What do you think?
Rate this book
When you stop running from, and start running toward…
The moment Ari stepped off that curb she thought she was done running.
But that couldn’t have been farther from the truth.
Growing up in an abusive household, the one thing that gave Ari purpose, strength, and hope was her best friend Ethan. As kids, he comforted her, laughed with her, grew up alongside her, and cared for her.
And then he was ripped away from her.
As an adult, Ethan is haunted by the fact that he couldn’t protect the first and only girl he ever loved. When fate brings them back together and they can finally give in to the feelings they carried with them all along, the two learn they still have a long road ahead of them.
They say if you love someone you have to let them go. But what if they come back to you? Do you stand and fight the demons from your past?
Or do you run?
The moment Ari stepped off that curb she thought she was done running.
But that couldn’t have been farther from the truth.
Growing up in an abusive household, the one thing that gave Ari purpose, strength, and hope was her best friend Ethan. As kids, he comforted her, laughed with her, grew up alongside her, and cared for her.
And then he was ripped away from her.
As an adult, Ethan is haunted by the fact that he couldn’t protect the first and only girl he ever loved. When fate brings them back together and they can finally give in to the feelings they carried with them all along, the two learn they still have a long road ahead of them.
They say if you love someone you have to let them go. But what if they come back to you? Do you stand and fight the demons from your past?
Or do you run?
482 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
12 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Holly Crocco
4 books16 followersWith each story, I strive to build a world for readers where they can escape. I aim to immerse readers in the lives of my characters. I want them to experience the same sights and sounds and, of course, all the feels. I seek to develop characters that are complex, flawed and, most importantly, real.
And I want them to be so relatable that readers have the characters, and their stories, on their minds long after they have closed their books (or shut off their devices).
But telling a compelling story doesn’t happen in 100 pages. So, if you prefer a quick read, I’m probably not the author for you. I don’t write to market, or “by the book.” (See what I did there?) I don’t follow the rules of hitting certain plot points at certain page numbers throughout the book. Rather, I prefer to steer away from the predictable formula.
Does it always work? You tell me.
I’m a stickler for story development. I want my readers to fall in love with the side characters just as much as the main ones. I want them to be able to close their eyes and envision the time and space the character is in. I want them so vested in the story that when the stakes are high, my readers are physically uncomfortable until they reach the resolution.
As a friend has told me, I like to be devastated.
And I want you to be, too.
So, if you enjoy thought-provoking stories that push boundaries and are sometimes messy, and – hopefully – often humorous, give me a shot.
And I want them to be so relatable that readers have the characters, and their stories, on their minds long after they have closed their books (or shut off their devices).
But telling a compelling story doesn’t happen in 100 pages. So, if you prefer a quick read, I’m probably not the author for you. I don’t write to market, or “by the book.” (See what I did there?) I don’t follow the rules of hitting certain plot points at certain page numbers throughout the book. Rather, I prefer to steer away from the predictable formula.
Does it always work? You tell me.
I’m a stickler for story development. I want my readers to fall in love with the side characters just as much as the main ones. I want them to be able to close their eyes and envision the time and space the character is in. I want them so vested in the story that when the stakes are high, my readers are physically uncomfortable until they reach the resolution.
As a friend has told me, I like to be devastated.
And I want you to be, too.
So, if you enjoy thought-provoking stories that push boundaries and are sometimes messy, and – hopefully – often humorous, give me a shot.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 27, 2024
4.5 Stars
This is a contemporary romance that is very emotional and it’s a slow burn. It’s second in a series and it is dual pov from Ari and Ethan who knew each other as kids and we see them growing up together. Ari goes through a lot of hardships in her life with abuse being one of the main things. the tropes are childhood friends to lovers, found family and trauma bonding. This is an intense read and very emotional so please check the triggers. I really loved the story between these two characters, there’s so much character development and Ethan has always protected Ari. The nickname Red for her from him is so cute too! I loved their dynamic. This really pulled on my heart strings a bit. I highly recommend if you love this stuff.
This is a contemporary romance that is very emotional and it’s a slow burn. It’s second in a series and it is dual pov from Ari and Ethan who knew each other as kids and we see them growing up together. Ari goes through a lot of hardships in her life with abuse being one of the main things. the tropes are childhood friends to lovers, found family and trauma bonding. This is an intense read and very emotional so please check the triggers. I really loved the story between these two characters, there’s so much character development and Ethan has always protected Ari. The nickname Red for her from him is so cute too! I loved their dynamic. This really pulled on my heart strings a bit. I highly recommend if you love this stuff.
October 20, 2024
What an incredibly difficult book to read. This is book 2 in the Flower City Series and I devoured this one in two days.
Ari is alone in an abusive household until one day her neighbor befriends her. She finally has a friend. 😩🥹 We watch Ari and Ethan grow up together and then essentially let eachother go.
Ari endures years of physical abuse at the hands of her stepmoms boyfriend. Her only safe place was Ethan. What happens when he’s gone? What happens when he wants to give up his own dreams to protect her? A vicious cycle. What’s the saying? If you love something let it go…
This story is emotional! Whew! Really kinda loved it. Lots of sad parts, LOTS, and some good spots with a HEA. Book 1 is Demo which you do not need to read but characters are intertwined.
⚠️ Please check the triggers!
Ari is alone in an abusive household until one day her neighbor befriends her. She finally has a friend. 😩🥹 We watch Ari and Ethan grow up together and then essentially let eachother go.
Ari endures years of physical abuse at the hands of her stepmoms boyfriend. Her only safe place was Ethan. What happens when he’s gone? What happens when he wants to give up his own dreams to protect her? A vicious cycle. What’s the saying? If you love something let it go…
This story is emotional! Whew! Really kinda loved it. Lots of sad parts, LOTS, and some good spots with a HEA. Book 1 is Demo which you do not need to read but characters are intertwined.
⚠️ Please check the triggers!
October 21, 2024
This book was an emotional roller coaster. Ari has to deal with things no child should ever have to endure. Her and Ethan's love story is heartbreaking and beautiful as they both come full circle to healing. Getting more of Lizzie and Knox made so happy! All of the side characters added so much to all of it and i can't wait to see who's story we get next!!
May 18, 2025
What an emotional rollercoaster this was and not going to lie, sometimes it was difficult to read.
I was totally invested in the love story of Ari & Ethan, their character growth and development and the genuine friendship they have with the side characters Fonz & Sophie who were so much fun and brought laughter and comfort when it was needed.
The story follows Ari who lives in an extremely physical & emotional abusive household -Her perception of love is a twisted as she initially never experience any other type of love.
She meets the boy next door, Ethan, who becomes her best friend, her protector, her safe place, her one companion and we watch them grow up together and experience many emotions throughout the story while experiencing hardships, loss of a parent, mental abuse , physical abuse!!
This is slow burn and in my opinion, maybe 1 or 2 chapters could've shorten a little bit but at no point was I not engaged with the story.
I recommend reading this story but not before checking your trigger warnings
I was totally invested in the love story of Ari & Ethan, their character growth and development and the genuine friendship they have with the side characters Fonz & Sophie who were so much fun and brought laughter and comfort when it was needed.
The story follows Ari who lives in an extremely physical & emotional abusive household -Her perception of love is a twisted as she initially never experience any other type of love.
She meets the boy next door, Ethan, who becomes her best friend, her protector, her safe place, her one companion and we watch them grow up together and experience many emotions throughout the story while experiencing hardships, loss of a parent, mental abuse , physical abuse!!
This is slow burn and in my opinion, maybe 1 or 2 chapters could've shorten a little bit but at no point was I not engaged with the story.
I recommend reading this story but not before checking your trigger warnings
May 20, 2025
What I really like about the last book in this series and this one is how realistic it seems. These are flawed people who have gone through hard situations and make it out on the other side. Ari is a strong woman and if anyone deserves a happy ending it is her. The way her abuse and the after effects of it were written were done well. It’s the mind that takes the longest to heal. Ethan was perfect for her and their journey back to each other made sense.
As usual, I love the side characters and here I sit not so patiently waiting for Sophie’s story. What happened to Gino??? The bit about Knox and Lizzie’s losses. I need all the details and I need these characters to get what they want. 😭
As usual, I love the side characters and here I sit not so patiently waiting for Sophie’s story. What happened to Gino??? The bit about Knox and Lizzie’s losses. I need all the details and I need these characters to get what they want. 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
Wow… an emotional friends to lovers story. Ari’s heartbreaking home life crashes into Ethan’s stable life and Ethan steps up to save Ari, putting his own future and life at stake.
Triggers: Abuse and sexual content.
Triggers: Abuse and sexual content.
November 6, 2024
What an amazing way to link in the characters from the first book (Demo) in the series!! The story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with the two main characters as they tell the story in duel POVs. The plot took you in a direction you weren't expecting but completely made everything make sense. I quickly fell in love with the characters and the progression of their connections. I can't wait to see whose story line we learn about in book three (Drown)... I have my predictions!!
Check trigger warnings ⚠️
Check trigger warnings ⚠️
Want to read
November 10, 2024Both dreading and anticipating Ari’s story.
NTS:
Per author website re Jenny’s (ow in bk 1 not pub yet) book:
DROWN: BOOK THREE OF THE FLOWER CITY SERIES
Rick is a police lieutenant investigating the disappearance of three women, and he’s relying on Jenny’s help.
The problem?
She’s an alcoholic and he’s not sure she can be trusted.
He also can’t keep his hands off her.
NTS:
Per author website re Jenny’s (ow in bk 1 not pub yet) book:
DROWN: BOOK THREE OF THE FLOWER CITY SERIES
Rick is a police lieutenant investigating the disappearance of three women, and he’s relying on Jenny’s help.
The problem?
She’s an alcoholic and he’s not sure she can be trusted.
He also can’t keep his hands off her.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews