Falling for You by Lisa Schroeder

Author Lisa Schroeder

Lisa Schroeder is the author of four teen verse novels including I Heart You, You Haunt Me and its companion, Chasing Brooklyn, Far From You, and the Oregon Book Award finalist, The Day Before. Her latest contemporary novel for teens, titled Falling For You, is a unique combination of prose and poetry. She’s also the author of the middle grade novels It’s Raining Cupcakes, Sprinkles and Secrets and the forthcoming Frosting and Friendship. Her books have been translated into several languages and have been selected for a number of state reading lists. When she’s not writing, you will probably find Lisa reading, walking the dog, or baking yummy treats. Lisa is a native Oregonian and lives in Beaverton with her husband and two sons.

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Excerpt

Not quite the happiest place on earth

Nathan’s hand crept under my sweater, up my stomach and into my bra. His mouth pressed on mine, impatient, as he lay me down on his bed.

I turned my head and pushed his body away from mine, sitting back up. “No, Nathan, stop. Please.”

He caressed my cheek. “Rae, come on. It’d be so good.”

When he leaned in for more kisses, I answered with a quick one and gently pushed him away again. “I’m not ready. How many times have I told you that?”

He looked at me like a sad kitten. “Rae, you are everything to me. You know that, right? I don’t know what I’d do without you. Still, a guy can only make out for so long. It’s not fair. Kissing might be enough for you, but it’s not for me.”

I sighed. I loved his kisses that tasted like bubblegum. Loved being in his arms where I felt safe and cared for. He wanted me like no one had ever wanted me, and yeah, it felt good to be wanted. But we hadn’t been going out that long. I didn’t want to be like my mom, always jumping into bed with the first guy who came along. I’d promised myself my first time would be with someone I loved.

And although I loved his kisses, I didn’t think I loved Nathan.

I got up to go home. He grabbed my arm. “Rae, please, don’t be mad.” I shook my arm free and kept walking. “Wait. Where are you going?”

“Disneyland,” I quipped. I glanced back and saw the hurt on his face. My heart softened. I didn’t want to upset him. “The bathroom, okay?”

He moaned. “Who needs Disneyland? We could have all kinds of fun if you’d just let it happen.”

Falling for You

Affection turns to obsession—and love means both devastation and redemption—in this gripping novel from the author of I Heart You, You Haunt Me.
Rae’s always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He’s nothing like her abusive stepfather—in other words, he’s sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, of her…and the less she wants to give.

As Rae’s affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous. He’s not about to let her go. And with danger following her every move, Rae must fight for the life and love she deserves if she’s going to survive.