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Heartwood

Heartwood is the dense, inner core of a tree, often symbolizing resilience or enduring strength in novels, where it may represent a character's unyielding spirit or the unchanging essence beneath life's trials.

I Protected Him for 200 Years, He Killed Me in 1 Day

Buried deep in the Aster estate was the Heartwood—ancient, sacred, mine. Told my husband, Julian Aster—back when he actually listened—that if it ever fell, I'd die with it. At first, he freaked out. Flew in glacier water, hired a whole squad of plant experts to nurture it 24/7. Then one day, just because his childhood friend—Isabella Duvall—got a scratch from the bark, Julian had the Heartwood ripped out. The second it crashed, I choked on glowing blood—ichor. My power? Gone. Barely standing, I grabbed his arm. "You knew. If the Heartwood dies, I—" He laughed. Straight-up mocked me. "Sera, come on. That fairy tale? Only Grandma still believes that crap. Is that mayo on your mouth? Relax—it's a tree. I'll buy you a forest if you want." Overnight, my hair turned gray. Skin cracked. Eyes dulled. Still, I dragged myself to his grandmother, Henrietta. "I kept your family safe for two hundred years. That's why the Asters thrived. But the Heartwood's gone. Debt's paid. One day left. Whatever happens next? Not my problem."

8 Chapters

Mated to Brianna

(Completed) Brianna goes to school, has friends, and has a boyfriend, but when her dad dies and leaves her and her brother to fend for themselves, things start to unravel. When they move to start over, her life isn't what she thought her life was, nothing she thought was the truth, is, and she has some major secrets to keep hidden from some of her best friends. When her mate finds her and awakens her to the world of the supernatural, things get even more complicated. Is she even human? Does she want a mate? Will the heartbreak, the love, and the sacrifices be worth what the Moon Goddess has in store for her? ***This book can be read as a stand-alone but it does contain a cross-over and spoilers from my first book "Timber Alpha". If you're planning on reading them both start there. **This 4 book series is COMPLETE – Reading order: 1-Timber Alpha (ch1-86), 2-Mated to Brianna, 3-Mylo (Timber Alpha ch89-172), 4-Alpha Heirs

9.7

130 Chapters

The 5-time Rejected Gamma & the Lycan King

BOOK ONE of COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE: 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? *** BOOK TWO: The Rogues Who Went Rogue BOOK THREE: The Indomitable Huntress & the Hardened Duke

9.7

200 Chapters

His Forbidden Obsession

"Is my Seraphina afraid of me? " She pressed her shivering naked body more against the wall to prevent getting touched by the bare skin of the owner of that raspily husky voice . "So you don't want me to touch you? But you had no problem getting touched by him, Seraphina? " Her eyes filled with tears hearing his words because her mind immediately recalled the face of her friend and how brutally he had killed him. "Then why are you afraid of getting touched by me, Princess?" She unlatched her lashes and immediately tried to free herself from him but her body turned into ice when he pinned her wrists against the wall and pressed his drenched body against her. "Hadn't I fucking warned you to stay away from him? But no, my little princess wanted to defy me? And look, her defiance made me to take another life, " A soul quivering smirk crept on his lips by watching the terror emerging into her alluring azure eyes . "So ,I guess now we have to make her obey me and for that, I have a very precious way to teach her, " His hand roamed over her naked skin. "A forbidden way which will hurt my princess a lot, " He squeezed her soft bosoms, making her whimper. "But the more pain she will feel, the more pleasure she is going to get through that way, " He chuckled when he found her struggling, like a kitten. "The more you will fight it, the more it's going to hurt, Princess," His hand went down to her lower abdomen And her blood drenched from her body, feeling his knuckles grazing against her lower region tenderly. "You're mine," His hand went down more to taint her purity. "You belong to Arzal Darius Grayson, Sera." *DARK ROMANCE*

9.7

125 Chapters

Loner to Luna

Abby has a blessed life at home. Her parents are respected pack members and mated by the Moon Goddess, she has two younger sisters who she loves (some times more than others), and she has a friend who she can go to any time. School is another story. Bullied throughout grade school, she has become quite jaded. After being rejected by the future alpha of her pack, is true happiness even a possibility for her?

9.3

201 Chapters

Forbidden Heat

[MATURE CONTENT R18] "I'll f*** you so hard that you'll forget all about him" Natalia has been desiring her stepfather for the longest time after her mother passed away. Suddenly, her stepfather becomes engaged to another woman while his younger brother found out about Natalia's secret... Trying to keep her affair with her step cousin a secret from her passionate bodyguard. "I no longer want to be forgotten. I'll give you so much pleasure that you'll forget all about my brother." - Edward "We've always been together so I never told you this...I love you" - Zak "I'll do whatever it takes to make you mine. Please wait just a little longer" - Lucien "I'll always protect you...even from your own self" - Reiner **This story does NOT contain incest. All male love interests are NOT blood-related to the female protagonist** Note: I own the right to the cover photo. Please do not copy without written consent.

9.3

561 Chapters

What Is The Central Conflict In 'Heartwood'?

4 Answers2025-06-25 15:46:17

In 'Heartwood', the central conflict is a gripping clash between progress and preservation. The story revolves around a small, forest-dwelling community whose way of life is threatened by a massive corporate logging operation. The protagonist, a young botanist torn between her scientific ambitions and her love for the ancient trees, becomes the unlikely leader of a resistance movement. The trees themselves are almost characters—some whisper of a sentient, vengeful force within the forest, adding a supernatural edge to the environmental struggle.

The conflict isn’t just external; it’s deeply personal. The botanist’s mentor, a staunch conservationist, accuses her of betrayal when she considers negotiating with the loggers. Meanwhile, the corporation’s charismatic CEO, who grew up in the same town, genuinely believes his industrial approach will save the dying community. The novel excels in showing how both sides are flawed, human, and convinced they’re right. It’s not just about saving trees—it’s about what we’re willing to sacrifice for growth, and whether 'progress' can coexist with roots.

Who Is The Main Antagonist In 'Heartwood'?

4 Answers2025-06-25 05:52:13

In 'Heartwood', the main antagonist isn’t just a single villain but a corrupted ancient spirit named Vorathis, a once-guardian of the forest turned vengeful. Centuries of human exploitation twisted his purpose, and now he poisons the land, turning animals into savage husks and twisting trees into grotesque sentinels. His presence is a creeping dread—whispers in the wind, shadows that move without light. The villagers blame each other for the blight, unaware of the true rot festering at the heart of their woods.

What makes Vorathis terrifying isn’t just his power but his tragedy. He mirrors the protagonist’s struggle—both are bound to the forest, but where she seeks healing, he craves annihilation. His final form, a towering amalgam of thorns and stolen life, is a masterpiece of body horror. Defeating him requires understanding his pain, not just brute force, which elevates him beyond a typical 'big bad'.

What Are The Key Plot Twists In 'Heartwood'?

5 Answers2025-06-23 20:08:56

In 'Heartwood', the plot twists hit hard and fast. The biggest shocker comes when the protagonist, a seemingly ordinary gardener, discovers they're the reincarnation of an ancient forest deity. This revelation flips the entire narrative, transforming a simple story about saving a town into a cosmic battle between nature and industrialization. The deity’s memories start surfacing, revealing the town’s founders were actually cultists who betrayed the deity centuries ago.

Another twist involves the protagonist’s mentor, who’s secretly been manipulating events to resurrect the deity’s rival. The mentor’s betrayal is devastating because it happens just as the protagonist starts trusting them completely. The final twist is bittersweet—the protagonist merges with the forest to stop the rival, becoming a silent guardian. It’s not a happy ending, but it’s poetically fitting.

Which Character Undergoes The Most Growth In 'Heartwood'?

5 Answers2025-06-23 16:09:28

In 'Heartwood', the character who stands out with the most profound growth is undoubtedly Liora. Initially introduced as a timid village girl haunted by self-doubt, her journey is a masterclass in resilience. Early on, she hesitates to speak her mind, even when her herbal knowledge could save lives. But as the forest’s corruption spreads, she confronts her fears head-on. Her turning point comes when she faces the ancient tree spirit alone, bargaining not for herself but for her people. By the finale, she’s leading rebellions, wielding magic rooted in empathy rather than force. What’s brilliant is how her growth isn’t just about courage—it’s her ability to see strength in vulnerability. She learns that true power lies in healing, not domination, making her arc both unexpected and deeply satisfying.

Secondary characters like the warrior Kael have flashy transformations, but Liora’s quiet evolution from a background figure to the heart of the story resonates more. Her growth mirrors the novel’s themes: that roots grow stronger through struggle, and the most unassuming people often harbor the greatest potential.

Does 'Heartwood' Have A Sequel Or Spin-Off?

5 Answers2025-06-23 06:05:53

I've been diving deep into 'Heartwood' for years, and the sequel question pops up constantly in fan circles. The original novel wraps up neatly, but rumors about a spin-off have swirled since its release. Author interviews hint at unexplored side characters—like the rogue alchemist Maris or the exiled prince Kael—whose backstories could fuel standalone books. The world-building leaves room for expansion too; the magical forest’s origins or the southern kingdoms’ political schemes are ripe for exploration.

A few indie publishers expressed interest in licensing spin-offs, but nothing official has been announced. Fans speculate the delay might stem from the author’s focus on their new urban fantasy series. Still, the fandom keeps hope alive with petitions and fanfiction filling the gap. If a sequel does emerge, expect it to dive into darker themes, given the cryptic epilogue’s setup about the Heartwood’s corruption spreading beyond the borders.

How Does 'Heartwood' Explore The Theme Of Love?

4 Answers2025-06-25 01:15:34

In 'Heartwood', love isn’t just romance—it’s the roots and branches connecting every character. The protagonist’s bond with her grandmother is a quiet, fierce love, shown through shared silences and weathered hands passing down recipes. Then there’s the messy, aching love between siblings, tangled with rivalry and sacrifice. The romantic subplot avoids clichés; instead, it’s two people learning to trust after scars, their growth mirrored by the ancient forest surrounding them.

The forest itself is a metaphor for love’s endurance—gnarled roots surviving storms, new saplings rising from decay. Even side characters, like the gruff baker who feeds stray cats, reveal love in small, daily acts. The book’s brilliance lies in showing love as work: pruning dead branches, watering neglected soil. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real, and that’s what makes 'Heartwood' unforgettable.