[The Wattys 2025 Shortlist] ********** She spent twenty-four years preserving herself for one man-only for him to choose her best friend instead. Tomorrow, they would vow eternity to each other, while she remained nothing but a spectator to a love she had longed for. Desperate, she devised a plan, one final chance to make him hers. A single drop of aphrodisiac, a carefully orchestrated encounter-she would take what was meant to be hers. But fate had other plans. In the darkness of her deceit, she fell into the arms of the wrong man. A ruthless, merciless, and identical in every way except for the shadows that clung to him like a second skin. Her trickery had backfired, and now, she was at the mercy of a man whose hunger knew no bounds. He devoured her, claimed her, and became intoxicated by her taste, scent, and the desperate, helpless moans she never intended for him. She had set a trap, but it was she who had been ensnared. In her desperation, she had tasted her own poison. And he had found a new obsession. *********************************** Started: March 22, 2025 Ended: April 21, 2025 Revised: August 2, 2025

Men were accessories, temporary indulgences she never kept for long. Commitment bored her. Control thrilled her. Until the night he didn't look her way. He wasn't a name, a face, or a file she could conquer. He was a man cloaked in secrets and sin, and for the first time in her reckless life, she chased. Niccolo wasn't a victim. He was a Romanova. And Romanovas never play fair. She thought she held the leash. In truth, she'd walked willingly into his trap. Now she's the one caged-wrapped in silk and steel, fed on desire and madness. He plays her body like a masterpiece. Possessive. Patient. Devouring. She wanted him first. And Niccolo? He doesn't return what he keeps-he claims, polishes, and possesses until it gleams only for him. In her twisted possession, she has become the one possessed. And Niccolo has found the perfect jewel to ruin. *********************************** Started: May 1, 2025 Ended: July 21, 2025

I used to live a delicate life. I'm just an ordinary person, I love to sing and I'm cheerful. All I ever ask is to be a Successful singer someday and I worked hard to achieve it. I have loving family and friends that support me. I couldn't ask for more. But One day, I'm on my way home when a van stopped in front of me. Numerous men are forcing me to get in a van. They put me to sleep, They covered my mouth using a handkerchief. And now, I'm living with the Mafia boss. I don't like him, He's too scary and possessive. I can't go anywhere nor talk to any men. He's Said he loves me but I know I'm just his OBSESSION. COMPLETED Written in Filipino. The cover is not Mine, Credits to the rightful owner.

(UNEDITED) La Muerte Series #2 Thaliah Magdalene Ross someone who almost has a perfect life... Loving parents, true friends, can buy all she wants, her own house, a job that she loves and has a little bit of excitement. She's very happy and contented but she still have a dream that she haven't reached yet. To marry a man that she trully loves, to marry her greatest love just like her parents. Everything is so perfect on her imagination,her dream dress, how she would walk on the aisle gracefully with her parents, Then her man would say she's the most beautiful woman his eyes ever laid on, the honeymoon... She already planned everything on her mind. Until her parents decided to trap her on a marriage, a marriage with someone she knows nothing but his name. Alphaeus Azarel Juarez , a one hell of a mysterious drop dead gorgeous man with a pair of menacing green eyes that seems like it could look through your very soul and pierce your heart out. He's like a devious handsome beast that could devour you the momment he laid his mysterious cold eyes on you.. Thaliah is determined to escape from the trap she's into by hook or by crook. "I completely lost myself in despair untill I found it in you." Beautiful Despair By: peculiarlullaby

Xia Almazar is adopted child of Kalem Almazar's mother, ngunit hindi tanggap ni Kalem ang kanyang ina dahil sa kasalanan nito sa kanya. When suddenly Xia Almazar moving out to Kalem Almazar's house, nung una ay hindi nya ito tanggap dahil hindi nya naman kaano ano ito. Ngunit hindi nagtagal ay mas lalong napalapit si Kalem sa kanya. Nag iba ang mundo ni Kalem ng makilala nya si Xia. Kalem is perfect, he's handsome, mayaman, at may kaya sa buhay. Ngunit bakit nga ba sya galit sa kanyang ina? Note: I don't claim the photo, credits to the owner❤️

Doctor Hudson Cutler De Viola is the second son of the rich and wealthy family of Nueva Ecija; he's opposite his brother, who collects all girls, while Hudson Cutler is the one who has no interest in other girls. Until he met Lesha Liesiah, who had been in love with him for almost a year. Lesha grabbed the opportunity to be with him and make him happy in her arms. But something came off. Lesha is only sixteen; she's just a minor. How will he move on from this kind of situation? While she's the doctor's affection. Note: I don't claim the photo, credits to the owner❤️

Yuziel Navi Victoria, is a adopted of De Viola the wealthy family. She's rich, kind and beautiful nasa sa kaniya na ang lahat ng gugustuhin sa babae. She wants to be the best for her especially to her future husband. Aurelius Israel Montelbano, the cold and wealthy man, he's allergic to Yuziel and everytime he was annoyed. But the time comes, he used to her. Hinahanap niya na ang presensiya ni Navi, he forget about the past, he's in present and this is reason of him to stay for the present with her. She wants the best for herself but it is worth it to be married with? Him? Note: I don't claim the photo, credits to the owner❤️

Xyrille Del Montulero is the spoiled daughter of Glendel and Hosefano DM. She has no taste in boys because she was left by her ex-boyfriend. Because of that, she met Evan Ramiro Selguero, and as time passed, he also fell for her. Even if Xyrille doesn't have taste in any boys, why did Xyrille fall in love with him? Why did she fall for him even though it was unexpected? -I do not own the photo, credits to the owner-

Betrayed by the people she once loved, cared for, and protected, Queen Gatria is determined to make everyone suffer and feel her wrath. With the intent of saving her sisters while executing her revenge, can the Mistress of Nature carry out her plans and succeed in time? ****** Finally free from being held captive for two centuries, Queen Gatria Valen Balsatra sets on a quest to free her sisters and exact her revenge. With her heart full of wrath, she is prepared to slaughter everyone who would stand in her way, her ex-lover included. Now faced with numerous betrayals and hindrances, Queen Gatria is put to the test. Can she save her people and live up to her role as the Mistress of Nature and overseer of Azitrea? Or will her unending rage cause everything to crumble down and die? [ BOOK 2 OF AZITERA: YTHER'S QUEEN ] CECELIB | C.C. COVER: Regina Dionela

Avery's senior year is turned upside down when a kiss with her older brothers' best friend ignites a forbidden relationship tangled in danger, heartbreak, and family secrets that could destroy everything. *** "Aiden..." I shake my head, eyes fixed anywhere but the gorgeous man next to me. His hand grips my chin tightly, just enough to make me avert my eyes to his. "You know you want this as much as I fucking do. I want you to be mine. I want to be the one to hold you and kiss you the one you go to whenever you're happy or fucking sad. But let it be me, let me fucking show you that it should be me." He glares, jaw tensing. ...... ©hessaherophinelove