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

Baseball in early August is hot and messy. The thermometer claims it’s 110 degrees on the turf today. I sweated through my shirt long ago, and I struggle to keep my fingertips dry enough to grip the ball. I’ve warmed up and currently wait for the arrival of the first batter in the bottom of the fourth inning. I’m pitching to the top of their lineup and anxious to place a couple more strikeouts on my stats.


With the batter in the box, I step on the white rubber, looking to my catcher for the sign. He signals for my fastball, but I shake him off. It’s too predictable—he’ll be looking for it. Next, he signals slider; I nod. I come set, take a deep breath, wind up, and pitch. The ball sails, floating low and outside. The umpire signals strike. I fully expected the batter to swing at that pitch. He’s usually a sucker for my junk pitches.


Chapter 162: Hamilton