Flannery O'connor Short Fiction Award

Synopsis: An arrogant CEO finds himself chasing his resigning collateral secretary and discovering his dark past. The pompous-ass young master, Connor Cater Vozinelik, is a versatile billionaire; who was shattered by a tremendous heartbreak from his brother’s boyfriend. His collateral secretary Paul Victoria is now resigning from sacrificing himself for the guilt he felt towards his friend. One night, he stumbled with his ex-sugar daddy, who is avenging from his swindle doings before. Paul’s is in trouble of losing his dignity and career from the threat of the notorious drug lord, Davon Davidson. However, there is only one way of rescuing himself from the burden, and it’s to sign the collateral husband’s contract. Paul Victoria falls from his billionaire’s trap. As day counts, both of them are slowly learning each other’s way and profound dark secrets. Will it give way for Connor to heal in the presence of Paul, or Connor would fall for another ache of heartbreak?

One night of passion with Carl Grey, her supposed uncle, led Renee Lacey down a path of eight years of misery. On the day she decided to end it all, holding her daughter's ashes, Carl was throwing a big party for his ex-girlfriend's son. Talk about adding insult to injury. But life had a surprise in store. Renee got a do-over, and this time, she's not pulling any punches. Carl's going to learn that karma's a real piece of work. Last time around, when Renee tried to explain things, Carl shut her down, accusing her of drugging him for a hookup. Well, not anymore. This time, she's cutting him loose in front of everyone. Remember when Carl's ex stole Renee's work and he called Renee a green-eyed monster? Now, Renee's going to leave them both in the dust and grab that award herself. And let's not forget how Carl always took his ex's side when Renee was blamed for stuff she didn't do. This time, Renee's giving as good as she gets. Poor Carl. He always thought Renee would stick around, no matter what. But when she finally walks out without so much as a "see ya," his world falls apart. Now look at Mr. High-and-Mighty, all teary-eyed and desperate: "Renee, don't go. Can't I come with you?"

(Reverse Harem)(Sequel out now as The Werewolf Queen's Daughter) I was an Omega by birth, with an Alpha for a father. For years, he had pressed me to be more, be better. His little warrior. But training and abuse could only take away so many weaknesses. Rebellion leeched into my being. Exact revenge for the little wolf he had harmed in more ways than one. When time came for my mate to find me, fate had other plans. Vampires were our sworn enemies, but Julian was nothing short of a fantasy. Life was finally perfect, until we realized another part of our hearts were left in my old pack. Mikaela. Wolves had never known two mates, yet Mikaela proved everything to be true. But my father had other plans. War lingered within his eyes and a newfound hate for his little warrior. Gone were the days of innocence and bliss. Let the bloodshed begin. Alphas come and go, but a vampire king will reign forever.

His smoldering golden gaze struck sparks from hers. “I wanted you the first time I saw you nearly three years ago. Now I want you even more.” “Me too... I've been waiting for this for so long… Three years might seem an eternity sometimes. Touch me, Diego. Please,” she mumbled shakily. “I will, 'cariño'… And I won’t stop. Not until you beg me to.” "Then... Don’t you ever stop…” she whispered urgently, shifting her hips in a restive movement against the sheet, wildly, wickedly conscious of the growing ache at the very heart of her. “Never…” "Is this a promise?" "A certainty." For sexy, mysterious Mexican aristocrat Diego Francisco Martinez del Río, Duque de Altamira, Jacqueline Maxwell was a gypsy, a weirdo living in awful conditions. And she was raising his orphaned baby niece in… a trailer! So unacceptable! Since she wasn’t giving up on little Azura, and his niece was very fond of her aunt, Diego offered to marry Jacqueline and raise the little girl together. Yes, she was poor but she was a real beauty, and with a little help, Jacqueline might become a perfect wife for a Duque. Graceful, beautiful... delightful, even. Jacqueline Maxwell knew Diego and his kind all too well. He was as stunning and charming as the devil himself, but twice as ruthless and heartless. He was just a playboy interested in one thing and one thing only. And it had nothing to do with little Azura. Still, accepting his proposal of a marriage of convenience might be the end to all her worries regarding the little girl left in her care by Alyssa, her sister...

Allie's life transformed from grass to grace after Aaron's father saw her roaming about at night in the rain. She was offered basic amenities and loved by the Smiths except Aaron who made her life a living hell. He never admitted to being attracted to Allie for some egoistic and personal reasons. He tried his best to fight his feelings for her but it defied him since that was what his heart desires.  Years passed and Aaron departed to continue his studies overseas. When he came back, he managed his father's once-abandoned fashion brand company and eventually expanded it by applying his fabulous skills in marketing strategy. He made it among the top chains across Europe. Aaron and Allie finally had to ignore their malice when caught in an unexpected condition with Aaron's enemy. Allie decided to make a secret investigation into why two enemies who were once inseparable friends wouldn't mind spilling blood on themselves. Upon that, she found traces of her heritage, and Aaron's dark past was also unleashed. The two lovers faced a heavy crisis to give their love a chance.

Pretty girls wear dresses. I wear hoodies and secrets. Like the fact that I sleep with my best friend’s brother—for money. No one can know. Not Macey, my best friend. Not Audrey, his girlfriend. I’m Samantha, and I’m not the kind of girl you bring home. But I’m the one he keeps coming back to.

"...If these feelings were not meant to be, why do they arise, especially when I'm naked? If these feelings were unnatural, why do they consume my thoughts, constantly drawing me towards him? How much longer can I keep these emotions bottled up in me? If this is truly how I feel, I must find a way to express myself when I am alone with him….” ************************************* Ava thought that the best way to help her best friend, Charlotte, after her boyfriend broke her heart publicly, was to persuade her to come along on a family vacation. However, before the vacation, Charlotte decided to go on a secret intimate blind date to help mend her broken heart. Little did she know that the person she was about to sleep with was none other than her best friend's dad. The blind date prevented the two strangers from seeing each other, and their eyes blindfolded during the process. Due to Charlotte's short encounter with an older man, she started developing love for Ava's dad. However, Charlotte came across a secret about Ava's family that Ava herself was unaware of. The secret could tire down Ava's family. Charlotte found herself torn between remaining loyal to her best friend or keeping the secret and continuing her forbidden relationship with Tyler. How would Tyler and Charlotte manage to keep their love hidden? Would Ava regret inviting Charlotte when she discovered the romance between her best friend and her own father? Would Tyler and Charlotte choose to pursue their love, even if their relationship was eventually exposed?

**The world is cruel, and villains rarely pay for their sins—unless you become one.** --- Sherah Hawke lived the dream of many: a perfect marriage to a man who seemed too good to be true. Ethan Farwell, a cold billionaire to the world, was sweet, caring, and devoted to her alone. Their love story was nothing short of a fairytale—a forgotten daughter meeting her prince in an unexpected twist of fate. But fairytales can be lies. Sherah's perfect world crumbled when she overheard Ethan’s chilling confession. She wasn’t the love of his life—she was nothing but a pawn. A tool for revenge against her half-sister, Sophia. Every tender touch, every kind word? A cruel rehearsal for the moment Sophia returned to his life. Heartbroken, Sherah resigned herself to the collapse of her marriage, prepared to walk away. But Sophia wasn’t willing to wait. Impatient and vengeful, her half-sister orchestrated a horrifying plan. The helpless, and betrayed Sherah met a brutal end. But some endings are only the beginning. Sometimes, life gives second chances not to make amends but to unleash the darkness within. Because sometimes… …a good person can become the villain. And Sherah Hawke is done being good.

It's been two years since he went to study abroad. I still remember the day I first came to live in this house after my parent's death. I still remember the day she suddenly came into my room. My eyes were wide looking at his sudden action. He looked at the doir of my room and started to walk in my direction. In a flash of seconds, he was standing in front of me. I knew I was in danger. I tried to move. Bloody hell my body was held by his deep-sea color eyes. Standing in front of me he took a hold of my hair making me look into his eyes. My eyes were closed shut afraid of meeting his mad one. But the next words out of his mouth made me short open my eyes. "Who was the man with whom you were laughing and talking with answer me jane who was he," he asked me angrily. I took his appearance his jaw was clench and his eyes were burning in anger. H--he saw me with him. Warm tears filled in my eyes ready to flow from the corner of my eyes. Remembering that day still pass shiver to my body. Suddenly I was pulled out of the car and now I was standing in front of the airport I receive the devil of my life. Yes, you heard it right.

Elliot O’More is Killian’s (Betrayed the Mafia) left hand in the New York Irish Mob. He is known for his ruthless killings and way around the dark web. Elliot might look like the guy next door, but he is not as lovely as it seems. He is a player that has given up on love. And we all know how dangerous that can be. Hazel walks into Elliot’s life, turning his head upside down, and the only way he can get her out of his system is by forging a contract marriage. He will protect her, and she will be his. His obsession with her soon becomes love, and Elliot struggles to stay sane and protect her when everyone around them wants them apart. Hazel is a pawn in the hands of the Russian Mafia. They use her to their benefit, and what happens when they decide to use her against the Irish, to use her against her husband?