River Stone, an intrepid archaeologist, has uncovered what most only dream of-an ancient, hidden tribe deep within the Amazon, the Ibori, protectors of forbidden magic, vast wealth, and deadly power. With her archaeologist friend, Christopher Rai, she navigates the treacherous jungle to reach their sacred sanctuary. But it's Yisrael Ibori, the firstborn son of the clan's leader, Yuri, who is tasked with keeping watch over their "guests." Dutiful and fierce, Yisrael carries out his responsibility with unwavering focus, but there's a problem. River. Every step she takes, every movement of her body, draws his attention like a magnet. The way her hips sway, the deep rise of her chest, the soft curve of her lips-they haunt him, pulling at something deep inside, a longing he can't ignore. For River, the discovery of the lost Ibori history is the culmination of her career. She stands on the precipice of a monumental victory. But the moment her eyes lock with Yisrael's piercing onyx gaze, the treasures of the Ibori suddenly seem insignificant. There's something more precious here, something far deeper than the artifacts or the legends she's chased her entire life. What begins as a war between the mind and heart quickly grows into a battle neither of them can win. River knows her sharp intellect can't outwit Yisrael's unshakable resolve, and Yisrael is torn between his duty to his people and the undeniable pull of desire. In a world where power, magic, and temptation collide, will they fight the fire burning between them-or will it consume everything they've ever known? Seventh Book of V-series A standalone novel

Marcelo DeVille is a man on the edge-his perfect life with his fiancée, Pamela Green, crumbling under the weight of his own anger and frustration. When Pamela suggests counseling, Marcelo, fed up with the endless cycle, agrees-if only to appease her. Little does he know, the session with Isabella Pressly will be anything but ordinary. Isabella, a seasoned psychiatrist with two decades of experience, is used to the emotional minefields of her patients. But Marcelo is different. He's rude, dismissive, and locked inside his own world of resistance. His defiance, paired with a disturbing intensity in his gaze, forces Isabella into a dangerous game she never expected to play. With each session, their fiery clashes become more than just therapeutic sparring. Marcelo's fury meets Isabella's unwavering calmness in a tumultuous dance of desire and tension. The attraction between them is undeniable, but so is the line they're both walking-a line that could destroy everything they've worked for. As their connection deepens, so does the pull of forbidden temptation, and the real world outside their sessions becomes a prison they can't escape. Both are trapped by the consequences of their desires, unsure of how long they can keep up the charade. But temptation is a dangerous game, and when it comes to desire, some boundaries are meant to be crossed. The question isn't if they'll break, but when-and what it will cost them. [The Ninth book of The V series] A Stand-alone novel.