★★★★★ "If I could give more than 5 stars, I would." (Goodreads)
★★★★★ "This is not a romance, it is a story about first love, first heartbreak and growing up. It is a story that helps to build foundation upon who someone is at their core, and what makes them strong, vulnerable, loving, caring and heartbroken but willing to take chances and learn to love again." (Goodreads)
I met my soul mate when I was seven. He just happened to be my best friend's older brother.
Jeff was never supposed to be that person for me. We were a trio—Carter, Jeff, and me—bound by scraped knees, late-night jam sessions, and dreams too big for our small-town streets. Then our band made it big before we could even vote, and suddenly, we were touring the world with guitars on our backs and secrets between our hearts.
But everything changed when Jeff enlisted. He came back someone I barely recognized—distant, haunted, and carrying more than just scars.
And yet, I couldn't stop loving him.
Even when life pulled us in opposite directions.
Even when one impulsive mistake rewrote everything.
Now, the bond between us is frayed. Truths we've buried for years are clawing to the surface, and the fallout is threatening to destroy everything—our friendship, our band, our future.
They say some loves are destined. But what if ours is the kind that burns too bright to last?
This is a story about growing up, falling apart, and fighting like hell for the pieces that still matter.
Because sometimes, the person you're meant to love is the one you're most afraid of losing.
Sweet Agony is a standalone novel in the Carter Hills Band universe where coming of age romance meets women's fiction.
NOTE: Revised and Expanded Edition (2025)