Summer Reading Romance Novels & Stories

"It's a love story. We both have the same names of the two main leads." "You're joking." "It's called 'The Notebook'. The movie is almost ending. Want to hear the full story?" Even still in awe, I nod, not removing my eyes from the screen. "At a modern day nursing home, an elderly man, Duke, reads a romantic story from his notebook to a fellow elderly patient," he begins, his voice strong and steady. "In 1940, South Carolina, poor lumber-mill worker Noah Calhoun sees seventeen year old Allison Hamilton at a carnival, pursues her and they have a summer romance."

He said not a word, his gaze blatant and unsubtle, as if he was seeing right through her. Summer blushed, her cheeks getting hot and reddening. She raised a hand and gave him a gentle push, and he looked down at her. She looked so hot that she could cook him alive. But Mark gave no response. The temperature of her cheeks rose higher and higher, and she gave him a pettish pout. “Now that you have seen me. You should go now.” “We have been Romeo and Juliet for so long. Do you think you can send me away just like this?” He lifted Summer’s chin with his shapely hand, and scanned her from head to toe.

Victorious. Bonnie ran out of the kitchen, a small glass bowl clutched in her hand. “Kyle?” she called, and they all turned to look. Then Bonnie threw the salt. The white grains hit Kyle mid-air. The moment they touched his skin there was a sharp hiss, like acid on flesh. Kyle winced and groaned, burns appearing across his arms and face in an instant, skin blistering and smoking. He yelped and quickly let go of Jake and Sarah. Both of them dropped to the floor, gasping for air.

"This isn’t a romance novel, Nanny. This is my life, and I’m just trying to do my job without embarrassing myself." Nanny laughs, clearly enjoying this way too much. "Oh, Isa. You’re making it sound like it’s the worst thing in the world. Just imagine it—a forbidden workplace romance, secret glances, and the tension! Oh, how thrilling! The babysitter and the boss. You’ve already got the perfect setup." I glare at her. "Nanny, stop. He’s my boss, and he has a child. A cute child, by the way, who is clearly going through something. I’m not about to entertain any fantasies about him."

Their door opens before I even reach it—both of them standing there, eyes darker than usual, their wolves right at the surface. “Mate!” we all say at once, and my grin is feral. They reach for me the same moment I reach for them, and suddenly we’re a tangle of arms, mouths, and half-peeled clothes. I don’t know whose hands are where or whose mouth is on mine—I just know it’s perfect. Every touch is a spark. Every kiss, a promise. None of us make it to the bed. Summer breaks the kiss she’s sharing with Jared, her lips swollen and her voice breathless. “How?”

I just can’t. Ryder’s words got me weak in the knees, and his eyes were piercing deep into my soul. I knew I couldn’t fight anymore, so I gave up and closed my eyes, letting his lips came down on mine again. And as I found myself lost in his taste, I could feel him smiling through the kiss. Because he knew he'd won. "Well, I have a feeling this is going to be one hell of a summer," he whispered lowly through the kiss. * * * - - - - - To Be Continued - - - - -

Crying at the top of my lungs, I shouted, "Dear, why did it take you so long to get here? I've been searching everywhere for you!" … Under the eerie night sky, the elderly town mayor, George Porter, leaned on his cane and slowly addressed us, "Tonight is Ximena Ferguson's wedding. Dear guests, you wouldn't want to miss it." He paused, lowering his voice. "At 9:00 pm, the ceremony will be held at the manor. As for your wedding gifts…" The corners of his mouth curled up into a strange smile. "Each of you will offer one sacrifice. A human sacrifice."

"O-Of course. We're friends." Satisfied with my response, Bethany finally let go of my arm and followed me inside. I opened the door, but the office was pitch-black. "Dad, these are the friends I mentioned, the ones coming to work here for the summer," I said cautiously. Before I could introduce them, they pushed past me and crowded into the room. "Hello, Mr. Parker. We're here for the summer jobs. May I know what the pay is like? Is ten thousand dollars a month okay? Oh, and I'm not really into factory work. Can I get an office job instead?"

"So do you. It's a shame it's all pretense." His smile was shallow, never reaching his eyes. "Not all of it," he replied. As the city lights shimmered around them, Serena pondered just how real this façade of romance might become. But as their car drew into the main road, Serena's phone suddenly buzzed. She glanced at the screen and froze. From an Unknown Number: "You have no idea who you're dealing with, Serena. Back off-while you still can." Her breath hitched. Damien noticed the change in her expression.

“Get a man.” I laughed out loud, shaking my head. The doorbell hanging above the doorframe chimed. “Hey, Summer,” said Bailey, our regular customer, strolling in. “Hey, Bailey. Here for your usual pickups?” “Nothing says horror more than real life itself,” she replied in her usual lethargic voice. “Reading a horror novel to me equals reading a romance. Just a little more terrifyingly exquisite.” I giggled to myself as she disappeared behind the shelves. I began sorting the books on the counter. Suddenly, someone slammed one of my favorite romance novels down. My breath caught as that familiar invigorating scent hit me like a speeding train.