Natalie is a hardworking nurse who finally has a rare night off to ring in the New Year with friends. When she runs into her high school boyfriend, Brennan McLean, at a local store, she can't deny the electric chemistry that still exists between them. Despite their vastly different lives - he's a rockstar and she's a nurse - they spend the night together, both convinced they can keep things casual. But as rumors swirl around Brennan in the media, Natalie's resolve not to get her heart broken is put to the test. Can they make their unlikely relationship work, or will their past and present differences tear them apart? Follow Brennan and Natalie's love story as it unfolds in this steamy romance.
Brennan's [POV]
Standing in front of the large picture window with my carry-on suitcase next to me, I let out the biggest, longest, most exaggerated sigh I can, mostly to get my mother's attention. The snow is piling up faster than the plow trucks can get rid of it.
Of course, my parents live in a townhouse not far from the waterfront, on a side street, which means there isn't a single plow coming down their street, which means Uber, Lyft or a taxicab won't be able to pick me up.
"What's wrong, Brenny?" Brenny. I loathe the nickname my mother still insists on calling me after all these years.
What's a guy have to do to get his mom to call him by his name, Brennan? It's a fine name, it's the one she gave me at birth but quickly fell into the habit of shortening and adding the "y" sound.
She should've named me Benny. Then maybe I wouldn't be so embarrassed when she calls me Brenny.
"It's snowing," I state the obvious.
"I told you yesterday the Nor'Easter was coming."
"I forgot. How am I supposed to get home?"
"This is your home," she screeches from the kitchen like Laverne from that old sitcom, Laverne and Shirley.
"My other home. Do you know the one that paid for your condo? The one where I have a life."
My mom comes into the living and stands next to me. She's wearing an apron with some type of batter smeared all over it.
She and my dad have big New Year's Eve plans with their friends and I'm due to catch a flight out of Logan in about three hours, at least I hope I am.
"You'll have to stay a few more nights."
She shrugs and walks back to the kitchen. Staying a few more nights is easy for her to say, she likes having me home.
I, on the other hand, have things to do, like bask in the sun and only get wet when I decide to jump in the pool not look at cold white shit falling to the ground in rapid succession.
As if on cue, my agent's ring tone plays from the pocket of my hoodie. I pull my phone out, verify it is my manager, and slide the bar to answer.
"Hey."
"Your flight is canceled," Vance Davis barks into the receiver.
"I'm trying to book on the next available flight out, but with the holiday tomorrow and the snowstorm, everything is pushed back the next couple of days. You cool chilling in Beantown?"
"No one but non-locals calls it that," I tell him.
"Right, you cool though?"
"I'm supposed to be at Rayna's party tonight, can you call and cancel for me?"
"Ooh," he says, and I picture him rubbing his hands together.
"You don't want to call and cancel yourself?" I pinch the bridge of my nose, inhale and exhale slowly, as my meditation specialist taught me.
In my business, we need all the help any guru is willing to offer.
"No, I don't. I'm making an appearance on behalf of whatever contract I signed, nothing more."
"But it's Rayna Freaking Reynolds. Only the hottest, most eligible chick on the market."
"You go to the party then, Vance. I was only going because I was paid to. I'm snowed in. Can't get there. Send my condolences."
I hang up because there's no getting it through his head when it comes to Rayna and me. Sure, she's beautiful, but beauty only goes so far.
If I'm going to date, and that's a big if, it needs to be a woman who has some intellect, who I can carry on a meaningful conversation with, someone I want to spend time with, and don't have to be paid to show up at their parties.
Instead of watching the snow, I take my suitcase back to my room and unpack. Vance said a few days and I hate the idea of living out of my suitcase.
After my clothes are back in my dresser, I find myself lying on my childhood bed, bored out of my mind.
Again, I pull my phone from the pocket of my hoodie and scroll through my contacts.
I told very few people I was home for Christmas, mostly because they make a big deal out of my career and it never fails, they always have "a friend" . . . a friend who wants an autograph, a cousin who is such a big fan, a roommate who wants to hook up, and sometimes I want to be the Brenny of the group and not the famous one who's guilted into giving a piece of himself away.
I click on Jordan's name, the one buddy from high school who I have kept in contact with, and send him a text.
Hey man, plans tonight? I'm stuck for a few days.
Almost instantly the three conversation bubbles pop up Jordan: Chill party at my friend's high rise. Everyone is cool. No fan shit.
BYOB Jordan sends another quick text with the address, which happens to be a half mile from my parents. I could easily walk there, have a few beers, and chill.
Ring in the new year and walk back home. But do I want to party? Or do I want to hide behind a hat and go sit in some bar downtown? It's pretty bad when I, mister badass superstar, don't have plans tonight, but my parents do. My life is lame.
There's no question about it. I tell Jordan I'll stop by and leave it at that. I shut my phone off and decide to do the most rock star thing ever take a nap.
After what was probably the most restless nap ever, I get up and find my parents sitting at the table eating.
"Hey, pops."
"Mom says you're here for a couple more days?"
"Yeah, the storm sort of messed my flight up."
"Sit down and I'll make you a plate." Mom gets up and heads into the kitchen. I do as she says and takes the seat I've always sat in. By always, I mean the opposite of my dad.
"Storm will clear up tomorrow, flights should be normal the day after," Dad says in between bites.
My mom brings my plate over, chicken and mashed potatoes, with green beans. After living alone for a few years, there's nothing like a homecooked meal.
"Thanks, Mom. And yeah, Vance said I should be good to go."
"Well, you're more than welcome to come over to the Brumet's with us, if you'd like." To play cards and charades, no thanks.
"Thanks, but I'm heading to Jordan's. His friend has a place not far from here we're going to go hang at."
"Don't forget to watch the fireworks, they go off shortly after midnight," Mom adds.
As if I'd forget. Of all the places I've been to on New Year's, Boston will always be my favorite. Maybe because it's my hometown, but it feels right to celebrate here. I help mom clear the table before I hop in the shower.
By the time I'm out, my parents are gone, and the thought crosses my mind to stay home, but I know the closer it gets to midnight, the more I will have wished I was out celebrating.
I dress in dark jeans, and a blue button-down shirt, put my biker boots on that's what mom calls them, and grab my old winter coat from the closet. I need a scarf for good measure and all but wrap it around my head.
One look in the mirror reminds me of what I used to look like when I lived here . . . an idiot, dressed for the snow apocalypse.
A warm idiot who hopes no one recognizes. My hands are stuffed deep into my jacket pockets as I make my way toward the waterfront.
The snow is deep, it's cold, and my pants are getting wet from where the large snowflakes land on me.
There's hardly any traffic out here and I'm tempted to call my parents and ask them how exactly they got to their friend's house because no one should be driving in this mess.
Halfway to Jordan's, well his friends' place, I remember I'm supposed to BYOB. I suppose I could show up empty-handed because I know there will be someone or many someone's willing to share their liquor with Brennan McLean so they can tweet, Instagram, and post all over Facebook that they're partying with me.
The thought is tempting, but it's also dangerous. You never know who might slip something into a drink. I turn around and head back toward the grocery store I passed earlier.
The walk is taking more time than it should, and my calves are screaming from the workout they're getting.
I should probably tell Vance about this new snow workout. It could be the next up-and-coming fad for everyone to try.
Jackson King, the Alpha King, is desperate to secure his legacy and save his pack from extinction. He needs a surrogate to carry his child, and he's willing to pay handsomely for it. However, his chosen candidate, Layla Carlisle, a half-human and half-wolf, refuses his offer. Despite her initial rejection, Jackson is determined to make her change her mind, using any means necessary. As he struggles with his own darkness and the demands of his beast, Cain, Jackson must confront the consequences of his own cursed fate and the truth about his mate. Will Layla eventually agree to carry his child, or will Jackson's secrets and lies tear them apart?
Blue Learley, a bright and adventurous seventeen-year-old girl, lived a peaceful life in a small town with her loving parents and two protective brothers. Her days were filled with laughter, friendship, and dreams of a future filled with promise. But on one fateful night, her life took a devastating turn. Demetrius Easton, the ruthless and feared werewolf king, laid eyes on her, and his obsession was ignited. With a single glance, Blue became the object of Demetrius's unrelenting desire, and he would stop at nothing to claim her as his bride. But what should have been a nightmare scenario became a harsh reality when her own parents, blinded by greed and fear, betrayed her trust and sold her to the merciless werewolf king. With no escape from the clutches of Demetrius's unyielding grasp, Blue found herself trapped in a world of ancient traditions, dark magic, and unbridled power. Her once-peaceful life was now a distant memory, replaced by the constant terror of being at the mercy of a monster. With no one to turn to for help, Blue must rely on her own resilience and determination to survive the unrelenting forces that seek to consume her. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of Demetrius's kingdom, Blue will discover hidden strengths, unexpected allies, and the true depths of her own courage. But will it be enough to overcome the darkness that threatens to engulf her, or will she become just another pawn in the werewolf king's sinister game of power and control?
Sometimes, escaping the life you've known becomes a tempting salvation. That's the choice that Nate, an ex-band member grappling with a harrowing heroin addiction, makes when he opts to start anew on an island. His journey of recovery takes an unexpected twist when Abby, a woman also escaping her tumultuous past, enters the scene. Six years prior, the gruesome murder of Abby's mother and Abby's own brutal assault caught the nation's attention. While the two could not be more different, they find a compelling bond growing between them as Abby sees Nate's struggles and decides to lend a hand. Despite this newfound connection, Nate's world is rooted in Los Angeles, while Abby's cannot dare return to the mainland. With this difficult circumstance hanging over their heads, they find themselves faced with a significant question - Can they possibly nurture their sprouting romance despite their varying pasts and present realities?
THIS IS A COMPILATION OF ALL MY EROTICA BOOKS Within the shadowy realm of desires untold and the echoes of illicit whispers, an exciting universe awaits the brave of heart. Welcome to the provoking collection of erotica, where every page will thrill, chill, and provoke all manner of responses you never thought literature could invoke. Delicate yet defiant, carnal yet spiritual, the power of sensual human connections reign supreme in these scribed records. Tucked away within the passionate folds of this compendium, lovers transgress boundaries and consummate their unions in secret places, reveling in the rapturous exchange of emotional intensity, delicate beauty, and voluptuous fervor. In these explicit narrations, relationships unfurl themselves in an evocative symphony of words, bold and fearless.
In a quiet town lies a striking, successful surgeon, Cole Becker. A man so enticing he captures the attention of every woman he meets. Admired for his impeccable looks, bustling medical career and his enchanting son, Cole’s life seems the very embodiment of perfection. However, despite all his achievements, there is an empty spot in his life longing to be filled - the need for a loving woman. Allie O'Keefe, the new girl next door, couldn’t help but notice her enchanting neighbor. As an innocent and pure 24-year-old fleeing from the hectic city life, the allure of a simple life next to the alluring doctor becomes increasingly irresistible. Allie, oblivious of the depths and layers hidden behind Cole’s charismatic façade, gets lured into his captivating world. As the spark between them begins to kindle, Allie gradually becomes aware of Cole’s haunting secrets, causing an unforeseen storm in their emerging romance. Despite the intensity of their blossoming relationship, Cole’s obscure past becomes an imminent threat. With their love story hanging in the balance, the question arises - can love overcome the dark and unsaid mysteries of one's past or is it destined to fall apart?
Wealthy businessman Aiden Walker spirals into a dark abyss following a catastrophic plane crash that claims his beloved family. He sheds his opulent lifestyle and seeks solitude within the four walls of his vast Savannah mansion. However, his sanctuary isn't immune to external torment, as he becomes the target of a ruinous lawsuit by a bereaved family who lost their son in the same tragic event. Caught in her family's web of indifference following her brother's untimely demise in the same crash, Lexa Patterson, a dedicated ER nurse, stumbles upon the forlorn billionaire under unforeseen circumstances. As Aiden stumbles into her ER after a drunken bike accident, Lexa is struck by the vulnerable side of this influential tycoon. Ignoring ethical boundaries, Lexa decides to delve deeper into the tormented world of the reclusive Aiden Walker. In an intoxicating game of passion and lies, Lexa treads a perilous path by concealing her true identity. An unexpected connection blooms amidst grief and despair, as Aiden and Lexa seek solace in each other's company. But how long can Lexa keep her true identity veiled? Will their newfound love stand the test of truth or shatter under the weight of their secrets? Veil of Lies: A High Stakes Affair weaves a captivating narrative around fate's twisted games, insatiable grief, and the desperate search for love and solace.
"Ms. Crawford, it’s time for you to divorce Mr. Larsen and come home. You're the only heiress the Master's waiting for.” ~•~ For the sake of love, Amara accepted the arranged marriage with Tobias William Larsen. She did everything to gain her husband’s heart but when his old love returned, she realized that all her effort was all for naught. Tobias demanded a divorce on the night of their wedding anniversary, even at the price of threatening her. Heartbroken, she finally dropped all her illusions about him and returned home to be the heiress. The next time she met Tobias, they were no longer couples but opponents. "Mr. Larsen, should I remind you again? We've divorced." "Amara, that's the stupidest mistake I've ever made. Please come back to me."
The Billionaire Betrayed Wife follows Rachael Morgan, an orphan whose search for love leads her into the ruthless world of the Blackwood family. Betrayed by her husband and tormented by her adoptive sister, Rachael's life spirals into chaos when she's cast out and left to survive on the streets, pregnant and alone. Just when all hope seems lost, a mysterious savior from her past rescues her, giving her the chance to heal and rebuild. Years later, she returns stronger, armed with a fierce desire for revenge. With her son by her side, Rachael will stop at nothing to destroy those who shattered her trust-even if it means risking everything to reclaim her life and her power.
Everyone thought Lorenzo truly loved Gracie, until the day of their daughter’s heart surgery. To Gracie’s utter shock, Lorenzo gave the precious organ needed by their child to another woman. Devastated, Gracie opted for a divorce. Fueled by her need for revenge, Gracie joined hands with Lorenzo’s uncle, Waylon, and orchestrated Lorenzo’s downfall. In the end, Lorenzo was left with nothing and consumed by remorse. He pleaded for a reconciliation. Gracie thought she was free to move on with her life, but Waylon held her back in a death grip. “Did you think you can just walk out on me?”
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."