Book excerpt: From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes an emotional, romantic journey and the start of an epic series of standalones. Nina Kennedy was alive…but not living…until she met him. Planes, trains, heights…you name it, Nina was afraid of it and led a sheltered life ruled by irrational fears and phobias. When she moves to Brooklyn for nursing school, that life is turned upside down as she develops an intense but unwanted attraction to her gorgeous roommate, who’s pierced, tattooed and just happens to be the smartest person she’s ever met. Behind Jake Green’s rough exterior and devilish smile, lies a heart of gold. He makes it his mission to change Nina’s outlook on life. When he agrees to tutor her, they forge a bet and the stakes are high as Jake forces Nina to face her demons. They just weren’t expecting to fall hard for each other in the process. What Nina doesn’t realize, is that Jake is hiding a massive secret. Once he drops a bombshell, will their love survive it? A STANDALONE novel. Standalone Books in the Jake Series: Jake Undone (Jake #1) My Skylar (Jake #2) Jake Understood (Jake #3)