Maria Rose

Huntley Reed has always stood out in his small Texas town. With his skirts, sharp wit, and refusal to hide who he is, he's learned to live with the stares. What he never expected was Neo Kempton-the town's notorious bad boy-to start kissing him in secret. Neo has spent his life surviving. With a troubled past, a difficult home life, and a reputation he can't escape, falling for Huntley is the last thing he can afford.
Especially when admitting the truth could cost him everything. As their secret relationship grows, someone begins watching them. Threatening messages, cruel harassment, and escalating attacks force both boys to decide how much they're willing to risk for love. In a town where being different can make you a target, Huntley and Neo must choose between fear and the future they dream of together. A heartfelt LGBTQ+ coming-of-age romance about first love, found family, courage, and choosing each other when the world tells you not to.