The Standing City is one of the few places in the world left where humans can survive and thrive since the apocalypse began, and Valentine Scott is determined to get there. But before entry, Valentine's ragtag group of survivors is informed they must offer up one person to the guard in exchange for the city's protection, and who better for the job than the axe-swinging redhead leading them? Roman Pierce is dedicated to protecting the Standing City at all costs, and that includes making sure any incoming survivors don't pose a threat. When a new group of survivors arrives at the front gates, they offer up one of their best to join the guard. But something is different about Valentine-- something dangerous. Yet, something Roman can't seem to ignore. Act 1 - The Standing City complete. Act 2 on hiatus.

Genre: Young Adult Dark Fantasy Projected Release Date: October 3, 2017 For most people, the act of killing is intangible. Unfathomable. But not for seventeen-year-old Arden Eliri. Having been involved in Cruex assassination attempts as a mere child, killing is a natural disposition for her. Growing up without parents, in a castle ruled by an iron-fisted king, is the furthest thing from a fairy tale, as is being forced into the Cruex, the king's group of hand-selected assassins. But with each passing year, she comes to enjoy the act of killing more and more. Kill or be killed-she chooses the former. A decade ago, King Darius Tymond banished The Caldari-those who practice illusié, or old magick-from Trendalath Kingdom, ensuring that no Caldari will ever step foot in his kingdom again. But Arden discovers otherwise after a dual-assigned mission goes horribly awry. Even more startling, she discovers that she may have more in common with the Caldari than she's been led to believe. Arden wants to trust that King Tymond's intentions are pure, but as their pasts collide in unexpected ways, the quicker she realizes the consequences and dangers of his reign. But Arden is also hiding something-something that threatens her very existence-and she'll have to face her inner darkness and conquer it before it destroys her . . . and the kingdom she's come to call her home.

-COMPLETE original version PLUS first half of new version!- "I don't know what to do," I admitted for the first time to both her and myself. "I don't know how to maintain this without fucking something up. I don't know how to keep spending time with you without setting a bad example or slipping up in front of my Family." Violet sat up and turned to face me. "I can't answer that for you," she said with a sad smile. "But I can go. I can make this easier, stay out of your way for a while." She stood on her knees between my legs, close, but not touching, and watched me with those wide, ocean eyes. I should have told her to go- listened to her suggestion and put some real distance between us. It would have been smarter, safer. But it would feel like cutting off my own hands. "I don't want that," I murmured, and reached for her waist. (excerpt from new version) --- Vengeance. Vendetta. Violence. These three words are all Violet Harcourt knows. For years, her world has been centered around killing Bill Pfeiffer, the hitman who murdered her father and sister. She's learned the criminal underground inside and out while masquerading as a quiet art student, bringing her closer and closer to her target. Now, it's time to blow her cover, and Bill Pfeiffer's brains out. Vitale Fierro lives a carefree life at the top of the Salvaggi Mafia. Business has been good, and Chicago isn't a bad place to call home when you're a professional criminal. But when a girl with purple hair murders the Family's prized hitman, he's given the responsibility of what to do with her. To kill, or not to kill seems to be the ultimate question- one he must answer while managing a promotion, taking down a rival Family, and trying not to fall in love. Book 1 of the Rough Love Novels