For Claire Evans, love has always been a secondhand emotion. After a string of heartbreaks, she's convinced herself that forever isn't in the cards. Instead, she pours her energy into her thriving career as an interior designer. But when her latest project brings her back to her small hometown, she's forced to confront the one man who shattered her heart and the walls she built around it- Ethan Carter. Ethan has spent the past decade regretting the one decision that drove Claire away. Now the owner of a struggling vineyard, he's desperate to save his family's legacy. When Claire steps back into his life as the designer hired to transform the vineyard into a wedding venue, he sees it as a second chance to prove that love is worth the risk. As the days unfold in a whirlwind of late-night confessions, rekindled laughter, and lingering glances, Claire must decide if she's ready to give Ethan- and herself- a chance at the kind of love she thought only existed in fairytales.
Claire Evans tightened her grip on the steering wheel as her car rolled past the familiar "Welcome to Willow Creek" sign. The small town she once called home hadn't changed much in the ten years she'd been away. Its quaint charm still lingered in the weathered buildings and colorful storefronts lining Main Street. For anyone else, it might feel comforting. To Claire, it felt like walking back into a story she'd spent years trying to forget.
She hadn't intended to come back. Life in the city had suited her-fast-paced, impersonal, and brimming with opportunity. It was easier to lose yourself in a crowd when you didn't want to be found. But when her best friend Jenna begged her to take on a design project in Willow Creek, Claire couldn't find an excuse fast enough. Work had been slow lately, and turning down a well-paying job felt reckless, no matter where it was.
The thought of confronting the ghosts of her past made her stomach churn. One ghost in particular. Ethan Carter. His name alone was enough to make her chest tighten, though she hated to admit it.
The road curved sharply, revealing the rolling hills and sprawling vineyards that stretched along the outskirts of town. Sunlight glinted off rows of grapevines, their leaves shimmering like emeralds. At the center of it all stood Carter Estate Vineyard, a place Claire had avoided thinking about for years. She still remembered the summer nights she and Ethan had spent there, sitting under the stars and dreaming about a future that never came to be.
"Focus, Claire," she muttered to herself. She wasn't here to relive old memories. This was just another job, nothing more.
Her GPS announced her arrival, and she slowed to a stop in front of the vineyard's entrance. The Carter Estate sign hung above the gate, its once vibrant paint now peeling at the edges. Claire parked her car and stepped out, the scent of earth and grapes filling the air.
Ethan stood near the main building, his back to her. Even from a distance, she recognized him-the way he held himself with quiet confidence, his broad shoulders framed by the golden light of the setting sun. Her heart betrayed her with a jolt, a reminder that some things were harder to bury than others.
He turned, catching sight of her. His expression shifted from curiosity to something she couldn't quite place. Surprise? Regret? Whatever it was, it disappeared as quickly as it came, replaced by a polite smile.
"Claire," he called out, his voice carrying over the distance.
She forced her feet to move, closing the gap between them. "Ethan. It's been a long time."
"It has." He studied her for a moment, his gaze lingering just long enough to make her uneasy. "You look... good."
"Thanks. So do you." She wasn't lying. Time had been kind to Ethan Carter. His once boyish features had matured, his jawline sharper, his dark hair streaked with hints of silver. The same piercing blue eyes she remembered now held a depth that hadn't been there before.
"Thanks for coming," he said, gesturing toward the building. "I wasn't sure you'd take the job."
"It's work. I couldn't say no." The words came out colder than she intended, but she didn't try to soften them.
Ethan nodded, his jaw tightening. "Right. Well, let me show you around. The place needs a lot of work, but I'm sure you'll manage."
He led her toward the main building, the crunch of gravel under their feet the only sound between them. The silence was heavy, weighed down by everything left unsaid.
The tasting room was the first stop on the tour. The space was charming but outdated, with faded wallpaper and mismatched furniture that screamed for an update. Ethan explained his vision for the wedding venue-rustic elegance with a modern twist. Claire took notes, keeping her focus on the project and away from the man standing beside her.
"This place has potential," she said, running her fingers along a worn wooden countertop. "But it's going to take a lot of work to get it ready in time for wedding season."
"I know," Ethan admitted. "That's why I called you. If anyone can make this work, it's you."
The unexpected compliment caught her off guard. She glanced at him, searching for hidden meaning in his words, but his expression was unreadable.
"Thanks," she said, returning her attention to her notes. "I'll need a detailed budget and a list of materials you're willing to splurge on. I can't promise miracles, but I'll do my best."
Ethan chuckled softly, the sound stirring a familiar ache in her chest. "You were always good at making the impossible happen."
His words hung between them, heavy with unspoken meaning. Claire cleared her throat, determined to keep the conversation professional. "Let's move on. What's next?"
He led her through the rest of the vineyard, pointing out areas that needed attention. The ceremony space was a picturesque clearing surrounded by vines, its charm overshadowed by overgrown weeds and a sagging pergola. The reception area was little more than a patch of grass behind the main building, but Claire could already envision twinkling lights and elegant table settings transforming it into something magical.
By the time they finished the tour, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the vineyard in shades of gold and purple. Ethan walked her back to her car, the tension between them unbroken.
"Thanks for coming," he said again, his hands shoved into his pockets. "I know it wasn't easy for you to say yes."
Claire hesitated, her hand on the car door. "It's just a job, Ethan. Let's not make it more complicated than it needs to be."
He nodded, but the look in his eyes told her he didn't believe her. "Goodnight, Claire."
"Goodnight." She climbed into her car and started the engine, refusing to look back as she drove away.
The truth was, this wasn't just a job. It was a test-a chance to prove to herself that she could face her past without falling apart. But as the lights of the vineyard faded in her rearview mirror, Claire couldn't shake the feeling that coming back to Willow Creek would be more complicated than she ever imagined.
Sofia DeLuca has spent her life running from her family's dark legacy, determined to carve out a life of her own. But when her estranged father, a notorious mafia don, is murdered, Sofia is pulled back into the criminal underworld she tried to escape. Standing in her way is Luca Romano, her father's ruthless right-hand man and heir to the empire. As Sofia and Luca work together to uncover the truth behind her father's death, a forbidden romance ignites between them.
Vanessa's world shatters when her perfect life is upended by her stepsister, Delilah, who cunningly steals away the love of her life, Lucas. Once close, Vanessa now finds herself on the receiving end of betrayal, her engagement shattered, and her trust broken. Determined to reclaim everything she's lost, Vanessa embarks on a path of calculated revenge, using Delilah's own secrets against her. But as the intricate web of lies unravels, Vanessa discovers that revenge may not bring the closure she seeks-only a chance to heal and find true strength within herself.
A prophecy long buried in Lycan lore speaks of a child born of two rival bloodlines-a child destined to unite the fractured packs but cursed to overthrow the reigning king. Seren Duskbane, a fearless rogue, never imagined her path would cross with Lucian Veylor, the brooding and enigmatic Lycan King. When a fateful encounter binds them in a forbidden union, Seren discovers she carries the heir that could change the fate of their kind. As whispers of the prophecy spread, they face enemies from within and beyond their packs-forces that see the child as either salvation or destruction. With time running out and danger closing in, Seren and Lucian must navigate treacherous alliances, unearth ancient secrets, and confront the prophecy's devastating truth.
Selena Kaelvar is the last surviving member of the Kaelvar Pride. After witnessing the cold-blooded slaughter of her family by the ruthless Crescent Moon Pack, she becomes consumed by a singular purpose: revenge. Her opportunity comes when she discovers her uncanny resemblance to Liana Morven, the Crescent Moon Alpha's beloved Luna. Selena kidnaps Liana, hiding her far from her mate, and assumes her identity to infiltrate the pack from within. Darius Raelith, the Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, is burdened with the legacy of his father's cruel reign. Determined to lead his pack with honor, Darius strives to mend the wounds of the past. But his efforts are undermined by a "Luna" who seems to be playing her own dangerous game. Selena walks a treacherous path of deception and vengeance, long-buried secrets surface, and the stakes grow higher. What will happen when Selena and Darius confront the truths that tie their fates together? Can redemption be found amid betrayal, or will revenge plunge them both into darkness?
When Seraphina, a young woman with dormant werewolf traits, is mistreated by her pack and ultimately rejected by her Alpha mate, she is forced into a life of solitude as a rogue. Her world is turned upside down when her dormant powers are awakened, revealing her true nature as a powerful Alpha and the dangers that come with it. Seeking to understand her new identity, Seraphina turns to the Lycan King, Kael, who becomes her mentor and guide. Together, they face the threats from her past that rise along with her newfound abilities. But when her former Alpha, Thorne, who once rejected her, returns, pleading for her forgiveness and help, Seraphina is faced with an agonizing choice: should she listen to his plea to take her back, or trust Kael, the one who helped her unlock the great power within her? With her destiny as Alpha hanging in the balance, Seraphina must decide how to wield her powers and confront the looming dangers that threaten her. Will she embrace the future that's calling, or be undone by the past that haunts her?
Hunted by fate and bound by a curse, Selene Draven lives in hiding, avoiding the truth of her identity as the last heir to the Duskwind Pack. When her quiet life is disrupted by Alaric Veylor, the fierce alpha of the Ebonridge Pack, her world is upended. Alaric, seeking vengeance for his brother's mysterious death, captures Selene, believing she holds the answers to the curse plaguing his pack. But as their fates entwine, an undeniable bond forms, challenging everything they know about loyalty, love, and destiny. As ancient forces awaken and secrets unravel, Alaric and Selene must face a choice: break the curse and risk losing each other, or let love conquer the darkness threatening to consume their packs.
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
As far as everyone was concerned, William had married Renee under duress. Now that his one true love was back—and with child—they couldn’t wait for him to abandon Renee. Surprisingly, Renee was candid about the situation. "To be honest, I’m the one asking for a divorce every single day. I want it even more than any of you!" But they brushed off her remark as a paltry attempt to save face. Until William made a declaration himself. "Divorce is out of the question. Anyone who spreads false rumors shall face legal consequences!" Renee was at a loss. What was this crazy man up to now?
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."
“Drive this woman out!” "Throw this woman into the sea!” When he doesn’t know Debbie Nelson’s true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. “Mr. Hilton, she is your wife,” Carlos’ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, “why didn’t you tell me earlier?” From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
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."