They both have big goals. But will an unplanned baby derail their futures?

Madison craves so much more out of life. Counting down the days until she leaves for college, the eighteen-year-old dreamer is ready to escape her alcoholic mother and small-town nosiness. But wanting her first time to be with someone she trusts, she approaches her best guy friend with a sexy farewell proposition.

Hamilton’s excited for the next chapter. Drafted to MLB to start in the minor leagues, he treasures his one special night with his favorite girl as a fond send-off. And unwilling to let it become a final goodbye, he savors each word of their many texts and video calls to stay connected.

Her stomach dropping when she finds out she’s pregnant, Madison scrambles for a way to keep it secret from their tight-knit circle, continue her longed-for education, and not destroy her bestie’s promising baseball career. But though Hamilton is confused by her sudden distance, he discovers a desire for something deeper than friendship.

Will they open their hearts to each other, or will hard choices push them apart?

The Locals is a New Adult small-town, sports romance.series. If you like fun casts of characters, coming-of-age drama, and slow-burn relationships, then you’ll love Haley Rhoades’s beautiful 4 book series.

The Locals Series

BOOK THREE: TAILGATES & FIRST DATES, LOCALS #3


I glance at my phone one more time—she texted again. 


MadisonI want to be a fly on the wall of bullpen 2nite. World Series (baseball emoji). have fun! (heart emoji) you 


I glance around the locker room to ensure no one’s watching. I don’t want the guys to have fodder for teasing. 


Me: wish you were here (heart emoji)  you 


I’m beginning to worry. if I’m this nervous for game one, how nervous will I be when I am the starter in games four and seven? I turn my cell phone off then tuck it into my suit jacket in my locker. I kiss my index finger and press it to my favorite picture of Madison. In profile, she’s looking at me and laughing on the tailgate of my truck near the start of our senior year. 


I miss her laughter, and I miss her attending all of my games. I miss her. 


“Time to go,” Stan yells through the locker room. “That means you, too.” He swats my ass with his ball glove. 


Chapter 77: Hamilton