Nate, a man burdened by the legacy of his family's immense wealth and the pressures of upholding a corporate empire. He finds himself utterly exhausted and disillusioned by a life spent chasing a definition of success that leaves him feeling profoundly empty. His impulsive escape to the quaint Colorado town of Harmony Creek marks a pivotal point in his journey. Harmony Creek, with its close-knit community, its emphasis on faith and its slower pace of life, is a stark contrast to Nate's high-pressure existence. It is here, in this haven of warmth and kindness, that he encounters Jessie, a woman who embodies the town's gentle spirit. Their connection is a slow burn, a gradual unfolding of affection built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and a growing understanding of each other's souls.
The mahogany desk, usually a symbol of power and success, felt like a prison. Nate stared at the meticulously organized files, each representing a deal, a negotiation, a mountain of responsibility that threatened to bury him alive. The air hung heavy with the scent of old paper and stale coffee, a familiar aroma that now only served to amplify his exhaustion. Two years ago, his father had passed away, leaving Nate not only grieving but also thrust into the unforgiving role of CEO of Sterling Industries, a multi-billion dollar empire built on ambition and ruthlessness.
He'd inherited not only a legacy but a suffocating weight of expectation.
The pressure was relentless. Board meetings stretched late into the night, each decision carrying the weight of thousands of employees' livelihoods. His days bled into one another, a blur of spreadsheets, conference calls, and strained smiles forced onto his face. Sleep was a luxury he barely afforded himself, his dreams haunted by the relentless demands of the company. Even the quiet moments, usually a refuge, were filled with a gnawing unease, a constant reminder of his father's absence and the impossible task set before him. His brother, Stephen, ever the ambitious one, hovered on the periphery, his eyes sharp, assessing, calculating.
The weight of his father's legacy was unbearable. He had been molded to follow in his father's footsteps, trained from a young age in the art of deal-making, instilled with a fierce competitiveness that had now turned against him. He'd excelled, surpassing even his father's expectations, but at what cost? He had sacrificed his personal life, his relationships, even his own sense of self, all in service of the Sterling empire. Now, standing at the precipice of his own potential burnout, he felt hollow, an empty shell driving himself relentlessly towards a goal he no longer desired.
One evening, amidst the chaotic symphony of ringing phones and urgent emails, Nate found himself staring out of his office window, lost in the glittering expanse of the city. The city lights, usually a beacon of success and opportunity, felt cold and isolating. He felt a deep, profound loneliness he hadn't anticipated. It wasn't simply the death of his father, but the realization that he had lost himself in the process of building this empire, that the cost of success was far too high.
He thought of the Christmas cards piled on his desk, unopened, their festive cheer mocking his emotional desolation. The thought of spending Christmas alone in the sterile confines of his city apartment, surrounded by the symbols of his success and the ghosts of his past, was unbearable. A sudden, impulsive thought took root in his mind – escape. A complete, utter escape from the relentless demands of his life.
With a decision as swift and unexpected as a mountain avalanche, he grabbed his keys, his phone, and a small bag. He didn't even bother to inform anyone. He simply walked out of the towering skyscraper, leaving behind the gilded cage he'd built for himself.
The drive was a blur, a cathartic release of pent-up frustration and grief. He drove west, away from the city's suffocating embrace, guided only by the faint whisper of a yearning for something more, something real. He didn't have a destination in mind; the only plan was to disappear, to find a place where the relentless pressure would cease to exist.
In the heart of a devastating fire, amidst chaos and destruction, Brianna finds not only survival but also an unexpected love story. Rescued from the inferno by the captivating fireman, Casey, she begins a journey of healing and rediscovery, both emotional and romantic. Casey, a man accustomed to the emotional distance required by his profession, finds himself captivated by Brianna's quiet strength and unwavering spirit. Their connection blossoms against the backdrop of her emotional trauma, forming a bond built on mutual support, understanding, and a shared vulnerability.
Amber and Rick were childhood sweethearts. Rick was from a wealthy family and his life was planned out for him. Amber wanted Rick, but she also wanted more. Rick went off to college and Amber left town. 5 years later Amber returns to town with a secret that could change everything.
"Never let anyone treat you like shit!" I learned that the hard way. For three years, I lived with my in-laws. They didn't treat me as their son-in-law but as a slave. I put up with everything because of my wife, Yolanda Lambert. She was the light of my life. Unfortunately, my whole world came crashing down the day I caught my wife cheating on me. I have never been so heartbroken. To have my revenge, I revealed my true identity. I was none other than Liam Hoffman—the heir of a family with trillions of dollars in assets! The Lamberts were utterly shocked after the big reveal. They realized what fools they had been for treating me like trash. My wife even knelt down and begged for my forgiveness. What do you think I did? Did I take her back or made her suffer? Find out!
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."
Due to the plight of her family, Phoebe had no choice but to embark on the path of selling herself. In an accident, she had a tangled night with Alexander. Everything began to derail, and even if she fled to the ends of the earth, she would still be found by him and entangled... *** Phoebe screamed in frustration, "What do you want from me?" What was this supposed to be? He raised an eyebrow wickedly. "What do I want? You'll find out soon enough." With that, he hoisted her up and carried her back into the office. The door slammed shut with a kick, and he cleared the desk with a sweep of his arm before laying her down on it, his body pinning hers in place, completely trapping her in his grasp. Every cell in his body was telling him he wanted her. He wanted to claim her again. This time, there would be no escape for her-he wouldn't let her slip away. Never again. If he had suffered for five years, then this woman wouldn't get off easily either!
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
My boyfriend called, "Baby!" as he jumped out of bed and scrambled to pull his pants off the ground. "Please, I can explain my love." Shutting my eyes, I inhaled deeply and tried not to cry when I realized that my dream of the man not being my boyfriend had been dashed. "What?" I asked, "What do you want to explain?" How did you lie about having a business meeting while you were in bed enjoying yourself with my best friend, even though I told you I was in serious pain, is that it?" I stood there, my heart pounding, and tears streaming down my face...