### Blurb for "Mafia's Surrogate" Elena Martinez is a dedicated social worker with a heart of gold, living a quiet life far removed from the shadows of New York City's criminal underworld. But one fateful night, a chance encounter with Alessandro "Alex" Romano, a powerful and ruthless mafia lord, changes everything. A drunken one-night stand leads to an unexpected pregnancy, throwing Elena into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Determined to protect her unborn child from the dark forces that rule Alex's world, Elena goes into hiding. But Alex, driven by a possessive desire to reclaim what he sees as his, will stop at nothing to find her. As he closes in, Elena is forced into a reluctant alliance with the man she despises-and is irresistibly drawn to. In a world where love and power collide, can Elena and Alex overcome their pasts and find a way to build a future together? Or will the deadly secrets and rivalries that surround them tear them apart before they can discover the depth of their true feelings?
Elena Martinez rubbed her temples as she leaned back in her chair, the dim glow of her desk lamp casting long shadows across the cluttered office. The worn leather chair creaked beneath her, a sound that had become almost comforting in the stillness of the late hour. Her eyes drifted to the clock on the wall-it was nearly midnight. She had lost track of time again, buried under a mountain of case files and the never-ending stream of paperwork that came with her job as a social worker. Tonight, though, she was wrapping up early.
Her coworkers had finally convinced her to join them for a night out, something she rarely did. She glanced at the photo on her desk, a smiling young girl she had helped find a safe home for just last week. It was moments like these that made the long hours and emotional toll worth it. But tonight, she needed to let go, even if just for a few hours. With a deep sigh, she shut down her computer and gathered her things. She paused for a moment, looking around her small office. It was filled with personal touches-pictures of friends and family, colorful drawings from the children she had helped, and a few potted plants she tried her best to keep alive. It was her sanctuary, a place where she felt she could make a real difference. The sound of laughter and music hit her as soon as she stepped out of the cab. The nightclub was buzzing with energy, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of her office. She hesitated at the entrance, feeling out of place in her simple dress and sensible shoes. But her friends spotted her immediately, waving her over with excited shouts. "Elena! Over here!" Maria, her closest friend and colleague, called out, her voice barely audible over the thumping bass. Elena forced a smile and made her way through the crowd, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sea of bodies and the pulsating lights. She had never been one for the nightlife, preferring a good book and a cup of tea over loud music and crowded spaces. But tonight, she was determined to let loose, if only for a little while. "Finally, you made it!" Maria exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. "We were starting to think you'd never show." "I almost didn't," Elena admitted with a laugh. "But I figured I could use a break." Maria handed her a drink, something fruity and strong-smelling. "Here, this will help you relax. And tonight, no talking about work, okay? Just have fun." Elena nodded, taking a tentative sip of the drink. The alcohol burned a little as it went down, but she could feel it loosening the tight knot of stress in her chest. She took another sip, then another, until the glass was empty. The night wore on in a blur of laughter, dancing, and more drinks. Elena found herself loosening up more than she had in years, the alcohol and the infectious energy of her friends pulling her into the moment. She laughed until her sides hurt, danced until her feet ached, and for a few precious hours, she forgot about the weight of her responsibilities. It was late when she finally stumbled out of the club, the cool night air hitting her like a splash of cold water. She felt dizzy and lightheaded, the world spinning slightly as she tried to get her bearings. She leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to steady herself. "Need a hand?" a deep voice asked, startling her. She looked up to see a tall, dark-haired man standing a few feet away, his intense gaze fixed on her. He was strikingly handsome, with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. There was something dangerous about him, a predatory grace that made her heart race. "I'm fine," she said, though her voice sounded uncertain even to her own ears. He stepped closer, his movements smooth and confident. "You don't look fine. Can I call you a cab?" Elena hesitated. There was something about him that set off alarm bells in her head, but she was too tipsy to think clearly. "I... I guess that would be nice." He pulled out his phone and made a quick call, his eyes never leaving her. "It'll be here in a few minutes." "Thank you," she said, trying to steady herself. She felt his gaze on her, intense and unwavering, and it made her nervous. "What's your name?" he asked, his voice low and smooth. "Elena," she replied, feeling a strange compulsion to answer him. "I'm Alex," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nice to meet you, Elena." There was something about the way he said her name that made her shiver. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was an air of authority about him, as if he was used to getting what he wanted. The cab arrived, breaking the tension. "Thanks again," she said, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Take care, Elena," Alex said, watching her as she got into the cab. As the cab pulled away, Elena couldn't shake the feeling that she had just crossed paths with someone dangerous. She leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes and trying to push the encounter from her mind. She was too tired, too drunk to think about it now. She just wanted to get home and crawl into bed. The next morning, Elena woke with a pounding headache and a vague sense of unease. The events of the previous night were a hazy blur, but she remembered the man-Alex. She groaned, covering her face with her hands. What had she been thinking, talking to a stranger like that? Shaking her head, she forced herself out of bed and into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the remnants of her hangover. She had a long day ahead of her, and she needed to be at her best. As she got dressed and prepared for work, she pushed the memories of the nightclub and Alex to the back of her mind. The day passed in a whirlwind of meetings, home visits, and endless paperwork. By the time Elena returned to her apartment, she was exhausted. She kicked off her shoes and collapsed onto the couch, feeling the weight of the day settle over her like a heavy blanket. Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, her phone buzzed. She frowned, picking it up to see a message from Maria. "Had fun last night! We should do it again soon. And guess what? I think you caught someone's eye ;)" Elena rolled her eyes, typing a quick reply. "Yeah, I noticed. But I'm not looking for trouble." "Trouble or excitement? ;)" Maria shot back. Elena sighed, tossing her phone aside. She wasn't in the mood for games. She just wanted to rest and forget about the strange encounter with Alex. But as she lay there, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't help but wonder about him. Who was he? And why did he make her feel so unsettled? Days turned into weeks, and the memory of that night slowly faded, overshadowed by the demands of Elena's job. She threw herself into her work, finding solace in the routine and the sense of purpose it gave her. But every now and then, she would catch herself thinking about Alex, his intense blue eyes and the way he had made her feel. It wasn't until a few months later that Elena's world was turned upside down again. She had been feeling off for days-nauseous, fatigued, and strangely emotional. She chalked it up to stress at first, but when the symptoms persisted, she decided to take a pregnancy test. She stared at the two pink lines in disbelief, her heart pounding in her chest. This couldn't be happening. She couldn't be pregnant. But as the reality sank in, she knew there was no denying it. She was going to have a baby. Panic set in as she thought about the father. Alex. The dangerous, enigmatic man she had met that night. She couldn't let him find out. She couldn't let her child be drawn into that world. Elena made a decision then and there. She would keep the baby, but she would disappear. She couldn't risk staying in the city, where Alex's influence was everywhere. She needed to leave, start over somewhere new. Over the next few days, she made her preparations. She quit her job, packed up her apartment, and said goodbye to her friends and family, telling them she needed a fresh start. It was a lie, but she couldn't tell them the truth. She couldn't risk Alex finding out. With a heavy heart, she left New York City behind, driving for hours until she reached a small town far enough away to feel safe. She found a modest apartment and settled in, trying to build a new life for herself and her unborn child. As the weeks passed, Elena adjusted to her new routine. She found a part-time job at a local bookstore and began attending prenatal appointments. She was determined to give her child the best life possible, even if it meant doing it alone. But despite her efforts to move on, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. It started with small things-a car that seemed to follow her, a stranger who seemed to linger too long at the bookstore. She dismissed it as paranoia at first, but the feeling only grew stronger. One evening, as she was closing up the bookstore, she felt a presence behind her. She turned, her heart pounding, to see Alex standing in the doorway, his eyes locked onto hers. "Elena," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "We need to talk." Fear and anger surged through her, but she stood her ground. "How did you find me?" He stepped closer,
In the dark underbelly of New York City, where loyalty is paramount and betrayal is a death sentence, Isabella Romano finds herself at a deadly crossroads. As a brilliant lawyer determined to steer her mafia family towards legitimacy, she is forced to confront Marco Castellano, the ruthless and charismatic leader of their rival clan. What begins as a mission to negotiate peace spirals into a dangerous dance of seduction and deception. Drawn into a forbidden romance with Marco, Isabella’s heart and loyalties are torn apart. When a shocking revelation about Marco’s father’s death comes to light, she must decide whether to betray her family for love or expose the treachery that threatens to destroy them all.
In the heart of New York City’s glittering skyline, billionaire CEO Adrian Sterling reigns supreme. Yet, beneath his polished exterior lies a man haunted by loneliness and trust issues. When a chance encounter with Emma Greene, a struggling artist from Brooklyn, ignites an unexpected connection, Adrian finds himself torn between the high-stakes world of corporate power and the simple, profound beauty of genuine love. As they navigate their burgeoning romance, a shadow from Adrian’s past emerges. Victoria Langley, his ruthless ex-fiancée and a formidable corporate rival, threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. Unbeknownst to Adrian, Victoria’s vendetta is driven by a hidden agenda tied to a secret family business, one that could unravel both their empires. Caught in a web of corporate espionage and personal vendettas, Adrian and Emma must uncover the truth before it’s too late. In a world where love and power collide, will they find a way to protect their hearts and their future?
In the shadowy, mystical town of Ravenshade, where werewolves, vampires, and witches coexist under a fragile truce known as the Silent Oath, trouble is brewing. Aria Thornwood, a young healer with untapped magical powers, finds herself at the heart of this brewing storm. Haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her parents, Aria’s quest for answers reveals a sinister plot by the vampire lord Lucien Drake, who seeks to shatter the Silent Oath and plunge Ravenshade into chaos. As Aria delves deeper into her family’s secrets and her own burgeoning abilities, she uncovers shocking truths about the Silent Oath and the hidden connections between her ancestors and Lucien. With the fate of Ravenshade hanging in the balance, Aria must master her powers, forge uneasy alliances, and confront Lucien in a battle that will determine the future of all magical beings. But as the final showdown approaches, Aria is captured and taken to a hidden realm, leaving Ravenshade teetering on the edge of war. Will she return in time to save her home, or will the dark forces of vengeance and ambition destroy everything she holds dear?
In the heart of New York City, where the shadows of the mafia stretch long and dark, investigative journalist Clara DeLuca is on a mission to uncover the truth behind her father’s unsolved murder. Her relentless pursuit leads her straight into the lion’s den—the powerful and enigmatic Kai Moretti, the city’s most feared mafia boss. Kai Moretti’s life is a delicate balance of power and control, his every move calculated to protect his empire. But when Clara’s investigation threatens to unravel secrets that could destroy them both, he finds himself drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse. As Clara and Kai are forced to confront the dark truths of their intertwined pasts, they must navigate a world of betrayal, passion, and ruthless ambition. With enemies closing in and the stakes higher than ever, Clara and Kai must decide whether their fierce attraction is worth the risk—or if it will be their ultimate downfall.
In the glittering heart of Manhattan, where power and wealth reign supreme, Vivian Knight, a fiercely independent freelance writer, has one goal: secure her future in the elite world of the super-rich. Playing the role of a gold digger, she sets her sights on the ultimate prize—Alexander Wolfe, the commanding CEO of Wolfe Enterprises. Alexander, hardened by betrayals and driven by an unyielding desire to protect his empire, is immediately suspicious of Vivian’s intentions. Their fiery clashes ignite an unexpected attraction, but both are hiding secrets that could destroy them. As Vivian gets closer to uncovering the dark truths of Alexander’s empire for her exposé, she finds herself tangled in a web of passion, deception, and vulnerability. Just as she prepares to reveal her true motives, Alexander’s shocking revelation leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew. In a world where love and ambition collide, who will come out on top?
In the heart of a modern metropolis lies a hidden world where werewolves walk among humans, their power and influence masked by the façade of corporate empires. Aurora Grey, a fierce and independent businesswoman, has spent years plotting her revenge against Damian Blackwood, the ruthless CEO of LycanCorp and alpha of the city’s werewolf pack. Aurora believes Damian orchestrated her family’s downfall, leaving her with nothing but a burning desire for vengeance. As Aurora infiltrates Damian’s world, her mission becomes entangled with unexpected emotions and shocking revelations. She finds herself drawn to Damian’s commanding presence, even as she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she believed. When a rival alpha emerges, threatening to overthrow Damian and expose the werewolf community, Aurora and Damian must set aside their enmity and join forces. In a tale of passion, power, and redemption, Aurora and Damian’s journey from hatred to love will test their limits and reshape their destinies. But as their enemies close in, will they survive long enough to find the truth and protect their world?
"You're a creepy bastard." His eyes smolder me and his answering grin is nothing short of beautiful. Deadly. "Yet you hunger for me. Tell me, this appetite of yours, does it always tend toward 'creepy bastards'?" **** Widower and ex-boss to the Mafia, Zefiro Della Rocca, has an unhealthy fixation on the woman nextdoor. It began as a coincidence, growing into mere curiosity, and soon, it was an itch he couldn't ignore, like a quick fix of crack for an addict. He didn't know her name, but he knew every inch of her skin, how it flushed when she climaxed, her favourite novel and that every night she contemplated suicide. He didn't want to care, despising his rapt fascination of the woman. She was in love with her abusive husband. She was married, bound by a contract to the Bratva's hitman. She was off-limits. But when Zefiro wanted something, it was with an intensity that bordered on madness. He obsessed, possessed, owned. There'd be bloodshed if he touched her, but the sight of blood always did fascinate him. * When Susanna flees from her husband, she stumbles right into the arms of her devilishly handsome neighbour with a brooding glare. He couldn't stand her, but she needed him, if she was ever going to escape her husband who now wanted her dead. Better the devil you know than the angel you don't. She should have recalled that before hopping into Zefiro's car and letting him whisk her away to Italy. Maybe then, she wouldn't have started an affair with him. He was the only man who touched her right, and the crazy man took no small pains in ensuring he would be the last.
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
22-year-old Evelyn Carter is attempting to start over in California while avoiding her past. She will be embarking on a new career path as a private school teacher. She is smart, attractive, and doesn't put up with nonsense. Who wouldn't notice her? However, what happens when she attracts the attention of someone unwilling to let her go? Who wants her and nothing else after falling in love at first sight? A 25-year-old billionaire CEO and single father, Lucian Carrington. He takes what he wants and he is also a very dangerous man. All it needed was one look at a stunning woman to realize she was HIS, even though he doesn't believe in relationships because they always end. Preview: Miss Carter, you will be mine. I say firmly. "Release my arm, Mr. Carrington, before I force you to." She says, seeming to smile at me. I give her a sly smile. Squeezing my wrist with her other hand, she twists it uncomfortably. I gave a painful hiss. "Don't underestimate me, Mr. Carrington." "This is the only time I will allow you to walk away from me, Miss Carter." She glared at me as she turned. "Mr. Carrington, I am no possession of yours." I was left standing there when she opened the classroom door and left.
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
She was a diamond covered by ashes.... King Dakota was known as the most Powerful Alpha King of all times - more powerful than any other King that had ruled from his lineage. He was cold hearted, introverted and dangerous in anger. Cursed by the Moon goddess, King Dakota had to get married to three wives all in search of a male child that would become his heir, but it was impossible as the curse would only let his wives bear she -wolves. But on a different day, the King meets a lady who offends him and as a punishment, he took her home as his fourth wife. Her name was Shilah. Shilah was a powerless wolf and as a result, was disregarded and intimidated by all. But, when she begins to do things that the King had never felt for years, he began to wonder who she really was. Slowly, she crawled her way into his icy heart and turned out to be something nobody ever expected - a storm.