Emily! You’ve always been my biggest cheerleader and I’m so happy that you’ve been a big part in the creation of this book. I love you, Emmers!
As always Regina Bartley deserves a big round of applause. Without you this book might still be incomplete with all the doubts that plagued me. Thank you for reminding me that this is Dean and Willow’s story and while it’s not drama-filled it’s theirs.
Regina Wamba thank you for creating the most beautiful cover I’ve ever seen. (Even if I doubted it at first). It’s exactly what I wanted for this story and your talent never ceases to amaze me.
Yuli, thank you for all your help with the photo shoot. This one had a lot of props, and scenes to portray, not to mention wardrobe, and you definitely succeeded in helping Regina bring my book to life.
Daniel and Leeann, thank you for bringing Dean and Willow to life. I can’t help but smile when I look at the photos.
Wendi (aka the greatest formatter evvva) you became my formatter by accident, but now you’re stuck with me forever. Muahahaha!
Thank you to all the wonderful ladies in my fan group (Micalea’s Minions). I’m honored to “know” so many of you. Your enthusiasm about my books blows my mind and I love you all so much.
And thank YOU. For reading this. For buying my books. For being a part of my life. It’s all thanks to you.
TRUE LOVE
A Songbird Novel
Melissa Pearl
TRUE LOVE
One night can change everything…
Nessa Sloan has been in love with Jimmy Baker since the ninth grade when they started up a rock band together. Five years later they’re about to hit the big time—Chaos wins a recording contract and nation-wide tour with Torrence Records. After their celebration party, the two best friends have a one-night stand that will tear their relationship apart.
On the run from Jimmy’s rejection, Nessa takes off on her motorbike, but an accident brings her escape to a tragic end. Now trapped in a broken body, Nessa has to face a future stripped of the one thing that’s gotten her through every past challenge—playing the drums.
Jimmy never meant to break his best friend’s heart, and he will forever regret taking her to bed then treating her like one of his groupies. But once he’d crossed that line, he couldn’t go back. Now Jimmy is on a mission to do something he’s never done before—win a girl over.
Angry and confused by her new disability, Nessa doesn’t want Jimmy’s help. But she has nobody else to rely on…and his pigheaded ass won’t leave her alone. Can these two stubborn hearts get past their own insecurities to figure out what true love really looks like? Or will they drive each other crazy before they finally see the truth?
It’s infuriating, irresistible, and all-consuming…it’s true love.
Chapter One
Nessa
It’s so easy to look back on your life and wonder, “What if?”
What if he’d never heard me playing the drums in the music suite that day? What if we hadn’t won Shock Wave and scored a deal with Torrence Records?
What if I’d never let him kiss me?
The motorcycle rumbled beneath me, sending vibrations shooting down my legs as I sat at the empty crossroads in the middle of America and wondered.
It was an overcast day, but the sun was burning off the clouds and it would soon heat up. I was in no hurry for that to happen; the morning air was cool and refreshing as a light breeze ruffled tendrils of dark hair across my leather jacket. The road was a silent, black snake winding through the countryside, and I was a lone rider trying to decide which way to turn. After an early morning shower, the asphalt was slick, and the first rays of sun were creating an eerie steam on the surface. I stared at it until the wisps of steam turned into a fuzzy mirage.
I had to make a choice.
Gripping the handlebars, I held my breath as I considered each option.
Left meant returning to Jimmy—the leader of our band, Chaos, and the guy who broke my heart.
Right meant…well, I wasn’t sure what right meant. I couldn’t return to my childhood home in Mississippi and Chicago without Rosie or Chaos held no appeal.
“Unkiss Me” by Maroon 5 swirled in my brain. The song had been torturing me non-stop since the day I threw my drumsticks at Jimmy and split.