Synopsis

Lexi’s spent years surviving—two jobs, mounting bills, a one-room apartment —and love isn’t even an option.

Until Collin W. Radcliff walks in.

He’s powerful, charming, and impossibly out of her league — a man who could have anyone, yet somehow wants her.

One glance. One choice.

Collin might be her chance at a new life… or her most dangerous mistake.
Money can buy anything — except trust.

The truth lies at the edge of love and deception because everything is about to change.

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Excerpt

Lexi stared at her reflection in the bookstore’s breakroom mirror, tugging at a curl that refused to stay in place.

This wasn’t a date-date, right? Just dinner. Just food. Just… Collin Radcliff.

She ran her hands over her newest purchase, a light blue maxi dress she’d found on the clearance rack, and told herself not to overthink it.

“You look great!” Carla squealed. “I still can’t believe you’re going out with Collin Radcliff!” She held up her phone and gazed at his latest Instagram post.

“I can hardly believe it myself.”

“I know we work in a bookstore, but seriously—how apropos? It’s like a real Cinderella story!”

“It’s one date, Carla. Don’t get ahead of yourself.” Lexi smiled. “But yeah… the rags and riches, that part fits.”

“Don’t look now, but Prince Charming just pulled up in his black Jag.”

Lexi grabbed her coat and purse.

“Have fun,” Carla said. “But not too much. And text me after. I need every juicy detail.”

Lexi laughed and hugged her.

Carla squeezed her tight. “Be safe.”

“I will,” Lexi said as she stepped out into the night.

He was waiting by the curb, leaning against that sleek black car that looked criminally out of place in this part of the city. He’d offered to pick her up at her place, but she had refused. There was no use in his knowing just how broke she was, at least not on the first date. Would there be a second? She couldn’t help but wonder, and couldn’t keep the hope out of her heart.

She was being silly, she knew. She didn’t even know anything about him besides what she’d read online and how he acted at the restaurant. Maybe once she knew him, he’d come off as an egotistical ass. She’d never gotten that vibe at the bar, but heaven help her, she hoped not.

He looked up the moment the door opened, a smile already on his face. Not the one from social media that she had fallen asleep looking at. This one was different. Softer. Real.

He wore blue jeans that were slightly faded in all the right places, a soft gray button-down shirt, and a tailored coat that set off his powder-gray eyes.

“You clean up pretty well,” she teased, because her nerves wouldn’t let her say anything else. In reality, this was probably the most dressed down she’d ever seen him. Suddenly, she felt self-conscious in her discount dress, thankful it was cold enough for her to wear her expensive coat. It was the one thing she had indulged in when she had moved into the city. She couldn’t walk blocks and blocks in the cold, harsh winter without a good coat.

“I do my best,” he said, opening the passenger door for her like it was second nature. “You look…” He trailed off, eyes lingering.

Oh, no, Lexi thought. He can tell I only paid ten dollars for it. She tugged at the dress, fidgeting, acutely aware that her outfit was too summery for the cold evening. She wrapped her jacket tighter, wanting to crawl into a hole and die.

“Perfect.”

Her cheeks burned, and she ducked her head, climbing in before she could say something dumb or self-deprecating. The mere sight of the man made her self-confidence ratchet down at least three notches.

About the Author

Melissa is a mystery romance author whose stories blend emotional depth, suspenseful twists, and unforgettable settings. A proud Iowa State University graduate and lifelong Cyclone fan, she grew up a country girl at heart, shaped by Midwest adventures and long summer days working in the fields.

Since publishing her first novel in 2020, Melissa has written six standalone books, including her latest release, The Truth Lies at the Edge. Her stories take readers from charming small towns to vibrant cities, weaving romance and mystery into page-turning plots that keep readers guessing until the very end.

Melissa’s passion for writing began with a lifelong love of reading. She believes the best stories pull readers so deeply into the pages that they forget the world around them—and that’s the kind of magic she strives to create with every book.

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