Richard Yates

Richard Franklin has left his Midwestern roots behind to live on the coast of Maine with his family. But in the autumn of the year 2000, he must return to his Illinois birthplace on a sorrowful journey. His wife Michelle has been killed in New England by a hit-and-run driver who is never found, so back home he comes with her cremated remains, to fulfill a final wish and on her birthday scatter her ashes in the park along the river in Blackwater Valley—simply Blackwater Val to locals—the small town where they both grew up and fell in love. With him he brings his six-year-old daughter Katie who still grieves for her lost mother: Katie, who can sometimes guess who’s going to be on the phone before it rings. Who can stop all the clocks in the house, and break up clouds in the sky with her mind, and heal sicknesses, and who sometimes sees things that aren’t there...people who are no longer alive. All gifts she inherited from her mother. Only something isn’t quite right in the Val. Sinkholes are opening up, revealing the plague pits the sleepy hamlet was built over in the 1830s, when malaria and cholera outbreaks ran riot. Mysterious bird and fish die-offs begin to occur, and Katie can see ghosts of the dead gathering all around. But what she can’t see is the charred, centuries-old malevolence which has been waiting for her, and wants her for its very own. Or the pale Sallow Man who haunts the town’s nighttime streets...or the river witch—another Blackwater Val, of sorts—each of whom will be drawn one by one into the nightmarish bloodletting about to take place. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing

In a tale of revenge, rebirth, and romance, Ashlyn Knight rises from the ashes of public humiliation to become one of the most powerful figures in the business world. After being betrayed at her wedding by her fiancé Christopher White and his mistress Penelope, Ashlyn transforms through a strategic marriage to mysterious billionaire Richard Walker, who shares a connection to her past life as a military commander named Hannah. Ashlyn methodically dismantles the White and Knight families' empires, revealing dark secrets including Penelope's involvement in her mother's death and Christopher's illegitimate status. Her revenge plot takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she's actually Steven White's granddaughter through his illegitimate daughter, giving her a legitimate claim to both family empires. Richard, initially a partner in her revenge scheme, proves to be more than just an ally. Their marriage of convenience evolves into a powerful love story as they discover their shared past lives - he was a fellow commander who failed to protect Hannah in their previous existence and has spent this life making amends. The story climaxes at the International Business Summit, where Christopher's desperate attempt to destroy the couple backfires spectacularly. Multiple confrontations lead to Penelope's arrest, Christopher's imprisonment, and the public recognition of Ashlyn's birthright. In a dramatic moment, Richard renews their vows, transforming their tactical alliance into a declaration of true love. The narrative concludes with Ashlyn and Richard's unified empire becoming a model of ethical business leadership. They establish a foundation in her mother's name, helping others who face similar injustices. Their story becomes legendary in both business and social circles, proving that the sweetest revenge isn't just in destroying enemies, but in building something greater from the ashes of trauma while finding true love along the way.

“But… but what about the contract?” I whispered against his lips. “The contract?” He responded, pulling my face closer to his. “It doesn't matter, it's only on a piece of paper.”  ****** Lenora Prescott signs a marriage contract with The prestigious CEO of the popular brand The House of Osvaldo; Richard Osvaldo, when he rescues her from a brothel, the contract holding several conditions but the most crucial one being that she wasn't allowed to fall in love with him. But what would happen when she falls for him, and he also for her?

“Do you feel it?” he murmurs, his voice low and husky as he inches closer, the heat between them obvious. He brushes his fingers lightly against her arm, making her feel electric currents through her body. “Feel what?” Tammie teases, her breath hitching as she meets his gaze, knowing exactly what he means. “This,” he whispers, leaning in, his lips brushing against her ear. “The way you ignite something deep within me.” Tammie’s heart races as his lips trail down her neck, planting soft kisses that leave her weak with desire. “Richard…” she breathes, her body yearning for his touch, aching to be closer. “Let go, Tammie,” he urges, his hands finding her waist, pulling her against him. “Forget everything else. Just us, here, now.” With a sultry smile, she wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, whispering, “I want you… all of you.” Betrayed by her ex-husband and unjustly sent to jail, Tamara discovers deep secrets about her past, including her true identity and a long-lost lover. As she understands a life turned upside down, she faces relentless enemies and an undeniable attraction to Richard Garrison, the most sought-after bachelor and billionaire in town. Despite swearing off men, Tamara finds herself irresistibly drawn to Richard, challenging her and igniting a passion she thought she'd buried forever. Can she trust him with her heart, or will her past haunt her, threatening everything she’s fought to reclaim?

Book Two of Chasing The Monster Series Michael Scott is a werewolf special agent, working for the CIA. He is sent to the other side of the world to investigate one of the richest and most famous men in the world- Richard. Mike had to follow one single rule- Do. Not. Touch Richard's lover- Killian. Ever. Too bad Michael is very bad at following rules. And by the way- Killian is Michael's mate.

I staggered as cold realization dawned on me. The man I just married in Erica's name, my handsome prince charming, is none other than the Royal wolf emperor, Richard Ferguson, the monster that killed my family and burnt my pack to ashes. ***** Rona Campbell was the only child of Alpha Briar of the Flame Blood wolf pack. She was the future of the pack whom everyone doted on. On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, the Royal wolf emperor, the overlord of werewolves, Richard Ferguson attacked her pack with the intention to exterminate their tribe. Her mother managed to smuggle her away and she was instructed to run to her mate's land for refuge. However, he rejected and tried to kill her. Filled with confusion and pain at the series of betrayal and misfortunes, she managed to escape, only to be kidnapped by slave traders. After narrowly escaping from them, she finds herself in the palace of an Alpha king, where everyone thinks she is their princess Erica, who looks exactly like her. She was sent to marry a man only to discover that her new fiancee was the Royal wolf emperor who killed her parents. Finding herself in the camp of her enemies, she embarks on the ruthless path of revenge, while ensuring that her identity as an imposter is not discovered. However, things were easier said than done as further complications arose. She finds herself in a web of mystery, entangled by hate, lies, conspiracies and betrayals. Love blooms between the two couples further confusing Rona. However, the quest for vengeance and Richard's suspicions towards her threatens their bond.

It all started with a night. He was a widower looking for a way to release his stress. She was a waitress who had just lost her job. She was also looking for a way to release her stress. They met in a bar and things led to a steamy night. What's next? How will they react when they wake up next to each other? Where will it lead, when they meet each other again in a place where they least expected to meet? ----------------------- "What are you doing here?" Richard asks her, surprised. "Why are you here?" Lilian asks him, surprised. "I am the CEO of this company and this is my building", he answers. "Oh shit, I am here because of some work", she replies. "Well . . . in that case, how about we recreate the steamy night that we spent together once again? I really cannot get you and your body out of my head", he says coming closer to her. "Oh really? Then how about we have a quickie right here and right now on your desk?", she asks with a confident smile. ------------------------------------- Richard Matthews is a widower, billionaire and CEO known for his ruthless ways of treating women. He never had even the slightest respect for the female gender, because of what his wife did to him. Lilian Johnson is a small town girl who came to the big city with so much hopes and dreams. Life was not easy for her, as she had to go through so many obstacles to get to where she was now. What's next for these two? What does the future hold for these two, when they haven't made peace with their past?

Ashley, a young talented writer had just relocated to California with her friends to start a new life after losing her job. She's determined to make it as an Author and prove everyone wrong. Ashley goes to pay her friend a visit at her restaurant, where she bumps into Richard Smith, the Immediate younger brother of Nate, a successful arrogant bachelor. A few months later, her boyfriend breaks up with her leaving her devastated. She goes to the club to relieve the pain unaware of the fact that Richard is at the same club. Things take a drastic turn when some masked men raid the club and Richard ends up dead that same night. She's torn between proving she's innocent and her feelings for the Smith brothers, Nate and Jeremy.

For the seven years after our marriage, I spend whole nights in the prayer room before he will even touch me. Eric Compton says it is to atone for what I owe Monica Lynch. When his mother, Barbara Lane, pushes me to fulfill my wifely duties again, I overhear Eric's friends laughing. "Let me think. How many rounds of IVF has Avery done this year? She's trying very hard to get pregnant." "She probably doesn't know there's no way she's ever getting pregnant with Eric's kid." Eric scoffs. "Every time we're done, I give her a glass of milk. After all these years of birth control, it'd be a miracle if she got pregnant." He adds, "Everything she's suffered through is just payback for driving Monica away." I smile bitterly and send the recording to Richard Compton. "I'm not the lucky one meant to carry on the Compton name. Can I go now?"

Amaka Richard became pregnant out of wedlock and was sent away from her parents' home. Five years later, she met her baby daddy, but he denied knowing her. "Joseph, my child is yours, the same face, nose, and mouth," Amaka confronted him, but Joseph refused to acknowledge her or his child. Amaka had moved on, and now, Joseph is back at her doorstep, begging for forgiveness. Should she accept him? Find out.