The Wreckage of Us

Cherry (The Gravity of Us) serves up an angsty and irresistible new adult romance set in depressed small town Eres, Neb. After resourceful 18-year-old Hazel Stone is kicked out of her family home by her meth-dealing stepfather, she finds work and accommodations at Eres Ranch. Big Paw, the ranch’s owner, tasks his grandson, hot 21-year-old Ian Parker, with showing Hazel the ropes. Ian, whose rock band is on the cusp of stardom, initially hazes Hazel with the worst ranch chores because he blames her family for his parents’ meth addiction. But as Hazel proves herself, Ian realizes he’s been unfair and comes to see her as a kindred spirit: a “battered and bruised soul” doing the best she can in a tough situation. They form a tight friendship and love soon follows—but with roadblocks in the form of family drama and the demands of Ian’s music career, their happily ever after is in serious jeopardy. Readers will be drawn in by the complex characters, snappy pacing, and believable portrayals of both small-town life and the music industry. Cherry’s fans will be pleased. Agent: Flavia Viotti, Bookcase Literary. (Sept.)