Coastal University Series by Ki Stephens

HARPER St. James is the type of girl who thrives on the idea of life's simple pleasures: a half-melted ice cream cone on a summer's day, a puppy licking sand from a baby's face, a gentle wave that crests and breaks on the ocean's shore.For quite some time, Harper's been harboring a secret crush on Nate Gunderson, fellow Coastal U student and MLB-hopeful. In order to spend more time with him this semester, she finds herself spinning a ridiculous web of lies. Her first step . . moreHARPER St. James is the type of girl who thrives on the idea of life's simple pleasures: a half-melted ice cream cone on a summer's day, a puppy licking sand from a baby's face, a gentle wave that crests and breaks on the ocean's shore.For quite some time, Harper's been harboring a secret crush on Nate Gunderson, fellow Coastal U student and MLB-hopeful. In order to spend more time with him this semester, she finds herself spinning a ridiculous web of lies. Her first step . . . convincing her sports med professor that she's been dating a football player. After all, if she's romantically involved, it simply wouldn't be right for her to keep an internship with their team.Unfortunately for Harper, this silly, frantic excuse to switch assignments quickly snowballs into an unstoppable rumor.LUCA Reynolds is the type of guy who prefers to set low expectations, both for himself and others, if only to avoid any inevitable disappointment. His football teammates would describe him as reserved, brooding, and occasionally stand-offish.The truth? Luca doesn't feel like he belongs.When an unexpected injury threatens to destroy Luca's long-term plans, he finds himself in need of help from a discreet professional—one who will assess his knee, provide some simple stretches, and assure him that everything's fine. Luckily, there's a scheming student intern that just might owe him a favor or two.A secret for a secret. A lie for a lie. It's not really blackmail if she's the one who used him first. less

KAIA Karras has always excelled in the classroom. She’s a born and bred overachiever, chronic over thinker, and full time seeker of academic validation. But being top of the class doesn’t happen without making sacrifices. So when it comes to relationships, she’s only looking for something casual and transactional. A way to shut off her brain for a little while, and finally get some much needed sleep... moreKAIA Karras has always excelled in the classroom. She’s a born and bred overachiever, chronic over thinker, and full time seeker of academic validation. But being top of the class doesn’t happen without making sacrifices. So when it comes to relationships, she’s only looking for something casual and transactional. A way to shut off her brain for a little while, and finally get some much needed sleep. That is, until she spends just one night with Holden Becker, a talented hockey player with a sharp wit and a secret soft spot for her. HOLDEN Becker plays by his own rules, both on and off the ice. He's used to getting what he wants, whether it's the attention of his coach or the admiration of his teammates. But when he and Kaia both secure top marks for their research proposals, they're forced to share an academic advisor. Their rivalry quickly turns to passion, and they find themselves in a precarious hooking up behind closed doors, all while trying to keep their relationship strictly casual. Three years of rivalry. Just one night to cut the tension. When the ground beneath them begins to shake, will they hold on or let go? less

DAISY Grey is the embodiment of sunshine after a storm, a believer in silver linings, and the kind of girl who can find magic in the everyday. In the midst of heartbreak, she’s arrived at Coastal U to be one with the ocean, hoping to dive deep into her studies and rediscover the joy of riding the waves. Until one fateful morning, she finds a sleeping stranger on the beach. A man who’s in serious need of a wake-up call. ELIO Reynolds is something of an enigma... moreDAISY Grey is the embodiment of sunshine after a storm, a believer in silver linings, and the kind of girl who can find magic in the everyday. In the midst of heartbreak, she’s arrived at Coastal U to be one with the ocean, hoping to dive deep into her studies and rediscover the joy of riding the waves. Until one fateful morning, she finds a sleeping stranger on the beach. A man who’s in serious need of a wake-up call. ELIO Reynolds is something of an enigma. Alone by choice, he's found solace in the quiet of the coast and the companionship of his loyal dog. But there's more to him than meets the eye. With his only friend off at graduate school, he immerses himself in the online world of AfterDark, a place where he’s often forced into the limelight. When confronted by a medical condition, Elio finds an unexpected ally in Daisy. Although he may be a virtual stranger, she jumps at the opportunity to lend a helping hand. Soon enough, their shared space becomes a sanctuary. Two fractured hearts. One unlikely connection. When the waves of the past come crashing in, can they find a way to stay afloat? less