God Of Games

Welcome back to Clifton Heights. Sheriff Chris Baker and Father Ward meet for a Saturday morning breakfast at The Skylark Diner to once again commiserate over the weird and terrifying secrets surrounding their town. Sheriff Baker shares with Father Ward the story of a journal discovered in the ruins of what was once an elaborate koi pond and flower garden, which regales a tale of regret, buried pain, and unfulfilled debt: “Sophan” – Jake Burns has always been a bit...off. Rude, awkward, sometimes brutish, he's tolerated by Nate Slocum and his friends because he hits a mean line drive, and because they all know but don't discuss the abuse he faces at the hands of his troubled father, a Vietnam veteran consumed by his demons. But Jake is suffering something far worse than domestic abuse, and when Nate discovers what, he faces an impossible choice: help Jake and put himself in the path of evil, or abandon him, only to damn himself in the process. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing

Ember accepted her lot in life. On the run, she only wishes to find out the truth behind her dreams and solve the memory of her past. Keegan has only cared about protecting his pack, but when he sees the beauty dancing on stage and the flicker of flames in her eyes his body screams, Mate! Can Keegan tame the flames of Ember and together solve the mystery of her missing past? Or will they all burn together? Excerpt: “This is the reason I’m always tired,” I think to myself. Twenty-four years of coming here and still not a single clue, but every time I close my eyes, I return to this place. I know my surroundings perfectly. Oddly the place is beautiful to the eyes. The old house sat among flowers growing around all sides. The aroma of honeysuckle and jasmine fill my lungs filling me with a moment's peace. I’m sitting in my usual spot. Gripping the ropes of a swing in the front yard held by a large oak tree. Waiting I begin pushing my legs back and forth sending me in motion. I know something is about to happen. It happens every night. The house moves in front of my eyes. I see the shadows coming, but I don’t stop swinging. They are black as night but I can see smiles within the shadow grinning bright. “What is this place!” I cry, fed up with this nightly repetition, but no sound emerges. A noise can be heard from the back of the house. One of the shadows turns toward it. I jump down to follow only to have the other shadow hold me back. “Don’t go. Not yet. Listen to me!”

Ara Sandoval is a beautiful and smart housemaid. A housemaid with a beauty that can make any man lose their sanity. Her quite life become chaotic when the son and daughter of her boss came back from America. But Nathan Madrid feel in love with her in the first place, while Crissy is her opponent and hated her. But how will she face a trial If she herself will voluntarily fall in love with the man far away from her. Will Nathan fight his feelings for Ara towards her sister?

Calla was living a peaceful life with her niece Sophie. Until one day she vanished from her school yard and the only person could answer her is the man who tells the future.

Ethan Donovan's world was shattered when his ex-lover Liam abruptly walked out, leaving him to pick up the pieces. Just when he thought he was finally moving on, an unwelcome invitation to Liam's wedding arrives, shattering the fragile peace Ethan had so painstakingly rebuilt. Determined to reclaim his dignity, Ethan hatches a plan - he will attend the wedding with a fake boyfriend in tow, a charming distraction to make his ex jealous and prove he's thriving. Enter Riley Bennett, Ethan's mysterious and alluring new neighbor, who agrees to play the part. As their pretend romance blossoms, an undeniable spark ignites between the two men. But Riley is harboring a dangerous secret - he is a werewolf, and his past is quickly catching up to him. When Ethan discovers Riley's true nature, his world is turned upside down. "You're a werewolf? And you didn't think I deserved to know?" Ethan's voice trembles, his emotions a storm of betrayal and confusion. Riley steps closer, his tone laced with regret. "I was trying to protect you, Ethan. I didn't want this life to touch you, but now...I can't lose you either." As the threat of Riley's past looms, Ethan must decide whether he can trust this enigmatic man and embrace this new, extraordinary reality, or if he should walk away for good, even if it means shattering his own heart.

Her eyes flickered open and she gasped, where was this place? She wondered. Her eyes scanned the entire room but she couldn't find a thing, since it was dark. She looked around, trying to get something out of the darkeness. Her heart pumped faster than usual. She gulped. Down nothing. As she made to walk to a different location.. she heard a voice. Cold..ice..fire... Alluring. It was all in one. Roxanne. It called. Prologue Roxanne Benard... A beautiful lovely girl, she's Twenty Two. Loves smiling.. a cheerful being. But what happens when she caught the devil's attention. Lightening strikes.. rain poured but she was his to claim. Meet the alluring.. breathtaking Adrain Dubious. He's feared... Men tremble when he passes. But then... His eyes caught her, and he vows to make her his. But one thing lies.. HE DOESN'T LOVE How will she break this Icy heart. Get ready! What happen when she discovers about his darkest secrets and that her life is connected to his!!

Bianca’s childhood was marked by loss and hardship. After her father’s sudden death when she was young, she was forced to live with her cruel aunt, enduring years of mistreatment and neglect. Despite the darkness surrounding her, Bianca’s resilience and strength carried her through the years. In high school, Bianca found solace and love in Ethan, a kind and caring boy who saw her for who she truly was. Their deep connection blossomed into a passionate relationship, but just as things seemed to be falling into place, Ethan disappeared without warning. His abrupt departure was driven by a secret threat that he believed could destroy Bianca’s life. Heartbroken and confused, Bianca never knew the real reason for his departure, and worse, she was left with a life-altering secret—she was pregnant with Ethan’s child. Years later, as an adult, Bianca applies for a job at a prestigious company, unaware that it belongs to none other than Ethan. Their reunion is charged with unresolved emotions and painful memories, and neither is sure how to navigate the stormy waters of their past. As they are forced to work together, they begin to confront the hurt, secrets, and love that never truly faded. Slowly, they rebuild their trust, facing the painful truths that kept them apart. Together, they fight for their second chance at happiness, but Bianca must decide if she can truly forgive Ethan and embrace the love they once shared. In the end, *Depth of Pain* is a story of healing, redemption, and the power of love to overcome even the deepest wounds. Bianca and Ethan’s journey is one of rediscovery, where they learn that the only way to move forward is to face the past head-on.

The Chinese and The British were engaged in a deadly scramble for Zambia’s abundant mineral resources. Their fight attracted the attention of the Insaka- the secret organization that controlled all the Zambian government institutions from the President to a common worker on the streets. Amidst the corruption, and almost a failed government, the Insaka involuntarily enlisted two young, beautiful and ambitious women on opposite side of the law. Ima and Subi the sworn and bitter rivals were the only two people the Sextet placed to liberate the rapid extinction of the country. Will the two work together to liberate Zambia from the new colonialists from Asia?

When my husband, Louis Banks, was caught in a traffic accident, I was at an interview out of town. By the time I got to the hospital, he had already been declared dead, and was sent to the crematorium. Hearing the news, I fainted on the spot. When I woke up again, I was greeted by the court coming to enforce the auction of all our assets. The reason was that Louis' company had gone into financial troubles, leaving us in massive debt, and I was the only legal representative of the company. Many years later, I found myself begging in the snow with a cracked bowl, and I nearly got run over by a luxury car. To my surprise, the one in the driver's seat was none other than Louis, who was supposed to be dead ages ago! Dressed in designer brands and holding another woman in his arms, he jeered at my filthy stench and appearance, even kicking my bowl to pieces. "You're still alive, huh? I was worried that I couldn't trick someone who graduated from a bigshot university, but you were dumb enough to believe it without questioning it for a second!" He laughed, sneering as he continued, "Thanks for working so hard for us, hahaha!" His words filled me with so much anger that I died on the spot, my eyes glaring at him even in death. Little did I expect that when I came to, I found myself back on the day of his accident!

Roan King. The uncrowned king of Barnett University. He's like a freaking celebrity around here. It's totally ridiculous. People, by which I mean grown women, actually stalk him on the internet. And around campus. Apparently he's god's gift to both football and the ladies (I'm using that term loosely). All he has to do is smile and girls just fall right onto their backs before spreading their legs nice and wide. I've heard that he's already plowed his way through half the female population here at Barnett. I'm sure he'll work his way through the second half before he gets drafted to the NFL later this year. Yeah... I don't plan to be one of them. The guy is nothing more than a conceited player. You know the type—a steroid infused meathead jock coasting through college on his football prowess. Ugh. I have three words for you—avoid, avoid, avoid. Need I say more? I don't think so. I've had the sad misfortune of running into him on campus. Literally. As in—I literally slammed into him before spilling my iced coffee drink all over that wide rippling chest of his (did I just say that?). What I learned from the experience is that Roan King is one hell of a cocky son of a— Ok Unfortunately for me, Operation Avoid-Roan-King isn't going so well. Everywhere I go, there he is. If he wasn't so ridiculously hot, he would be a hell of a lot easier to forget. With his dark hair, shocking turquoise colored eyes and (damn him) buff body, he's easily the most gorgeous guy I've ever laid eyes on. Crap... see what I mean? Why do I suddenly have the bad feeling that Roan King is going to lead to my utter ruin and downfall?