Annalise is everything a young eligible single noblewoman should be. Incomparably Beautiful, nicely titled and generously wealthy. However, being the sole heiress to the rich and bountiful Duchy of Goslar is proven difficult after her parent's death and the absence of a male heir, especially as the wealth is exploited by her selfish and vain Uncle and his family. In an attempt to salvage and regain the wealth that is so rapidly depleting, her uncle decides to throw every eligible, rich and titled gentleman her way, no matter how despicable and snobbish - but Annalise knows that it is only the half-truth. He wants to get her out of the way, so he can govern her Duchy the way he has always wanted, and bleed it dry.
She does not know how or even if she can accomplish what she set out for, nor does she know why she trusts the handsome and mysterious stranger who offers her an olive branch -- and a solution to every problem she is currently facing; a sanctuary from her snobbish, vain and selfish family, the welfare of her people.
Cassius is at his peak in everything; a thriving military career, a caring, supportive family and his talents praised in every corner of the world, what more could he want? But he is constantly reminded that, as a prince, it is his duty to marry well and produce heirs to benefit the empire.
Cassius knows that every woman is only out for his title, wealth and unfortunately do not know anything beyond, court gossip, fashion and how to snag the most eligible lord - everything that he despises. After many years of searching and disappointments, Cassius becomes resigned to a life full of work, duties and responsibilities and refuses to make any space for anything else.
But fate is colliding because when he sights the stunning, witty, fiercely protective beauty, he is possessed by a longing he cannot control. To claim her, he offers her an undeniable deal; the trouble is, will she accept? And will she ever truly belong to him?
As much as Kimberly Astor hated to admit it, she had a slight problem. Okay, so it was theoretically a major problem, but it wasn't entirely her fault. Okay, so it was her fault, (at least to a certain extent, according to her) but her dad didn't need to be all rude about it. He especially did not need to threaten her future role as CEO on it too.
And, setting up an arranged marriage to fix said 'problem' is so out of proportion. Okay, it wasn't completely out of proportion, but still.
Jace Kingston didn't know what he was getting into when he agreed to be married to a 'problematic heiress'. He certainly was not expecting a sexy vixen, who was hellbent on getting on his nerves and destroying the semblance of normalcy he established in his complex life.
So, when the two come together to form a business alliance, they make a simple plan.
1. Fix the problem.
2. Don't ever bring up personal things.
3. Get out.
Too bad breaking the second rule is making the third rule look a lot more... difficult.
(not edited... i swear i'm trying)
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trigger warnings:
• sexual/mature content (18+)
• explicit language
• alcohol and drug abuse
• a character who can't make the right decisions lmao
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highest rankings:
#6 in romance
#1 in mature
#1 in ceo
#1 in boss
#3 in billionaire
#2 in steamy
#1 in slowburn
#1 in couple
#3 in humor
#3 in enemiestolovers