Afterlight Books

Maya Harris is a master of invisibility. At Northwood High, her voice is a whisper, her presence a fleeting shadow in the crowded hallways. She navigates her days with a sketchbook clutched to her chest and her gaze fixed firmly on the floor. But online, under the handle EchoBloom, Maya is transformed. On a niche forum for indie game enthusiasts, she is a titan—her words sharp, her analysis brilliant, and her wit undeniable. It's the only place she feels truly, vibrantly alive.

Jaxon 'Jax' Reid is the king of Northwood High. As the star quarterback, his life is a highlight reel of charisma, confidence, and easy popularity. But the roaring crowds and back-slapping friends can't drown out the silence in his own head. Trapped by the 'jock' persona he’s perfected, he secretly finds solace in classic poetry and the lonely landscapes of a video game he stumbled upon. Creating a profile under the ironic name GridironHeart, he’s just looking for a distraction—until he collides with a post by EchoBloom that is so scathing and intelligent, he can’t help but be captivated.

What starts as a public debate quickly spirals into late-night private messages, a digital sanctuary where two hidden selves can finally emerge. They trade secrets, dreams, and philosophies, falling in love with the minds behind the usernames. In the real world, however, they are a universe apart. Maya despises the performative bravado of 'King Jaxon,' while Jax has no idea that the quiet girl in his English class is the brilliant, fearless woman who has captured his heart.

But when a shared class discussion drops a clue so specific it can’t be a coincidence, Jax’s world is turned upside down. The girl he’s falling for online is the girl he’s never truly seen in person. Now, he faces an impossible choice: reveal himself as GridironHeart and risk shattering the only genuine connection he’s ever had, or live a lie while the love of his life sits just a few feet away, completely, painfully silent.