Grayson Sutton loves teaching…and she’s good at it. She’s one of those teachers who throws every ounce of heart and passion into working with kids—and her students love her for it.
When Grayson hears about a position at a new charter school opening in Chicago, she knows she has to apply for her dream job—even though it’s over one thousand miles away from the small Georgia town she calls home with her longtime boyfriend Reid. After all, Reid has plans for Grayson’s future…and they don’t include teaching, especially not in Chicago.
When her offer letter arrives on a day with special significance for the couple, Grayson decides to compromise and move to Chicago with the understanding that it’s only temporary. But once there, she meets Emmett, the handsome owner of the school, and the chemistry between them complicates everything.
As Grayson makes a new life for herself in Chicago, she finds herself in the middle of a tug of war between her heart and home. Reid isn’t going to let go of Grayson without a fight…but neither will Emmett.
Josie’s Favorite Quotes
“Always, always go with your gut.”
This always reminds me of my mother. It’s true. Studies show that you know more about someone in the first few minutes of meeting them then years later. They say once you start to know people better you have a tendency to “ignore” flaws because you like them, and would prefer to ignore them. Mama was right and so was Grayson when it came to Reid.
“Why did your fiancé propose only weeks before you left for five months? Was it an act of ownership? You know, put a ring on her finger like a dog would piss on a tree. To claim it.”
I loved the vulgarity in Emmett when he says this. It shows us his biting, alpha side and without him knowing it, he strikes a cord with Grayson. It was also one the first quotes my beta reader text me and said, “Best quote ever!”
“As much as I’d love to rip those tight, ass-hugging jeans off you and fuck you every which way until Sunday, it’s not going to happen.”
Aside from just being HOT, this quote, I hope, shows the reader that Emmett is a decent man. It shows restraint on his part, yet allows a reader to get all hot and bothered. It flusters Grayson and it begins to show the attraction and conflict within Grayson.
“You are the future Mrs. Reid Fielding, and knowing that I get to fuck you for the rest of my life, wherever, whenever, makes me hotter than normal, and I never thought that would be possible with you. So are you sure you’re ready?”
I loved the foreshadowing with this quote. It’s also gritty and perhaps even made reader cringe at his crass comment about his future wife. He objectifies her and it’s transparent.
“OK, baby. But I’ll be there with open arms when this city boy gets bored with his new southern toy.”
This quote from Reid hits on every one of Grayson’s fears and insecurities. The reader might stiffen, afraid that it is a dark foreshadowing event, which keeps them guessing!
I was born and raised in a suburb of Chicago.
I can remember the very first romance novel I read and I never looked back. When I was twelve years old I began writing romance “novels” in my spiral bound school notebooks. I would huddle on top of the bathroom sink, pulling the phone receiver into the bathroom and closing the door on it. Yes, the phone was attached to the wall. I would read my pages to my friend, who was also my cheerleader and confidant.
Years went by too fast, working in the rat race. I decided that life’s too short for what-ifs. So, I sat down and wrote my first romance novel this year. I’m still working in sales (something has to pay for my passion!)
Guiding Grayson was published in March. I have another book that is currently being edited and will hopefully be published yet this year. Currently, I’m working on a a darker, romantic novel.
