Mason Creek Series by Lauren Runow

I came back to Mason Creek when my life was turned upside down, both literally and figuratively. Scared and alone, I packed my belongings and left New York where I’ve made a career as a writer for a national publication to stay with my parents in the town so different than the big apple they might as well be on different planets... moreI came back to Mason Creek when my life was turned upside down, both literally and figuratively. Scared and alone, I packed my belongings and left New York where I’ve made a career as a writer for a national publication to stay with my parents in the town so different than the big apple they might as well be on different planets.Getting to see my friends was a big plus, but meeting someone new never crossed my mind until a ruggedly handsome man in jeans and a worn baseball cap came over to say hello. Not knowing someone in this small town is like not knowing how to breathe. The slightly older man caught my eye, just as much as I caught his. A witty and roguish personality kept me on my toes, even if falling for someone new is the last thing I need. Neither of us wants a relationship, yet we keep finding each other in this small town. Rumors fly, hearts connect, and there’s more at stake than either of us are willing to share. This man has secrets everyone wants to know, but when more than he’s willing to share is revealed I hope I’m strong enough to help him. I may have come back to town to save myself, but saving him might be the real reason I’m here. less

I knew, someday, I’d have the life of my dreams.I just wasn’t prepared to lose him in return.Growing up in small-town Mason Creek, it's hard for a girl to dream big. Since my mom was barely making ends meet, I knew moving away for college wasn’t in the cards. What I didn’t know was how singing a Miranda Lambert song while unpacking a box would change my life forever ... and take me away from the only boy I’d ever loved. Matthew Simms was the guy I was destined to be with... moreI knew, someday, I’d have the life of my dreams.I just wasn’t prepared to lose him in return.Growing up in small-town Mason Creek, it's hard for a girl to dream big. Since my mom was barely making ends meet, I knew moving away for college wasn’t in the cards. What I didn’t know was how singing a Miranda Lambert song while unpacking a box would change my life forever ... and take me away from the only boy I’d ever loved. Matthew Simms was the guy I was destined to be with. Understanding, caring, and the town’s star athlete, he was my everything … including my first heartbreak. We both left Mason Creek to chase our dreams, leaving our love behind.I never planned on coming back, but when a cruel turn of events strikes five years later, I’m shocked to come face-to-face with Matthew. Gone is the boy I left, and in his place is a man—handsome, strong, and rugged. There’s no denying our attraction lingers in the air, yet the reasons that kept us apart all this time are still as strong as ever.He is the man of my dreams, but I chose the life I desired over him.In the back of my mind, I always thought we'd be together someday. Well, someday is today. Only now, just as everything I’ve ever wished for is coming true, I wonder if I chose to chase the wrong dream. less