South Bay Soundtracks Series by Amelia Stone

Larkin Michaels has been adrift in an icy sea of grief and guilt for sixteen months, twenty-three days, seven hours, and thirty-two minutes. Ever since her husband died and the bottom dropped out of her life, leaving her body locked down and her heart completely and utterly frozen. But then her best friend railroads her into a double date to "get her back out there." Much to her surprise, the ice keeping her locked in place begins to thaw, melting into something that almost resembles desire... moreLarkin Michaels has been adrift in an icy sea of grief and guilt for sixteen months, twenty-three days, seven hours, and thirty-two minutes. Ever since her husband died and the bottom dropped out of her life, leaving her body locked down and her heart completely and utterly frozen. But then her best friend railroads her into a double date to "get her back out there." Much to her surprise, the ice keeping her locked in place begins to thaw, melting into something that almost resembles desire. Suddenly, Larkin finds herself enticed by the idea of exploring that desire. The only problem? The man currently taking a blow torch to the walls around her heart is not her date. Graham Morris knows he should not be lusting after Larkin Michaels. Everything from her bag lady wardrobe to the haunted look in her eyes - not to mention her status as his date's best friend - screams "stay away." Problem is, Graham doesn't want to stay away. He wants to draw closer, to be the shoulder she so desperately needs to cry on, the lover who unlocks the passion hidden underneath all those layers of sorrow. He wants to be the man to keep her heart safe for her, for now and always. But will Larkin let him? Will she finally be able to let go of her first love and see the man in front of her, waiting to be her forever love? less

For thirteen years, he was my best friend, my only friend. My champion. But from the moment I met him, I wanted more. I fell in love with him at five years old, and I never lost hope that eventually, he'd fall for me, too. Until the day I let fear overcome hope, and I threw away the boy I loved. Now, we are back in each other's lives, and I finally have a chance to make things right. But he's not the boy I remember anymore. He's a man with his own life and his own challenges... moreFor thirteen years, he was my best friend, my only friend. My champion. But from the moment I met him, I wanted more. I fell in love with him at five years old, and I never lost hope that eventually, he'd fall for me, too. Until the day I let fear overcome hope, and I threw away the boy I loved. Now, we are back in each other's lives, and I finally have a chance to make things right. But he's not the boy I remember anymore. He's a man with his own life and his own challenges. Will he let me be a part of that life, let me be his best friend again? Or could we finally have the elusive more I've always wanted? Our future is up in the air, but one thing is clear: in this game of love, only one of us can be the winner. less