Athena Complex

John Handful’s first client is a member of the local Polish community wanted by the police for the disappearance of his pregnant wife. A new miracle cancer drug is stolen from a pharmaceutical complex located on a shingle spit, just off the Suffolk coast. A wealthy local financier is blackmailed, and a ripple of malice spreads across the village of Oxmarket. Each household of a cul-de-sac have a secret that could point to them being the murderer of a man found shot dead in his bedroom.A perplexing case unfolds with the revelation of secret lovers, flowers from the garden and a death that is not as it appears.John Handful finds himself enmeshed in a violent, multi-layered plot at a luxury hotel on a remote island. A man kills himself despite receiving the good news that his lover’s husband has agreed to a divorce.A woman is witnessed shooting herself by her husband even though she had already been dead several hours.A man has been found shot through the head in a locked room with suicide well and truly ruled out. How did he die?Severed limbs in a concrete block, leads, John Handful to believe that a cold calculated killer with a thirst for revenge is on the loose. Ten cases, one connection. What is it?

After moving to a new school, Pearl finds herself caught in the crosshairs of the school's notorious bully, Lucas Whitlock. However, to her surprise, the bully soon finds himself falling for her. As their relationship grows, Pearl is torn between her feelings for the bully and the danger he poses. It seems he has many secrets which he always hides.  He is a rich, cold, and aloof figure, known for his cruelty and intimidating demeanour. Yet, Pearl soon discovers that beneath his tough exterior, Lucas has a soft side that he only shows around her.  Pearl: "Watch where you're going, you blind bull!" Lucas turns around, still intimidating but surprisingly soft-spoken when his eyes fall on her. His heart skips a beat.  Lucas: "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. It won't happen again." “ Gasp! ” The students around them are shocked by Lucas' unexpected politeness. She called him a ‘ blind bull! ’ and he not only apologised but actually smiled at her! But who is more shocked is none other than Pearl herself.  As their relationship develops, Pearl must navigate the intense and complex dynamics of falling for someone notoriously difficult to please.

Is it possible to fall in love when you don't know what love is? Turns out it is. Chiara had no idea what love meant, she could not comprehend complex emotions. She had lived her life based on logic and certain principles, until he comes in and the sensible way no longer seem right. Murder came easy to her, it was like breathing, yet she could not kill him. For the first time ever, she could feel and it was all because of him. Feeling was something unexpected and strange, it was something she could not control, yet she wanted it. Nothing would make her give up the feeling, not even him. She was everything he despised, covered up in an alluring beauty. Death surrounded her, it lurked around her and so did he. He ought to stay away from her because she was a psychopath, but he could not. There was something about her that attracted him, pulled him in when he should have been repulsed. He hated her with about the same amount of passion that he loved her. Everything about her made him crazy, but he was ready to be crazy for her.

In the shining skyscrapers of Manhattan’s multi-million dollar executive suites, two rulers dominate the entertainment industry yet not without conflict, cleverness, and fierce allure. Ace Rotherwell, merciless CEO and media tycoon, does not offer apologies, express emotions, or provide second chances. Particularly not for Noah Sinclair, the fugitive heir transformed into a pop culture figure who disappeared after their hidden relationship nearly set the company and their emotions ablaze. Now, Noah has returned… fiercer, more daring, and prepared to take back what he left behind: his legacy, his influence and possibly, Ace. Plunged into a chaotic office setup devised by PR, the duo must “co-lead” Sinclair Studios to salvage its deteriorating reputation. However, boardroom gatherings transform into sharp exchanges, late-night planning discussions evolve into playful confrontations, and every exchange of looks sizzles with mounting tension. One possesses a crown forged from dominance. The other dons celebrity as protection. Beneath the opulence and joy, there exists a past too complex to dismiss… and a connection too volatile to withstand. Amidst plotting aides, viral controversies, and old scars that remain fresh, Ace and Noah need to determine: Will they battle for their realm united …or allow it to disintegrate once more?

Previous book name: Constantine Blurb: Constantine Leone has built his empire with cold, calculated ruthlessness, earning him a reputation as a man without a heart. As one of the city's most powerful figures, few dare to cross him—until April Danielle crashes into his life, quite literally, by wrecking her old Ford into his Lamborghini. April, an eccentric artist with a sharp tongue, quickly catches Constantine’s eye. Intrigued by her fiery spirit, he forces her into his world, blackmailing her into working off the debt. What begins as a tense power play soon escalates into a daily clash of wills, with Constantine taking twisted pleasure in pushing April’s explosive temper. But as sparks fly, Constantine finds himself softening, seeing in her what no one else has. And April, despite her best efforts, starts to unravel the myth of the heartless businessman, discovering a man far more complex than his reputation. Yet, both are trapped in futures they didn’t entirely choose—engaged to others, bound by obligation. As stolen glances and forbidden touches fan the flames, they are forced to confront the impossible, A choice between love and responsibility... ××× Other books like this: Sold To The Cruel Mafia.

“Either you make me forget, Lucas. Or I'll find someone who will." For a moment, he doesn't move, and I think he's going to push me away. But then, something shifts in his eyes and he closes the distance between us, his lips capturing mine in a heated kiss. Amelia's life takes a drastic turn when her boyfriend of two years, Ethan, who she discovers is also her mate, rejects her just days before his coronation—a coronation she meticulously helped organize. In an attempt to escape her painful reality, Amelia's best friend takes her out to celebrate her birthday. But fate intervenes when Amelia sees Ethan with another girl. Heartbroken and frustrated, she turns to liquor to numb her pain. In her intoxicated state, Amelia encounters Lucas, Ethan's cousin and the heir to the throne. They share a passionate night, and Lucas, both mysterious and cunning, proposes a contract marriage to make Ethan jealous and secure his position as Crown Prince. Amelia finds herself torn between two powerful men: her ex-boyfriend, whom she thought was her soulmate, and the Crown Prince, who challenges her in ways she never expected. As the contract marriage begins to feel more real, the tension escalates. Both Lucas and Amelia struggle with their deepening feelings, navigating a complex web of love, power, and betrayal.

Intertwined by fate, also torn apart by fate. One seems so familiar deep down within her heart..., while the other claims to be her fiancé. The worst part is that she doesn't even remember who they are.......... Chen Lan- "No matter what happens, I'll fall for you again and again." "Take it as my revenge for what you did to me."............. Brett Zhou- "The person I had a crush on, was just an illusion created by you! So, from the beginning, it was no one else but you! and only you! How do you explain this?"............... Laia Parker- Simple, adorable, and loyal - by nature. Complex, prodigal and tactful - by profession. Calm, both playful and elegant - by temperament. A rare talent.....when it comes to her substantial field - Psychology. All she was seeking for is a 'pure and innocent love' of her lifetime. Yet she became entangled with someone whom she 'couldn't' be with and also with someone whom she 'shouldn't' be with. Laia believes that she can at least try to manipulate fate for good - which leads her to face a love trial. Obviously, fate has its own plans....and there's no escape. Especially when 'he' combats all the obstacles just to love her once again even when his memories are no longer with him......... Note: In the beginning, it's all about the female protagonist adapting to the confusion around her. From chapter 4 and onwards, the story will pick up pace.

<> - Vanessa thought rock bottom was signing divorce papers with Derek Holland, a man with the emotional depth of a teaspoon. Turns out, rock bottom had a basement, and Ryker Holland was waiting for her down there with a smirk and a plan. Ryker, Derek's older half-brother (aka the family's dirty little secret), shows up offering Vanessa a deal: help her make her ex-husband, Derek Holland, jealous enough to come crawling back. In exchange, he secures his position as CEO. But Ryker isn't doing this out of kindness for he is petty and cruel. He would do anything to trample all over Derek, and now he has the perfect weapon. Vanessa, freshly dumped and just desperate enough to play along. And if she happens to enjoy making her ex suffer too? Well, that's just a bonus. As Vanessa sinks deeper into Ryker's twisted world of fake romance, secrecy and family dysfunction, things start getting real. Because fake love? It's a lot easier to control than real feelings. And Ryker has no idea what to do when the game stops being a game. Is Vanessa walking into a trap or building one of her own? Either way, the Holland brothers are going down. One's going to break, and the other's going to enjoy every second of it. _Disclaimer: This story features morally complex, flawed characters with twisted motives. It includes themes of manipulation, deception, and emotional cruelty. Reader discretion is advised.

Daisy and Axel had a beautiful love in high school, but everything fell apart when Daisy discovered that Axel saw her as a target in a bet. The beautiful love affair led to Daisy becoming pregnant, but she firmly refused to have an abortion, which resulted in her being rejected and kicked out by her father. After five years, Daisy and Axel reunite in another betting event. Axel participates in the bet to escape from an arranged marriage, and coincidentally, Daisy becomes his target once again. Axel tries to seduce Daisy into cooperating with him to win the bet, unaware that she is the person he has been searching for all these years. At this time, Daisy disguises herself to avoid harassment from men and has lost her memory due to an accident, so she doesn't remember who Axel is. Daisy is not easily swayed, which poses challenges for Axel. During Axel's pursuit of Daisy, they grow closer, and love reignites between them. However, as the secrets from the past gradually unravel, Axel and Daisy must confront complex challenges and emotions. Will Axel succeed in escaping the arranged marriage? When Daisy recognizes Axel, will she forgive him for his past actions? And what will be the outcome of the love between Axel and Daisy?

Renee, a Disney and Harry Potter aficionado, is not your average girl. Beneath her nerdy exterior lies a secret - she is a rare breed of wolf. To protect herself, she must pretend to be wolf-less, a facade that subjects her to relentless bullying. Her first mate, who once shared clandestine moments with her, rejects her when she reveals their fated connection. His rejection is not of her wolf identity, but of her nerdy quirks, claiming he was only after one thing. Heartbroken, Renee leaves behind her past and embarks on a new journey, starting a catering business. It’s here that she encounters Jace, her second chance mate who has been patiently waiting for his destined partner. But just as things start looking up, her past resurfaces. Her former mate reappears, and she finds herself the prize in a competition between two Alphas. However, only one truly values her, nerdy quirks and all. The other, having discovered her true identity, is playing a dangerous game of deception. As Renee navigates this complex love triangle, she must decide who to trust and who to love. But the question remains: Will Renee choose the one who loves her for who she truly is or fall prey to the deceptive games of her past? The answer lies within the unfolding chapters of her life.