Retired hitwoman Celine Briggs loved few people in this world; Her husband Caleb, and her ex-handler, Brian Devereaux. When Celine took her marital vows, she exchanged the life of guns, drugs, and violence for the peaceful life as Caleb's wife. However, not all things buried stay hidden.

In this collection are updated stories from some of your favorite Valentines.

Every family has secrets. Even the families you least expect. Years ago, the leaders of two prominent families agreed on a treaty that would cloak the forbidden shadows of desire with darkness, hiding a romance that was never supposed to happen. An ultimate betrayal momentarily broke the organization apart. Now, the group has reformed with new rules, new values, and new ruthless ways of silencing their enemies.

Meet Trent Bailey, who is fighting for the right to continue his stellar professional football career after enduring striking legal woes in the recent past. Trent cannot and will not blow his second chance for anyone; after all, this is the blessing he's been praying for. After receiving confirmation that staying focused is all he needs, it's what he aims to do. No distractions. That's until he bumps into two unexpected overnight guests.

Elodie Perry is poised to be the small screen’s newest “It Girl”. Following the mega-success of the last time they worked together, it’s a no-brainer to bring her back in front of a camera with Shaw Bridges. The audience had plenty to say about their smoking hot chemistry on-screen, but their real-life romance was kept strictly behind the scenes.

Solomon takes care of his people. All he expects in return is for everyone on his team to remain solid. Anyone who refuses to show loyalty no longer earns his favor, and family is not exempt. Kaori Randall embraces one concept: love and be loved. She is raised by parents and grandparents, who are examples of happy, healthy relationships. Kaori has high expectations when it comes to her own happiness, which makes the failure of her own love life a huge disappointment.

Wilde Roads was dealt an evil hand in life, but is attempting to make the best of her situation without complaints or the need for recognition. Her story plays out the same each day with caring for her sickly son being top priority. The lack of insurance has her up to the neck in medical bills, which encourages to Wilde to pursue a life outside of the one she’d imagined for each of them. Some nights are wild. Others are reckless. But, the night that she encounters Jhalil Hanover, mayor of the city, Wilde falls victim to both.

In this collection are updated stories from some of your favorite Valentines.

Blogger, Ocean Braxton, suffered a loss back-to-back, so she decided to live life to the fullest starting with her dating life. Deciding to go out on a blind date, her night is interrupted by a handsome stranger who notices her needing saving. There's an attraction, but no names or numbers are exchanged. With them seeing each other on two different accounts, they eventually agree to a date of their own. The only problem is he isn't the only date she's interested in.

Sadik Ellis blew into my rather insipid world at breakneck speed and with gripping force. He held all the features: striking feline eyes, golden russet skin, incredible sex appeal, wealth exuding like the enticing scent of cologne, and mind-blowing determination. He was also trouble from the other side of the tracks, something I'd sensed. Sadik was an Ellis man with a solid education, his own thriving businesses, and self-obtained wealth. However, the Ellis family was known for their long underbelly ruling of the state of New Jersey.

Stevie Bluehaven faces a tough decision: break the number one street code or stay in an abusive relationship. Choosing herself, the twenty-seven-year-old dog groomer goes against the grain and runs to a new city with her baby, best friend, and the clothes on her back. Taking advantage of her fresh start, Stevie pours all her time into building her clientele and restoring her faith in herself. However, an impromptu night out leads her to a place inhabited by a dangerous man, with broadening energy and protection the runaway didn’t know she would need.

Alana Powers is a triple threat. Brains, beauty, and intelligence. As a smart and savvy businesswoman, Alana's drive and passion for ensuring the success of Powers Construction is unparalleled. Nothing and no one can get in her way—except marriage. Noah Tate is caring, compassionate, and driven by his need to succeed. Fresh out of jail, past mistakes are now behind him, and Noah is determined to prove that he has learned valuable lessons about life. This time, he refuses to allow anything to stand in his way. Unfortunately, his record is proving to be more of a hindrance than he expects.

I’m Leslie Velveeta Spinx, the ‘L’ in LMAO. Come and join me on my journey to the Edge Control Tour. It’s about to be a sold-out show! Before you take your seat, I should warn you, there are a few important things you should know about me.

Airyon has always lived according to her parents' strict expectations, relentlessly pursuing academic success. But one fateful night shatters her carefully constructed world, when a passionate encounter with Zayne, a brilliant tech wiz, ignites an undeniable spark between them. Awakening alone the next morning, Zayne is left yearning for more, even as Airyon disappears from his life. But destiny intervenes, reuniting them when Airyon starts working under Zayne. They soon discover their night of passion bore unexpected fruit—Airyon is pregnant.

Maaz Zyad, number ninety-seven of the Connecticut Kings, wasn't a big name in his first three seasons in the League. Thanks to his temperamental girlfriend posting and tweeting her every grievance about the League and Kings franchise, Zyad's become one of the most talked about players in the media. The Kings cut him a contract extension with a huge pay increase under one condition. He had to get rid of the hyper-poster to keep his crown. That was an easy fix for Maaz. He made the swift decision and called on the competent team at Love Is Action sports agency.

After a horrific incident, Nite and his twin Dai are left to fend for themselves. Living recklessly in the fast lane, the twins flirt with danger, not caring about the aftermath of their actions. Partying, popping pills, and getting money are just a few ways they cope with their untreated childhood trauma. Without the guidance of a strong male figure and the love of a nurturing mother, they can come off as rude and callous.

Damita Jo Jackson has experienced a variety firsts in her life and on the cusp of yet another life changing event, she finds herself meandering down memory lane. The Pleasure Principle is her documented journey into womanhood via her sexuality, filtered through the lens of music from her very famous namesake. At the end of her journey through the past, DJ is reminded that it truly, always comes back to love.

Angie is taking a serious break from dating. At least, she thought she was until she comes across the finest man she’s ever seen — the new handyman in her building. Angie knows what she wants in a man, and Law doesn't seem to be it. But that doesn’t mean she can’t get to know him, right? Law is focused on rebuilding his life as a free man. That rebuild doesn’t include getting involved with anyone, especially not the bougie girl at his job who always needs something fixed.

Kori Griffin has always lived her life according to expectations thrust on her by others, until she gets fed up and decides to play the game by her own rules. She quickly discovers, however, that being the architect of your own destiny is easier said than done. While doing what is necessary to ensure she is able to provide for herself, she's thrust into the path of the most unlikely person, Ezren Shaw—the superstar, lover-boy crooner known as Eccentric to his adoring fans.

Lessyn Bradshaw had been taught very young that a man was only good for one thing: his money. If he couldn't provide security, then he wasn't the man for her. However, Lessyn didn't want that for herself. She wanted someone who could provide love, safety, fidelity, and multiple orgasms. After being engaged for three years and never truly being fulfilled in the bedroom or otherwise, Lessyn was unsure if being married to the rich designer was worth the risk of being unhappy—unsatisfied. When she meets Gabriel, his energy and vibe immediately have her intrigued.

Amir is a man who knows what he wants... but it's not the woman who is pressuring him for marriage. As he struggles with ending a relationship that's run its course, fate throws him a curveball named Koryn. Fresh from a devastating betrayal, Koryn thought she'd found her happily-ever-after when her fiancé swept her away on a romantic month-long vacation. Instead, his shocking ultimatum forces her to choose between love and her core values. She flees, convinced romance isn't in the cards for her. When Amir and Koryn's paths unexpectedly cross, their connection is instant and electric.

Jashae Rodgers thought her life was all planned out and her happily ever after was within her reach, but tragedy strikes, leaving her with nothing but pieces of her life to pick up. After being thrust into single motherhood, she focuses on being the best mother she can be while struggling with grief she’s convinced she’d never recover from. But an unsuspecting spark from a man makes her consider the impossible.

Sound interesting? The author thinks so too! Listen to Impending Consent and experience the compelling romance by K.C. Mills.

Protection. Monroe Iris has lived her entire life seeking it. She longs to have a safe space to fall in love—to be vulnerable. She's surrounded by things and people that were put in place to fill her with security but has none. Her entire life has been molded around being the perfect wife for an imperfect man. She's stuck following a family tradition that doesn't mean her well, without anyone in her corner to save her.

Psalm Reign is the IT specialist for his family's online brokering business. When his brother is shot and sent home under 24-hour nursing supervision, he moves in to assist with caring for his brother and watching his back. As handsome and successful as Psalm is, he's always been more into gaming and computers than the fairer sex. When the gorgeous chocolate nurse gains his attention, he starts to wonder if there is more to life than his family's crime empire and designing games.

I knew I wanted her since the first time I saw her at that kitchen counter sobbing. I could see the pain in her eyes, and I knew she had never been loved right. She probably never had someone console or love her the way that I knew I would. I couldn't love her then. My heart wouldn't allow me to, knowing that everything or everyone that loves me ends up leaving this earth.

Dali demolished his opponents in the ring. Dali demolished any threats that came his way. Dali demolished his goals and dreams. Dali demolished my pu**y. The only thing he hadn’t been able to demolish were the fears that guarded my heart… but he was a fighter, even if he’d retired… and I knew he wouldn’t stop until he conquered me.

Every family has secrets. Even the families you least expect. Years ago, the leaders of two prominent families agreed on a treaty that would cloak the forbidden shadows of desire with darkness, hiding a romance that was never supposed to happen. An ultimate betrayal momentarily broke the organization apart. Now, the group has reformed with new rules, new values, and new ruthless ways of silencing their enemies.

This is a collection of Alexandria House’s published holiday short stories. This collection contains no material that has not been previously released.

Imani hates her life and her waitressing job. She's stuck in the small town of Crystal Lake with no money, education, or way to escape. And then Aiden and his friends come into town. People aren't sure if they're a gang of bikers or something else. There's this odd sense of power whenever they are around. But when Imani meets Aiden, desire instantly bridges between them. There's just one thing standing in their way. He's a werewolf—the alpha of his pack and the one who created the rule that shapeshifters can never breed with humans.