Reader-response Criticism

"You’re my wife," he insisted, his words tinged with a sense of ownership that made me shudder. “You signed the contract, remember? It’s binding.” I tried to protest, but every denial was met with the same adamant response: “You’re my wife now." *** After a wild graduation party, Brielle's intoxicated state leads her into trouble and she is rescued by a mysterious man. In her inebriated state, the man confuses her by that she is his fiancée. The next morning, Brielle awakens to the shocking revelation that she is about to get married to the same man who rescued her, billionaire CEO, Andrei Carter, whose life has been tainted and scarred by a tragic past. Out of empathy for his situation, Brielle agrees to marry Andrei and soon discovers a love and devotion that she never imagined possible.

Fenrir, a princess sent out of her father's Kingdom due to her inability to shift into a wolf form, like the others, she's unable to find a mate even after being of age. She leads life by her own only to be called back to Asteria by her Father. Her life turns for the worst after arriving at Asteria only to find out that she's to be used as a pawn in the exchange for power by her Father, her status is stripped from her and forced to be a slave. Unexpectedly, her mate bond strike, linking her to the devilish Alpha zeev, who's is taken aback at the unconventional bonding. As he claims her as his Luna, they are both faced with criticism, " the devilish Alpha and a Luna that couldn't shift. Their love blossom but takes a disastrous turn when her step sister Mara, is hell bent of drawing them apart and claiming Alpha Zeev as hers. Will their love prevail ? Will Mara win in her quest of drifting the lovers apart?.

This is no ordinary werewolf tale. Romance and fantasy collide with a curse spun from prophecy and obsession. This is a story of torment and resilience. Of wolves and gods. Of a woman broken again and again, only to rise stronger each time. And at the heart of it all… is a love fated by the Moon. If you’re the kind of reader who thrives on slow-burning tension, this tale will consume you. But tread carefully: the deeper you go, the darker it gets. -------------- Alinta Ull, a bookish, headstrong, and haunted werewolf. Since her eighteenth birthday, tragedy has stalked her in a cruel pattern. Every three years, it brings death, rejection, or abandonment. She believes the Moon has cursed her, and… maybe it has. Desperate to escape her fate, she and her fierce wolf, Angela, travel to the rumoured resting place of the Rogue Deity, a mythical werewolf prophesied to rise beneath the eighth crimson moon. Coincidentally, on Alinta’s thirtieth birthday. But fate is a cruel thing. Something, or someone is watching. A wolf obsessed. A monster in disguise. One who has waited years to possess her, and now has no intention of letting go. In a world where devotion becomes delusion, and love becomes a weapon, one truth remains: Some mates are chosen by the Moon. Others are stolen by monsters. -------------- Content Warning: This novel contains dark and mature themes, including sexual assault, emotional and psychological abuse, trauma, captivity, and manipulation. While it ultimately becomes a tale of hope, rebirth, and true love, the road is long, raw, and often tragic. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

Celestine Smith thought there was no hope for a better future after losing everything in marriage until the Alpha divorced her. Celestine took advantage of the opportunity to rise when everyone anticipated her crumbling into dust. Without the marriage binding her rights, she reclaims everything that is hers. But she must pay the price. "Let's make a deal," he adds, a deadly look on his face. "I'll get you out of this place. "What's in it for you?" Celestine asks as the man in front of her laughs. "I need to know what you want in exchange for helping me." "You." His brief response shoots lightning bolts through her body. "I want you," he says again. Celestine exhales deeply. "We have a deal."

Victoire, a charming French maid, is discovered by Nick in the glittering aristocratic world. Their mystery experiences light an illegal energy that challenges social limits. Yet, when their adoration is uncovered, outrage takes steps to obliterate them. Will they fight for their forbidden love or give in to the pressure of society? As murmurs reverberation through the corridors of high society, a stunning disclosure shakes their reality. Their love's fate is precariously in the balance as betrayal lurks in the shadows. In a test of skill and endurance, Scratch and Victoire should choose — will they penance everything for an opportunity at genuine joy? The response lies in a solitary, heart-halting second, where predetermination pauses its breathing.

"Master, do you miss this apprentice?" Lips painted in bright red ticked up in a sharp smile. Her eyes were a pool of dark red, like a swirl of the finest wine. One jaded hand in his throat, nails slightly digging in the skin there, the other was on his cheek carefully caressing. The clashing of both gestures were confusing, but Rion's mind only provided one instinctual response; to run away as far as possible. ----- Rion Ren, one of the strongest sword masters in the world, had to make a difficult decision to hand over his apprentice, Ruby, to the Demon Master when Ruby's real identity as a descendant of Demon Sovereign was revealed. Three years later, Ruby who had successfully taken the reign of the Demon Realm, came back to take revenge on her master that had betrayed and abandoned her in the hand of cruel demons. Rion swore on his life as a sword master, he only wanted to protect those who were precious to him, but how did it manage to turn the whole world into chaos? How would Rion face his own apprentice in a battle between life and death?!

I called my wife, a forensic specialist, after learning that my in-laws were involved in a car accident. It was on the 80th call that she finally answered, "I'm just trying to celebrate Justin's birthday for him. What's wrong with you? Can you not get jealous over just about anything?" I informed her that Mom, Dad, and sister had died in a car accident, and that she should hurry back to arrange for their funeral. To my surprise, she scoffed at my suggestion and replied, "What does your family's death have to do with me?" She was not involved in the funeral arrangements at all. On top of that, she even falsified evidence for her love interest—the culprit who killed her family—in court as a forensics specialist. Eventually, on the day I informed her of my intention to divorce, she threw a fit. "Patrick, it's just the death of a few of your family members. Justin didn't do it on purpose. It was just an accident. "Moreover, it's because of your parents' and sister's carelessness on the road that led to the accident. Why are you making things difficult for me and insisting on divorce? I've truly misjudged you…" Noticing the indignance in her response, I finally understood. It seemed she had no idea that it was her family that died in the accident all this while.

****** “Do I truly have no effect on you, Delia?” Rafe’s voice was low and husky as he slowly drew her into his embrace. His fingers trailed down the curve of her spine, igniting a spark that sent a shiver racing through her body. As she sucked in her breath, unable to tear her gaze away from him, he leaned in closer, his lips grazing the sensitive skin of her neck. “Does this not feel good?” he murmured, his warm breath fanning her damp skin. Delia remained silent, unable to form a coherent response as he trailed his mouth to hers, slowly capturing her lips in a searing kiss. ******* Delia Scott is seeking refuge from her troubled past on the tranquil shores of St. John, unaware that the moment she steps foot on the island, her fate is sealed. She is the destined mate of Raphael “Rafe” Donovan—the enigmatic and formidable Alpha of the Nightclaw Pack, one of the largest Coastal Wolves Pack. Rafe, rules with an iron fist and works tirelessly to maintain the delicate balance between the humans and werewolves that reside in St. John. After years of believing his fated mate was nothing more than a lost dream, Delia’s arrival changes everything. And now that he’s found her, he will stop at nothing to keep her by his side. As their destinies collide, Rafe and Delia find themselves ensnared in a tempest of desire and longing, each grappling with the depths of their emotions. But beneath the sun-drenched paradise, a sinister threat looms, waiting to tear them apart. And when a third player enters the game, questions arise—Is Delia truly meant for Rafe, or was she never his to claim?

"There are only two categories of women I sleep with. The ones I'm paying and the ones I'm dating," Kachi stated. "And I don't fall among the category of women you want to date?" Aria asked in disbelief. "You don't." "You're a real bastard. Why would I agree to sleep with you if I know you have no intention of dating me?" "Because I want you. And I know that you want me too." Aria stared at him, hating that he was right and hating herself for letting it be. From the first time she had met him, she'd known that she would wreck herself to have this man. *** Onyekachi Obiagu is looking for a distraction to ease his already stressful days. Then he met her, Zariah, the girl that always has a response for almost everything he says. He's determined to have her so he proposes a deal she can't possibly refuse. Zariah Okoye is suffering through her days, hoping to one day lessen the mountain of debt on her head. Then she meets arrogant billionaire, Kachi, who proposes a deal that seems to be the answer to her prayers. Secrets, conspiracies and betrayals follow and they have to fight family, friends and foes whilst fighting the attraction brewing between them. Do I need to say more? Start reading ❤️ WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS MATURE THEMES INTENDED FOR AN 18+ AUDIENCE. PLEASE SKIP IF YOU'RE UNDERAGE.

On Christmas Eve, my six-year-old, Yule, was dying from cancer, and all he wanted was a gift from his dad dressed as Santa. I called Peter, my husband, begging him to come. His reply? "Can you stop blowing up my phone? I don't have time for this! I'm helping Tracey find Puffy. Do you know how upset she is?" Oh, Tracey. His first love. And Puffy? Her dog. I told him Yule might not make it through the night. His response? A straight-up dagger: "Don't act like this isn't your fault, Freya. If Yule hadn't kicked Puffy, none of this would've happened. Tomorrow, make sure he apologizes to Tracey." Then he hung up. That night, I sat with Yule, crying as I helped him celebrate his last Christmas. By morning, Peter's social medias were still full of posts about that freaking dog. Mine? Yule's obituary. Ten years of marriage, gone.