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.
*Bexley*
A pair of eyes stares at me from between two large trees in the middle of the dense forest behind our house. I stare right back, squinting through my binoculars to try to get a better look. I've never seen a female white-tail quite so large. I wish I could get a little closer so I could see her markings more clearly, but she's hidden well behind the leaves of the trees, and it's clear she's spotted me. If I make one wrong move, she's likely to bolt away, leaving me standing here staring at nothing but dense foliage. Still, I'm not seeing much at this angle, so perhaps I should hazard moving a little nearer.
Carefully, I inch forward, doing my best not to make a sound. I avoid the crunchy leaf piles that litter the ground. It's nearly winter; we should be having our first snow soon. Then, it will be easier to move undetected, but for now, I have to be careful.
I slide to my right, leaning up a bit onto my toes, and I can almost see her back clearly when I hear the crackle of a thousand leaves dying excruciating second deaths. Letting out a sigh, I turn to see my friend Fiona traipsing toward me, a wide grin on her face.
"There you are!" she squeals, rushing over with her arms wide open. "Your mother said I might find you out here."
"Here I am." While I am annoyed that the deer has now shot off into the woods, likely to never be seen again, I am happy to see Fiona. She's the first, and practically only, friend I've made since we moved to Luna Hollow almost a year ago. Her golden blonde hair catches the sun's light, creating a halo around her pretty face. She's beautiful in a traditional way, with bright blue eyes and perfectly shaped pink lips. Every young man in the kingdom is interested in making Fiona his wife someday. But since she's only nineteen, her parents aren't even entertaining the men who come knocking at her door.
I wish I was lucky in that regard as well.
With Fiona's arms around me, I squeeze her back. She finally releases me and straightens her blue cloak. I do the same to my dark green one. I try to blend into the trees the best I can when I come out here to observe the animals. It allows me to get closer to them-that and avoiding leaves.
"Why are you out here?" she asks, looking around. "It's so cold."
"I spotted a deer." I hear the excitement in my own voice. "You know how rare they've been lately. Before that, I saw a squirrel with a black patch of fur on its tail, and a flock of geese flew overhead."
Fiona practically rolls her eyes, but she's too polite to let me know how boring she thinks my animal investigations are. Instead, she just changes the subject. "You should be at home planning your birthday party, not standing out here freezing your toes off looking at wildlife."
"My birthday isn't until tomorrow," I remind her, slipping my binoculars back into my pocket. It would be rude of me to insist on continuing my investigations when she doesn't like it. We almost always do something Fiona likes to do, but that's okay. At least it gives me someone else to hang out with, other than my mother and my new stepfather, Harvey.
"I know your birthday isn't until tomorrow." Fiona loops her arm through mine, and we start walking back toward my house. Harvey's house sits on top of a hill surrounded by ten acres. It's a nice house-two-stories with four bedrooms and indoor plumbing-and since most of the yard is covered in forest, I like it a lot more than I did our tiny apartment in our old home kingdom of Hexeton. I do miss my friends and my grandparents, but Hexeton is only about an hour-long carriage ride away, and we do visit sometimes, though not enough.
"So why must we discuss my birthday today?" I ask, brushing a long brown braid over my shoulder. I've never liked the color of my hair, but at least it matches my eyes.
"Because, as I've told you, you never know if you'll be allowed to stay at your home on your birthday or if you'll be summoned to the castle." A chill goes down Fiona's spine at her own words, and I can feel her shiver.
It has nothing to do with the bite in the wind either. She's genuinely afraid-afraid of being summoned to the castle for what's called King's Rite. I never heard of such a thing until I moved here. It all sounds so ridiculous to me. Why would some king who lives in a secluded castle at the top of a hill so high it's practically a mansion, surrounded by forests so thick I wouldn't even be able to see a deer five feet away, be interested in me? He probably doesn't even know I exist.
"Fiona," I begin, not for the first time, "I'm sure I will not be getting one of the infamous red letters in the mail you keep telling me about."
"You never know. My friend Samantha's sister got one just a month ago. She was gone all night, and when she came home, well, let's just say she wasn't the same."
I try not to scoff because I know this is a real concern for her, but to me, it sounds like something made up-like the legends about the witches in Hexeton. While plenty of old timers like to scare the kids by saying witches live in the woods around town, no one has ever seen one. No one I know has ever been affected by them.
So... until I see this king with my own eyes, I will not fear him. "I intend to celebrate my birthday tomorrow," I tell my friend. "Mother knows that."
"And what does your stepfather say?" We cross a little creek that crosses the yard about a hundred yards from the back of the house. The bridge is only about four feet long, but I've always thought it was very pretty. In the springtime, I could stand here and watch the fish swim by underneath.
"He doesn't say much," I reply. The truth is, Harvey hardly speaks to me at all. Mother says that's just how he is-quiet. But I've seen him in a room full of people when he didn't stop talking plenty of times, so I don't think that's it. In my opinion, my stepfather simply doesn't care for me, and I suppose I can't blame him. After all, I was almost twenty years old when we met, a grown woman, and he'd gone his whole life without being a father. He leaves me alone for the most part, and I avoid him when possible. I do some work for his accounting firm, though, which he appreciates since I know he wishes I had a husband so I wouldn't be living off him any longer.
And he's doing everything he can to make that happen.
"Well, I think you should be on the lookout for that letter. If it's coming, it'll be in your mailbox in the morning. They just sort of appear overnight. No one has ever seen the person from the castle who brings them out," Fiona explains. "My friend Marcy knows someone who stayed up all night staring at her mailbox to see if they could catch a glimpse of the delivery person, but no one ever came. She was shocked when she opened her mailbox the next morning and the letter was inside."
A chuckle escapes my lips, and Fiona's eyes widen. "I was just thinking I shouldn't waste my time staring at the mailbox then if it won't matter."
"Bexley!" She shakes her head at me and marches up the steps toward my back door. "You have to take this seriously."
"I am," I tell her, but we both know that's not true. I follow her inside, and we hang up our coats. My mother absolutely adores Fiona, so she won't mind one bit if she spends time here.
"You are what?" Mother asks, wiping her hands on her apron as she comes over to greet both of us and give us a hug. "Your cheeks are so cold," she remarks as she pats my face.
"I'm nothing," I begin, taking a deep breath and savoring the delicious smell of my mother's famous vegetable stew.
But Fiona jumps in. "She's not taking the possibility of being summoned to the castle seriously," she tells my mother.
With a deep sigh, Mother goes to the cookie jar, opens it up, and extends it to Fiona. My friend squeals with delight and plucks out a chocolate chip cookie, taking a bite before she says thank you. I almost giggle at this, too. It's like we are still small children.
Cookie in hand, I sit at the table and wait for Mother to collect her thoughts. It's not like her to agree with such silly notions. She was always quick to dismiss any talk of witches in our town. She's a practical thinker, just like me.
So when she sits down across from me, Fiona to my left, and folds her hands, my forehead furrows. "I think we should celebrate your birthday tonight, Bex. Just in case."
My eyes lock on hers, so very similar to my own in color and shape, and I don't blink for a few moments. Finally, I manage to ask, "You do? Why?"
"Just in case." She shrugs one shoulder. "I've spoken to Harvey about it, and while he doesn't think there's any need to be alarmed about the situation, he says it does happen. Over the past seven years, quite a few young women who live in this village have gotten a letter from the king to appear in his castle on their birthday. It's happened in several villages throughout the kingdom, in fact, even in the older settlements on the other side of the mountain."
I'm not sure what to say, so I don't say anything at all. Instead, I finish my cookie.
Fiona jumps in on my behalf having already devoured her snack. She is one of those girls who can eat whatever she likes and always look perfectly fit. If I cared a smidge about my appearance, I might be jealous of her for that. "The girls who get the letter stay overnight," she says, her explanation similar to what she mentioned to me earlier as we were walking in. "When they come home, they can't speak about what happened to them there."
"That's what Harvey told me," Mother agrees. "But he also said that many of the girls have been examined by a physician afterward, and there's never anything physically wrong with them." She takes a deep breath and adds, "Those that went in maidens return as such."
I know I can speak to my mother about anything, but I don't like to talk about that sort of thing with her. I swallow hard and wait for Fiona to speak, as I know she will.
"But some of them have scratches and bruises. They say they can't remember how they got them." She turns and looks at me, her blue eyes piercing. "They simply have no idea where they've been or what's happened to them."
"Oh, please." I shake my head and wave one hand at her. "That has to be the king threatening them not to tell anyone."
"I don't think so," Mother chimes in. "Harvey seems to think that there are a few different ways it can be done but that a person's memory can be wiped."
"Magic?" I ask with a chuckle.
"No. He called it... hypnosis or something of that nature," she explains. "Don't ask me, dear. But you should plan on celebrating your birthday this evening. Now, would you like chocolate or vanilla cake?"
I look at Fiona, and she bats her eyelashes at me prettily, knowing she has one.
With a deep breath, I say, "Chocolate."
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?
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.
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
For three years, Jessica endured a loveless marriage while her husband pretended to be impotent. His lies unraveled when a pregnant mistress surfaced. After six months of secretly collecting proof, Jessica threw him out and built her own billion-dollar empire. After the divorce, she transformed into an irresistible figure, attracting admirers. As she left her office one day, she met Kevan, her ex-husband's brother. He stepped in, confronting her. "Was I just a tool to you?" Jessica's lips curled into a calm smile. "How much compensation do you want?" Kevan's voice softened. "All I want is you."
Lucille was one of the most skilled female assassins, and on the previous night, she embarked on a top-secret mission. However, the mission's details were leaked, leading to her untimely demise at the hands of a traitorous companion. She never discovered the identity of the person who betrayed her before her death. But by some miracle, she was granted a new life, and was reborn as a girl with the same name. Determined to uncover the truth and seek revenge for her family, Lucille seized her second chance at life. She planned to avenge her loved ones. However, her plans were complicated by Joseph, an apparently frail man who was actually skilled in martial arts. And he seemed to fall for her deeply, now this newfound knowledge only added to the complications of Lucille's revenge plan...
I received a pornographic video. "Do you like this?" The man speaking in the video is my husband, Mark, whom I haven't seen for several months. He is naked, his shirt and pants scattered on the ground, thrusting forcefully on a woman whose face I can't see, her plump and round breasts bouncing vigorously. I can clearly hear the slapping sounds in the video, mixed with lustful moans and grunts. "Yes, yes, fuck me hard, baby," the woman screams ecstatically in response. "You naughty girl!" Mark stands up and flips her over, slapping her buttocks as he speaks. "Stick your ass up!" The woman giggles, turns around, sways her buttocks, and kneels on the bed. I feel like someone has poured a bucket of ice water on my head. It's bad enough that my husband is having an affair, but what's worse is that the other woman is my own sister, Bella. ************************************************************************************************************************ “I want to get a divorce, Mark,” I repeated myself in case he didn't hear me the first time—even though I knew he'd heard me clearly. He stared at me with a frown before answering coldly, "It's not up to you! I'm very busy, don't waste my time with such boring topics, or try to attract my attention!" The last thing I was going to do was argue or bicker with him. "I will have the lawyer send you the divorce agreement," was all I said, as calmly as I could muster. He didn't even say another word after that and just went through the door he'd been standing in front of, slamming it harshly behind him. My eyes lingered on the knob of the door a bit absentmindedly before I pulled the wedding ring off my finger and placed it on the table. I grabbed my suitcase, which I'd already had my things packed in and headed out of the house.
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.