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.
Maerilee
The dog treat trembles in my hand, faint pulses of magic swirling around it like threads of silver. I close my eyes, focusing on the barrier I'm trying to create. The energies stretch from my fingertips, encasing the treat in an invisible shield, or at least what I hope is an invisible shield. My breath slows as I concentrate, willing the magic to hold steady. A faint hum tickles the back of my mind. My magic is attempting to do what it's supposed to but deep down, I can feel how weak it is, how flimsy the barrier must be.
I open my eyes, my gaze flicking to my dog, Duchess, curled up in a ball on my bed. Her small body rises and falls softly as she sleeps, completely unaware of the challenge I'm facing.
The barrier needs to be perfect. If I can't even manage this, what hope do I have of fortifying the one protecting our kingdom?
"Just focus, Maerilee," I murmur to myself. My fingers flex, sending another ripple of energy through the shield. It looks solid enough, a faint shimmer around the treat.
Suddenly, Duchess stirs. I glance up as her nose twitches, nostrils flaring as she catches the scent of the treat. My heart sinks.
"No, no, no," I whisper, watching as Duchess's little black eyes blink open. She lifts her head, giving a lazy yawn before hopping off the bed. Her tiny paws pad across the floor as she heads straight for me, or rather, the treat in front of me.
"Stay back, Duchess," I warn softly, though I know it's useless. I have something she wants and she's determined to go after it.
Her nose pokes at the invisible barrier, her little pink tongue darting out to taste the air. I sit up straighter, holding my breath. This is the moment. If the barrier holds, Duchess won't be able to-
She walks right through it.
My jaw drops as she simply passes through the shimmering magic, the protective shield crumbling like dust. She doesn't even notice the weak flicker of power. Before I can react, she snatches the treat in her mouth, tail wagging furiously, and trots off proudly.
"Duchess!" I groan, collapsing onto the floor, defeated. She prances out of the room like she's just conquered a mighty foe, while I sit here, a mess of frustration and failure.
This is hopeless. I'll never be able to help strengthen the kingdom's barrier if I can't even master a small barrier spell for a dog treat.
As if on cue, someone knocks at my door. I sit up quickly, trying to compose myself, though I can still feel the sting of embarrassment heating my cheeks. The door opens slightly, and Akin steps into the room just as Duchess struts out, tail wagging with her prize.
"Good to see Duchess is well-fed," he comments with a grin, clearly amused at the scene. His dark eyes flick to me, concern immediately replacing the humor when he notices my posture, slumped on the floor.
"I was practicing," I mutter, sitting up straighter and brushing my hair out of my face. "It didn't exactly go as planned."
Akin steps fully into the room, closing the door behind him. He looks down at me with that familiar, steady gaze, the one that never seems to waver, even when everything around us is falling apart. He's always so sure of himself, always so capable. I feel a pang of jealousy in my chest before I can push it down.
"You'll get it," he says, his voice low and reassuring. "But right now, your parents want to see you."
I nod, feeling a tight knot form in the pit of my stomach. "Now?"
"Now," he confirms with a solemn nod. "It sounded important."
Of course, it's important. Everything is important these days. I stand up, dusting off my gown, and catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My long whitish hair, tinged with lavender, is slightly tangled, and my silver eyes seem a little dimmer than usual. I smooth my hair down with a sigh and follow Akin out of the room.
As we walk through the palace halls, I can't help but glance at him from the corner of my eye. He walks with such purpose, his tall, broad frame radiating strength. I've known Akin my whole life, but there's always been this distance between us, one that feels more like a wall now than ever before. He's my bodyguard, yes, but sometimes it feels like something more. Or maybe it's just me.
We reach the doors to my parents' chamber, and Akin gives me a small nod before stepping back. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever they're going to say. I push open the doors and step into the familiar warmth of the room.
My mother, Queen Kimalissa, sits near the window, looking out over the kingdom. The soft light filtering in through the glass highlights the weariness in her face. Every day, the weight of the kingdom's failing barrier seems to press harder on her, making her look more and more fragile. It breaks my heart to see her like this.
My father, King Fratino, stands beside her, his tall frame tense, though he manages to offer me a small smile as I enter. His moon-touched skin glows faintly, a reminder of the power he holds. It's a power that comes so naturally to him, unlike me. I don't even know if I have a 'One,' let alone the ability to do what's needed for our kingdom.
"Maerilee," my mother says, turning to face me with an expression that immediately makes my stomach drop. It's the look she gives when she's about to ask something of me that I'm not going to like.
"Mother, Father," I greet them with a small curtsy, trying to keep my voice steady.
"We've been talking," my father begins, glancing at my mother before continuing. "Given the current state of things, we've decided it's time to take more decisive action in finding your One."
I blink, anxiety rippling through me. "Decisive action?"
My mother sighs, walking toward me with a grace that belies her exhaustion. "We've sent out invitations to the surrounding kingdoms," she says softly. "To all eligible noblemen."
My heart skips a beat, a mix of anger and embarrassment flaring up inside me. "Eligible for what?"
"For you," my father says bluntly, his voice firm. "We're hosting a month-long ball, Maerilee. In the hopes of fostering peace, yes, but mainly to help you find your One."
The words hang in the air between us, and for a moment, I can't speak. They've invited noblemen, strangers from rival kingdoms, to come here and parade themselves around, all in the hope that one of them might be my One? I feel a surge of frustration rising inside me, but I bite my tongue.
I know why they're doing this. I know how important it is but it still stings. Once again, I'm faced with my own failures.
"I see," I say, my voice tighter than I intended.
"Maerilee, we understand how difficult this must be for you," my mother says, her eyes pleading. "But the barrier is weakening every day, and we don't have much time. If you find your One, if you can unlock the power that comes with it, you can help restore it."
I swallow hard, the weight of her words pressing down on me. I know she's right. The barrier is crumbling, and with it, our kingdom's protection. I can see it in the way my mother's once-vibrant magic has dimmed, the way her strength seems to slip away a little more each day. If I don't do something, if I don't find my One, Altinna could fall to invasion.
Still, that doesn't make it any easier to hear.
"I understand," I finally say, my voice quiet but steady. "I'll do whatever is necessary."
My mother's expression softens, relief flickering in her eyes. "Thank you, Maerilee. I know this isn't easy."
"No, it's not," I admit, looking between her and my father. "But if this is what's needed, I'll attend the ball. I'll meet these noblemen. I'll try to find my One."
As the words leave my mouth, a strange mix of dread and determination settles over me. I've spent so long searching, waiting for some sign that I even have a One. But what if this ball changes nothing? What if none of these men are the one I'm supposed to bond with?
What if I'm destined to fail?
But I push those thoughts aside, forcing myself to focus on the task ahead. I have to try for Altinna.
I'll find my One. I have to.
As I turn to leave the room, my mother's voice stops me.
"Maerilee," she says softly. "No matter what happens, we're proud of you."
I nod, unable to trust myself to speak. Akin is waiting just outside, his expression unreadable as he watches me approach. He doesn't ask what happened. He doesn't need to. He already knows.
"Let's go," I say quietly, embarrassment flooding me. "I'd very much like to be alone now."
An enchanted castle full of secrets, a rite of passage she cannot avoid, an arranged marriage she'll do anything to get out of. Bexley isn't like ordinary girls. She'd rather be studying animals than flirting with men. It's too bad her stepfather insists she pay attention to Garth, a meathead who only wants her to make babies and clean his house. On her twenty-first birthday, like all women in her village, she's ordered to the castle to meet with the Alpha King. For someone who didn't even know wolf shifters existed, it's all a shock, especially when she sees the twisted body of King Canaan. Canaan is used to keeping secrets, so it's not difficult for him to keep them from Bexley-like the fact that she's his mate, so she can never leave. But the king has enemies. Not only is the witch that cursed him still out there, when Garth shows up leading a band of villagers who want to kill him, he'll have to fight against his own people. Unless Bexley can find a way to stop them. It might help if she knew the truth about herself. When she discovers her true identity, nothing in the kingdom will ever be the same. If you enjoy fairy tale retelling with a wolf shifter twist, you'll love this new series by the author of The Alpha King's Breeder and The Vampire King's Feeder.
My chances of survival are slim. Going west in the 1880s? Dangerous. Fighting rogues and traveling through pack lands where we are unwelcome? A death sentence. But Akecheta awakens a part of me I've never known before. I'm brave. I'm strong. I'm an Alpha's daughter. I will fight for my people--even if it costs me everything. And chances are, it will. If you love steamy wolf shifter romance that will leave your heart racing, read this new adventure from the author of The Alpha King's Breeder.
I watched Ryan die. So how is Ben wearing his face? Six years ago, I watched my best friend--and secret crush--splatter all over the pavement. He died. I saw him. Yet, in the back of my mind, I've never stopped looking for him. Seeing him in crowds, in the classroom, in my dreams--and my nightmares. It's cost me everything--my identity, my sanity, and maybe my life. So when I walk into class to see a man who looks exactly like Ryan standing before me, I freak out again. My therapist tells me to stay away from Ben. He's no good for me. I'll end up back in a padded room. But I have to know the truth. Is Ben really Ryan? That's not possible. But Ben has scars--real ones and metaphorical ones. If Ben is Ryan, why doesn't he just tell me? Is he trying to drive me crazy? Or worse--is he trying to kill me? The Boy Who Died is the first romantic suspense novel from bestselling romantacy author Bella Moondragon writing as B. Moon. If you love romantic suspense, are a fan of Colleen Hoover, Gillian Flynn, Christopher Greyson, or Paula Hawkins, you won't want to miss this page-turner!
I feel his eyes on me, staring through the darkness-darkness as black as his soul. As the fiancée of a rich state senator, I should be living the easy life, but that's not how it is for me. My mother's sick with cancer, my fiancé smells like women's perfume, and I'm not sure he even loves me. When I start to sense someone watching me, I should be terrified. Instead, I'm electrified. Kidnapped, held in a small room, but not tortured, I'm given a chance to study this man behind the mask. He's intriguing in ways he shouldn't be. He excites me in places I've never felt before. Should I give into the enticement and taste his sin? Or try to return to my regular life with a man I cannot trust who probably doesn't care about me at all? It's tempting-that's for damn sure. Tempted by Sin is a steamy dark stalker romance that might be triggering to some. You won't want to miss the shocking twist at the end!
Christmas magic is in the air at the Santa Clause Ball! Will it lead to love? Growing up in a town called Mistletoe Mountain, it's no wonder I love Christmas. My parents named me appropriately, too. You can't get much more Christmas-y than Holly Lane Garland! This Christmas is going to be even more magical than usual--I can just feel it! At the annual Santa Claus Ball, I meet an amazing man who makes my heart play "Jingle Bells." There's just one problem--well, maybe two. I have no idea what his name is--or what he looks like. (Did I mention the Santa Claus Ball is a masquerade?) Searching for my perfect man leads me to make a new friend. Patrick is amazing, and we have so much in common. He loves Christmas, too. But I think he has a girlfriend. And, well, he's just not the guy who kissed me under the mistletoe. Or is he? Will I find love before Santa arrives, or will I lose my chance at mistletoe magic? If you like sweet, clean Christmas romance novels that get you in the mood for the holidays, you won't want to miss this new romance from the author of Melody's Christmas, Christmas Cocoa, and All I Want for Christmas is Pooch!
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?
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
Accused of murder, Sylvia Todd's mother was deemed a traitor by the entire pack, condeming Sylvia to live the rest of her life alone in humiliation as a lowly slave. All she wanted to do was to prove her mother's innocence somehow, but fate never seemed to be on the side of the traitor's daughter. Still, Sylvia never lost hope. As the future lycan king of all werewolves, Rufus Duncan possessed great power and status, but he had an inexplicable reputation for being cruel, bloodthirsty, and ruthless. Unbeknownst to everyone, he had been cursed long ago to transform into a killer monster on every full moon. Even though fate did not always look upon the two, it brought Sylvia and Rufus together as each other's destined mates. Will justice be served for Sylvia's mother? What about Rufus' secret? Can Sylvia and Rufus defy all societal norms and stay together? Will these two unlucky souls have their happy ending?
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
Julia and Evan were the perfect couple-or so she thought. But everything changed when Evan abruptly ended their relationship, leaving her heartbroken and unable to tell him she was carrying his child. Years later, Julia has built a life for herself and her son, Andy, while Evan has risen to unimaginable wealth and success. Their paths cross again at a chance meeting, but Julia soon discovers Evan has moved on with someone else. Julia is done with the pain. She's fought battles alone, raising a son who deserves the truth about his father, even if Evan doesn't deserve her forgiveness. When Julia told Evan years ago she had something to say, he didn't listen. Now, it's time for him to listen. But is it too late to reclaim what he lost? "We should break up," he'd said, the words cutting through her like glass. The pregnancy test in her pocket stayed hidden, just like the child they would never share. Now, it's Evan's turn to hear the truth-and to face his deepest regret.
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"