Lauren Paul never expected her holidays to turn into a whirlwind of fake romance, unexpected sparks, and heart-wrenching choices. Struggling to escape her family's relentless questions about her single status, Lauren does what any modern woman would do: she turns to the internet. Her quirky plea for a fake boyfriend catches the attention of Ken, an online gamer with charm and wit to spare. What starts as a harmless arrangement quickly spirals into something far more complicated when they meet in person. Ken is everything Lauren didn't know she needed: funny, confident, and surprisingly considerate. With his sharp sense of humor and unexpected warmth, he fits perfectly into her family's holiday celebrations. Their fake relationship feels natural, almost real. But just as Lauren starts to think Ken might be more than just her pretend boyfriend, a new complication arrives in the form of John, her brother's maddeningly attractive roommate. John is the opposite of K n quiet, steady, and effortlessly magnetic. From the moment he steps through the door, Lauren can't ignore the way he makes her pulse race. As the holidays unfold, John's gentle charm and lingering glances stir feelings Lauren never expected. Suddenly, the lines between her carefully constructed fake relationship and her real emotions begin to blur. Caught between Ken's fiery energy and John's quiet allure, Lauren finds herself in a love triangle that's as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching. Her family's meddling, her brother's overprotective nature, and her own spiraling emotions only add to the chaos. To make matters worse, both men have secrets of their own, and Lauren begins to wonder if she knows either of them as well as she thought. As Christmas approaches, Lauren is forced to confront her fears and insecurities. Can she let go of her need to please everyone and follow her heart? Or will her holiday charade leave her lonelier than ever? Holiday Hearts: A Love Game Gone Wrong is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about finding love where you least expect it. Packed with witty banter, steamy chemistry, and moments that will tug at your heartstrings, this story explores the messy, beautiful reality of love in all its forms. Perfect for fans of fake dating tropes, slow-burn romance, and a touch of holiday magic, Lauren's journey will have readers rooting for her to find her happy ending. Will she choose the man who swept her into a pretend romance or the one who quietly stole her heart? One thing's for sure: this holiday season, Lauren Paul is in for the ride of her life.
I hated Christmas. Or, more accurately, I hated Christmas dinner. The food was great, sure, but it came with the inevitable conversation about my lack of a love life.
"Lauren, darling, you're not getting any younger," my mother would say, her eyebrows furrowed in that "concerned" way that somehow managed to feel more judgmental than caring. "Why don't you let us set you up with someone? There are so many nice boys out there."
Nice boys. Ugh. No, thank you.
I wasn't some hopeless romantic, and I didn't need to be paired up just to please my mom. I had a fairly successful career in digital marketing, a decent group of friends, and a cat who didn't judge me when I ate an entire pizza by myself. What I didn't have, though, was a boyfriend. Not for lack of trying, but... it was complicated. And by complicated, I mean that I was starting to believe I had an uncanny ability to choose the absolute worst men. The ones who either ghosted me after three dates or, worse, turned out to be complete psychos.
But with the holidays rolling in, the pressure was on. Family dinners, Christmas Eve parties, and New Year's Eve drinks, all events I knew would be peppered with the same questions:
"So, when are you bringing someone home?"
"Still single, huh?"
"Don't worry, sweetie. He's out there somewhere."
I'd had enough.
So, as I sat on my couch sipping my third cup of hot cocoa, trying not to cry over another failed online date, I got a wild idea. I logged into the gaming forum I frequented for stress relief, and with the desperation of someone drowning, I posted an unusual request:
Need a fake boyfriend for family events. Must be funny, decent at video games, and not a serial killer. DM me if interested."
I stared at the message for a while, wondering if I was going to regret it. Maybe I could just spend the holidays alone in my cozy apartment, binge-watching Christmas movies while eating way too much chocolate. But no, I needed a solution. If I could fake it until I made it, then that was what I'd do.
I hit send.
Within minutes, I had a response. It was from someone called Ken_Gamer420. I smirked at the name. Typical gamer handle.
"I'm your guy. I can pretend to be the perfect boyfriend. Bonus points if you like strategy games, and I can still get you through the awkward family dinners. Let's make it happen!"
I blinked. He was eager. And while it could have been some random guy trolling, something about his confidence made me hesitate. Maybe he wasn't a serial killer.
I read his message a second time, debating. Then, I typed back, cautiously:
"You sure you're up for the job? This is going to be a long weekend of pretending. Family, friends, all the usual stuff."
"I'm down for whatever. Let's meet up beforehand to plan it out."
Before I could change my mind, I agreed. This couldn't be any worse than the alternative, right? And hey, if he turned out to be as much of a disaster as my last boyfriend, I could always bail.
The plan was set.
The next day, I was pacing outside the coffee shop where Ken and I had agreed to meet. I had no idea what he looked like, and I was suddenly regretting my rash decision. Was I really about to meet a guy I knew nothing about and introduce him as my fake boyfriend? I almost turned around and left until I saw him.
Ken was leaning against the door of the coffee shop, his eyes hidden behind a pair of sleek sunglasses, looking like he had just stepped out of a video game. He wore a leather jacket and jeans, a look that screamed "I'm too cool for this." He was tall, with messy brown hair and a grin that made him look like he knew exactly how attractive he was. And, of course, the smug air about him didn't help.
I almost turned around and walked away.
But then he saw me, and that grin widened. "Lauren, right? I'm Ken. Your fake boyfriend for the next week."
I froze for a moment, stunned by his directness. "Uh, yes. That's me."
He chuckled. "No need to be nervous, I'm a professional at pretending."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "You're sure you can handle this? My family is... relentless."
Ken gave me a mock salute, his smirk not fading. "You got this, babe. Just follow my lead, and we'll make them think we're the perfect couple."
I wasn't convinced. But, at that moment, I didn't have any other choice. "Okay," I said, the words escaping my mouth before I could think them through. "Let's do it."
As I followed him inside the coffee shop, the beginning of what I hoped would be the most harmless fake relationship of my life began. Little did I know, things were about to get a lot more complicated than I'd ever imagined.
I thought I could leave the past behind and avoid the packs, especially the ruthless Shadow-claws. But when I accidentally cross their borders one night, I find myself face-to-face with Damon, the one person I swore to despise forever. Damon's not just any alpha; he's powerful, relentless, and dangerously possessive. Our shared history is stained with rivalry and resentment, yet I can't deny the intensity that crackles between us now. There's something darker in his gaze, something that tells me he won't let me go this time. But I can't ignore the strange pull Damon has over me, even as I try to fight it. His obsession with me runs deeper than I understand, and each encounter only strengthens his hold. As his enemies circle closer, I realize that Damon's need for me is no longer just about rivalry; it's a craving, a hunger that threatens to consume us both. I know I should escape, but every time I'm near him, I find myself drawn deeper into his world, into his obsession. Now, I have to make a choice: resist Damon's dangerous addiction or risk everything for a bond that might be my undoing.
I never imagined my life would lead here-a world where power, fear, and loyalty rule. I was an orphan, lost in the system until I was sold to the most feared and powerful man in the underworld: Zane Stormborn. They told me he was ruthless, a man who controlled cities and commanded armies of loyal followers. But to me, he was just my new master, a man I'd have to serve in the shadows of his mansion. Yet, as I moved through the dark hallways of the Stormborn estate, I saw a side of Zane no one else knew. He wasn't just a feared crime lord; he was a man shaped by pain, haunted by secrets, and drawn to me in ways I couldn't understand. Against all odds, I went from the lowest servant in his home to the only woman he trusted by his side. But life with Zane isn't a fairytale. His enemies lurk in every corner, waiting to use me against him. They tried to break me, to tear us apart, but I won't give up so easily. I've come too far to lose him now, and I'll fight anyone who dares to stand in our way. This is my story-a journey from darkness to love, and a fight to hold on to the one man who changed my life forever.
Nelly Stone has known nothing but pain and servitude. Orphaned at a young age, she became a slave to cruel masters who saw her as nothing more than a commodity. When the day comes that they decide to sell her purity to the highest bidder, her life takes an unexpected turn. Dante Stormborn-the ruthless and enigmatic Russian mafia king-steps forward. Known as the most feared man on earth, Dante has everything: wealth, power, and an empire that answers to no one. Yet, the moment he lays eyes on Nelly, he knows she belongs to him. Declaring her his obsession, he whisks her away, determined to protect her at all costs. Terrified and vulnerable, Nelly struggles to adapt to her new life under Dante's control. But as the walls of fear begin to crumble, she discovers a strength within herself she never knew existed. Slowly, she transforms from a scared, pitiful girl into a fierce woman capable of standing beside the man who owns her heart. As their love deepens, a shocking revelation changes everything. Nelly is not an orphan after all-she is the long-lost daughter of the American Mafia bosses. When her true identity is revealed at a high-profile mafia party, her world is turned upside down. Now a target for those who seek to destroy Dante, Nelly faces relentless threats and attempts on her life. But every move the enemy makes is crushed under Dante's iron will. With Nelly by his side, Dante cements his reign as the most powerful mafia leader in the world, while her reunited family stands as his strongest allies. In a world of darkness, betrayal, and bloodshed, their love burns brighter than ever. Together, they will face every enemy, build an unbreakable legacy, and prove that nothing can come between the king and his obsession.
Grace Hunter, a quiet and unassuming omega, had always admired the powerful and charismatic Alpha Dante Nightshade. But on her 18th birthday, the bond she longed for was severed before it could even begin-Dante rejected her, dismissing her as too weak to stand by his side. Shattered but determined to endure, Grace sought to rebuild her life in the shadows of her heartbreak. Unexpectedly, fate delivered solace in the form of two captivating twins, Adrian and Caleb Storm. They were opposites-Adrian, a confident and brooding protector, and Caleb, a playful yet fiercely loyal soul. Both were drawn to Grace's quiet strength, vowing to show her a love she had never known. As the twins competed for her heart, Dante began to unravel. The omega he had rejected refused to fade into obscurity; instead, her resilience and allure only deepened his regret. Yet Grace's path was far from simple. Her father's demands threatened to force her into a union for the good of the pack, adding a new layer of conflict to her life. Torn between Adrian's intensity, Caleb's charm, and the lingering pull of Dante's presence, Grace faced an impossible decision. Would she embrace the love of the twins, forging a new future, or would she give in to the yearning for the alpha who had once broken her heart? In a tale of heartbreak, healing, and the power of second chances, Grace must navigate the tumultuous waters of love and loyalty while discovering her strength.
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
Darya spent three years loving Micah, worshipping the ground he walked on. Until his neglect and his family's abuse finally woke her up to the ugly truth-he doesn't love her. Never did, never will. To her, he is a hero, her knight in shining armour. To him, she is an opportunist, a gold digger who schemed her way into his life. Darya accepts the harsh reality, gathers the shattered pieces of her dignity, divorces him, takes back her real name, reclaims her title as the country's youngest billionaire heiress. Their paths cross again at a party. Micah watches his ex-wife sing like an angel, tear up the dance floor, then thwart a lecher with a roundhouse kick. He realises, belatedly, that she's exactly the kind of woman he'd want to marry, if only he had taken the trouble to get to know her. Micah acts promptly to win her back, but discovers she's now surrounded by eligible bachelors: high-powered CEO, genius biochemist, award-winning singer, reformed playboy. Worse, she makes it pretty clear that she's done with him. Micah gears up for an uphill battle. He must prove to her he's still worthy of her love before she falls for someone else. And time is running out.
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
"Mr. Evans, please maintain some dignity. Don't forget I'm your brother's wife!" Having caught her husband and best friend together in the bed, Elena wanted nothing more than to exact revenge on the people she once called family. She refused to be a pitiful divorcee and vowed to make everyone who had once looked down on her beg for forgiveness. And to start with her newfound freedom, Elena indulges in a one-night stand with a stranger. However, what was meant to be a fleeting escape turns into a nightmare when she learns that the stranger is none other than her husband's older brother! Would Elena be free from the shackles of her marriage? Or would the mysterious stranger make her life a living hell since he seemed to have a personal vendetta against his family? [The story is 18+ and involves mature content.]
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
Amelia's boyfriend and her half-blood sister were about to get married! So she went to the bar and got drunk. She vaguely remembered she had bumped into a handsome man... The next morning, she woke up and found herself have a one-night stand with a stranger. They parted away at the hotel without giving names. However, when she went to the company, she found her new boss was the man she slept with last night! She hid from his eyes on the meeting, and pretended she didn't know him. Yet when she went to a blind date her father arranged for her after work, the man was her new boss who she picked up at a bar and had a one-night stand with! "Woman, you're mine, in the past, for now, and in the future."