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

As my used Honda Accord carries me through the main streets of Athens, I feel the eyes of the locals assessing me. A car with an unrecognizable driver will cause the rumor mill to kick into overdrive. Several residents glue themselves to their police scanners. They will have shared that the sheriff was at Mother’s farm and that the coroner was summoned. Law enforcement agents on the scene often share a few details with their families, neighbors, or friends. Privacy is not practiced in this town. The town of Athens, Missouri runs on the spreading of gossip. 


Placing the car in park at the small grocery store, I cringe knowing inside I will be recognized. Within an hour, more than half of Athens will know I have returned for the funeral with a little girl in tow. It will spread like wildfire, everyone in this little burg knows the reason I am here—most know of my strained relationship with my mother and assumed I would not show. 


Chapter 87: Madison