She wants my help to make her stronger, but this girl can bring me to my knees…

Growing up in Chesterboro, good girls were warned away from my brothers and me, and Penny Hampshire is a good girl. We’re from opposite sides of town—her side has money and mine barely makes ends meet. But when a trauma leaves her feeling out of control and vulnerable, she asks me to teach her to fight. My family owns a martial arts gym, and I’ve been training and teaching forever, so I agree. Besides, private lessons pay well, and I’m saving up to move away from Chesterboro for good.

Penny is different than I expect. Sure, she’s gorgeous, but she’s also smart and braver than I ever imagined. We shouldn’t be compatible, but the more time I spend with her, the more we feel right together. But when forces from the past resurface to stir trouble for us, can what we’re building together overcome small-town prejudices?