What Hurts the Most

Dating her childhood crush should have been Cori's happily ever after, but eight months later, she's still trapped within her insecurities. She's broke with a car that hates her, her job interviews go horribly, and the idea of failing is as scary as small talk. It isn't until an awkward encounter with her boyfriend's roommate, Nick, that a spark inside her reignites.

Nick is determined to finally move on from the football injury that broke his heart. But as he reconnects with friends, he realizes just how far behind he is, and thinking of his future only brings back the pain he tried so hard to overcome. Locked in similar figurative cages, Cori and Nick make a deal to keep each other accountable while they work towards their goals.

Nick's pointed looks and sly grins have Cori questioning the safety she'd found in settling for her circumstances. But just as she finds the courage to voice her desires, chaos ensues sending her back to the start line. And Nick, conflicted between his feelings for Cori and his friendship with Sam, doesn't know how to fight for someone who sees no point in fighting for herself.

**In this novel, you will find journeys of personal growth regarding confidence and self-worth, the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people, and a slow-burn romance. The characters in this novel struggle with anxiety, and depression. There is cussing, sexual content, talk of funerals, some dark humor regarding death, emotional abuse, body shaming, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the main character is cheated on. This is a love triangle, but the right choice is clear.