{New Adult Romance Release} My Best Four Years by Megan Linski

My Best Four Years by Megan Linski
on September 11th, 2026
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Young Adult
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USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Megan Linski paints a hallmark to grief in this story of a heartbreaking best friend break up that’s emotionally unforgettable.

Aria and Lucky are two best friends who managed to survive high school, though not everyone did. They live in a small town that’s determined to destroy everyone’s dreams, but when they’re together, the two girls soar. The adults in their lives swear there’s no way out of their tiny hometown, but Aria and Lucky promise each other they’re going to run away together, believing the music they make is going to change the world.

Until one of them leaves, and the other stays. Aria finds herself looking back on her past, struggling to find where she belongs in a place that wishes to stomp out her light. Lucky’s rise and fall is brighter than a supernova, dazzling and destroying whatever it touches.

Then the unthinkable happens, and their friendship is left in the remnants of what comes after.

Lucky promised Aria forever. But forever turns out to be far shorter than either of them thought it could be.

An honest, endearing novel, My Best Four Years is a devastating portrayal of the power of unconditional friendship, and the loss that is felt when those we love are left behind.

Exclusive excerpt from My Best Four Years

“You should’ve asked that girl at the drag show on a date,” I teased as I sipped on a mocha latte. “She was checking you out.”

There was a girl who’d sat beside us in the audience. She hadn’t stopped flirting with Lucky the entire time we were there. 

“She’s too old for me. She’s twenty-three!” Lucky insisted. “I need to find someone my own age.”

An impossible task, finding another girl who was proudly out and about in Foal. I was certain Lucky wasn’t the only gay kid at our high school, but she was definitely the only one who was vocal about it.

“My wife is going to be hot,” Lucky praised, and she waved her croissant around in the air. “With dark hair, gorgeous eyes, and a smart mouth!”

I smirked. My phone went off. I checked my messages, and had to scowl. Derek had sent me a ton of texts while I’d been watching the show.

Why aren’t you answering me? I’ve texted you a million times!

I quickly wrote a response. 

I’m busy. Out with Lucky.

I went to pocket my phone in my purse, but it went off again. My good mood was ruined as I read his reply.

You’re always screwing around. If you don’t write this paper for me, I’m going to fail. Do you even care at all?

I didn’t respond. Derek immediately took my silence as a threat.

My mom is right about you. You’re such a distraction. I wouldn’t be failing if I didn’t have to keep up with having a girlfriend. I love you, Aria, but are you a lot of work.

I went to take another sip of my coffee, because it was the only thing that was grounding me. I wanted to sink into myself and disappear. 

“He needs to stop blaming you for failing his classes,” Lucky said. “It’s his fault he’s not studying or turning in his work.”

I hadn’t realized she’d been reading over my shoulder. I put my phone away and said, “I don’t get him. He has plenty of time to finish his homework. He just screws off in class, and wastes his time! Then when he gets home, he hangs out with his friends instead of doing what he’s supposed to. It’s like if I don’t do his work, it doesn’t get done, then I get the blame when he doesn’t pass. His mom is the worst. She blames me every time he messes up.”

“Which is a lot,” Lucky said bluntly. “Ari, why are you still with him? He doesn’t treat you very well.”

I didn’t know. Derek was kinder to me than my parents were, so I didn’t think it was that bad. 

“His mom pushed him down the stairs yesterday, Lucky,” I said. “She comes down hard on him when he doesn’t do well. His family expects results. He’s under a lot of pressure, so I need to be there for him.”

Lucky frowned. “That’s no excuse. It’s not your responsibility. I’m not even convinced you love him. You just stay with him because you’re too scared to date anyone else.”

I did love Derek. Yet more times than not, I wondered why I continued to stick around. 

But it was what I was used to. Most people in Foal married their high school love, and I figured that, since I had found mine, I was stuck with him forever. I had to be happy with what I had, and not be selfish, because looking for something more would be, wouldn’t it?

Even if he could sometimes be really mean.

“Ari,” Lucky said quietly, and I looked up.

Her gaze embraced mine as she whispered, “You’re not too much.”

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