Born in Meadowbrook, New Jersey, to a single father, Troy spent most of his childhood believing he wasn’t worthy of love because his mother had abandoned him. It wasn’t until after she died, years later, that he learned of the regret she held in her heart over the decision she’d made. Troy vowed to use his mother’s experience as a reason to never leave anything unsaid. Like his mother’s beloved dragonfly, which represents transformation, Troy came to pride himself on being open to change. As such, he learned to forgive many mistakes of the past, especially his own. He also learned to spend less time feeling sorry for himself, and instead to appreciate the things he did have—like a hardworking father and grandparents who did the best they could to support him.
Despite a successful career crunching numbers for virtual strangers, by his late twenties, Troy realized that much was missing from his life. It wasn’t until he reconnected with a girl from high school who’d once tried to poison him that he learned how ironic the world can be. After falling in love with her (the aforementioned Aspyn), Troy finally experienced true happiness. And for the first time in his life, he felt worthy of love.
He also realized, through the eyes of Aspyn’s young niece, Kiki, that he wasn’t alone in the plight to achieve a feeling of belonging in this world. Together, as kindred spirits who grew up without their birth mothers, Troy and Kiki bonded in a way he hadn’t been able to with anyone else. Troy remained convinced that they were always meant to find each other.
So, you see, if this obituary were real and Troy really had passed away at the ripe age of thirty-one, he would’ve died a happy and enlightened man. But he’s very much alive, and there’s so much more he needs to achieve. Namely, he wants to marry Aspyn, adopt Kiki, and someday expand their family.
Thus, this particular obituary isn’t an obituary at all. It’s a proposal. It’s not the end to a story. It’s just the beginning—but only if she says yes.
Dear Readers,
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading The Assignment! I’d love to stay in touch and invite you to join my mailing list and receive back a NEW, FREE short story.
For a Good Time Call
Ever see For a good time call scribbled on the bathroom wall of a bar? Sure you have. Ever wonder what would happen if you had a few too many drinks and actually called the number? Well now you don’t have to wonder anymore, because I’ll tell you… It blows up in your face when you suddenly realize who Mr. Good Time is.
The Aristocrat
The Anti-Boyfriend
RoomHate
The Crush
The Day He Came Back
Just One Year
When August Ends
Love Online
Gentleman Nine
Drunk Dial
Mack Daddy
Stepbrother Dearest
Neighbor Dearest
Jaded and Tyed (A novelette)
Sins of Sevin
Jake Undone (Jake #1)
Jake Understood (Jake #2)
My Skylar
Gemini
Well Played (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Not Pretending Anymore (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Cocky Bastard (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Playboy Pilot (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Mister Moneybags (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
British Bedmate (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Park Avenue Player (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Stuck-Up Suit (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Rebel Heir (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Rebel Heart (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Hate Notes (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Dirty Letters (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
My Favorite Souvenir (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
Happily Letter After (Co-written with Vi Keeland)
The acknowledgements are always the hardest part of the book to write. There are simply too many people that contribute to the success of a book, and it’s impossible to properly thank each and every one.
First and foremost, I need to thank the readers all over the world who continue to support and promote my books. Your support and encouragement are my reasons for continuing this journey. And to all of the book bloggers/bookstagrammers/TikTokers who work tirelessly to support me book after book, please know how much I appreciate you.
To Vi – I would undoubtedly not be sane without you! You’re the best friend and partner in crime that I could ask for. Not to mention, you’re the GOAT.
To Julie – Thank you for your friendship, your amazing writing, outlook, and for always being just a click away. This year more than any, you inspire me!
To Luna – Getting to see you over the holidays is always a highlight of my year! Thank you for your love, support, and friendship and for being one of my biggest cheerleaders.
To Erika –I am so thankful for your love, humor, and summer visits. Thank you for always brightening my days with your messages of encouragement and nostalgic spirit. It’s an E thing!
To Cheri – An amazing friend and supporter. Thanks for always looking out for me. Your Wednesday messages mean everything.
To Darlene – I am so grateful to have met you, and it has nothing to do with the delicious Medjool dates you send me, but rather your valued friendship.
To my Facebook reader group, Penelope’s Peeps – I adore you all. You are my home and favorite place to be.
To my agent extraordinaire, Kimberly Brower –Thank you for everything you do and for getting my books out into the world.
To my editor Jessica Royer Ocken – It’s always a pleasure working with you. I look forward to many more experiences to come.
To Elaine of Allusion Publishing – Thank you for being the best proofreader, formatter, and friend a girl could ask for.
To Julia Griffis of The Romance Bibliophile – Your eagle eye is amazing. Thank you for being so wonderful to work with.
To my assistant Brooke – Thank you for hard work in handling all of the things Vi and I can’t seem to ever get to. We appreciate you so much!
To Kylie and Jo at Give Me Books – You guys are truly the best out there! Thank you for your tireless promotional work. I would be lost without you.
To Letitia Hasser of RBA Designs – My awesome cover designer. Thank you for always working with me until the finished product is exactly perfect.
To my husband – Thank you for always taking on so much more than you should have to so that I am able to write. I love you so much.
To the best parents in the world – I’m so lucky to have you! Thank you for everything you have ever done for me and for always being there.
Last but not least, to my daughter and son – Mommy loves you. You are my motivation and inspiration!
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels.
Penelope’s books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
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