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Jake
Caraline “Cara” Williams thought she knew what hard work and heartbreak felt like—until everything changed.
After losing her mother in a sudden accident, she’s uprooted from the Florida sun and dropped into a small Maryland town to live with her mom’s best friend, Frannie. Determined to stay invisible, Cara focuses on surviving her junior year, keeping her head down, and earning her own way.
Jake Kelly has spent his whole life being the boy everyone knows—quarterback, hometown favorite, heir to his family’s car dealership. But behind the smiles and small-town praise, Jake is tired of expectations and restless for something real.
When Frannie asks Jake to look out for her niece, neither of them expects sparks to fly. Between late-night shifts, crowded hallways, and the roar of Friday-night lights, their worlds begin to collide in ways neither can ignore.
Tender, emotional, and full of small-town charm, JAKE is the first novel in The Stateline Series—a story about loss and resilience, first love and second chances, and finding the courage to rebuild when life falls apart.
After losing her mother in a sudden accident, she’s uprooted from the Florida sun and dropped into a small Maryland town to live with her mom’s best friend, Frannie. Determined to stay invisible, Cara focuses on surviving her junior year, keeping her head down, and earning her own way.
Jake Kelly has spent his whole life being the boy everyone knows—quarterback, hometown favorite, heir to his family’s car dealership. But behind the smiles and small-town praise, Jake is tired of expectations and restless for something real.
When Frannie asks Jake to look out for her niece, neither of them expects sparks to fly. Between late-night shifts, crowded hallways, and the roar of Friday-night lights, their worlds begin to collide in ways neither can ignore.
Tender, emotional, and full of small-town charm, JAKE is the first novel in The Stateline Series—a story about loss and resilience, first love and second chances, and finding the courage to rebuild when life falls apart.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 13, 2026
Great YA Romance Series
Jake by Kristin Anderson has everything I love in a romance: emotional depth, heartfelt moments, and the charm of a close-knit small town. The characters feel genuine and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey and root for them along the way. Anderson beautifully captures the nostalgic atmosphere of small-town life with scenes of football games, late-night drives, and those quiet moments that carry the most meaning. The connection between Cara and Jake is compelling, filled with chemistry and emotional tension that keeps the story engaging. Themes of love, loss, healing, and second chances are woven naturally throughout the narrative. Overall, it’s a touching and memorable romance that will resonate with readers who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories.
Jake by Kristin Anderson has everything I love in a romance: emotional depth, heartfelt moments, and the charm of a close-knit small town. The characters feel genuine and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey and root for them along the way. Anderson beautifully captures the nostalgic atmosphere of small-town life with scenes of football games, late-night drives, and those quiet moments that carry the most meaning. The connection between Cara and Jake is compelling, filled with chemistry and emotional tension that keeps the story engaging. Themes of love, loss, healing, and second chances are woven naturally throughout the narrative. Overall, it’s a touching and memorable romance that will resonate with readers who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories.
November 22, 2025
Took me back to high school
I may be a little biased because I went to high school in Elkton, but this book felt like home. It was real, heartwarming and refreshing. The characters were well developed and there was only 1 to dislike, which we all know there was at least 1 of those in high school.
Can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
I may be a little biased because I went to high school in Elkton, but this book felt like home. It was real, heartwarming and refreshing. The characters were well developed and there was only 1 to dislike, which we all know there was at least 1 of those in high school.
Can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews