Ocean County Library Hours Novels & Stories

Embark on an enchanting journey through the realms of Aqualearia in "Merturned." In this captivating tale, two extraordinary mermaid sisters, Madissa and Nerissa, find their lives interwoven with Bryan and Joe, two marine biologists from the human world. Their worlds collide as they discover the existence of mythical creatures and embark on an adventure that defies belief. Madissa, bound by tradition and responsibility, yearns for freedom beyond the constraints of her underwater kingdom. Nerissa, driven by curiosity and compassion, embraces the mysteries of the ocean with an open heart. Bryan and Joe, dedicated scientists, stumble upon the mermaids and are propelled into a world they never thought possible. Leaving behind the familiar shores of the human realm, Bryan and Joe venture into the depths of Aqualearia, where science and myth converge. In Tritania's hidden kingdom, their paths entwine with Madissa and Nerissa, forming an unlikely bond that challenges the boundaries between land and sea. As love blossoms and secrets unravel, the story explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the indomitable power of the human heart. Through treacherous tides and forbidden encounters, the characters are tested in ways they never imagined. Their journey unearths the true essence of wonder, discovery, and the unbreakable bonds that transcend myth and reality. "Merturned" is a mesmerizing fusion of mythical allure and scientific exploration. With its richly imagined world, compelling characters, and themes of unity and discovery, this tale invites readers to dive deep into the depths of Aqualearia and embark on a transcendent adventure that will leave them spellbound.

Ashlyn hasn't spoken a word since the age of eight, and her heart's never felt more protected. But, when the confident and ever so charming Derek stumbles into her quiet little world, her emotions-and forbidden desires-have never been so loud. For twenty years, silence is all Ashlyn Holland has known. Haunted by the memories of her father, and the harrowing song of the ocean that stole him from her, Ashlyn maintains a safe distance from the rest of the world. Treading carefully the sea of fear and anguish that surrounds her, Ashlyn is determined to do all she can to protect her heart from such a tragic loss striking again. In silence, she grieves. In silence, she is safe. In silence, she finds the strength to breathe. But the silence can only last so long... Derek Moreno is charming and devoted, and quick to see through every wall Ashlyn erects. With his arrival in town, defences fold and walls begin to crumble, the songs of her heart reaching new heights. Together, they crest twin tides of fate, the silence she'd once sought engulfed by his gentle touch, and the whispers of a love thought impossible. For the summer, Ashlyn welcomes the noise. The disruption. But, the ghosts of Derek's past will no longer remain silent, and their deafening power has the potential to drag them both into a current strong enough to drown them amidst their heartache.

Adeline Royce is the heiress to the rich Royce family, influential with a promising future, and living the simplest of lives, until she meets Conrad Basquire.He played with her heartstrings, tugged at her pockets and five years later, he pushed her off the terrace on the night of their big day sending her falling headfirst to the cold ground.  Hours later after being declared dead, Adeline Royce is revived, vengeance in her heart and a new light in her life someone she never imagined herself falling for Mikhail Leonidovich her godfather and her father's best friend. Mikhail is a recent divorcee he is  a skilled surgeon a composed man with roots in Russia and a man of mystery. She never thought she would find her salvation in Mikhail. But when Conrad fights back and the twists begin to spiral, Adeline realizes that her tale is only just beginning.

"She didn't want his heart to protect it, she wanted it to break it." - She wasn't ready for all of the sensations she was feeling all over her body. "And what if you fail just like everyone else?" "My life is for yours to take. I would happily die at your hands," he said and that's when she decided what her answer was going to be. - Amara, a woman who was found mysteriously in the woods, her innocent-looking eyes filled up with tears. She couldn't speak for a few hours but suddenly, she was all over the Lycan King, Nicolas. The same guy who gave her shelter in the pack. "Behave, Amara, you won't like the consequences later," he said. "I don't want to behave, I want to be disciplined by you. F*ck me, daddy."

On the night before Elide is send off by his Queen Mother to leave for Arryn. Her brother Malik, gave her a few hours of freedom to do whatever it is that she likes with her life. Elide wanted to experience what a party between people at her and her brother's age is like. She promised Malik that she won't cause him trouble the reason why he agreed to bring her over in his friend's villa whose hosting a rave party. The two of them part ways in the party and agreed to meet each other again once the party is over. While she's drinking beer for the first time. Elide met a stranger, his presence feels so familiar to her. Elide ends up spending the hottest and most passionate night with the stranger whom she thought she'll never see again—that's what she thought.

Brian Bolton, a top billionaire of Bolton Enterprise from New York City recently moved to his branch office in San Francisco. Leaving New York City is something he needs to do after spending years taking care of his fiancee. He wants to focus on expanding his company for the Asia-Pacific market but his life is changed drastically after he put his eyes on his employee, Anastasia Berg. Anna is a regular employee during office hours but she changes to be a sexy and hot woman during the night out. After seeing Anna for the first time in the bar, Brian could not get rid of his desire to have Anna by himself. Both of them are falling each other, but, sex is not solid enough to build relationship. Either Anna or Brian has a bitter past when it comes to relationships. Undoubtedly, it will shake their relationship.

She was fated to be his… or so she thought. Elsie Whitmore, daughter of the pack’s Beta, believed destiny had chosen her when she discovered her fated mate. But hours later, everything shattered. Rejected. Humiliated. Her mate chose her sister, crowning her the Luna while Elsie was left to drown in heartbreak and whispers of weakness. Months of illness, silence, and solitude follow until a moonlit celebration changes everything. A powerful visiting Alpha notices the girl everyone discarded, seeing something no one else does: strength, fire… and a destiny that cannot be ignored. But the pack whispers of a prophecy, a warning etched in silver and blood: “The rejected Luna will either destroy the pack… or save it.” Now, Elsie must decide: bow to the fate they forced on her… or rise as the Luna she was always meant to be. Powerful. Dangerous. Irresistible. The moon is watching. Will she answer its call?

Tamara Winslow stands amid the crowd while clutching two different documents in her hand. One of them shows a diagnosis report on her alexithymia, while the other showcases a divorce agreement. Three hours ago, she had specifically visited the Clerk's Office because the hospital's system had shown her marital status as "divorced". The city clerk looks up at her. "Ma'am, it's true that you and Mr. Braxton Merrick got divorced three years ago." Tamara's expression freezes on her face. "How could that be? We got married three years ago!" The city clerk checks the details once again. This time, he adapts a rather awkward tone. "The results are correct. It's true that you got divorced three years ago. In fact, it took place… on the seventh second right after you got married…"

Not long after getting married to my husband, he says he wants to teach me how to scuba dive. My leg cramps when I'm practicing alone in the deep sea. However, my husband, a swimming instructor, chooses to save his unattainable love—she's jumped into the sea to commit suicide. I don't ask him for help. Instead, I allow myself to slowly sink. In my past life, I stopped my husband from leaving. He saved me with gnashed teeth and allowed his first love, Millie Quirke, to drown. By the time he went to save her, she'd already disappeared in the water. He comforted me and told me it was okay, that he was glad he'd saved me. However, one night, he brought me back to the seaside. Just as I let my guard down, he grabbed my neck and plunged my face into the water. Then, he dragged me out before I could suffocate. "You were just cramping—it would've passed! But Millie got dragged away by the current because of you! You can remain in the ocean with her!" When I open my eyes again, I'm back to the day I was scuba diving.

Over Labor Day weekend, my workaholic husband finally agreed to take our two kids on a beach vacation. I was out on the water with my son, Blake Warren, when the ocean surface suddenly exploded with 99 towering columns of water. Blake nearly tumbled into the sea from the shock, screaming as he clung to me desperately. From a yacht not far away came the cheers of my husband, Zachary Warren, and his secretary, Celeste Quinn. I gripped my phone tightly and called him. "Zachary, have you lost your mind? Stop this right now! Blake is here too!" Yet, he only sneered. "You wouldn't let Celeste come on this trip, and she's been upset for days because of it. She got her feelings hurt, so I have to make it up to her somehow. Besides, it'd be better if that bastard son of yours just died anyway. Then, he ordered someone beside him, "Fire 50 more torpedoes. Teach her a lesson she won't forget." Before he had even finished speaking, wave after wave of water columns erupted around my boat. As Blake was about to fall into the water, I screamed with every ounce of strength I had left. "Zachary! Stop this now! This is your own son, Blake!"