The morning after the Haze, I open my eyes expecting to see the love of my life, my fated mate. Instead, I see... HIM! "This can't be happening!" *** Would you rather live in a world where the impossible is possible or the possible is impossible? Blanca faces an uncertain future when she finds she's mated to the one man she never thought could be her mate. If Kieran is her mate, then her entire life is a lie. Since she's been abused her whole life, that might be a good thing. But this is... wrong on so many levels. Will Blanca find out the truth about her real identity--or be banished from her pack forever? If you like love with a twist, give this one a chance--don't quit too soon, or you'll never find out Blanca's secret!
*Blanca*
I trail my fingertips along the rough stone wall of the dungeon as I walk briskly along, keeping my shoulders hunched and my head down. In my other hand, I carry a bucket of water and a ladle. Down here, I should be safe from the ridicule I face on the upper levels of the castle, but occasionally, a guard or two will mess with me. It's easier to avoid them if I'm invisible.
When I was a little girl, I got it into my head that not looking at people somehow made them unable to see me. Now, I know better. Yet, I still find myself staring at my holey boots most of the time.
When I reach the first cell, I pause. "Water?" I offer the man caged inside of the small space the ladle. This cell has no windows, and it's hard to see because the light from the few lanterns on the walls only reaches so far. But I know his face. I know his name. I know his story.
I know all of their stories.
He comes over and takes the ladle, drinking thirstily before I refill it, and he empties it again. "You're an angel," he whispers.
"You're welcome, Clive." I smile at him, glad to be appreciated, even if it is by alleged murderers and thieves, and then move to the next cell.
I make my way as quickly as I can, hoping to make it to every cell before I'm discovered and hauled back up the stairs. My parents have forbidden me to come down here, but I do it anyway. I've seen the slop and dirty water these poor people are given, and I can't stand the thought of them suffering for a drink when I can help them. If there was ever such a thing as a trial in all of the kingdom of Dun's Crossing, perhaps I wouldn't feel so inclined to help, but in my mind, it should be innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around.
I move to one of the cells that has a window and pause to watch the man inside. Tall, with dark hair the same shade as my own, this prisoner has always been my favorite. When he makes a low humming sound in the back of his throat, several large black birds move to perch between the bars of the small opening high in the ceiling. I can never tell if they are ravens or crows, but their shimmering blue-black feathers are beautiful to me.
"Water?" I ask, like I always do.
He turns to look at me, an amused expression on his face as he saunters over. His long black tunic and pants are filthy and torn, but he looks majestic anyway, like he would be better suited for a wizard's study or a throne room than a dirty dungeon beneath Wilbury Castle.
"Still playing fast and loose with the rules, huh, Princess?" he asks as he takes the ladle from my hand.
I shrug. "If I get in trouble, it wouldn't be the first time, Mr. Blake."
"How many times have I told you not to call me mister? You're a princess and I'm–"
"What are you exactly?" I interrupt him. I've never been brave enough to ask the question of him. Unlike the others, his story is hazy in my mind because he doesn't want to tell it. I tend not to speak to anyone when it can be avoided. While Mr. Blake has always made me feel comfortable, I've never asked that burning question. I'm not sure what makes me ask it today. Yet, here it is, falling from my lips.
Rather than offering me a suitable answer, he chuckles and finishes the water from the ladle. "I am a prisoner."
"Yes, I know that." I practically roll my eyes, but I don't. Mother slaps me in the face when I do that. "I mean...." I gesture at the birds that are still sitting on the window ledge, patiently waiting for his attention. "What are you?"
"Some say I'm a madman," he begins, dipping the ladle back in and taking another drink before he continues. "Others say I'm a murderer. Or a magician. The king thinks that I'm his arch nemesis."
"But why?" I ask. "Why are you here?"
"Why are any of us here, my little raven?" He reaches up and tugs a strand of my hair the way a father might a beloved daughter. I smile up at him, wishing my own father would take such an interest in me. "Your king spoke the words, and now here I am. And here I shall be until he says otherwise."
I want to tell him that when I am queen, I will release him, but we both know I'll never have a chance to rule Dun's Crossing. That honor will fall to Prince Kieran.
Even thinking of him makes my stomach tighten up. The high and mighty Kieran–Crown Prince of Dun's Crossing. Tall, muscular, and handsome, with white-blond hair like the rest of the royal family. All the women want to be his mate, his bride. If they knew the truth–that he is mean, viscous, and cruel, they would gather their skirts and run.
He also happens to be my twin brother, but no one would ever guess that to look at us. And he treats me like he thinks I belong down here with the very prisoners I do my best to help.
"I wish I could let you out," I whisper.
Mr. Blake reaches through the bars and pats my cheek. "You're a good girl, little raven." He always calls me that, probably because of my black hair.
I open my mouth to thank him, but I don't get the words out before I hear footsteps pounding toward us and look over to see my brother coming toward us in a rage, his icy tresses flowing out around his shoulders as he rushes over. "There you are, you worthless filth. Father has us all searching the whole damn castle for you. Get your ass upstairs to the throne room now, you little bitch."
For just a moment, as I stare into his light blue eyes, I wish one of those birds on the windowsill would fly over and poke his eye out. It's a flash of a thought, one I'd feel embarrassed to admit I've ever had in my life. He is my brother, after all, and I shouldn't be so cruel to him just because he hates me.
But before I can even open my mouth to tell him I'll come along with him, I see a flash of black and blue careening toward him. Kieran raises his hands to protect himself as one of the birds comes flying at his face, squawking, raising its talons, and aiming directly for his eye!
"No!" I shout. Kieran swings at the bird, cursing and trying to knock it away. I cover my mouth in horror as blood drips from my brother's face.
Mr. Blake makes that sound in the back of his throat, and the bird immediately flies back through the bars. Kieran stands there for a second, one hand pressed to his face, blood dripping down his arm.
"Are you okay?" I move to help him, but he swats at me, pushing me away.
"Leave me the fuck alone!" he says. "You stupid bitch! And you!" He turns toward Mr. Blake, one hand still pressed to his injured eye. "You did that, didn't you, you psychotic asshole!"
"I'm sorry, Prince Kieran, but I can't take credit for that," Mr. Blake says calmly. "I wish I could."
"You fucking jackass. You're going to pay for this. Guards, give him fifty lashes!" Kieran shouts as he turns to walk back upstairs. I see some guards moving in Mr. Blake's direction.
Turning to him, tears prickle in my eyes. "No!"
"It's all right, little raven," he assures me. "I will live to see you another day."
My mouth drops open as the guards brush by me. I hear Kieran shouting for me near the stairwell and remember that my father has called for me. If I don't go now, I'll end up getting a beating myself. "I'm sorry," I tell him.
He says, "Don't be. It's not your fault."
The guards grab him and drag him to the back of his cell, and I have to go. I can't stand here and watch them beat him for something he didn't do.
One thought burns in my mind as I follow my brother up the stairs, his crimson droplets of blood on every other step: I hate Prince Kieran Solberg with all of my being.
Sometimes being outnumbered is a good thing--a very good thing! Harper When I signed up for an app that let me make some extra cash attending events with single men, I had no idea it would lead me to fall in love--four times! Scott is a caring organic farmer with muscles like no other. Damien is one of the richest men in the world who knows how to spoil me. Rafe is a famous quarterback who always hits me in the right spot. And then there's Tomas, my former professor turned Latin lover. It's scary dating four men, but they don't mind. In fact, they like how happy I am this way. Jack, however, my ex, is not exactly happy to find out my new situation. He'll stop at nothing to have me as his own--and share me with no one. When he goes too far, will my men be able to save me? If you love steamy reverse harem books, this new series from the author of Realm of the Chosen and Ember's Flames is perfect for you. Why choose if you don't have to?
All fae have a One--One person who strengthens their magic and enriches their life. A perfect mate. So why can't I find mine? What is a fae princess to do when she can't find the prince she's meant to spend the rest of her life with? I have to find him now, for the sake of my kingdom. Evil forces are moving in, and the only way I can come into my full power is to find my perfect mate. If I don't, the magical barrier that protects us will crumble because my magic won't be strong enough to hold it. But... I feel this strange pull to not one, but four different men! What in the world is going on? Can I be mated to all four of these men and still save my kingdom, or will what seems to be an asset turn out to be our undoing? The One is the first in a new reverse harem series by the author of Realm of the Chosen and Ember's Flames.
Late at night, when I think I'm alone, I feel his breath on the side of my face, and I know--he's watching me. Ever since I moved into this ancient mansion to take care of my sick aunt, I've been experiencing strange things. When I discover she has a boarder, a mysterious, sexy artist who lives on the third floor, I think some of that is explained. The bumps in the night. The whispers from the shadows. But once Dalton and I are properly introduced, the strange occurrences don't stop. If anything, they are amplified. When I close my eyes at night, it's his face I see. It's his hands I feel. It's his lips I taste. The more I get to know him, the more I realize I don't know him at all. Dalton's not the kind of man that buys a woman flowers and makes her feel all warm and fuzzy. No, he's the kind of man your mama would tell you to run from. Cold. Dangerous. Complex. And now that he wants me, I learn he is more than that. Possessive. Controlling. Diabolical. I should leave this place before it's too late, but I know I can't. Whatever it is that's sunk it's fangs into him, it has me, too. He has me, too. For better or worse. 'Til death... Whispers of the Devil is a dark romance which some readers may find disturbing. Proceed with caution.
Indebted to the Mafia Blurb “Well, are you going to do it or not?” I keep my chin held high, but inside, I’m trembling. “Do what?’ the mafia king asks me, a smug look on his face. “What you paid for.” I bite my bottom lip, wondering if I can handle him. I am a virgin, after all. He snickers at me, and then, his mouth is on mine, and he’s taking every penny’s worth. *** Eleni I’d do anything to keep my family safe. When I find out a mobster is trying to kill everyone I love because of a debt, I sacrifice myself and end up on an auction block. When I find myself owned by Dante Cattaneo, I don’t know if I’ve been saved or sent straight to hell. Dante She’s gorgeous and scares as hell, even though she’s trying not to show it. My number one rule is to never let my weakness show, but from the moment I see her face, I know I have to have her. And if anyone finds out how I feel about her, I’m screwed. Dive into this steamy, dark, mafia romance now!
"Kane stays unmoving, and I realize he’s barely breathing. I don’t think he needs oxygen to stay alive, so that’s not too surprising, but I can’t’ figure out why he is so still. His hand at my waist is so very close to my breastbone, the longing for him to slide it up only a few inches, to touch me in places no one ever has before, has a gasp leaving my lips. I have to bite down again to keep from moaning, and he hasn’t even kissed me yet." Emory I was born to be the Alpha of my pack, my father's first born daughter. But now... I am here, in the castle of our greatest enemy, the Vampire King. I should hate Kane Alexander, but the more time I spend with him, the more I long for him in ways I cannot understand. I am not here to be his lover, though. I am here to be his feeder, to satisfy his hunger, his thirst for blood. But even before his lips graze my skin the first time, I know I would give myself to him in every way imaginable if only he should ask. Kane I long to taste the wolf shifter, but not her blood, her body... her essence. I want her in every way imaginable. But I'm already betrothed to marry another blood-born vampire, and if I call that off, I have resigned my kingdom to yet another war. There has to be a way to keep Emory Moonraker as my feeder but not claim her in my bed. I just haven't figured it out yet, and every time I look into her jade eyes, I forget everything and everyone but her. But I have enemies, and every moment she spends here in my home, Castle Graystone, she's in danger. I can protect her, but at what cost? Am I willing to risk everything to make her mine? Or should I put my duty to my kingdom first? The Vampire King's Feeder is a romance with vampires and wolf shifters. It is for mature readers only.
Prince Rafe leans over me, holding himself up on one elbow as he gazes at my face. I feel his eyes wandering over every surface from my brow to my eyes, down my nose, to my lips and chin, and then returning to hold my gaze for a second. The small smile at the corner of his mouth makes me think he likes what he sees. His hand is cool when it brushes a loose curl from my cheek, but I don’t jerk away from him. I have no idea what’s going on. I don’t understand why I’m here. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. It seems like a lot of powerful people want me—dead or alive. And yet, all I can think about right now is how badly I want this vampire’s hands on my body. *** I live in a desolate village on the edge of the Vampire King’s lands. This used to be wolf shifter territory, but now, we are just trying to survive. When I mess up and find myself in a culling, I know I’m dead. No wolf shifters ever survive these events. And after the stunt I pulled in the middle of the village, Prince Rafe probably wants me dead. Is it a good thing or a bad thing when a vampire looks at you like you’re a snack? Something tells me, once I reach the castle, I’ll be missing my miserable existence in the village. But then—it turns out I have no freaking idea who I even am, and when the royals start referring to me as Princess Ainslee, I realize my life is about to take a turn—for better or worse. From the author of The Alpha King’s Breeder, One Weekend with the Billionaire, and Shared by the Sexy Billionaire Twins.
Maria took her sister’s place and was engaged to Anthony, a disabled man who had lost his status as the family heir. At first, they were just a nominal couple. However, things changed when things about Maria were gradually exposed. It turned out she was a professional hacker, a mysterious composer, and the sole successor to an international jade sculpting master… The more that was revealed about her, the less Anthony could rest easy. A famous singer, an award-winning actor, an heir of a rich family—so many excellent men were chasing after his fiancee, Maria. What should Anthony do?
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
Sandra Hill, the long-lost real heiress of the Hill family, was shunned by her own kin. Instead of embracing her, they bestowed their affection upon an impostor. They even arranged her to marry a vegetative man in place of her so-called “sister”. Sandra sneered, refusing to put up with this humiliation, cut off ties with the Hill family immediately and ran into the flash marriage with Wesley Cooper, her unconscious billionaire husband. With her incredible medical skills, she defied the odds and revived him. Little did she expect that her husband spoiled her with all his love... A medical genius, a computer prodigy, a national treasure in painting, and a racing legend... Her husband revealed her various identities, leaving the Hill family regretful. Her father came pleading, "It's Dad's fault. Please come back." Her mother wept, "Mom will protect you from now on. Please come back." Even her five brothers knelt before he, begging for forgiveness. Yet, Sandra's smile held a hint of mockery as she vowed, “Never!”
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
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.