In this thrilling, small-town YA romantic suspense novel from Lorie Langdon (the Doon novels; Happily Never After series), when convicted killer Ashton Keller returns to Gilt Hollow after being released, Willow finds herself questioning everything she knew about her former best friend. Is he innocent as he claims, or is she about to risk her life—and possibly her heart—to help a criminal finish what he started?

Willow Lamott’s best friend was found guilty of murder, and no one in the small town of Gilt Hollow will let her forget it. Over four long years, she’s tried to fade into the background and build a new life—though none of that matters when Ashton Keller comes striding into school, fresh out of juvie and looking for revenge. The moment their eyes meet, Willow finally feels seen again. But as she becomes drawn to the familiar vulnerability masked behind Ashton’s new anger, and considers helping him prove he was framed, she also finds herself wondering if her returning feelings for Ashton are keeping her from seeing the dangerous sociopath everyone believes him to be. Especially when it appears a killer is once again stalking their town.

Ashton thought he wanted vengeance, until Willow Lamott stepped back into his life. Now he longs to clear his name and become the person she believes him to be. But the closer they get to uncovering what happened before Ashton was convicted, the darker the secrets become, and Ashton wonders if his return to Gilt Hollow will destroy everyone he loves.

Gilt Hollow offers:

• a suspenseful, thrilling plot that will keep you turning the pages (without any graphic violence that could stop you in your tracks)
• age-appropriate romantic tension, centered around friends moving into possibly more with a slow-burn
• a fall-ready, atmospheric suspense with Victorian house and spooky season vibes
• an intriguing read for fans of the small-town secrets of Karen M. McManus and the clue-driven YA mysteries of Holly Jackson
• fiction from Blink, a teen-focused imprint that publishes the stories and content young adult readers are looking for, without the more mature, adult-level material they’re not.