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
Harper
Matt
"Is anyone home?" I heard Markus ask through the screen door as I worked on a water heater.
"Yeah, I'm in here." I finished and packed up my toolbox.
"Look at you, Mr. Fix it."
I lifted the toolbox and carried it to the porch.
I didn't need his jokes or comments. I had work to do. When I finished, I walked up the steps, letting my boots thump against the boards as I walked into the kitchen.
"Are you planning on living like a hermit? Or will you join the land of the living?" Markus leaned against the counter.
"Why do I need to do anything? I'm content with what I'm doing." I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water from it.
"Matt, it's been a few years."
"So?" I swigged my water.
"How long will you punish yourself for being happy?"
"I'm not punishing myself. I'm better off alone. Mason and I patched things up, and he's happy. Now excuse me, I have a house to repair." I walked away.
I was better off alone. I learned if you develop feelings for someone, it kicks you in the teeth. It did with Sadie and Nora. I refused to fall into that trap again.
As I was busy putzing around the house, Markus had plans of his own with Mason. Let me explain about my cousins, who are a pain in the asses. Markus belongs to Larkin and Maverick, while Mason belongs to Luna and Major. My parents are Lyric and Michael.
We grew up together, along with the Grays. Then our parents ventured out, coming home when we went off to college. I dropped out in the middle of my junior year. Yeah, Ma and Dad weren't happy, but I needed to leave.
I got a job in Beau's auto repair shop, working on vehicles like my Grampa Nate. I enjoyed working on cars, so it didn't matter. I made a decent living and set some money aside, buying a fixer upper. I had the gift for auto mechanics. For the last two years, I worked at the auto repair shop and renovated my current house.
Markus and Mason graduated college and moved closer to me. Lucky me. They're always trying to set me up with someone. I decline every time. I'm not the person who needs someone in my life to make it complete. After what happened at school with Mason and Nora, it was best to keep my distance, except that didn't happen. I thought I would have a chance with Nora but didn't.
When you're family, there's no keeping a distance. The family follows you wherever you go. I should have moved to Siberia.
Markus left as I focused on the house. Then I heard someone ask. "Matthew?"
"In the living room!" I said, working on a light switch. I swapped out the lousy switch for a good one before putting it back together.
"How's it going?" Dad asked, walk into the living room.
"It's going. Markus stopped by before you did."
"What did he want?"
"Oh, you know, the same thing. Will I live like a hermit or enter the world?"
Dad chuckled. I finished the switch and turned on the power. Then I got us something to drink.
My dad and I were close, as were my ma and me. Even though I was an only child, my parents didn't spoil me. My parents weren't the people to spoil their child. They raised me to be a decent human being.
I leaned against the edge of the counter as I drank some water.
"Matthew, I know you prefer to be alone, but your mom and I worry about you."
I stood there.
"When I was your age, I was like you. I focused so much attention on taking care of your aunt and cousins that I didn't date and stayed busy."
"I know, but I'm good."
Dad gave me a look. I know people worry about me, but I'm okay with my life. I stay busy and don't deal with bullshit.
Dad stayed and talked for a while. Dad understood my reasons for living alone and not going out. It was a topic of discussion whenever someone stops by the house. I didn't see the point of discussing the matter.
I cleaned up and made dinner, then settled in with a book. Most guys would watch a game on TV or some movie, but I prefer to read. I enjoyed getting lost in a good book with a great storyline and characters. Luna writes a lot, so I read her books mostly, adding other books into the mix.
I read until I went to bed. I thought about what everyone said and rubbed my forehead in frustration. I know my family worries about me, but I learned that love wasn't in the cards for me. It never will be. I had to accept it. Why couldn't my family understand my decision?
*****
Nora
I cleaned up another hotel room. I sighed as guests left the place a mess. What's the point of getting a degree when you can't even use it? I cleaned the bathroom, thinking about how our dad had cut us off when Britt chose Pat, and he caught me with Mason, although I wasn't with Mason.
I planned on telling Matthew that I wanted to be with him. He left without saying a word. I remember standing in his bedroom, heartbroken. That's what you get for being honest about your feelings.
I finished cleaning the bathroom, then cleaned the rest of the room, and changed the bedsheets. After I finished my last room, I put my cart away, then clocked out. I drove to Presley and Kaylee's place. It was a temporary stay until I put a down payment on a home. I'd set aside enough money for a cheap place.
I entered the house and saw both snuggled on the couch, watching a movie. I sighed.
"How was work?" Presley asked me as Kaylee looked at me.
"People are pigs. I'm going to bed," I said, walking upstairs.
Presley and Kaylee laughed.
I changed into my pajamas, then scrolled a real estate site on my phone, looking at houses. Everything I found was a fixer-upper, but it was doable. I wanted to get out of Presley and Kaylee's house. I appreciated they let me stay with them but seeing them reminded me I was single.
I sent a message to a seller and hoped they would accept my offer. Who knows? This opportunity might lead to something better. I went to sleep after turning off the light.
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
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
Nash and Maggie’s offspring are off to college, along with Kaiden and Kain. As they navigate life away from home, they must deal with what happened after graduation too. Will the quints help Lyric deal with the tragedy while they deal with college life? Sometimes, you need a little help and guidance from The Gray Brothers themselves. Get ready because The Gray Sisters are taking college by storm. Author: Johanna Delacruz Publisher:i&i Publisher
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...
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"