All the Little Raindrops

Sheridan (More Than Words) returns with an uncommon dark romance about two star-crossed lovers. As high school classmates, Noelle and Evan disdain each other for good reason: Evan’s rich and powerful father shot Noelle’s mother while she was trespassing on his property, leading to a grueling court case that left Noelle’s family struggling with legal fees while Evan’s father evaded punishment and returned to a life of luxury. Then, both Noelle and Evan are abducted and wake up in adjacent cages in a darkened room. They weather gruesome sexual violence being “rented out” to their abductor’s “clients,” but make a vow to each other that they will survive: “We leave here whole... And we leave here together,” they promise as they extend their arms to hold hands through the bars. Years later, at 27, they’re pulled back into each other’s orbit by newly uncovered clues about why they were taken in the first place. As they work together on this deeply personal investigation, there’s no denying the depth of feeling that remains between them. The thriller elements will keep readers turning pages and, in the midst of all the darkness, the romance is surprisingly sweet. Sheridan’s fans will not be disappointed. Agent: Kimberly Brower, Brower Literary. (Nov.)