Book Reviews Los Angeles Times

Twenty-five-year-old Claire Soberano and her son are on the run. Escaping her abusive fiancé, she flew to Long Beach to live with her cousin, The Reid. Hiding secrets, staying indoors, and feeling safe with family, Claire will do anything to protect her son. She thought Eddie would be her soulmate, her long-life husband but revealing his true colors changed her love after six years of relationship. When her body is tattooed from the bruises and injury, Eddie turns on to her son to take the batter; it makes Claire realize the man is dangerous and in fear for her son's life. She could never trust a man, let alone fall in love again. That is until meeting an oversized man, Donovan Wolfe. Donovan Wolfe is the third eldest of the Wolfe brothers. When his older brother isn't around, he sticks around to ensure everything is in order. Don has been in civil service right after high school making his way to the top as a Lieutenant, and the scars prove his service. But after, an incident led him to retire and be with his family. Watching his older and younger brothers find love, he wishes he could have what they have. Upon meeting Claire, he found a sweet and caring woman who is a fantastic cook, much like his mom. He wanted a wife to be like his mother. But he also saw a distress call and recognized the bruises and her outcry for help. Similar to the cause when he was a kid, which he failed to protect, but this time, he vows to do anything to keep Claire and her son safe.

"One can always run but can never hide" When Alyssa's parents gave birth to her, a strange thing occurred which left her parents shaken up in great fear. At that moment, the best thing that came to mind was to escape which they did but what happened when Alyssa by destiny return to the town her parents escaped from just to save her ? What made her ? Could it be love or something else ? What happened when she got there and found out that she's just not a normal girl but a Supernova ?

Thea had everything she ever wanted; her family, friends, loving fiancé, and beautiful son. Since she had lost her parents in an accident, she was the head of the house, raising her younger siblings until they could start their life. She's proud of her baby sister for coming out of her shell, finding the man she loves, and raising three children. As for her brother, she worries, but that doesn't hide the affection her best friend has towards him. Her brother is a bit dull on romance. Thea thought it would just be the three of them, but now there are more to surrounded by people she cares about and love. Thea loves having a big family. What can go wrong? Engaged and can't wait to marry the woman who brought joy and love into his life. Rex Wolfe decided to celebrate their engagement in Hawaii and show her where she grew up. Rex knew Thea had planned to celebrate on her grandfather's yacht. Everything had gone smoothed when a group of armed men infiltrated as the leader demanded the money his uncle owed them. Rex wasn't sure why because his uncle had been dead for years, and the man who killed him was none other than the man once his father and uncle called "Brother."

Freya Harvey got herself and family in trouble after witnessing a crime scene one night between her friend Barney Wesley and a notorious drug lord Bob Joker. Bob was crushing on Barney and he made several advancement though with good intentions at first but she turned him down over and over again. One fateful night Bob Joker after consuming drugs and alcohol lost his mind because he was furious went over to Barney's then raped her to death. Freya was the only eye witness who got the scene recorded as she'd gone for a visit before the scenario. However, Freya was unfortunately caught by Bob secretly filming the scene and he went after her in rage. While danger looms around Freya and her family in the midst of death threats and betrayal of friends and other relatives, there comes Broderick Murphy a brave and a young countryman to her rescue. And together they brought Bob Joker to face the full wrath of justice for his crimes.

I've been in love for six years, but my wedding has been called off 99 times by the man who claims to love me most, the mafia boss, Daniel Reed. The first time is on a private island off the coast of Sorellia. He promises me a secret wedding. But an hour before the ceremony, he gets a call saying that his new assistant, Emily Jennings, has been taken by a rival family. Without a word, he leaves me behind and sails off into the night. The second time, we're standing at the altar, exchanging vows. His underboss then leans in and whispers, "Emily's in trouble." Daniel tears off his boutonniere and walks out without looking back. Emily has been kidnapped again—this time, near the border district. He leads an armed raid that very night while I'm left behind, becoming the laughingstock in the mafia's VIP lounges. No matter when I schedule the wedding, Emily always ends up in danger. And Daniel always runs to her without hesitation. Eventually, I realize I will never win against the reckless Gen Z assistant who constantly drags him into chaos. After the 99th cancellation, I decide to break up with him and disappear from Valemont. I move out overnight, erase every trace of myself, leaving nothing behind. But I never expect him to go completely mad. He shuts down the ports, searches every villa, and unleashes his entire family's intelligence network just to find me. His eyes burn red like a wild animal on the edge of collapse. "Elara," he growls, "just give me one more chance."

I've been pregnant for six months, but my Alpha mate, William, has delayed our mating ceremony 29 times. He's waiting for his adopted sister, Rita, to find a mate so they can have a "two-couple mating ceremony." The 30th time I altered the waist of my beloved mating ceremony dress, the bridal shop assistant looked embarrassed, "Miss, this dress really can't be widened anymore. How about you choose another one?" Disappointment rose in my throat like bile. I called William, asking when the ceremony would finally happen. But William said: "I will give you an unforgettable mating ceremony, but Rita's mate hasn't been matched yet. Darling, can you wait a little longer? We shouldn't ruin her whole life over such a small thing, right? I know you'll understand. You're always so kind." My heart clenched suddenly. So, my dream mating ceremony is just a small thing. Rita's sweet, high-pitched voice chimed in: "Brother, my mating ceremony dress matches yours so perfectly!" That was the moment I realized I was never the one being chosen. I looked down at my round pregnant belly, tears slipping quietly from the corners of my eyes. Then, with a trembling hand, I dialed the number that had always been waiting for me. "I'm ready to leave." After the call ended, the clerk cautiously asked: "Would you like to choose another one?" "No. Just cancel it, please." I took one last glance at the dress that would never belong to me. If this ceremony was never for me, then I won't stay for it.

Master Gao Qiang was one the most strongest fhter in China. He was really good at martial arts. Master Qiang also had some secret ss. Two of his students wanted to him to get the book of his secret ss. But master Qiang gave the book to his another student and told her to run away.

"All I've ever wanted to do was travel the world, experience new cultures and find myself amongst the museums and tourist spots. Unfortunately, my father has other plans for me. Being the only heir to take over the family business, I have no choice in the matter." From Italy to New York, the fashion scene is vast but her heart longs for more and when a green eyed stranger is forced into her life, her perspective soon changes. From family secrets, hidden histories and car chases, Emiliana uncovers much more than she bargained for. Her bodyguard is her only salvation but is he harboring secrets of his own?

Blurb: “You are my mate, my Alpha Mate!” Asher the Lycan King declared, pulling Aurora close as he placed his mark on her. “No…no..i cannot be, I'm nothing but an Omega” Aurora declined, trying to escape his hold. After being rejected TWICE by her fated mate and best friend, Aurora was forced to hide the truth of her Alpha Wolf as her step mother came up with a plan and had her sold to a slave institution. Fortunately for her, there she meets the Lycan King Asher, feared and known for his Vicious nature and he claims her as his mate and isn't ready to let go off her! Find out in this gripping love story between Aurora and Asher, how love can heal one’s deepest scars and bring out the potential in them, beyond secrets, betrayal and chaos.

Seventeen year old Charlie hadn't had an easy life. At the age of ten she lost her mother to a drunk driver and now she was being raised by her father and step mother where her life was at risk daily.The opening of a new science block at school brings The Royals into her life, specifically Prince Alexander and Prince Max who reveal who Charlie really is or rather what she is.With both the Princes at her side, can Charlie conquer her fears and find true love