Rumor Has It (The Hatcher & Willis Families)

Redemption Highway #11

by Leaona Luxx

Boone Hatcher.
He’s the very definition of ‘the bane of my existence’. He’s also the main attraction in all my dreams.
I’m the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. I’m not here to impress, so I don’t care what anyone thinks of me.

That’s before Boone. And Reed Thornton.
Rich, popular, and chiseled jaws make all the girls weak in the knees.
By the end of summer when they leave for college, I’m fully invested, or at least, that’s what my heart tells me.

That was ten years ago.

Now, they’re back, and with them comes whispers of tall tales and hard facts.
Will I know the truth when I hear it, or will I lose the man who's owned my heart forever?
Rumor has it, I’m about to find out.

Unknown Binding

First published June 7, 2016

About the author

Leaona, also known as Lea, lives with her husband in southern WV. A small business owner, she closed her shop after facing a life altering loss. She's a doting mother of three sons and their spouses.

Leaona was inspired to write while she raised her family, never dreaming one day, she would be published. While loving all genres of books, Lea writes contemporary romance stories filled with redemption. Gritty and true to life, she draws from her life and loves to create her characters.

Leaona's debut novel will release June 7, 2016. Cherry Grove. She’s your everyday girl and lives to connect with her fans via social media. Leaona also doesn't mind dishing about her favorite authors and their books. Beach, life, and love.


Writing within her own world, Redemption Highway, you can read all as stand-alones (with the exception of one duet) and in any order OR in the order they were released.

Set on the border of NC and SC, you'll find The Woods/Lloyd/Hamilton family and their friends.

UPDATE: Coming Soon! Subcatorgories with release book order.

Reviews

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful and emotional story. I literally feel to my knees. Mackenzie has a young love for her best friend Boone. They have been through so much. He's the rich good looking guy and she is a mechanic who isn't rich.

She might be good with her hands but her feelings she becomes a clam. Boone is just as bad. Young love doesn't appreciate how time doesn't wait.

She hears so much negativity from "kids" at school and it definitely messes with her. She doubts Boone could really like her so she makes an impulsive decision that takes their journey two steps back.

The secrets pile up. Feelings battle for years. A beautiful little girl caught in the middle. Yet she is wise beyond her years, can teach her mom that time is precious, life and love are never easy and that Boone is the kind of man any woman with a pulse would jump for the opportunity to even breath his air. He's what other book boyfriends strive to be.

Leaona knows how to write inspiring, heartbreaking, gripping story that makes you appreciate time, accept your mistakes, don't judge until you've walked a mile in Mackenzie shoes.

Before reading, go to the store and buy all the tissues on the shelves because you'll need all of them.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man oh man oh man this is a mess in a hand basket and some darn good reading, thank God my kindle survived. Lies, rumors, jealousy, fear. Everything you can think of has a part in this mess of a read and more tears than the law can possibly allow. She has let everyone else govern her decisions, whether because she was protecting them or being used by them, and it was her downfall. He was held secrets and he let them keep him in fear of the consequences. Everything really really is over the top and compounded by selfish actions done in the name of love. These two almost tired me out but that's what this author does and does well. Her characters are NEVER black and white. They NEVER have an easy time. They ALWAYS love deep in a way you dream of happening to you. The best thing about her characters are they don't go whoring around when they hit road blocks and their road blocks are always massive. The back and forth, the pull, the push and the love of a little smart mouth but sweet little girl named Rumor, make this a read to enjoy, to try not to throw your kindle, to wade through the sea of tears, to find a new book boyfriend.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for an emotional angst filled ride !!! This one had it all....young love, friendship, lies,a family secret , revenge and misunderstandings. This was the full spectrum of emotions ! Oh Boone I could help but fall in love with him and the depth of emotion that he had for Mackenzie. Oh the lovely sweet naïve Makenzie I so wanted to jump in and hug her! What happens when the lies and secrets tear you apart but deep in your heart you know what you feel and it cannot be denied .....you wait ! I was cheering for them, crying over them and wanting to shake some common sense into their youngselves ! Buckle up it is going to get rough ride !!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK. I devoured it. I can’t even begin to put words to my emotions. Rumor Has It is amazing, beautiful, heartbreaking and one hell of an emotional rollercoaster!

Mackenzie. I love her. She’s a fighter, she never gave up. She tried to do what she thought was best for everyone, even if it meant it broke her heart in the process. She didn’t have it easy between her horrible classmates, Boone and Reed. So much respect for that woman!

Boone. It has so hard not to love him. He was drawn to Mackenzie and always knew there was something special about her. He didn’t let the rumors around town rule is heart, he knew they weren’t true. My heart broke for him when Mackenzie left. For the pain he experienced.

Reed. Well, I just didn’t like the guy. He was a sneaky little snake who couldn’t get over the past. You’ll understand the dislike when you read this!

I loved Mack and Boone together. They had the chemistry, the connection and despite the years being apart that never seemed to fizzle, even with all the heartbreak and pain between them.

This story completely shattered my heart into a million little pieces, just like every book Leaona has written, but it was slowly mended back together. Grab some tissues, maybe some ice cream and a drink and get comfy because you are in for one emotional rollercoaster of a story.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boone and MacKenzie were childhood friends whose friendship blossomed into something more when they became teenagers. Curiosity and wonder swirled around them along with spiteful comments from nasty classmates. The storm of baseless chatter and hurtful conversations confused Mackenzie and allowed her to question her feelings for Boone, who only had eyes for her. She made the only decision she felt was possible so Boone could have the life he was destined for. Mackenzie never forgot Boone and as the years went by, all she had left of him were sweet memories to keep her warm at night. She finally decided that it was time to use her inner strength to face her past so she could have the future she deserved, filled with family and happiness.

“Rumor Has It” is a tender and sweet, second chance love story that had me captivated from the moment I opened my Kindle. I read until way past midnight so I could follow their romantic and touching journey. We all make decisions in life that change the course of our future, and Mackenzie did the best she could do at such a young age. Leaona Luxx writes from her heart with passion and strength and always gives us a story that will stay with us forever.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet second chances love story! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read

Boone and MacKenzie were childhood friends have loved each other since first sight from a young age! The girl from the other side of town and the popular boy which cause all kinds of issues as kids but they never let their friendship waiver! But teenagers can be ruthless and lots of secrets and lies cause lots of pain. Boone and MacKenzie are each other half can they get through the years apart the lies and decisions made for each other without each other! This is one emotional roller coaster with all you expect from Leaona Luxx. I loved Boone’s story and so glad we finally got it!!!

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING EMOTIONAL Read!
An Insta grabbing shake the reader up and pull the rug from under your feat emotional read. The storyline sent my heart pounding filled me with anger and had me blubbering like a baby all while riding the edge of my seat. Another great read by Leaona that pushes your boundaries and toys with your emotions.

[Diane Norwood For The Love of Pimping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boone and Mackenzie keep battling their feelings, trying to find the right way to verbalize them to each other. This story was intense, full of love and heartbreak. Keeps you reading, needing more. Leaona never lets me down with her writing.

[Katie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaona has done it again!

Boone and Mackenzie's story is absolutely beautiful. Reading these stories with the continuation of all the other characters in them makes me love Leaona's writing even more.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 always stars!

[Mandy Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boone was her high school sweetheart, but for Mackenzie it never feels true, the rumours and lies tear them apart, destroying innocence, the unknowing pawn in a game of revenge, ten years later all the lies will come to a head, will love win out or will hearts be broken irreparably?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill Badker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaona is an amazing women, mother, friend, and writer. This story about Boone and Mackenzie made me laugh, scream, and cry all at the same time. Kenzie is every teenage girl that's ever felt alone and needed love as much as she needs air. But she doesn't believe in herself and doesn't feel like she deserves the love Boone gives her. They live in a small town and everyone knows everything, is that a good thing or not. There are always more rumors going around then there are actual truths being told. People think they are better than others and it's not true. We all are put on this earth for a reason and we all have a chance to find a soulmate. Finding your person is not always easy, but we all try and some of us mess it up and some of us never let it go. Boone and Mackenzie are two people who gave up on things many times in their lives but always knew where there true hearts were.

[Jennifer S · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful heartfelt book. The friendship that blossomed into a life changing love between Boone and Kenzie is just so emotional. Can you even call this book a second chance at love? I dont think you can especially when Boone or Kenzie never even for 1 second didn't love each other even when separated by Rumors.. To see both Boone and Kenzie return to there hometown as adults and try and move forward with life as it has become is a beautiful thing to see. Again Leaona Luxx you have shared this special journey with us your readers and I am honored I get to experience your amazing and heartfelt writing.❤❤

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of two people, friends from childhood who reminds of just how hurtful kids can be. Rumors caused Boone and Mackenzie to be apart and ten years later, Mackenzie realizes she needs to fix things, especially now more than ever. Ii loved the maturity they showed and yet there was just a hint of Kenzie’s youthfulness coming through with jealousy and confusion. Add in Reed and he is the man you want to hate, despite his good looks.
This story is all too true for some and it reminded me of how quick decisions can affect lives.
A truly remarkable read that shows the ups and downs of finding our true love, the second time around.

[Chandel · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️
Oh my gosh I couldn’t finish it. It was the same dialogue over and over and over again. Self wallowing and just so much miscommunication. I get it they were young and what not but come on. I made it half way through and I started skimming. I feel the like author just likes to add up words, some of the conversations are so drawn out, and then the kicker they have the same convos again and again. I just can’t.
The story had great potential but it fell so flat for me.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivatingly, beautiful story. I love Boone and Mackenzie’s story. It will keep you riveted. Leaona really knows how to grab at your heart strings with her mesmerizing words. You will laugh, cry, get angry, and want to throw your kindle. With her words these characters are brought to life, and will make you feel as though your are a part of their family.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an arc of this book for an honest review. And honestly, I freakin loved it!. I love the small town second chance story. It had me hooked from the very first chapter. I have read several books by Leaona Luxx and this book, as with each and every one, did not disappoint. Boone and Mackenzie's story gives you all the feels. I highly recommend this book.

[Donna Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaona Luxx has done it again with this brilliantly written and outstanding read
This is an author that know how to make make her readers feel and her characters come to life
Can't wait to for what comes next
❤❤❤ ❤❤❤

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small towns are a hive of gossip and it's what ultimately pulls Boone and Kenzie apart. We get to see the innocent friendship that blossoms into young love. When it all falls apart Kenzie runs and doesn't come back until years later just as Boone makes an appearance. Some of Kenzie's actions just didn't make sense to me at all and just seemed to be done to draw out the drama.

[Mary Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book!

Mackenzie and Boone’s love story was so riddled with pain and unspoken love. So much love and time wasted apart. I loved this story so much! Reed definitely got what was coming to him. The end was perfect. I recommend this book to everyone <3

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story could be titled "Mean girls and the guys who love them" at their very worst. Mackenzie and Boone had been childhood friends who became sweethearts, even though they came from entirely different backgrounds. She's from the wrong side of town and he's wealthy, but they don't let that come between them until the bullies, disguised as friends, conspire to break them up. The boy who spread the lies becomes her boyfriend and that just doesn't sit right with me. She believes the lies instead of Boone, and it becomes an impossibility for them to keep their love alive. Ten years later, they meet again, and it remains to be seen if it's a little too late to repair the damage and realize that they are still in love. I became so frustrated with the angst that should have been overcome long ago that I almost didn't want them to get together. It's a good book, not great and, for those who like a lot of angst in their stories, read it!

[CrimsonRose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young love, impacted by outside manipulation, starts a train wreck of bad decisions that leave you shaking your head. Hard for me to comprehend the waterfall of bad decisions, but maybe life is like that for some people.... The author did portray the cutest little girl. Spoiler- Her being a protective mama made me wonder how she could think letting the daughter meet potential fathers (meeting one she obviously couldn't help, but the other was clearly toxic) without confirming the test first boggled my mind. She had one willing participant and his test would easily let her know who the father was based of his positive/negative results. The author played it off as her not being able to destroy that picture in her head of it not being Boone, yet was so set on the other guy being the Father that it still destroyed that picture in her head of it possibly being Boone.... Silly. Anywho, glad there was a Happy Ending!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Hatcher's Series and it is Boone and Mackenzie's story and it is definitely a must read. Boone and Mack have history as they were great friend's that turned into love but with people interfering it ended badly and Mack left. Now ten years later and Mack has returned as she never forgot or stopped loving Boone so she is hoping to make things right and have a second chance with him but is it too late for them only time will tell what the outcome will be. Wow this book took you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and I couldn't put it down as it was so addictive and I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boone and Mackenzie have loved each other forever, but others get in the way of their happiness for many years. Big decisions in their lives, good and bad, have caused so much grief. Loved the characters, their intense feelings, determination, secrets - that just keep coming, and amusing banter. The storyline has so many twists that you just do not expect and each one has another twist within it. I cheered and cried a lot throughout this book as it touched me so completely. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thrilling emotional roller coaster will leave you mesmerized. Boone and Mackenzie are teenage lovers who lack communication skills and because of their lack of it they find themselves breaking away from each other. Mackenzie leaves their small town but returns years later to clean up the mess she made years earlier. Will she be able to leave all of the negativity behind her and forge a real relationship with Boone that can lead to a happily ever after? Leaona is a master storyteller that draws you into her stories giving you and experience that stays with you.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mackenzie and Boone were young and in love but when a rumor breaks them up they go their separate ways. Mackenzie left town but ten years later she's returned and ready to face her past. This is an emotional second chance love story between two people who so deserved getting their happily ever after. The writing is well done, the characters are believable and the ending is perfect. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

TThis was my first read from this author. This is the story about Boone and Mackenzie, written in the first person point of view which is always a deal breaker for me. I really enjoyed this story and it will not be my last read. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating read about Boone and Mackenzie. The story is an emotional roller coaster read about second chances and young love. These two were young and in love until secrets and lies tore them apart. I loved every bit of this read. I would say that communication was lacking between them. I love the characters!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb is what made me choose this book and it was everything I hoped for and more. A riveting and emotional story with great characters and a very enjoyable storyline. I look forward to reading more books from this author. Nicely done.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Baxygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped in not knowing what to expect and was thoroughly delighted with how this ended up.

Characters were just perfect.
It was written so well, like I was there watching rather than here reading!!

It was pure Leaona Luxx and it was beautiful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.