Mack Bennett is the guy that doesn't have illusions about life. He sees life for what it is. When he meets Paige Moore, their meeting isn't romantic or ideal but has more comedic errors. After dealing with their relationship, Mack and Paige welcome Bella into their life. Their recent addition to their family thrills them until Mack learns that parenting isn't easy. When Bella becomes a teen, Mack gets dragged into her and her friends' teen angst. How? Bella tries to get her crush to notice her with the help of her friends and Ty's older brother. Bella and her friends will learn why everyone needs a Mack in their life. Expect hilarious results from the Bennett family, their crazy friends, and the infamous tee-shirt. Before you and me, it's meant to be because it's just between us. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Before you and me
Mack
People say life is glorious. You have all these moments to consider, but they're full of shit. Life isn't superb. It's rough. Too many people lie to themselves, which is hysterical if you consider it.
They had all these aspirations and dreams. Then someone else destroys them. Do you get where I'm leading with this?
I try to steer clear. Who in the hell wants someone who sets out to destroy you? Of course, I've never been that schmuck who's been in love. There's too much drama.
I had that one acquaintance who assumes they know better than I do. That would be Bob Harrison, who pushes me to find someone like he's doing today.
"Come on, Mack. Don't you realize it's time to settle down?"
"Aren't you too old to whine? What? Are you? Four? What does it matter if I meet someone?" I lifted a container of dirty dishes onto the counter.
Yes, I work as a busboy trying to pay for school. Don't judge. Most people must do the inferior man's jobs. It was honest employment. So, why the hell do I care what people think?
"I'm saying it would help tame your wild ways."
"What wild ways? I work and go to school. Woohoo," I responded.
He twisted his eyes at me.
"Shouldn't you cook something?" That meant returning to work and stopping harassing me about my personal choices.
"Bob, I need a number one and three." Miguel placed an order on the ledge.
"Good luck. Bob worries too much about my nonexistent love life," I quipped.
Bob folded his eyes, and Miguel chuckled.
"Mark my words. One day, you will find the one!" Bob flipped a burger.
I walked over to Miguel.
"He sure has big aspirations for you," Miguel told me.
"I assume he's high."
Miguel snickered.
"Is there a reason you ladies are standing around talking?" Ian asked us.
"We were discussing your poor lifestyle choices such as that hairstyle." I pointed at the mess on top of his head.
"There is nothing wrong with my hairstyle. Gertie finds it sexy." Ian ran his hand against the side of his haircut.
"Is that before or after you use a gallon of oil on it?"
Ian rolled his eyes at me, causing Miguel to howl even more. "Laugh all you want, but at least I'm getting lucky."
"That is debatable."
"Are you still coming to the party?"
"Why?"
"Mack, you need to get out."
"Ian, I don't drink, and people act stupid when they do. What the hell would I do? Stand there and look like a dipshit? I don't think so."
"Then you won't see Paige," Bob said from the grill.
"You're not helping!" I spoke.
"Oh, someone has a crush on Paige Moore," Ian said.
I'm going to kill Bob.
"I do not have a crush on Paige Moore. Plus, she's dating that weasel, Aaron Slade," I said.
"Only because you haven't made a move," Miguel told me.
"And I'm not going to make a move."
Aaron was a dipwad, and I had no intention of being the other guy. FML.
The bell chimed. We noticed Paige walk in with Maria, Gertie, and Ruth. Fuck me. Of all the diners in this town, she had to come here. God must hate me.
My dipwad friends looked at me.
"Don't give me that look," I said.
Then Ian and Miguel came into the kitchen. They threw an apron on me, shoved a notepad and pencil in my hand, and pushed me through the double doors. Assholes.
I stood there as everyone stared at me. "Take a picture. It'll last longer."
Everyone returned to eating.
I walked over and scribbled the girls' orders down, then looked at Paige. "And what do you want?"
"Couldn't you be a little nicer?" Paige asked me.
"I could if I wanted to, but today is not your day, and tomorrow isn't looking better. Now, what do you want, Peggy?"
She glared at me. Yep, I pissed her off. She gave me her order, and I walked back into the kitchen. I handed it to Bob. Miguel and Ian had cheeky grins plastered on their faces.
"I'll hurt both of you."
"Yeah, but not after she hurts you." Ian smirked.
My right eye twitched. That wasn't how I wanted my life to go.
Carrington Carrington Jones grew up with seven brothers and sisters. He has a happy-go-lucky nature with a tender heart, which sets him apart from his siblings with their personalities. He meets a woman who captures his heart. The only problem is she has a husband. Carrington’s brothers advised him against pursuing it, especially Mason and Charles, understanding it’s a terrible idea. Carrington can’t stay away from the woman. What happens with romance blossoms? Will Carrington discover his happiness, or will his heart get broken? A forbidden romance is enticing but arises in tragedy. Carrington will discover that it’s not romance where his heart lies but what occurs from it. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Matthew Harper always does the right thing. He doesn’t drink or smoke and protects his family, but he lets his past rule him. After dealing with the loss of his girlfriend Sadie, he thought he could move on, but ghosts of the past resurface. It made him close off his heart to someone who could love him more profoundly than the ocean. What happens when a past love resurfaces, making him rethink his earlier decisions? Will he get a second chance at happiness he deserves or breaks another’s heart again? It takes help from some cousins and an unexpected situation to show Matthew that we can’t let the past rule our future. The heart wants what the heart wants. *The Gray Series spin-off series. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Oliver Harper is a unique person. He doesn’t care about frivolous ideas or someone in his life to complete him. He prefers a conversation that stimulates his mind. When Oliver starts college, his friends and cousins join him. The problem with this bunch is they’re crazy. Have you met the Gray/Harper family? They define bat shit crazy. Olivier will navigate his way through college with the help of his family and cousins. He’ll meet and fall in love with the most unexpected person who’ll stimulate his mind. College life is about to explode. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Growing up next to the Harper boys, Tori Williams learned to hold her own with them. Her brother Gabe is best friends with the boys, and Tori deals with the youngest Harper boy, Deacon. There’s a slight issue when Tori dates Bradley Wilson, whom the Harper boys can’t stand. Wanting to keep Tori from her idiot ex-boyfriend, Nate and Deacon develop a plan of their own. Elias Harper graduated college and returned home to work in construction. While Nate and Deacon scheme to keep Bradley from Tori, another issue arises when Elias takes an interest in a particular neighbor girl. What happens when four years change people? Will a love connection happen, or will someone get burned? With the Gray gene cemented in your DNA, all bets are off. Follow Elias as he discovers who held his heart while growing up. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Lex and Piper are ready to settle down and have a family of their own. After celebrating the wedding of Michael and Lyric, something significant happens to Lex and Piper, which turns the Gray family upside down. Will they be able to get through this, or will they falter? With the help of The Gray Brothers and The Gray Sisters, Lex and Piper will learn the meaning of what it is to be a Gray. Love and humor go a long way for this family. Follow Lex and Piper on their journey as we find out if they can find their way back to each other. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
As the quints head into their third and final year of college, they are going to discover the thing that truly matters most - family. Follow them on their journey as the sisters deal with situations beyond their control. That is when the family becomes essential, especially the Gray Family. Now all they must do is get through the next two years with minor issues. Considering these are The Gray Sisters, expect the unexpected. With a little bit of help from the Brothers and a whole lot of humor, anything is possible. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
Leanna's life had been full of hardships until her Uncle Nate, who wasn't related to her, offered her a home. She fell deeply in love with Nate, but as he was about to get married, he ruthlessly sent her abroad. In response, Leanna immersed herself in the study of andrology. When she came back, she was renowned for her work on solving problems like impotence, premature ejaculation, and infertility. One day, Nate trapped her in her bedroom. "Seeing various men every day, huh? Why don't you check me out and see if I have any problems?" Leanna laughed slyly and quickly unbuckled his belt. "Is that why you're engaged but not married? Having trouble in the bedroom?" "Wanna try it out for yourself?" "No thanks. I’m not interested in experimenting with you."
Rejected by her mate, who had been her long-time crush, Jasmine felt utterly humiliated. Seeking solace, she headed to a party to drown her sorrows. But things took a turn for the worse when her friends issued a cruel dare: kiss a stranger or beg her mate for forgiveness. With no other choice, Jasmine approached a stranger and kissed him, thinking that would be the end of it. However, the stranger unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, "You're mine!" He growled, his words sending shivers down her spine. And then, he offered her a solution that would change everything...
P-please, I beg you. Come let's go tell Christian I had no hand in whatever happened, p-please." I clutched the lapel of his jacket desperately. "Let's go. You need to tell my husband you were paid." "Young lady, you're harassing me." His tone was cold and his stare granite. But I could care less. "You harassed me first! You had sex with me without my consent, my husband knows and now I'm pregnant with this child he doesn't want. You ruined my marriage! I-I hate you!" ************************************ Caught by her husband with another man on their matrimonial bed the morning after her birthday, Hailey Codza could not defend herself. As though it's not enough, she gets pregnant. Her enraged husband decides to pay her back for her infidelity by having an affair with his ex-girlfriend - Denise Kellers, the family Hailey never knew she had. Losing her family's wealth and company to her husband and his ex (now girlfriend), she is devastated, homeless and penniless as all her credit cards are blocked by her husband. She sees the man who is responsible for her pregnancy. The man she has no idea how he'd found his way to her matrimonial bed - Jared Johnson. Jared is annoyed when this strange woman disrupts his meeting and accuses him of ruining her life, marriage and impregnating her. It affects his business deals and having no choice, he marries her to calm the public whilst engaged to someone else. But he loathes her and allows his family treats her badly. Hailey who has fallen in love with Jared is broken when she can no longer take the humiliation. She signs the divorce papers and leaves, only to arrive six years later to the country as a self-made, secret billionaire and a mother of twins. Now her two ex-husbands are begging to have her back...
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
The day Lilah found out that she was pregnant, she caught her fiancé cheating on her. Her remorseless fiancé and his mistress almost killed her. Lilah fled for her dear life. When she returned to her hometown five years later, she happened to save a little boy's life. The boy's father turned out to be the world's richest man. Everything changed for Lilah from that moment. The man didn't let her experience any inconvenience. When her ex-fiancé bullied her, he crushed the scumbag's family and also rented out an entire island just to give Lilah a break from all the drama. He also taught Lilah's hateful father a lesson. He crushed all her enemies before she even asked. When Lilah's vile sister threw herself at him, he showed her a marriage certificate and said, "I'm happily married and my wife is much more beautiful than you are!" Lilah was shocked. "When did we ever get married? Last I checked, I was still single." With a wicked smile, he said, "Honey, we've been married for five years. Isn't it about time we had another child together?" Lilah's jaw dropped to the floor. What the hell was he talking about?
Dear readers, this book has resumed daily updates. It took Sabrina three whole years to realize that her husband, Tyrone didn't have a heart. He was the coldest and most indifferent man she had ever met. He never smiled at her, let alone treated her like his wife. To make matters worse, the return of the woman he had eyes for brought Sabrina nothing but divorce papers. Sabrina's heart broke. Hoping that there was still a chance for them to work on their marriage, she asked, "Quick question,Tyrone. Would you still divorce me if I told you that I was pregnant?" "Absolutely!" he responded. Realizing that she didn't mean shit to him, Sabrina decided to let go. She signed the divorce agreement while lying on her sickbed with a broken heart. Surprisingly, that wasn't the end for the couple. It was as if scales fell off Tyrone's eyes after she signed the divorce agreement. The once so heartless man groveled at her bedside and pleaded, "Sabrina, I made a big mistake. Please don't divorce me. I promise to change." Sabrina smiled weakly, not knowing what to do...