In the sun-soaked paradise of South Beach, Catalina Consuela Romero is an ambitious journalist eager to make her mark. While covering an extravagant wedding for one of Lazaro Alverez Batista's family members, she finds herself captivated not just by the opulence of the celebration but by Lazaro himself-a talented pastry chef with a passion for creating gourmet delights. As they share stolen moments amid the festivities, Catalina and Lazaro embark on a thrilling journey to fuse their dreams into a unique culinary experience, each dish infused with their blossoming connection. However, as their romance heats up, so do the challenges they face in the competitive culinary world. Unexpected revelations and the pressure to succeed threaten to tear them apart. "Flavors of Desire" is a sizzling, heartfelt tale of love, ambition, and the intoxicating magic of culinary creativity. Join Catalina and Lazaro as they navigate the delicate balance between their dreams and desires, discovering that the path to success is best traveled hand-in-hand-with a sprinkle of love and a dash of desire.
As the sun began its majestic descent over the illustrious shores of South Beach, it bathed the vibrant scene in a kaleidoscope of warm, golden hues, illuminating the festival of colors that was Miami. The soft, rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the shore harmonized with the playful tinkling of laughter dancing in the air, creating a symphony of joy that echoed across the beach. The intoxicating aroma of blooming bougainvillea intertwined with the sugary sweetness of freshly spun cotton candy, wrapping around the guests like a fragrant embrace.
In the midst of this picturesque celebration stood Lazaro Alvarez-Batista, a man whose very presence captivated and enchanted all who surrounded him. Positioned in front of his grand display of desserts-an extravagant showcase that looked almost like a canvas of culinary artistry-Lazaro wore his passion for pastry crafting with pride. His whimsical assortment of Ă©clairs glistened under the soft lights, alongside a variety of macarons that shimmered like jewels, while an intricate tower of pastel-hued cupcakes stood tall, their delicate frosting mimicking the soft blush of the sunset behind him. Lazaro, at six-foot-three, was a striking figure. He commanded attention not only for his formidable height but also for the magnetic aura that seemed to emanate from him. His wavy jet-black hair, styled to perfection, framed his chiseled face, cast in a sun-kissed glow that spoke of his proud Cuban heritage. Clad in an extravagant baker's outfit, he wore a crisp white jacket, meticulously adorned with colorful piping that highlighted his creative flair. An elegant apron, embroidered with the name of his bakery, "Dulce Vida," adorned his waist, slightly dipping as he moved with purpose, the twinkle of sugar dust clinging to it-a testament to the meticulous artistry that had occupied his hands just moments prior. Lazaro was but twenty-four years old, yet he exuded an air of accomplished confidence. He was not only the proud owner of three bustling pastry locations-his flagship bakery on Lincoln Road in South Beach, a lively venue pulsating with energy in Fort Lauderdale, and a new location poised to open amidst the glamor of Palm Beach-but also a renowned maestro in the realm of desserts. His celestial creations had garnered attention far and wide, and all eyes were on him tonight as fashionable elites gathered at the sprawling beachside nuptials of a prominent socialite, eager to taste the magic that would soon melt upon their tongues. As he adjusted the satin ribbon around a towering cake with painstaking care, Lazaro felt an inexplicable sensation, as if someone were watching him with an intensity that stirred a cascade of butterflies in his stomach. He looked up, and in that instant, time seemed to stand still. His azure gaze collided with a pair of stormy blue eyes that shimmered with depth and intrigue-a swirling tempest of curiosity and mischief, pulling him in like an irresistible tide.
It was a breathtaking moment, electric and charged, sending a delightful tingle down his spine as he took in the enchanting vision standing before him. Catalina Consuela Romero was a name destined to echo in his heart and mind. This striking woman, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, was not just another face in the crowd; she was a luminous force of nature. Once a small-town girl from West Miami, she had blossomed into one of the most sought-after celebrity event journalists in the city. At just twenty-three, she had already carved a niche for herself amidst the glittering elite, her articles woven with finesse and storytelling that turned every glitzy gathering into a vibrant tapestry of must-read chronicles. Draped in a figure-hugging emerald green gown that shimmered like the sea beneath the moonlight, Catalina radiated elegance and sophistication. The neckline of her dress dipped sensuously, accentuating her curves, while the flowing fabric billowed delicately around her legs, reminiscent of a soft breeze, effortlessly commanding attention. The gown was artfully trimmed with delicate golden accents that complemented her sun-kissed olive skin, a proud testament to her roots. Her long, cinnamon-brown wavy hair cascaded down one shoulder, framing her radiant face beautifully, the other side resting temptingly against her collarbone-a portrait of elegance and allure. In that moment, as their eyes locked, the chaotic sounds of revelry faded away, plunging them into a blissful silence that enveloped the world around them. For a fleeting breath, it felt as if the universe had conspired to carve out this singular instant, leaving only them-two souls drawn together amidst the festival of life pulsing around them. With effortless confidence, Catalina sauntered toward him, her heels tapping rhythmically against the elegant marble steps. "Are you the artist behind this mesmerizing display?" she asked, her voice a sultry melody that wrapped around him like a warm embrace, stirring something deep within his core. Lazaro chuckled, a nervous yet charming sound that escaped his lips as he shyly brushed a hand through his wavy hair. "Art, yes. Ballet, no. But I do like to think my desserts dance on the palate." With a playful gleam in her eyes, Catalina plucked a bright raspberry macaron from the table, taking an exaggeratedly large bite. "Mmm, a taste of heaven!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight, the compliment hanging tantalizingly in the air between them. He watched as her lips curled slightly around the mouthful, and a wave of warmth washed over him. "You just made me melt like chocolate on a warm day," he replied, arching an eyebrow, his boldness surprising even himself.
Catalina tilted her head, laughter dancing in her eyes like sunlight on water. "Chocolate does tend to do that," she teased, a playful lilt in her voice as she savored the moment. Before either of them knew it, they were enveloped in conversation, lost amid an intoxicating mix of laughter and teasing banter, a magnetic chemistry that felt all too intoxicating. Lazaro leaned closer, completely entranced by her vivacious energy and charm, and just as the world around them began to blur, she moved forward, capturing his lips with hers in a whirlwind of passion. It was a kiss that ignited white-hot embers of desire-sweet and electrifying-a delicious fusion of chocolate and sugar, a moment where time ceased to exist and fireworks erupted in their minds, leaving them both breathless, intoxicated by the unexpected warmth of connection. Yet, as suddenly as it began, Catalina pulled back, retreating into the glittering crowd that had returned just then, a tantalizing smile dancing on her lips. She turned once, winking back at him, her silhouette vanishing into the throng in a heartbeat, leaving Lazaro standing there-dazed and enchanted, with a racing heart now pounding in his chest, swirling with a cacophony of emotions. "Who was that?" Lazaro's sister, Izzy, suddenly appeared at his side, her wide eyes sparkling with excitement and mischief. "You look like you've just been struck by Cupid's arrow!" Lazaro waved her off dismissively, though he could feel a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks, a telltale sign of his disarray. "I don't know. She was just-""Just?" Izzy interrupted, incredulous, a teasing grin spreading across her face. "Laz, she's not just! You can't let her get away!" With a determination that throbbed in his chest, a new fire ignited within him. He began to think of all the possible ways he could find her, that enchanting goddess who had effortlessly ensnared his heart. The very next day, escalating the urgency, he reached out to Sofia, the event coordinator-an old friend since childhood who had helped orchestrate the wedding. After an animated exchange filled with laughter and scouting, he learned that Catalina had indeed given her number for press purposes. A rush of elation bloomed in his chest as he tucked the precious contact into his phone, a silent promise of what could be. A week later, perched high in his lavish penthouse at the exclusive Setai Resort, the picturesque city of Miami bustling below him, Lazaro could hardly contain himself. His heart raced with a bittersweet cocktail of nerves and exhilaration-a heady mix that made it hard to breathe. With a flick of his thumb, he opened a new message thread, his heart pounding like a percussion instrument in a grand symphony. "Hey Catalina, it's Lazaro from the wedding. Not a pastry, but can I tempt you to join me for a real dessert sometime soon?" he typed, biting his lip as hope filled his heart; a flickering ember that fluttered with the promise of what was to come. After a brief moment, he hit send, sending the message off into the vast void of the digital world. For in that moment, amidst the flour and sugar, the swirl of emotions he had bravely begun to uncover was as exhilarating and unpredictable as the delicate dance of life itself-a deliciously thrilling journey that awaited him, with each passing moment leading him to a fate bound to be savored.
In the sprawling, sun-drenched hills of Oakwood, a bond blossoms between two childhood friends, Jewels and Marcel. Jewels, a shy and enchanting girl, finds solace in the company of Marcel, the kind-hearted boy who stands against the tide of teasing that swirl around her. But when her family abruptly moves away, the two are torn apart just as their hearts begin to entwine. Years later, Marcel has transformed into a formidable billionaire, the mastermind behind Luminary Technologies. With his fortune amassed, heâs engaged to the glamorous heiress of his fierce rival, Nyx Innovations. But as he navigates the pressures of power and expectation, Marcelâs heart yearns for something moreâsomething true. In a twist of fate, one fateful day, Marcel decides to revisit his past. As memories flood back, he finds himself standing in front of an old treehouse, beckoned by the sweet echo of laughter that dances in the air. It is there that he stumbles upon a beautiful stranger... Jewels. Shocked recognition ignites the air as they share laughter and a fleeting embrace, awakening memories buried deep within their hearts. But Jewels isnât just a ghost of past love; she holds secrets of her ownâshe is the enigmatic owner of Nyx Innovations; the very company Marcel is bound to challenge. As they navigate the tangled web of love, ambition, and family rivalry, Marcel must confront the expectations of wealth and power. Will his heart win over the corporate machinations of the world heâs built? Or will he sacrifice everything for the only girl who has ever held his heart?
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. Whatâs worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldnât thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesnât seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that heâs different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
"Who is she?" I asked, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "He met her at the Alpha training camp," he said. "She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice." My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks. Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna. **** Emily never shifted on her 18th birthday and became the laughingstock of the pack. When her old crush, Alexander Black, returns from Alpha Training, she never expected him to be her mate. After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that young Alpha Alexander has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, Emily runs off and disappears from the pack. Now, five years later, Emily is a high-ranking warrior in King Alpha's army, specializing in sensitive matters. When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate, Alexander. Will Alexander figure out it is Emily? Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?
Warning! Mature Contents! ***Excerpt*** "You belong to me, Sheila. I alone am capable of making you feel this way. Your moans and body belong to me. Your soul and your body are all mine!" *** Alpha Killian Reid, the most dreaded Alpha in all of the North, wealthy, powerful and widely feared in the supernatural world, was the envy of all other packs. He was thought to have it all... power, fame, wealth and favour from the moon goddess, little was it known to his rivals that he has been under a curse, which has been kept a secret for so many years, and only the one with the gift of the moon goddess can lift the curse. Sheila, the daughter of Alpha Lucius who was an arch enemy to Killian, had grown up with so much hatred, detest and maltreatment from her father. She was the fated mate to Alpha Killian. He refused to reject her, yet he loathed her and treated her poorly, because he was in love with another woman, Thea. But one of these two women was the cure to his curse, while the other was an enemy within. How would he find out? Let's find out in this heart racing piece, filled with suspense, steamy romance and betrayal.
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true originsâa lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. âIt's time to reveal your true identity, darling.â
Lindsey's fiancé was the devil's first son. Not only did he lie to her but he also slept with her stepmother, conspired to take away her family fortune, and then set her up to have sex with a total stranger. To get her lick back, Lindsey decided to find a man to disrupt her engagement party and humiliate the cheating bastard. Never did she imagine that she would bump into a strikingly handsome stranger who was all that she was currently looking for. At the engagement party, he boldly declared that she was his woman. Lindsey thought he was just a broke man who wanted to leech off her. But once they began their fake relationship, she realized that good luck kept coming her way. She thought they would part ways after the engagement party, but this man kept to her side. "We gotta stick together, Lindsey. Remember, I'm now your fiancé. " "Domenic, you're with me because of my money, aren't you?" Lindsey asked, narrowing her eyes at him. Domenic was taken aback by that accusation. How could he, the heir of the Walsh family and CEO of Vitality Group, be with her for money? He controlled more than half of the city's economy. Money wasn't a problem for him! The two got closer and closer. One day, Lindsey finally realized that Domenic was actually the stranger she had slept with months ago. Would this realization change things between them? For the better or worse?
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.