens next. Please, please let it finally be a happy ending. I guess I am a sucker for those. Overall, for me this book was okay. I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it either. Again, the concept and idea behind the story was great, the way it was executed just didn't do it for me, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be something that you would enjoy, and I would encourage you to check it out for yourself. I will be reading the next book in the series when it is available because I have to know what happens with Danny and Lauren. I am crossing my fingers that she will grow up and come to her senses, but I'll just keep hanging on the edge until that book becomes available.

[arlenadean · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Author: Jordan DeenPublished By: Black Rose Writing Age Recommended: YAReviewed By: Arlena Dean Blog For: GMTARating: 4Review:Breaking Lauren" by Jordan Deen was a YA read that took you on a very intense ride that kept my attention until I was finished. How this author was able to get these two... Danny and Lauren together with all of the problems each one had. The storyline was able to really suck you right into the the first person view of two of the main characters....Lauren and Danny.Lauren is fifteen, new in town and wanting her family troubling incidents from her family past...put way behind her and to become popular...than a older sister had been... who is now in college from back home. Lauren wants to also lose weight..why?... become a cheerleader...and date the most popular sports hero in school ...just like her mother? This is quite different for Danny... he has been in jevie, loves to fight...drinks has a lots of girlfriends. Now, how will this author get these two together? Was it the little looks or thoughts...even though these two spend a lots of time arguing or not speaking to each other... however, was there chemistry between these two at times? Now, this is where I say you must pick up "Breaking Lauren" to see just what is going on in this delightful read. The novel was really telling how this flawed young man was now wanting to be good for this girl...could this really happen? Danny may have done some horrible things and made some mistakes, but his atonement and transformation was beautiful in this read. Now with Lauren... you must pick up this read to find out!I must say the ending of this novel was somewhat shocking...definitely not want I expected....and here I will say again.... you must pick up "Breaking Lauren" to see just what all is going on. There are so many twist and turns...so get ready for a very interesting read that I would recommend.

[urbanfan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

While I'm a huge fan of Deen's paranormal romance series The Crescent, this book was OK for me. The idea behind a flawed bad boy wanting to be good for the girl and the idea of redemption is right up my alley, but the development of the plot and characters felt off to me. I still finished the book within a few hours but that was mainly because I really liked the character of Danny and was interested in how things played out for him.I adore Danny's character but Lauren not so much. I found myself questioning why all these characters that don't know each other from Adam become life long friends within a week's time. Lauren moves to a new town and wants to be popular and to reinvent herself at her new school. She's described as needing to lose weight, but I never could picture what that meant. As soon as she enters the school on the first day she is taken in by the most popular people in school and becomes one of them. I think the odds of that are quite low. Plus, the hottest jock in school is interested in her. This leads me to believe that she must be quite pretty and not that large after all? There are other things I questioned such as some of the parental reactions, Lauren's odd, emotional behavior as the story progresses, and mainly, what did Danny see in her? They share a 'look' and are attracted to each other, but the devotion Danny develops out of nowhere I didn't understand. What made her so special? Just because she seemed innocent?The story started very promising but overall I think would be better with the dots connected in the plot and time for the characters to really develop the relationship as friends, let the reader get to know the characters. This is a series and ends wide open. While I liked Danny and wonder about him, I'm just not emotionally connected to Lauren.If you want a contemporary romance with a love triangle and a great bad boy you can root for, I'd give this one shot and see what you think. Lots of angst for the angsty lovers.