Expectations

Award-winning Author Marie Lavender brings a captivating, passionate love story about a young heiress and a devilishly charming ship captain. All set in two coastal French towns… After being raised to believe that love is a frivolous endeavor, French heiress Fara Bellamont has always kept her dreams of adventure and discovering a soul-searing passion to herself. So, when Captain Grant Hill makes his grand entrance into her life by way of rescuing her one fateful night, she knows she’s in trouble. He completely steals her heart. But, as far as society is concerned, he’s also not a suitable husband. Grant Hill, a mysterious, rugged ship captain, is just as enthralled with Fara as she is with him, but he too knows such things aren’t so simple. Not only must they overcome social expectations to be together, but wars and lies, as well. And with a long-time yearning neither has managed to achieve, the pair must fight to attain their deepest desire: Happiness. If you love steamy, romantic tales by Tessa Dare, Julia Quinn, and Christi Caldwell, then you’ll adore this exciting and intricate Historical Romance set by the sea.

Stephanie's voice trembled as she took a hesitant step backward, "But you have a fiancée," she stammered, shaken by the unexpected turn of events. "I couldn't resist," Paul Costa replied in a husky tone, his own steps closing the distance between them. "But..." Stephanie tried to protest, but he silenced her with a gentle yet firm answer, "Shhh. No buts. I want you, and I will have you," he whispered, sending thrilling shivers down her spine. A single night of passion with her boss, Paul Costa, takes an unforeseen twist when Stephanie discovers she's carrying his child. Paul, the CEO of a corporate giant, is on the brink of marrying an heiress from another influential conglomerate, destined to become "Mrs. Costa." However, fate has a different plan, as he finds himself falling deeply in love with Stephanie, a love he cannot openly embrace due to societal expectations and traditions. Their budding romance faces the harsh realities of tradition and social norms, and they must face a world filled with lies, deceit, and betrayals. A dangerous secret lurks, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear

Violet has always been the perfect daughter and the loyal friend, moulded by expectations, driven by guilt, and too afraid to disappoint. From childhood, she was taught that "good girls don’t argue," and so she spent her youth silencing her desires to fulfil others’ dreams. She chose the degree her parents wanted, behaved like her parents wanted, and even married a guy who's father was her dad's business partner. She worked hard, hoping love could change her life, but all she earned was humiliation, no matter how much she gave, it was never enough. Her so called family never even asked what she wants. All her life she spent earning love from her parents who raised her to bear the responsibility of a good daughter. She never say no to her parents knowing they are the reason of her living a good life. She wants to repay the debt for raising her in a safe environment like her real parents even though they are not. But she didn't expected her soon to be husband will turn out her bully.

Isla Martinez, a dedicated flight attendant, has long sworn off love after a painful past, finding solace only in the skies as she navigates the world of wealthy, demanding passengers. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Adrian Blackwell, a reclusive billionaire struggling under the weight of his family’s expectations and the loneliness that comes with his wealth. Despite their different worlds, an undeniable connection begins to form between them. Over several flights, Isla and Adrian share fleeting moments that slowly deepen into something more. As their attraction grows, Adrian reveals his vulnerabilities, while Isla grapples with her fear of getting hurt. When a life-threatening emergency forces them to work together, their bond intensifies, but Isla’s insecurities hold her back from giving in to the love blossoming between them. Just as their feelings come to the forefront, Isla pulls away, convinced that she’s not the woman Adrian truly needs. But Adrian, determined to fight for their love, makes a bold move to prove his commitment. In the end, both Isla and Adrian must confront their fears and trust in each other, discovering that true love is worth the risk.

Eli Chamberlin has everything: wealth, legacy, and a very powerful last name. But when he falls for Adrian, a brilliant but struggling journalist from the wrong side of the world, his carefully planned life begins to fracture. Defying his controlling parents and the expectations of high society, Eli publicly claims his love for Adrian, igniting scandal, betrayal, and a war between blood and desire. Adrian, unprepared for the spotlight and hunted by Eli’s vengeful ex- fiance, Sabrina, and parents, finds himself caught in a ruthless game where love is currency and secrets can kill. As lies spiral and family legacies are shaken, both men are forced to choose: each other or survival. But when Sabrina fakes a pregnancy and Adrian believes her, Adrian is left heartbroken and betrayed. Now, Eli must uncover the truth before he loses everything… including the only man he’s ever truly loved. And just when it seems like Adrian and Eli have found their way back to each other… Sabrina disappears. But not before leaving behind one final message: “You thought I was finished? I’ve only just begun.”

“Your body is damn hot and I'll love to bury my dick in it.” He whispered to me, his warm breath brushing against my ear. He kissed my neck, sucked on my nipples, and grasped my tits softly. I clench when the head of his cock brushes against my aching pussy. He presses his lips to mine in one lingering kiss, then pulls away. *** Elliana is a teen girl that has a crush on Tom, her school mate. Tom in return did not actually like her at first, he was always bullying her for her nerdy attitude until one day they had an intimate time together. After their intimate time, Elliana thought that they both had a thing together but her expectations were short lived when Tom started acting like nothing happened between them. Elliana decided to let go of her unrequited feelings for Tom, and reality hit her when she found out that they were step siblings. How will Elliana accept the fact that her longtime crush and bully is her stepbrother? Will Tom show his feelings to her? Or will they end everything. Find out….

I never imagined that my scholarship to Nocturne Academy would lead me straight to my mate. At eighteen, I was supposed to focus on my studies, carve out a future beyond the limits of my modest upbringing, and leave behind the life I once knew. But then I met Elias Grey—my enigmatic professor, the man fate has tethered me to in ways I can’t begin to fight. He's everything I shouldn’t want: older, untouchable, born into privilege, and bound by expectations that would crush a weaker man. As the heir to the Grey legacy and the son of Nocturne’s powerful dean, Elias knows what’s at stake. But how do you turn your back on something that feels inevitable? The pull between us is undeniable. But desire alone isn’t enough—not when Elias faces relentless pressure to marry Claudia Castille, the woman chosen to secure his family’s influence. Caught between obligation, longing, and fate, Elias and I must decide: How far are we willing to go to hold onto something everyone tells us we can't have?

Burdened by her parents' expectations, Hannah Morales found herself trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage. When she finally breaks free she relocates to another town. With hard work and determination, she begins to rebuild her life and regain the confidence that was once shattered. As Hannah's business flourishes, she finds herself becoming stronger, more independent, and determined to never let anyone control her happiness again. Serenity Gils, on the other hand, is a free spirit who lives life to the fullest. She cherishes every moment, embracing adventure and spontaneity. However, beneath her carefree demeanour, Serenity yearns for a deep connection with someone special. Her casual encounters leave her feeling unfulfilled, always searching for that missing piece of her heart. One fateful day, as life's unpredictable twists would have it, Serenity's eyes lock with Hannah Morales's across a bustling crowd. In that fleeting moment, she finally understood she was searching for love in the wrong age group. But with Hannah's past resurfacing and catching up with her, will the love they have for each other, despite the age difference, be enough to conquer all odds? ------

Claire Smith has everything money can buy, except freedom. As the pampered daughter of one of Las Vegas’s wealthiest families, her life has always been dictated by her father’s ruthless expectations and his obsession with powerful alliances. But Claire has sworn she’ll never fall into his carefully arranged traps, never marry the men he chooses, never play the dutiful daughter he wants her to be. Then comes Carlos. The blind date that wasn’t supposed to matter… the man who made her feel seen, desired, alive. But before she could dream of a future with him, he shattered her world, ghosting her, breaking her heart, and leaving her with nothing but rage. Fate, however, is cruel. After a near-fatal accident, Claire wakes to find out the man who saved her life is the very one she swore to hate: Carlos. Now he’s everywhere, hovering, tempting, and invading her every breath. Is he her savior? Or her ultimate destruction? One thing is certain: Claire is about to discover that some scars don’t fade… and some obsessions refuse to die

Most women fall for rich businessmen, dashing doctors, or genius lawyers… pero ako? I fell hard for my bodyguard. *** Akala ni Caroline, one-night stand lang 'yon. A reckless escape from an arranged marriage to the cold and powerful Alexander. Mas gusto pa niyang ibigay ang sarili sa isang estranghero kaysa itali ang buhay sa lalaking 'yon. Pero paano kung ang stranger na 'yon… ay si Miguel—ang tahimik pero mapanuksong bodyguard ng pamilya niya? She thought it ended that night. But fate had other plans. As sparks turned into something deeper, Caroline finds herself falling for the one man she's not supposed to love. Sa mundo kung saan ang pangalan, yaman, at status ang sukatan ng halaga, paano kung ang puso niya’y pumili ng isang taong hindi niya ka-level? Will she defy her family's expectations and fight for a love that’s as dangerous as it is forbidden? Or will she walk away from the man who made her feel alive—just to keep everyone else happy?