Testing Waters

Don Matteo DiCarlo is a ruthless mafia lord, feared across the city for his power and cold heart. When a wealthy businessman, Richard Thornton, defaults on a large loan, Matteo is dispatched to collect the debt. Upon arriving at Thornton’s mansion, Matteo is met with the grim realization that the once-wealthy tycoon is now nothing more than a broke fool, living far beyond his means by borrowing money from the wrong people. Desperate to save face, Richard offers his most precious asset—his daughter, Isabella—as payment. Matteo is initially repulsed by the idea. Isabella is soft, delicate, and far too weak for someone like him. She's the very picture of vulnerability, and Matteo has no patience for weakness. However, as the days pass and Matteo spends more time in her presence, he finds himself drawn to her in ways he can’t explain. Isabella, though fragile in appearance, hides a fierce resilience beneath her gentle exterior. The more Matteo tries to keep his distance, the more he’s tempted by the soft touch of her skin, the innocence in her eyes, and the way she challenges his cold exterior without even trying. As their relationship heats up, Matteo must battle his growing attraction to the woman he initially deemed unworthy. But Isabella has her own secrets and desires, and the line between debt and desire begins to blur as their chemistry intensifies, testing both their limits. In a world of power, corruption, and deceit, will Matteo be able to claim what is his without losing himself in the process? Or will Isabella be the one to change the Don’s heart forever?

"A Game of Mirrors. A World of Nightmares." When a group of high school friends hears about “The Reflection Game,” a supposed urban legend said to reveal one’s true destiny, they can’t resist the temptation to try it. The rules seem innocent enough: light a candle, stand in front of a mirror, and chant a mysterious incantation. What starts as a fun dare quickly turns into a nightmare when the mirror fractures, pulling them into a dark and twisted version of their reality. In this sinister mirror world, nothing is as it seems. Their reflections are no longer harmless—they’ve come to life, embodying their worst fears, regrets, and buried secrets. The friends soon realize the reflections are not just malevolent; they are determined to replace them in the real world. As they navigate this dangerous realm, the lines between reality and illusion blur, testing their sanity and relationships. Trapped in an escalating fight for survival, the group must unravel the mirror’s dark origins and uncover the truth about its curse. But every step forward reveals another horrifying revelation, and escaping may require them to sacrifice more than they’re willing to give. Will they outsmart their reflections, or will they lose themselves in the shadows forever? The Reflection Game is a gripping supernatural thriller that delves into the fragility of trust, the weight of secrets, and the consequences of crossing boundaries best left untouched. Filled with spine-chilling twists, heart-pounding suspense, and a touch of psychological horror, this tale will keep readers on the edge of their seats, questioning what’s real and what lurks beyond the mirror. In this distorted reality, every crack in the mirror reveals dark truths about their deepest fears and buried secrets. As the friends struggle to survive, they must confront it.

Miles White, a great well-known business tycoon's life spins in a different direction the moment he encounters his OTHER woman. A sweet sin that becomes his only addiction and weakest link that will cost him almost everything he has. Nevertheless everything goes downhill when truth is brought to light and all the lies June Easton had hid in the dark versus the confrontation of his past that rises questions and suspicions about everything they thought they knew. And that's where second thoughts arise testing their bond and relationship.

Elena grew up under the strict gaze of her mother, a woman who had no tolerance for failure. Mistakes weren’t just frowned upon—they didn’t exist. For Elena, life was a relentless climb toward perfection, where only one goal mattered: being mated to a high-ranking werewolf. Her mother’s relentless mantra echoed in her mind—anything less would be a disgrace. When her younger sister Serena is mated to their pack’s Beta, Elena’s hope of fulfilling her mother’s dreams shatters. Consumed by despair and humiliation, she flees into the night, leaving her pack behind. But fate is a trickster, and her journey leads her to the forbidden lands of the Nightshade Pack—a savage domain ruled by fear and blood. There, the Moon Goddess delivers her to Alpha VuK, a name whispered in terror across the werewolf world. Ruthless, cunning, and brutal, VuK is everything Elena has been taught to avoid. But the bond forged by the Moon Goddess is unbreakable, and despite their mutual resentment, they are tied together by destiny. As she navigates the treacherous waters of her new life, Elena finds herself at odds with VuK’s merciless rule. Her defiance stirs something long buried in him, even as it threatens to ignite a war between their packs. Yet, beneath the bloodshed and conflict lies an ancient legacy: the title of "Elder's Blood," a symbol of forgotten honor that could either unite them—or destroy everything. Will love and courage rewrite their fates, or will their differences tear them apart?

**Title: Taming the Billionaire’s Heart** **Blurb/Description:** Damien Cross is the quintessential untouchable billionaire—ruthless in business, reckless in affairs, and convinced that love is a weakness. His mantra: never get attached. But everything changes when he meets Elena Hart, an ambitious interior designer who is smart, sassy, and completely unfazed by his charm. Charged with redesigning Damien’s luxury penthouse, Elena finds herself in a heated battle of wills with the billionaire. Their fiery debates lead to unexpected attraction, blurring the lines between hate and desire. For the first time, Damien is drawn to someone who refuses to yield. However, when an ex-girlfriend resurfaces, claiming to be pregnant, doubts arise, testing both trust and love. Elena, cautious after being hurt before, faces a tough decision: fight for Damien or protect her heart. Damien, determined to prove he’s worth the risk, is ready to do whatever it takes to keep her. In a world where every move is scrutinized, he’s prepared to break every rule to win her over.

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 the opulent world of 18th century England, Lady Victoria Windsor, Duchess of Sussex, is a force to be reckoned with. Beautiful, cunning, and determined, Victoria navigates the treacherous waters of high society, hiding secrets and scandals beneath her polished facade. When the mysterious and powerful Duke of Marlborough arrives on the scene, Victoria's world is turned upside down. As she becomes embroiled in the Duke's plans for revenge, Victoria must confront her own desires and the consequences of her actions. Will Victoria's secrets destroy her marriage, her reputation, and her future?

In the glamorous world of Chicago's elite, Ava Reed, a shy bookworm on scholarship, finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of power and desire. When she crosses paths with Max Blackwood, the city's most eligible bachelor, their worlds collide in a whirlwind of secrets and deceit. Desperate to escape her hometown and protect herself from a menacing admirer, Ava strikes a precarious deal with Max, the billionaire CEO of America's newest investment firm. But their contract marriage is just the beginning of a tumultuous journey filled with passion, jealousy, and betrayal. As they navigate the treacherous waters of high society, Ava and Max must confront their demons and face the ultimate question: is their love worth risking everything for?

I was pregnant. On my way to deliver documents to Tristan Goldberg, a flash flood struck. Desperate, I dialed his number, praying he’d answer. After a few rings, the call connected. But instead of Tristan, a woman’s voice answered. "Tristan, whose number is this? Do you want to answer it?" There was a brief pause, and then Tristan’s voice, cold and indifferent, cut through. "It’s just my maid. Ignore it. Hang up." And just like that, the call disconnected. Staring at the torrent rising around me, my pulse quickened. I texted him, begging for him to send a rescue team. Minutes passed as the waters climbed to my waist, churning and relentless. Then, a message from Tristan finally appeared. Tristan: [What kind of ridiculous story are you making up now?] Tristan: [Emily, do you think you're eighteen, playing these childish games? I want that document in my hands within thirty minutes, or we're getting divorced.] A surge of terror shot through me as I looked up, catching sight of a heavy branch snapping loose and crashing down. In an instant, everything went dark.

“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?