First Last Never

A slow-burn, emotionally loaded, obsessive college romance about the girl who tried to escape her life — and the boy who couldn’t let her go.

Natalie has always been the responsible one. Designated driver. Watcher of drinks. The pretend girlfriend TJ, Dan, Mike, and Ryan use to sidestep drunk girls at parties.

She keeps their group running, even when it means fading into the background.

The boys see her as essential. But none of them really see her. Even her sometimes boyfriend, Steven, has never touched her.

Until Beck, a hot guy and her friend from her French class, kisses her.

He isn’t part of the dorm crew. He doesn’t owe TJ anything. He doesn’t follow their rules. And when he sees Natalie, he becomes the first person to choose her for her.

It drives TJ insane.

Because TJ has always wanted her. Always watched her. Always relied on the unspoken rule that Natalie was “theirs,” never his alone.

Status. Group politics. The fear of losing control — all of it keeps him silent, even as he falls apart watching her with someone outside their circle.

Natalie is exhausted by being everyone’s helper. Everyone’s safe option. Everyone’s second choice. She wants out. She wants a life where she belongs to herself.

TJ wants her — but only if she stays secret.