How much do know about your ex's new girlfriend? How much do you to know? Samara " " Key may be "just" a student-teacher-still working toward a college degree and living with her older cousin, Lake-but well-kept secrets from her past threaten to derail aspirations of a stable life. Not only is she plagued with unexplained memory loss, she's also newly-single after a dramatic breakup with her neighbor, (an overall dumpster-fire of a boyfriend). Things seem to take a turn for the better when Sam meets , a recently-hired teacher and archery coach at her school. In a world full of , Parrish Duncan is like a tall glass of water in the middle of a desert-kind yet fiercely protective, and (if that weren't enough)-empirically attractive by any standard. His striking physical attributes cause ladies everywhere to take pause-a phenomenon of which she is not immune. While Sam lusts over her new colleague, Chad meets -a salacious party-girl more than willing to match his toxic energy. Though seemingly complete strangers, Sam will inevitably discover an earth-shattering connection between herself and Chad's new flame. But will Maren turn out to be a friend to Sam-or foe? is an electrifying psychological thriller and off-beat contemporary romance sure to have you rooting for a happily-ever-after (whatever means). "The Alternate is unlike any novel that's come across my desk. This well-written psychological romance introduces us to Sam, a girl with a troubled past who just wants to live her life, get a teaching job, and stop dating the wrong kind of men--but the story takes an unexpected turn. Intertwining the struggles of a regular coming-of-age adult with the much deeper plight of a dark past and psychological twists, this book is a page-turner that you won't want to put down. By the end, I felt like I was Sam's friend, rooting for her bright future, free from the demons that held her back." -Dana Alsamsam (Professional Editor; MFA in Creative Writing; Award-Winning Writer) "What an intriguing and thoroughly entertaining read-I couldn't put it down! You'll fall in love with the characters and find yourself fully invested in their stories. Relationships can be difficult and challenging, so can working through our past in the present. Ms. Matthews manages to weave together a suspenseful read that explores this topic and more. Just when you think you have it all figured out you're left blindsided. I give The Alternate 5 stars-my favorite read of the year!" -Pat Simmons (ARC Reader) "The Alternate is Ms. Matthews' best work yet!! It keeps you trying to figure out the plot and then adds a twist that keeps you interested from the beginning chapter to the last. This is a must read! Can't wait to see what her next adventure will bring!" -Susan McCain (ARC Reader)