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

The speed at which Hamilton shares our goodbyes thrills me. The anticipation of returning to our hotel room has built in me all evening. While I look forward to our alone time tonight, I know it means our goodbye tomorrow morning draws closer.


The girls giggle at Hamilton’s urgency to leave the reception. I wish them all a happy Valentine’s Day in hopes they’ll remember it’s our first as a couple.


As we wait for the elevator, Salem, Latham, Bethany, and Troy join us. I’m happy that, like us, they plan to enjoy tonight with no children. We make polite conversation with the other couples as we attempt to keep our hands and mouths off one another. The sexual tension is heavy inside the tiny compartment as it climbs.


When the ping signals our floor, we say our goodbyes to our friends before race-walking to our room. Hamilton doesn’t chase me as he did earlier today; I’m disappointed when his hands remain in his trouser pockets while I unlock our door.


Chapter 151: Madison