Lauren Paul never expected her holidays to turn into a whirlwind of fake romance, unexpected sparks, and heart-wrenching choices. Struggling to escape her family's relentless questions about her single status, Lauren does what any modern woman would do: she turns to the internet. Her quirky plea for a fake boyfriend catches the attention of Ken, an online gamer with charm and wit to spare. What starts as a harmless arrangement quickly spirals into something far more complicated when they meet in person. Ken is everything Lauren didn't know she needed: funny, confident, and surprisingly considerate. With his sharp sense of humor and unexpected warmth, he fits perfectly into her family's holiday celebrations. Their fake relationship feels natural, almost real. But just as Lauren starts to think Ken might be more than just her pretend boyfriend, a new complication arrives in the form of John, her brother's maddeningly attractive roommate. John is the opposite of K n quiet, steady, and effortlessly magnetic. From the moment he steps through the door, Lauren can't ignore the way he makes her pulse race. As the holidays unfold, John's gentle charm and lingering glances stir feelings Lauren never expected. Suddenly, the lines between her carefully constructed fake relationship and her real emotions begin to blur. Caught between Ken's fiery energy and John's quiet allure, Lauren finds herself in a love triangle that's as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching. Her family's meddling, her brother's overprotective nature, and her own spiraling emotions only add to the chaos. To make matters worse, both men have secrets of their own, and Lauren begins to wonder if she knows either of them as well as she thought. As Christmas approaches, Lauren is forced to confront her fears and insecurities. Can she let go of her need to please everyone and follow her heart? Or will her holiday charade leave her lonelier than ever? Holiday Hearts: A Love Game Gone Wrong is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about finding love where you least expect it. Packed with witty banter, steamy chemistry, and moments that will tug at your heartstrings, this story explores the messy, beautiful reality of love in all its forms. Perfect for fans of fake dating tropes, slow-burn romance, and a touch of holiday magic, Lauren's journey will have readers rooting for her to find her happy ending. Will she choose the man who swept her into a pretend romance or the one who quietly stole her heart? One thing's for sure: this holiday season, Lauren Paul is in for the ride of her life.
I hated Christmas. Or, more accurately, I hated Christmas dinner. The food was great, sure, but it came with the inevitable conversation about my lack of a love life.
"Lauren, darling, you're not getting any younger," my mother would say, her eyebrows furrowed in that "concerned" way that somehow managed to feel more judgmental than caring. "Why don't you let us set you up with someone? There are so many nice boys out there."
Nice boys. Ugh. No, thank you.
I wasn't some hopeless romantic, and I didn't need to be paired up just to please my mom. I had a fairly successful career in digital marketing, a decent group of friends, and a cat who didn't judge me when I ate an entire pizza by myself. What I didn't have, though, was a boyfriend. Not for lack of trying, but... it was complicated. And by complicated, I mean that I was starting to believe I had an uncanny ability to choose the absolute worst men. The ones who either ghosted me after three dates or, worse, turned out to be complete psychos.
But with the holidays rolling in, the pressure was on. Family dinners, Christmas Eve parties, and New Year's Eve drinks, all events I knew would be peppered with the same questions:
"So, when are you bringing someone home?"
"Still single, huh?"
"Don't worry, sweetie. He's out there somewhere."
I'd had enough.
So, as I sat on my couch sipping my third cup of hot cocoa, trying not to cry over another failed online date, I got a wild idea. I logged into the gaming forum I frequented for stress relief, and with the desperation of someone drowning, I posted an unusual request:
Need a fake boyfriend for family events. Must be funny, decent at video games, and not a serial killer. DM me if interested."
I stared at the message for a while, wondering if I was going to regret it. Maybe I could just spend the holidays alone in my cozy apartment, binge-watching Christmas movies while eating way too much chocolate. But no, I needed a solution. If I could fake it until I made it, then that was what I'd do.
I hit send.
Within minutes, I had a response. It was from someone called Ken_Gamer420. I smirked at the name. Typical gamer handle.
"I'm your guy. I can pretend to be the perfect boyfriend. Bonus points if you like strategy games, and I can still get you through the awkward family dinners. Let's make it happen!"
I blinked. He was eager. And while it could have been some random guy trolling, something about his confidence made me hesitate. Maybe he wasn't a serial killer.
I read his message a second time, debating. Then, I typed back, cautiously:
"You sure you're up for the job? This is going to be a long weekend of pretending. Family, friends, all the usual stuff."
"I'm down for whatever. Let's meet up beforehand to plan it out."
Before I could change my mind, I agreed. This couldn't be any worse than the alternative, right? And hey, if he turned out to be as much of a disaster as my last boyfriend, I could always bail.
The plan was set.
The next day, I was pacing outside the coffee shop where Ken and I had agreed to meet. I had no idea what he looked like, and I was suddenly regretting my rash decision. Was I really about to meet a guy I knew nothing about and introduce him as my fake boyfriend? I almost turned around and left until I saw him.
Ken was leaning against the door of the coffee shop, his eyes hidden behind a pair of sleek sunglasses, looking like he had just stepped out of a video game. He wore a leather jacket and jeans, a look that screamed "I'm too cool for this." He was tall, with messy brown hair and a grin that made him look like he knew exactly how attractive he was. And, of course, the smug air about him didn't help.
I almost turned around and walked away.
But then he saw me, and that grin widened. "Lauren, right? I'm Ken. Your fake boyfriend for the next week."
I froze for a moment, stunned by his directness. "Uh, yes. That's me."
He chuckled. "No need to be nervous, I'm a professional at pretending."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "You're sure you can handle this? My family is... relentless."
Ken gave me a mock salute, his smirk not fading. "You got this, babe. Just follow my lead, and we'll make them think we're the perfect couple."
I wasn't convinced. But, at that moment, I didn't have any other choice. "Okay," I said, the words escaping my mouth before I could think them through. "Let's do it."
As I followed him inside the coffee shop, the beginning of what I hoped would be the most harmless fake relationship of my life began. Little did I know, things were about to get a lot more complicated than I'd ever imagined.
I thought I could leave the past behind and avoid the packs, especially the ruthless Shadow-claws. But when I accidentally cross their borders one night, I find myself face-to-face with Damon, the one person I swore to despise forever. Damon's not just any alpha; he's powerful, relentless, and dangerously possessive. Our shared history is stained with rivalry and resentment, yet I can't deny the intensity that crackles between us now. There's something darker in his gaze, something that tells me he won't let me go this time. But I can't ignore the strange pull Damon has over me, even as I try to fight it. His obsession with me runs deeper than I understand, and each encounter only strengthens his hold. As his enemies circle closer, I realize that Damon's need for me is no longer just about rivalry; it's a craving, a hunger that threatens to consume us both. I know I should escape, but every time I'm near him, I find myself drawn deeper into his world, into his obsession. Now, I have to make a choice: resist Damon's dangerous addiction or risk everything for a bond that might be my undoing.
I never imagined my life would lead here-a world where power, fear, and loyalty rule. I was an orphan, lost in the system until I was sold to the most feared and powerful man in the underworld: Zane Stormborn. They told me he was ruthless, a man who controlled cities and commanded armies of loyal followers. But to me, he was just my new master, a man I'd have to serve in the shadows of his mansion. Yet, as I moved through the dark hallways of the Stormborn estate, I saw a side of Zane no one else knew. He wasn't just a feared crime lord; he was a man shaped by pain, haunted by secrets, and drawn to me in ways I couldn't understand. Against all odds, I went from the lowest servant in his home to the only woman he trusted by his side. But life with Zane isn't a fairytale. His enemies lurk in every corner, waiting to use me against him. They tried to break me, to tear us apart, but I won't give up so easily. I've come too far to lose him now, and I'll fight anyone who dares to stand in our way. This is my story-a journey from darkness to love, and a fight to hold on to the one man who changed my life forever.
Nelly Stone has known nothing but pain and servitude. Orphaned at a young age, she became a slave to cruel masters who saw her as nothing more than a commodity. When the day comes that they decide to sell her purity to the highest bidder, her life takes an unexpected turn. Dante Stormborn-the ruthless and enigmatic Russian mafia king-steps forward. Known as the most feared man on earth, Dante has everything: wealth, power, and an empire that answers to no one. Yet, the moment he lays eyes on Nelly, he knows she belongs to him. Declaring her his obsession, he whisks her away, determined to protect her at all costs. Terrified and vulnerable, Nelly struggles to adapt to her new life under Dante's control. But as the walls of fear begin to crumble, she discovers a strength within herself she never knew existed. Slowly, she transforms from a scared, pitiful girl into a fierce woman capable of standing beside the man who owns her heart. As their love deepens, a shocking revelation changes everything. Nelly is not an orphan after all-she is the long-lost daughter of the American Mafia bosses. When her true identity is revealed at a high-profile mafia party, her world is turned upside down. Now a target for those who seek to destroy Dante, Nelly faces relentless threats and attempts on her life. But every move the enemy makes is crushed under Dante's iron will. With Nelly by his side, Dante cements his reign as the most powerful mafia leader in the world, while her reunited family stands as his strongest allies. In a world of darkness, betrayal, and bloodshed, their love burns brighter than ever. Together, they will face every enemy, build an unbreakable legacy, and prove that nothing can come between the king and his obsession.
Grace Hunter, a quiet and unassuming omega, had always admired the powerful and charismatic Alpha Dante Nightshade. But on her 18th birthday, the bond she longed for was severed before it could even begin-Dante rejected her, dismissing her as too weak to stand by his side. Shattered but determined to endure, Grace sought to rebuild her life in the shadows of her heartbreak. Unexpectedly, fate delivered solace in the form of two captivating twins, Adrian and Caleb Storm. They were opposites-Adrian, a confident and brooding protector, and Caleb, a playful yet fiercely loyal soul. Both were drawn to Grace's quiet strength, vowing to show her a love she had never known. As the twins competed for her heart, Dante began to unravel. The omega he had rejected refused to fade into obscurity; instead, her resilience and allure only deepened his regret. Yet Grace's path was far from simple. Her father's demands threatened to force her into a union for the good of the pack, adding a new layer of conflict to her life. Torn between Adrian's intensity, Caleb's charm, and the lingering pull of Dante's presence, Grace faced an impossible decision. Would she embrace the love of the twins, forging a new future, or would she give in to the yearning for the alpha who had once broken her heart? In a tale of heartbreak, healing, and the power of second chances, Grace must navigate the tumultuous waters of love and loyalty while discovering her strength.
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?”
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. What’s 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 couldn’t 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 doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s 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?
Natalie used to think she could melt Connor’s icy heart, but she was sorely mistaken. When at last she decided to leave, she discovered that she was pregnant. Even so, she chose to quietly leave his world, prompting Connor to mobilize all of his resources and expand his business to a global scale—all in a bid to find her. But there was no trace of Natalie. Connor slowly spiraled into madness, turning the city upside down and leaving chaos in his wake. Natalie finally surfaced years later, with wealth and power of her own, only to find herself entangled with Connor once again.
Lucia Balstone thought she had chosen the right man to spend the rest of her life with, but he was the one who ended her life. Their ten-year marriage seemed like a joke when her husband stabbed her with a dagger. Fortunately, God is never blind to people's tears. Lucia got a second chance. She was reborn at the age of 22, before all the terrible things had happened. This time, she was determined to avenge herself and let those who hurt her pay! She made an elaborate list of her goals, and the first thing on her list was to marry her ex-husband's enemy, Alonso Callen!
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
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."