Honest-to-goodness Meaning

He didn't stop when he reached her but leaned forward and kissed her hard, on the mouth. The air left her lungs. Maybe it was because it was her first kiss or because he had kissed her, she didn't know but her lungs were burning, her lips were on fire. She was one fire. It ended in a second. She stared at him with wide eyes as he stared back. His hand traced her forehead, nose, lips and then chin as it stopped on her throat. She knew, by God she knew he could feel her pulse, the heat on her cheeks. "I'm home." Dean Woodland left two years ago without a word or sound and now he is back to bring his belongings with him.

Haunted by his own actions that led to a tragic accident claiming his best friend's life, Prince Maximillian embraces a reckless lifestyle, burdened by remorse, and is compelled to return home. Frustrated by his parents' concerns, he writes a farewell letter, intending to live as a commoner. However, his self-destructive plans change unexpectedly when he meets Edwina, or Eddie, a woman defying societal norms by dressing and behaving like a man. Enchanted by her confidence and wit, he falls in love. His attempts to win her over are thwarted by her devoted friend who desires her for himself, a persistent princess, and Edwina's determination to maintain her unique identity as her father's "son."

“One life saved. One soul claimed.” “You belong to me now, little bird. You saved my life, and now I will spend mine claiming yours.” Cardiovascular nurse Ava Moreles thought saving a dying stranger was just another day at the hospital. She had no idea that pulling Dario Santos back from death’s door would seal her own fate. Dario Santos doesn’t just rule the underworld—he owns it. And now, he’s decided he owns her too. When he crashes her wedding with blood on his hands and possession in his eyes, Ava realizes the man she saved isn’t just dangerous—he’s obsessed. With her. Torn between the safe love she’s always known and the consuming fire of a man who would burn the world down for her, Ava must navigate a treacherous path where every choice could be her last. In Dario’s dark empire, love isn’t just dangerous—it’s deadly. But as the line between captive and willing participant begins to blur, Ava discovers the most terrifying truth of all: the monster she’s supposed to fear might be the only one who truly sees her soul. Will she surrender to the darkness that calls to her? Or will fighting for her freedom cost more than she’s willing to pay? Some obsessions are worth dying for. Others are worth killing for.

DOMINATING! CONTROL! OBSESSION! CONQUERING! In a twisted game of power and submission, childhood enemies Logan and Gavin engage in a delicate game of possession and control. When Logan's family falls into the problem of facing bankruptcy, he's forced to swallow his pride and seek help from the one person he's always despised. Gavin Slade.   Gavin however, sees this as the perfect opportunity to exact revenge on his long time enemy. With each problem Logan faces, Gavin appears as a black knight, but at a price Logan might not be willing to pay, a price to satisfy Gavin’s twisted desires.   As the stakes escalate, Logan finds himself trapped in a web of dependence, with Gavin holding the reins. But beneath the surface of their antagonistic relationship, a spark of attraction flickers to life with each encounter deepening their erotic desires. Desires Logan swore he would never have.   As Logan's feelings grow increasingly complicated, he begins to question whether Gavin's ultimate goal is to destroy him or to claim him as his own. Will they find redemption in each other, or will their toxic dynamic prove to be their downfall?   In this tale of obsession and control, the lines between love and hate are blurred, and the true nature of possession is revealed. Can Logan and Gavin find a way to break free from their destructive patterns, or will they remain forever bound in a cycle of desire and domination?  

She thought he was a stranger. She didn't know he was already everywhere. Alie's life is unraveling-her career, her relationships, her confidence. The last thing she expects is to catch the attention of Caine Blackthorne, a reclusive billionaire whose dark allure is matched only by the shadows in his past. What begins with anonymous gifts and subtle gestures quickly twists into something far more dangerous. He knows her secrets. He controls her choices. And no matter how hard she tries to escape, his voice is always there in the silence: You're mine. Drawn to the man who terrifies her, Alie finds herself caught between fear and desire. But when obsession turns to captivity, she'll discover that loving a man like Caine comes with a price-one she may not survive.

Julie Scarborough is one of the most deadliest rogues in the werewolf world. She never really wanted anything and she was content with the life she’s living. But her fate changes one night when she mistakenly shares an encounter with one of her top enemies, Alpha Donald Manchester. The man who was blessed with everything. The last thing she ever wanted was a mate and the Alpha was exactly that. Their hatred for each other bloomed like wildfire but Julie soon finds herself wanting more of him. In a world where Rogue Werewolves are severely frowned upon, how was he going to protect her? What happens to his Pack when Julie finds out their dirty secrets? Was she going to continue her Rogue Life or choose Donald?

Alpha Jace's dare is simple: claim the pathetic Omega, Carly Woods, for a night of unbridled passion. When a sultry night with the pack Omega ignites a frenzy of passion, the game changes. What starts as a callous game instantly spirals out of control. Carly Woods finds herself hopelessly entangled in a web of deceit, lies, and forbidden desire. Falling in love becomes a luxury she can't afford as the struggles to protect herself and mostly their unborn child become unending.

This book contains themes and content not suitable for readers under 18. *** When Russian mafia heir Andrei Dostoevsky attends a secret underground auction in Istanbul, Turkey, he intends only to recover a priceless Rembrandt for his father's collection. Instead, he impulsively purchases Zane Knightly—a fierce, strikingly beautiful young man paraded as human art. Bought and all but imprisoned in Andrei’s isolated Russian mansion, Zane vows to resist as he plots his escape and probable revenge, but each battle of wills fans the spark between them into an uncontrollable inferno. Trapped between hatred and longing, Zane's plan for escape unravels as forbidden emotions take hold. As Andrei’s obsession with Zane grows, he defies his father’s brutal expectations—risking death to claim Zane not as a possession, but as something far more dangerous: a partner. In a world where love is weakness, Andrei and Zane must decide if they are each other's salvation—or each other’s ruin.

Upon living for 5000 years, he had witnessed the great battle between Alexander and Moros, Asclepius sampling all herbs, and Cassander harnessing nature to prevent floods. He had witnessed the rise and fall of numerous grand empires. Through the ages past, he persisted—just like a traveler, outside looking in.Once again returned to the present, he remained the discriminated son-in-law.The mother-in-law and sister-in-law despised him, while the stunning wife only gave him the cold shoulder. With his return, his destiny will never be the same as before.Possessing 5000 years of heritage, he was the man with unparalleled knowledge, perfect mastery of all arts, and unsurpassable by another human by any standards.

Mia, initially captivated by a coldhearted billionaire playboy she met in college, leaves her job to work for his company. Leo, intrigued by her, agrees to a friends-with-benefits relationship. However, their dynamic takes a turn when Leo overhears a conversation between Mia and her best friend, mistakenly believing Mia only pursued him for his wealth. Hurt and angry, Leo distances himself from Mia, causing her immense pain. Mia's friend clarifies the situation to Leo, who realizes his love for her. Leo decides to rebuild their relationship, and Mia makes an effort to start anew. During a visit to Leo's workplace with lunch, Mia discovers him with his ex in a compromising position, leaving her heartbroken and convinced that Leo never truly loved her. Leo, deeply in love with Mia, becomes desperate to win her back. Will the two of them come back together?