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cry pretty

Evelynne Harper was the golden girl of Belhaven—homecoming queen, star student, and beloved by all. But everything changed the night she was abducted after prom, escaping days later with only fragmented memories and a broken sense of safety. Her abductor vanished, the case went cold, and Evelyn left Belhaven behind, determined to rebuild her life far away from the shadows of her past.

Now a successful investigative journalist, Evelyn is forced to return to the small coastal town when the body of a young woman is discovered, eerily reminiscent of her own abduction. As Evelyn delves into the case, she realizes the connections run deeper than she ever imagined. Each clue brings her closer to unearthing Belhaven’s darkest secrets—and to a killer who’s been waiting for her return.

Mason Nash is the stoic and fiercely protective rookie detective who is determined to solve the cold case. Evelyn must confront the memories she’s long buried and navigate a web of lies, betrayal, and danger. As the two work together, their growing bond offers Evelyn a chance at healing—but only if they can stop the killer before another woman goes missing.

Cry Pretty is a gripping romantic suspense novel about resilience, redemption, and the power of uncovering the truth, even when it threatens to destroy everything. For fans of atmospheric mysteries and emotionally charged love stories, this is a tale of survival, justice, and the courage to face the past.

setting:

upscale coastal town

tropes:

the villain among us + protective hero

heat level:

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

welcome to belhaven

fun facts & romance tidbits

The inspiration for Cry Pretty came from real-life stories of true crime survivors and the haunting reality of unsolved cold cases. I was drawn to the resilience of those who endure unimaginable circumstances and the deep emotional impact of justice delayed. This story is my exploration of survival, healing, and the pursuit of truth in the face of darkness. It’s a tale that honors the strength of survivors while unraveling the mysteries that refuse to stay buried.

Mason Nash is a rookie detective with a heart as big as his ambition. Fiercely protective and deeply empathetic, he’s the kind of man who feels every case he takes on, especially the ones that hit too close to home. As sensitive as he is ruggedly handsome, Mason’s drive to seek justice is matched only by his determination to protect those he cares about. He’s a hero who wears his vulnerability as a strength.

Cry Pretty explores the chilling villain among us trope, where danger lurks closer than anyone suspects, and trust becomes a fragile commodity. Paired with the protective hero trope, the story delivers a heart-pounding mix of suspense and romance as Mason Nash steps up to shield the heroine from both physical threats and emotional scars. These tropes create a story that’s equal parts thrilling and deeply satisfying.

The story is set in Belhaven, a fictional, exclusive community nestled along the breathtaking coast near Big Sur, California. With its dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and air of secluded luxury, Belhaven exudes elegance and mystery. Beneath its polished exterior lies a tightly knit, secretive world where appearances can be deceiving and danger hides just out of sight.

Cry Pretty turns up the heat with a four out of five spicy peppers rating. Mason Nash is unapologetically hot, and the chemistry between him and Evelynne is electric. With steamy, open-door love scenes that push the boundaries of passion, this story delivers a romance as intense as its suspense. Prepare for a sizzling, unforgettable ride.

I got married in Big Sur, and its dramatic cliffs, misty coastline, and breathtaking views left such an impression that I knew it would make the perfect setting for a suspenseful romance. Belhaven, the fictional community in Cry Pretty, is my love letter to the beauty and mystery of this unforgettable place.

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