Testing The Waters

My mafia husband, Vincent Santoro, was born a monster, incapable of loving anyone. But one day, I discovered he was hiding a ‘forbidden fruit’. A girl from the slums, Claire Murphy. Scarred by life, yet as beautiful as a wildflower growing through concrete. For a man who'd waded through blood his whole life, she was a fatal attraction he never saw coming. He thought he'd covered his tracks. He was wrong. At the Santoro family's annual dinner, I confronted him about Claire, tears streaking down my face. He just lightly frowned, then had his consigliere slide the divorce papers across the table to me. "Isabella. Sign it. The three North Side docks and the shipping lines are yours." I tore the papers to shreds. He just kept raising the offer. He had me thrown into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan. He blew up my family's distillery—the Romano family's legacy. Finally, he took my parents. Tied them in an abandoned warehouse and made one watch as he set the other on fire. "Sign, or watch them burn. Your choice." I begged him on my knees, but a roar of flames consumed the world— The heat seared my skin, the ash of my parents clinging to my face. "No... NO!" When I opened my eyes, I was back. Back on the day I first learned about Claire. This time, no tears, no drama. That night, I called my family in Sicily and set my escape in motion. But the moment I vanished from his world… Vincent Santoro went insane.

Zara James thought she had it all—a promising journalism career, a passion for uncovering the truth, and the guts to expose the powerful. But when her exposé on a corrupt politician backfires, her world comes crashing down. Blacklisted, penniless, and humiliated, Zara is desperate to rebuild her shattered life. Enter Adrian Cross, a tech billionaire with a reputation as ruthless as it is alluring. Adrian’s empire is on the verge of collapse, thanks to a scandal tied to his enigmatic and estranged brother, Nathaniel. Desperate to salvage his public image, Adrian offers Zara an irresistible deal: become his fake fiancée, and he’ll give her the exclusive story that could redeem her career. It’s a win-win—or so it seems. Thrown into a world of glittering galas, high-stakes boardrooms, and shadowy secrets, Zara quickly realizes Adrian is hiding more than just a tarnished reputation. Beneath his icy exterior lies a man haunted by betrayal, bound by dark ties to his family’s criminal empire. As their staged romance starts to feel dangerously real, Zara finds herself torn between her growing feelings for Adrian and the truth she’s determined to uncover. But Adrian isn’t the only one with secrets. Ethan Blackwood, a charming stranger who sweeps Zara off her feet, has his own hidden agenda—one that ties him to her worst enemy. Caught in a web of lies, power plays, and dangerous alliances, Zara must navigate the treacherous waters of love and ambition. When betrayal strikes from all sides, Zara faces an impossible choice: trust the man who’s kept her in the dark or risk everything for the one who might be playing her.

Who would expect a story titled ANTIMAGIC to be about wizards, mystical creatures and fantastic, unusual adventures? Yet, it really is ... It's even more than that. You'll see if you read the story, that there is, beside all this, a spell, mightier than the strongest spells ever, even than Abracadabra. Yes, Antimagic is the most powerful magic of all known and unknown in the wizards' world, because it's a spell that can stop any magic, no matter how powerful it is. The narrative in Antimagic story will succeed not only in helping the children's minds to imagine fantasy worlds or to create their own stories with fairies, princesses, famous wizards or knights, because they already know how to do it, but it will develop even more their thinking and desire to KNOW. Reading this book they'll see and understand what all wizard students got after their decision to study magic at the famous and old Elmbridge School of Magic. What they all got is that they'll become skilled and wise wizards and magicians only through study and long and painstaking search for knowledge. And even more than that, this book will help grown-ups too to remember to dream again, because we, grown-ups, kind of forgot to do that. Therefore, dear readers, young or grown-ups, enjoy the lines of this book and discover with Elizabeth Catherine Edwards and her friends the mysteries of magic. Go through wonderful events with the heroes of this book, more or less unusual, strange. Swim with her friends in the mysterious waters of the Purple Oasis. Run with them from the dangers that are all over the Ancient Forest and into the maze beneath Elmbridge School of Magic. Admire together imposing creatures such as ogres, carticors, fantastic hybrid mole-elephant-badgers, lycanthropes and many others interesting as well.

In a world where the moon's gaze reveals the hidden truth, two extraordinary women embark on a forbidden love that defies all odds. Anya, a fierce and mysterious werewolf, has concealed her true identity from everyone she holds dear, including her lover, Maya. Unbeknownst to Maya, Anya has been chosen by the alpha of her pack to be her soulmate.  As Maya uncovers the shocking secret, fear and astonishment collide within her heart. But love, relentless and unyielding, compels Maya to delve deeper into Anya's world, discovering the true essence of her soulmate and forging an unbreakable bond. Their love becomes a beacon of strength and defiance against the confines of their society. However, destiny has another surprise in store for Anya. Hidden within her lies the key to unlocking her primal powers, destined to make her the first alpha female of her pack. Yet, how can she ascend the throne when a ruling alpha stands in her way? And what of her supposed soulmate, who walks the path of humanity rather than the moonlit realm? Now, Anya must navigate the treacherous waters of power, love, and prejudice, as she strives to claim her rightful place as alpha. As two opposing factions despise her very existence, she finds herself at the centre of a war that threatens her kind and challenges everything she stands for. With courage as her armour and love as her guide, Anya must unravel the secrets of her power, unite her fractured world, and defy the odds stacked against her. In this breathtaking tale of forbidden love, mystical forces, and epic battles, the ultimate question remains: can Anya and Maya triumph over hatred and forge a future where their love and acceptance can reign supreme?

In a world where power is forged from ruthlessness, Mario reigns as the unyielding mafia king. When tragedy strikes and he loses a sister to cold-blooded murder, he takes Gia, the daughter of his enemy, hostage—not just to punish her father, but to bind her heart to his in a twisted pact sealed with marriage. Gia finds herself trapped in a life she despises, harboring a deep-seated hatred for the man who stole everything from her. Yet amidst the darkness of captivity, a flicker of something unexpected begins to ignite between them. As the walls close in and the intensity of their shared space compels them to confront their feelings, Gia finds herself torn between escape and the emotions that bind her to Mario. As she plots her escape, a secret unfolds—one that will change everything. A baby is growing within her, a symbol of both uncertainty and hope. With the stakes higher than ever, Mario must decide if he can truly win her heart after the pain he has inflicted or if he is doomed to forfeit love in pursuit of his revenge. Will Gia and Mario discover a way to heal their broken past? Can their shared destiny be forged from the ashes of betrayal? As they navigate the treacherous waters of their intertwined fates, brace yourself for a gripping tale of resilience and the profound power of love that might just redeem them both, if only they can find the courage to embrace it. *** "I'm sorry... That guy meant nothing to me." My voice trembled. "I don't care if it meant nothing to you. I don't want another man's hands on you," he said firmly. I nodded, "Yes. I'm sorry. It won't happen again." "It can't happen again, Gia, because you are mine."

“The Rossellinis are to the Mahonnas what the Montagues are to the Capulets, sworn enemies bound by years of feud that fuels hatred and bitter rivalry. In summary, the man standing beside me, the man who I just said my vows to, is my father’s archenemy.” *** When Marco Rossellini, a ruthless Mafia boss, feared and respected in the underground world kidnaps Vienna’s husband-to-be on her wedding day, and forces her to marry him as an act of revenge against her father, she is trapped under the painful existence of being married to a man as cold as ice. As they navigate through the stormy waters of hate and the treacherous landscape of mafia politics, Vienna is torn between loyalty to her father and the growing feelings for the man who married her as an act of revenge. But can she trust Marco, or will his vendetta against her family shatter her into a thousand broken pieces beyond repair? *** All his life, Marco has only wanted one thing - vengeance against the man who wronged his family. What better way to get back at Daniello Mahonnas than taking away his most prized treasure, right underneath his nose in one calculated move? Marriage to the beautiful Vienna was supposed to be an act of revenge, a genius move that will bring the Mahonnas down on their knees, pleading for his mercy. But with every banter, with every smile she sends his way, every heated kiss and stolen passion, she chips away at his icy exterior, leaving him bare, vulnerable and worst – in love. Will he be able to move past his vendetta and love her the way his heart wants or will those eyes staring back at him remind him more of his past than he ever wanted?

Cynthia, a billionaire lawyer renowned for her unyielding advocacy for women's rights, has spent her career fearlessly battling injustice in the courtroom. Her impressive track record of victories has earned her a reputation as a force to be reckoned with, and her name is synonymous with courage and determination. But when her own marriage implodes, Cynthia finds herself in the uncharted territory of being a defendant. The very laws she has spent her career defending seem to be working against her, and she is forced to navigate the treacherous waters of her own divorce. As she struggles to protect her rights and her reputation, Cynthia begins to question everything she thought she knew about the justice system. Is it truly impartial, or are there hidden biases and agendas at play? Can she trust her own lawyers, or are they just looking out for their own interests? As the stakes grow higher and the battle for her rights becomes increasingly intense, Cynthia is forced to confront the darkest corners of her own psyche. What secrets has she been keeping from herself, and from those around her? What lies has she been telling, and what truths has she been avoiding? Can Cynthia emerge from this crucible with her rights intact, or will she become the latest casualty of a system that seems designed to destroy her? Will she be able to reclaim her reputation, or will she be forever tarnished by the very laws she once fought to uphold? The outcome is far from certain, as Cynthia embarks on a perilous journey of self-discovery and redemption. Will she find the strength to overcome the obstacles in her path, or will she succumb to the crushing weight of her own doubts and fears? Only time will tell.

In a world where destiny is written in the stars, the Moon Goddess holds the power to bind hearts. Selene, a young werewolf, finds herself at the centre of a controversial love triangle. Kidnapped by a vengeful Lycan Lord who is responsible for the massacre of her family, Selene's life takes an unexpected turn. She is rescued by the enigmatic Lycan King just before her eighteenth birthday. Her physical and mental strength have been obliterated at the hands of her abuser and she needs time to heal. But fate hasn't finished dealing her hand. A cruel twist is in store for Selene. As her wolf form awakens she discovers her true identity. She is destined to be bonded to not just one, but two powerful men. The ruthless Lycan King and the High Alpha who rules over the six werewolf packs of the South. As she grapples with her own desires and the complexities of her newfound bond, the High Alpha's attention is captured by Nerissa. She is a captivating Siren with her own agenda, who is being hunted by a ruthless gang of bounty hunters called the Siren Sisters. With the moon goddess's plans in jeopardy, Selene embarks on a soul-searching journey, fighting against the prejudice and doubts of a supernatural world that questions the legitimacy of her controversial fated mate bond. Moonbound Destiny: The Lycan king and his two Alpha Mates, is a spellbinding werewolf fantasy brimming with passion, intrigue and the eternal battle between love and duty, good and evil. Selene must navigate the treacherous waters of desire and acceptance, while the world around her teeters on the edge of chaos. Will she find the strength to embrace her fate and unite a divided supernatural world or will the forces conspiring against her love tear everything apart.

"Please," I whisper as his teeth graze my neck, my body betraying every promise I made to keep him at a distance. "We can't—" "Can't?" His laugh is dark, dangerous. "Your wolf is screaming for me, Fin. I can smell how much you want this." His hands pin my wrists above my head, his body pressing mine against the wall. "Tell me to stop. Tell me you don't dream about my hands on your skin, my mark on your throat." His lips brush my ear, voice rough with need. "Tell me, and I'll walk away. But we both know you're tired of denying what's between us." Finley Bennett never expected to be Alpha of Forest Trails pack. But when her brother refuses the role, she's determined to prove a female can lead - even if it means burying her broken heart. Because the one wolf who was supposed to be her perfect match chose another, leaving her with nothing but duty to cling to. When Mountain Ridge's powerful Alpha arrives to discuss border threats, his sudden marking of her as his mate offers a second chance at happiness. But fate isn't finished testing her yet. Another cruel rejection leaves her wondering if she's destined to lead alone. As mysterious attacks threaten pack lands and ancient magic stirs, Finley must navigate pack politics, unseen enemies, and the return of her first mate. But something darker lurks beneath the surface - a hidden enemy whose manipulation could cost her everything she's fought to protect. With her territory under siege and her heart torn between two wolves who rejected her, Finley must decide: can she trust fate's choice a third time? Or will opening her heart again destroy everything she's built?

Two souls, forged in suffering, would collide in a dance of darkness and desire, testing the limits of love and redemption. Their paths meet when Asher's sister becomes the target of a predator, and Kaidën sees an opportunity for justice. As they navigate their dark worlds, they must confront the demons that haunt them. Will Asher's desire for protection and Kaidën's quest for vengeance spark a twisted romance, or will their shattered reflections destroy them? *** “You killed my mother.” Asher's voice trembled with fury. Kaidën's smile was cold, almost mirthful. “Who gave your sister to her husband who sold her to pay off his debts.” “I watched you murder her in cold blood!” Asher’s fists clenched around the gun he held pointed at the killer, memories of that night flooding back. Kaidën leaned closer, a sinister smile creeping onto his face. "I remember begging you to look away. But you didn’t. Did you enjoy it, Asher? Watching the woman who shattered your world writhe in agony? Or would you prefer to keep that little secret buried deep? Ah, but don’t answer that. Come, help me gather the pieces of your father's remains. It’s time to tidy up this little mess." Asher’s eyes widened in horror, realization crashing over him like a wave. All this time, he had been unaware that he was not only a witness to his father’s murder, but had watched it unfold until the very end, just like he had done that night when he watched his mother’s murder. Nodding, he picked up the severed hand of his father—the same hand that had beaten and broken him until his skin grew numb to pain. ‘Oh, sweet Emily, if only you could see our father now. How the mighty have fallen.’