Book 2 of Raye Murphy's YA to New Adult 90's Series takes July and Adrian to the next level, leaving Pure Pines far behind, or so they thought. A steamy new adult read where true friendships are tested by a love that will risk everything, apart from its own exposure. Secrets don't make friends, but they harbor insatiable lovers.
"A bold love story that pulls no punches for its genre or demographic... as smart as Good Will Hunting."
"... Murphy made me blush."
July starts senior year with no Adrian in sight. So much has changed for the once close-knit group that encompassed the two lovers. The elephant in the room of 'will they or won't they, ' abruptly replaced by Adrian's absence and the circumstances behind it.
As the distance grows, July wonders if she's not being put on the back burner by Adrian just as before. Having to grow up and face challenges no eighteen-year-old should have to consider, Adrian adopts bad boy vices he's never been known to have instead of turning to friends or the girl who has yet to let him down.
Crucial friendships, university tuitions, scholarships, and scandal are all on the line as the year 2000 approaches. Adrian has overcome major obstacles to reap both the benefits and pitfalls of Ivy League life, only to feel haunted by the one obstacle he could never overcome, July.
Will their Pure Pines "education" keep their heads above water, or will July take Manhattan by storm and leave Adrian in the past?
"1996 was a strategic slow burn written with purpose as 98' is an absolute page turner with no fat or filler. This book MOVES."
- beyond its genre. It's harrowing, it's vexing, it's titillating, it's sexy as f*@%, and touching."
"Murphy's writing evokes a female Salinger of romance and Generation X."