#BOOK 1 of The Deadly Series In a world where trust is a luxury, secrets are deadly, and love is the most dangerous weapon of all... Avery Caine thought she was just another orphan with a quiet life-until the brutal murder of her guardian shatters everything she knows. Now, hunted and tangled in a past she doesn't remember, she has only one choice: trust him. Rick Conrad. Cold. Dangerous. A man with too many demons and not enough patience. He works in the shadows, fueled by vengeance, but when his path collides with Avery's, the last thing he expects is her-defiant, tempting, and completely off-limits. But danger has a way of pulling people together. And sometimes, the line between hate and desire is razor-thin. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔥 "Piccola," he murmured, tilting his head slightly. His voice was smooth-dangerous in the way it sent a shiver down my spine. "Even when I've warned you a million times about rolling your eyes at me... you still make the same mistake." My throat dried. He leaned in, his lips ghosting over the shell of my ear. His next words were a slow, deliberate whisper. "Or maybe..." His fingers trailed up my arm, featherlight. "You do it on purpose." I swallowed hard. "Maybe you want to make the same mistake again and again... just to be punished." My breath hitched. I bit my lip, and the moment I did, his gaze dropped-straight to my mouth. Something in his eyes flickered. Darkened. Before I could even think, his lips crashed against mine-hard, demanding, leaving no room for hesitation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As enemies close in and the past refuses to stay buried, Avery and Rick must decide-survive apart or burn together. One thing's for sure. They were never meant to fall in love. But it's far too late for that.

After a messy separation, Gia's mother has moved them back to her childhood hometown in Meadow Hills, much to sixteen-year-old Gia's dismay. Gia must quickly get used to the small-town life where everyone knows everyone's business. She soon meets the handsome and mysterious Phoenix Santiago and feels an instant attraction, though he drives her crazy. Despite logic telling her to steer clear, she keeps feeling herself being pulled towards him. How long can she fight the attraction and ignore his shameless flirting? Will she adjust to life in a small town, or fall flat on her face?