Hanging Tree Mockingjay

My brother, Theo Sorento, died in a plane crash on his way back home just to celebrate my birthday. They never found his body—only wreckage. Ever since, my parents forced me to kneel in front of his grave every year on my birthday, demanding that I repent for surviving when he didn’t. Then came my eighteenth birthday. I realized someone was following me. Panicked, I sent a few messages asking for help. Just then, Mom called, not to check on me but to lash out. “I know exactly what you're doing. You’re just making up excuses so you don’t have to kneel in front of your brother’s grave! You’re a liar. Why wasn’t it you who died instead of him? You’re a walking curse!” Before my phone was smashed under a boot, the last thing I heard was the cold click of her hanging up. Then, I was cut up into pieces, and what was left of me was tossed across the city. My father, the lead forensic pathologist on my case, didn’t even recognize me. Later, Theo returned alive with his wife, whom he had eloped with eight years ago. When they found out the pile of rotting flesh was me, they all went insane.

Her aunt sold her at eighteen… to a ruthless billionaire, Thomas Brooks, to save her dying brother. She lost her baby, her name, and three years of her life to a monster who treated her like she was nothing but a worthless possession bought with money. And on the night she finally broke free from him, she fell into the arms of the one man she was never meant to touch… her stepson, George. One night of reckless, forbidden passion gave her a child she kept a secret, and a shame that haunted her for many years. Now, six years later, Alice Cooper is no longer that desperate girl who begged to be seen. She's the queen of a half-billion-dollar empire, and the city that once crushed her now bows to her feet. But the past catches up to her sooner and faster than she could ever imagine. Thomas is losing money, and his empire is crumbling… and now he comes crawling back to her, begging for help. Her aunt, Samantha gives her an ultimatum… help Thomas rebuild his empire or watch her darkest secret exposed to the world. With threats closing in and the safety of her child hanging on the line, Alice must decide… assist the same people who broke her, to keep her secret buried… or destroy them all, even if it means risking everything she has ever built.

“We…shouldn’t be doing this,” Stacey moaned as she felt Noah’s lips kiss the side of her neck. “Tell me to stop, and I will,” he whispered. “I’m twelve years older than you; what would the world say?” “I don’t care what the damn world says. The only thing I care about is the woman in front of me.” He kissed her on that same sensitive spot on her neck. “So I say again, Professor, tell me to stop and I will.” ****** 32-year-old Stacey Smith's life comes crashing down when she discovers her husband's betrayal. Seeking comfort, her best friend drags her to a club where she ends up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Stacey is shocked to realize the guy she slept with is one of her students, the popular star basketball player of her school, 20-year-old Noah Baker. What happens when an unlikely romance blooms between the two? In an era of scrutiny and criticism, how would they handle the world's reaction to their unusual love? And with Noah’s future hanging on the line, her ex-husband and a new love interest her age after Stacey, would they be able to overcome all the challenges they face, or would they cave in and walk different paths?

Morrigan Ryker's life has never been peaceful or quiet but she has always had her freedom. As a rogue werewolf she ran through forests and valleys freely, never staying in one place for too long. That is until one day she falls into a trap laid for rogue wolves by the Veil Fang pack. Zephyr Dusk is the Alpha of the Veil Fang pack, a cold-hearted and ruthless man. Everything Morrigan had tried so hard to avoid was all dumped on her,like a bucket of ice cold water,the moment Zephyr Dusk touched her. There was also Celeste Everleigh, Zephyr's ex-girlfriend and wannabe Luna. Who would do anything to make Zephyr hers again and become the Luna of Veil Fang pack. She was a rogue wolf who just wanted to spend her days running free and wild, without responsibilities or obligations. As the secrets behind her extraordinary abilities are unveiled she's faced with many questions about her parents’ identities. With her freedom at stake and a curse hanging over her head could she trust and accept the bond? If she kept running would she stay safe? And with another cunning woman in Zephyr's life is she willing to risk her peace and sanity just to be with him?

Sarah has always known she's different from other people. With heightened senses of hearing, smell, and sight, she's able to perceive the world around her in a way that nobody else can. She doesn't know who her parents are, as she was left at an orphanage as a baby and grew up in foster care. What she also doesn't know is that she's actually the Witch Supreme in the Otherworld, a fact that makes her the target of an evil witch named Sheila. When Sheila discovers that Sarah is living in the Firstworld, she sends her minions to capture her. Fortunately, Sarah is able to evade her pursuers with the help of a Jason, a werewolf alpha from the Otherworld who also happens to be her mate, who rescues her from certain capture. She has to go to the Otherworld where it is more safe for her. In the Otherworld, Sarah discovers that she has powerful magic at her disposal, including control over fire, water, and wind. She also has to defeat Sheila and stop her from taking over her powers. She needs to strike a balance between love and duty. With the fate of the Otherworld hanging in the balance, Sarah must call upon all of her magic and courage to face down her enemies and save herself and those she loves.

Maya Rivers never thought desperation would lead her back into the arms of the man who once shattered her. To save her sister’s life, she agrees to become a surrogate through a private, anonymous agency—no names, no attachments, no complications. But when the intended father is revealed, her world comes crashing down. The baby’s father is none other than Adrian Knight—her cold, ruthless ex-husband and the billionaire who accused her of betrayal, tore apart their marriage, and left her heart in ruins. Adrian wants an heir more than anything. What he didn’t expect was Maya—the only woman he ever loved and lost—carrying his child. Bound by legal contracts and unresolved emotions, he demands she move into his estate, forcing them into a tense, unwanted reunion under one roof. As Maya’s belly grows, so does the tangled web of secrets between them. Old wounds resurface, passion rekindles, and truths long buried begin to unravel: the betrayal that destroyed them was a lie, their divorce was never finalized, and this pregnancy is far from ordinary. Now, with their future—and their twins—hanging in the balance, Maya and Adrian must face the question neither dared to ask: Is love enough to heal what was broken, or will pride and pain tear them apart forever?

Opposites attract in this sexy South Beach new adult romance From the moment party planner Adam Beller locks eyes with sexy Cuban-American builder Javier Marisco at a Miami Beach Publix, sparks fly. Though they come from different worlds, neither can resist the immediate, magnetic pull between them. Over stargazer lilies and passionate lovemaking, Adam and Javier fall hard and fast. But their relationship is soon tested by the shadows hanging over Javier's life - his traditional Latin background that makes him fearful of living as an out gay man, family tensions, and the shady business dealings of Adam's biggest client. To build a future together, carefree Adam must learn to knuckle down and fight for what matters most, while reserved Javier must find the courage to step fully into the light. Watching these opposites attract, grow, and find their way will keep you breathlessly turning pages. Funny, sexy, heartfelt and engaging, Mi Amor follows Adam and Javier on an emotional rollercoaster ride from South Beach to New Jersey and back again, as they learn to balance their differences, face their fears, and commit to a life together. If you love a steamy yet substantial m/m romance, pick up this satisfying standalone novel from Neil S. Plakcy.

Three love stories, one world—this steamy, slow-burn sequel follows new couples finding their fate, desire, and heartbreak in a world where wolves love hard, and the stakes run deeper than ever. *** Ravenna & Darius’ story Ravenna was born a disgrace—wolf-less, exiled, and left for dead by her own pack. But death refused her. Rescued after a near-death incident, she awakens with untapped powers, far more dangerous than any wolf. Stolen away by Alpha Darius, a ruthless leader feared across all packs, their meeting sparks chaos: they’re fated mates. Bound by a prophecy drenched in blood, Ravenna discovers her lineage holds the key to either salvation or destruction. With an ancient war on the horizon and dark forces hunting her, Ravenna must decide—embrace the unstoppable force within her or let it consume them all. Mia & Dalian’s Story Once a fleeting passion, their connection reignites, but love comes with its own dangers. With the weight of what they’ve endured hanging over them, Mia and Dalian must fight for their love—or lose it forever. Lucian & Emily’s Story Lucian’s mate is human—and he’s kept it a secret. After capturing her during a war, their dangerous connection grows. But Emily doesn’t know they’re fated, and the truth could destroy everything.

Ayla, my wife had just returned home from a business trip when I received a call from the hotel she had booked there. The hotel receptionist sounded a little embarrassed as she explained, “Hello, is this Ms. Jewell’s husband? I’m calling from the front desk. I see that we forgot to bill you for some incidentals. It looks like your room used all eighteen condoms from the amenity kit. I apologize for the oversight. The total comes to 35 dollars. Can I get a card number over the phone to close that out for you?” My mind went completely blank. Hadn’t my wife gone on that business trip on her own? Why would she have used condoms? Suppressing my inner turmoil, I gave Ayla a call. “Honey, the hotel just called. They said there was a little issue with your room. They asked me if you had someone staying over with you?” She sounded clearly exhausted as she replied with a weak voice, “Oh, right. A lady couldn’t find a hotel room, so she crashed with me for the night.” I chuckled and asked her to rest. After hanging up, I drove directly to the hotel. “35 dollars, right? I’ll pay it in person.”

When Zirelle woke up next to a half-naked stranger in a room dripping with luxury, she had no memory of how she got there—just a surge of panic in her chest and a towel wrapped around her body. The room was too pristine, too extravagant, and far too distant from the broken, desolate life she knew. Her first instinct? Run. But not before stealing his gold, his wallet… and the mysterious silver necklace hanging around his neck. She thought she was escaping to safety, back to the familiar chaos of her world. Instead, she ran straight into carnage. Returning home, she found her parents slaughtered and her own pack baying for her blood. As for the necklace she stole? It’s no ordinary trinket. And the man she stole it from? He’s not just wealthy or dangerous—he’s deadly. What Zirelle doesn’t know is that he’s far more than he seems. He’s the key to the truth she’s been running from her whole life. She thought she had left him behind. But by stealing from him, she’s unknowingly invited an even greater storm into her life. Now, he’s coming for her. And he won’t stop until he finds her.