The Starlet Before | ONC 2023 - Stephanie - Wattpad

Story cover for The Starlet Before | ONC 2023 by theStphnieCollection

The Starlet Before | ONC 2023

theStphnieCollection

Reads 989
Votes 189
Parts 10
Time 2h 6m

Reads 989
Votes 189
Parts 10
Time 2h 6m

theStphnieCollection

1950s 1954 affair california entanglement fastpaced historical historicalfiction hollywood novella oldhollywood onc2023 secrets secretsrevealed strainedrelationships twistandturns

***2023 SHORTLISTER FOR THE @OPENNOVELLACONTEST & FEATURED ON (FORMERLY) @STORIESUNDISCOVERED'S 'FEAST ON FICTION' READING LIST IN OCTOBER 2023***

Born and raised within a few steps of Hollywood's golden gate, Arlene Berkshire always knew she wanted to be an actress. After some minor roles in overlooked features, Arlene gets her break at last when she secures a role in Forrest Washburn's highly-anticipated directorial debut. Asked to play opposite a veteran actor who seems to stray from the script only in her presence, Arlene soon finds herself at the cusp of a blossoming affair with the famed Norman Stillwell himself. 

Yet it is not long after their affair's beginning that an individual reveals a secret that could bring ruin to Arlene's career before it's even started. Thus torn between the man she's fallen for and her reputation, Arlene realizes relatively quickly that no script could have prepared her for what turns out to be her own Hollywood scandal. 

AN OLD HOLLYWOOD NOVELLA & AN ONC ENTRY.All Rights Reserved

1950s 1954 affair california entanglement fastpaced historical historicalfiction hollywood novella oldhollywood onc2023 secrets secretsrevealed strainedrelationships twistandturns

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10 parts

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Untangled by Stephanie_Aston

I slammed the table loudly and groaned out of pain. Not only the pain from the headache I was having right now. But also from the memories flooding my mind as well. I was slowly remembering everything. "I hate you!"I shouted seething from anger as I gritted my teeth to stop myself from attacking him. He was really tempting me and I knew it wouldn't be long before I would attempt to pull his face apart and rip out his throat. "Not more than I hate you Alexander Norman. Trust me." He said emphasising on the name that seemed so foreign to me yet that was my real name. He had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he seemed to enjoy the internal battle I was having in my head. " So back to my story-" He drawled in an attempt to irritate me before he continued. " Your mother married me because I had her secret and I threatened to ruin her with it if she did not give in to my wishes." "And what exactly was her secret?" I asked. "She killed your father." He responded and glanced at me probably waiting for my reaction at what he just said. ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● Scandals brew in the air once more. Lies in the web of deception and atrocities committed, he seeks to unravel them. Would the past rear its ugly head and untangle all the mysteries? Started[November 2022] Finished [August 2023]

In My Neighbor's Bed by RipperGirl88

Maggie thought she was content with her serviceable marriage, but when a new neighbor awakens the hidden passion inside of her, she must make an impossible choice: risk it all and follow her heart or lose her brother forever. Season 1 of In My Neighbor's Bed *** Maggie Henderson is a housewife living in your typical picture-perfect suburb. A handsome husband, friendly neighbors, and a peaceful life. What more could a girl ask for? Too bad it's all a lie. In reality, her husband is a manipulative jerk who uses a prenup and her terminally ill brother to keep her from leaving, her neighbors are as fake as a three-dollar bill, and her "peaceful life" is actually boring as hell. But that all changes when the new guy, Mason Kendall, moves in across the street. What starts as a sexy game soon turns into a full-fledged affair. But as feelings bloom beneath the surface, the stakes in their little game become higher than ever before. What will she choose? A new life with her lover? Or the life of her dying brother? *** "You're going to kill me at this rate," he grumbled. I had to repress a giggle as I feigned ignorance. "What do you mean? Am I too heavy? Should I get off?" "Don't worry, I'll take care of getting you off," he murmured, sliding his hands under my shirt.

Love & Reputation (HC #3.5) by Flo_Writes

Rosemary Albright has been a topic of gossip in the Ton for six long years. She has perfected her gentle smile, her polite non-answers are above reproach, and not a single brash suitor has seen a snippet of her ire. She is the picture of a calm and collected widow, and she intends to remain that way, even as strangers, acquaintances, and friends alike insist on encouraging her to marriage once more. Alexander Kilroy will do anything in his power to remain unnoticed. Caught between two worlds - his brothers' titles and his father's humble roots - there is nowhere he quite belongs. Ignoring the whispers around him and the hurt in his mother's eyes, Alex is determined to forge his own path, even if it carries him even further from the family he craves but cannot have. When Rosemary and Alexander are reunited, they find their situations are not so different. And what starts as a friendship between two opposite - one like sunshine, the other midnight rain - might just be what they've both been searching for. *A Humphrey Chronicles Novella (book 3.5) which may be read as a standalone* An ONC 2024 Entry (2K, 8K, and Round 2 Ambassador's Pick) Completed December 2024 (~35000 words)

From Crime To Court by KimberlyTanithMarie

▪️TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE▪️ "Go on, lie to me again..." With my back pressed against the wall, I stammered, "What-" Alessio placed a finger against my lips, silencing my protests, and smirked, "But try and make it more believable this time." **** In a desperate attempt to evade the Italian Mafia, art historian Serena Costa finds herself thrust back in time, landing amongst the splendour of the Renaissance, an era dominated by kings and their courts. In this patriarchal society, where roles are strictly defined, as a female, her destiny is already predetermined. However, Serena is resourceful and cleverly disguises herself as a man, named Sereno. Unfortunately, she soon finds herself in the service of the Marquis of Savoy. Though Lord Alessio possesses a magnetic charm and a sharp mind, he remains blissfully unaware that his new and slightly mysterious squire is, in fact, a woman. Imagine his surprise when he begins to develop unexpected feelings for Sereno, leading him to question everything he thought he knew about himself. Serena must balance the weight of her concealed identity while trying to find her way back to the present. However, things becomes even more treacherous when her growing affection for the Marquis complicates her path. 🔅Rated R: Contains thematic issues, adult language, MATURE sexual content, violence and possible triggers. ------------------------------------------------- Cover Photo: Edited by @KimberlyTanithMarie using an image generated by Midjourney © All rights reserved 2023 I DO NOT consent to my story being translated, copied or otherwise reproduced by anyone.

The Men Next Door by wildfirehoney

✅ Complete ✅ When Campbell Kramer accepted a job offer in Manhattan, she never could've imagined what the city had in store for her. Namely, two handsome men who live on either side of her new apartment. One is older, one is younger. One is introverted, one is extroverted. One is serious, one is playful. Both of them want her attention. What could go wrong? ☲☲☲☲☲ ☆Brooks☆ My neighbor was the one to close the distance between us. She did it quickly--like she was scared the moment would pass away forever if she let another millisecond go by--and I rested my hand on the side of her face to steady her. Something about my touch must have given her courage. ♡Campbell♡ The men finally greeted each other while I snipped the green, woody stems and plopped them into the tallest mug I owned. Their sentences were short and awkward, and as I rearranged the blooms for the umpteenth time, the realization that they'd told each other what happened hit me like a south-bound train. I don't know why I didn't expect that. They were best friends, after all. I was just the girl next door. They had no loyalty to me, no reason to keep our time together a secret. ☆Luca☆ Her lips met mine slowly, softly, hesitantly--like she wasn't so sure kissing her neighbor was the best idea--and I responded just as delicately. But when her hand made its way into the back of my hair, our bodies melded together like a lust-struck alloy. And the only hope of separating us was to add more heat. ☲☲☲☲☲ Featured by: 📙 @Wattpad • Love Triangles 💘😈 (July 2025) • Spicy Summer Reads (July 2024) • Endless Reading Mode 🧡 (Jan 2024) • Summer in the City 🥵 (June 2023) 📕 @Romance • Love Triangle (April 2025) • New Adult (June 2024) 📘 @Ambassadors • Hot Encounters (Dec 2024) 📗 @ChickLit • Rom-Com (Oct 2025) • Ambassador's Picks (Jul 2025) Awards: 🥈 Romance runner-up (The Prime Awards 2023)

𝐼𝓇𝓇𝑒𝓅𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒷𝓁𝑒 by stellawriteslove

There were multiple things that Izzy hated: -Science -Food -Nightmares -Oversized Notebooks -Christian Arras But there were also multiple things that Izzy loved: -Her house -High heels -Strawberries -Parties -Christian Arras Her father made it crystal clear, on who and what was off limits. Him being the mayor of their small town, Locksville Louisiana, he had a reputation to withhold. But, Izzy messing around with her father's rivals son, was really causing a knot in the rope. Christian Arras was the son of Dr. Arras, aka the candidate running against Izzy's father in the not so friendly annual mayoral debate. Christian's smart, genius smart. He doesn't show it but when Izzy figures this out, it only draws her closer. But little does she know of the secrets he has bottled up inside. Will messing with the rivals really be worth it? Even if it means sacrificing her feelings and betraying her dad's trust? But when she finds out the truth behind her father and everyone else, she has to figure out which side she must pick. Her father, or the enemies? She knew betraying her father put his position as mayor at stake, but at this point, Christian was simply irrepressible.

The Billionaire's Seductress ✔ by CollateralSunshine

Seducing powerful men into telling her all of their secrets is Scarlett Ambrose's specialty. Ace Hardwood is probably no exception. * The gorgeous, confident and charismatic Scarlett Ambrose is perfect candidate to help Terrence Burke take down the powerful, demanding, and ever-so-handsome Ace Hardwood. When the two cross paths, it seems that the universe has different plans than a hostile takeover. * Scarlett Ambrose is beauty personified. The perfect femme fatale, she commands the attention of a room and is the ultimate social butterfly. She has had many a man fall at her feet. Ace Hardwood is a man that only the imagination could come up with. He is affluential, respected and shuts everyone out. He doesn't give in to her disarming ways. He plays her game with her. Slowly, they start to uncover the secrets of each other's life. In the depths of each others' company, they discover the intricacies that make people who they are. Will Scarlett get what she came for, or will they change each other forever?

The Lord and his Lady by CrossAndQuill

*spin-off to The Duke's Forbidden Lover* Lord Richard of Caldwell's perfect life is upended with news of tragedy. Amidst the uncertainty of his father's health and a happy courtship, he is forced to strike up a friendship with his mother's lady-in-waiting, Louise Price. As their friendship blossoms, an undeniable spark ignites between them that defies the social norms that govern their world. But little does he know that behind her delicate facade lies her hidden past as a runaway slave. Now caught between duty and desire, the two must fight the past for a future they may never have. *** bwwm historical romance.

𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝙾𝚝𝚒𝚜 𝚁𝚎𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜 | ONC 2024 by MarCafeWrites

ONC Ambassador's Pick & Shortlister! Rumors. Infidelity. Lies. Secrets. MURDER. And all before lunch time. Who knew being a socialite in 1951 could be so thrilling? ~~~ On a lovely June afternoon, as the oh-so-chic members of the Gilded Grove Ladies' Book Club gather for their scheduled luncheon, they are shocked to receive the news that their vice president, Camilla Otis, is unable to attend. Gossip ensues. What catastrophe could possibly have befallen her to warrant a last minute cancellation? The answer comes by way of two clever, dashing police officers. It seems Camilla Otis has had quite a busy morning, and that the truth behind her absence is far more scandalous than the Book Club ladies could ever have imagined. As the police dig deeper into the events surrounding Mrs. Otis' shocking crime, buried secrets about the other Book Club members begin to surface. None of the women in question are the fine, upstanding ladies of society that the public believes them to be. Each has tarnish on her so-called "sterling reputation." And no one has more to hide than club president Marcella Montgomery. Written for ONC 2024, this is a tongue-in-cheek "whodunit" (in reverse) that will leave you wondering just what a scorned woman *wouldn't* do for sweet, sweet revenge. ⚠️ Warning: many very nonchalant references to murder and death. Very ignorant (era-realistic), inaccurate comments about nationalities/cultures outside the US.

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Slide 1 of 9

Untangled cover

In My Neighbor's Bed cover

Love & Reputation (HC #3.5) cover

From Crime To Court cover

The Men Next Door cover

𝐼𝓇𝓇𝑒𝓅𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒷𝓁𝑒 cover

The Billionaire's Seductress ✔ cover

The Lord and his Lady cover

𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝙾𝚝𝚒𝚜 𝚁𝚎𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜 | ONC 2024 cover

Untangled

I slammed the table loudly and groaned out of pain. Not only the pain from the headache I was having right now. But also from the memories flooding my mind as well. I was slowly remembering everything. "I hate you!"I shouted seething from anger as I gritted my teeth to stop myself from attacking him. He was really tempting me and I knew it wouldn't be long before I would attempt to pull his face apart and rip out his throat. "Not more than I hate you Alexander Norman. Trust me." He said emphasising on the name that seemed so foreign to me yet that was my real name. He had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he seemed to enjoy the internal battle I was having in my head. " So back to my story-" He drawled in an attempt to irritate me before he continued. " Your mother married me because I had her secret and I threatened to ruin her with it if she did not give in to my wishes." "And what exactly was her secret?" I asked. "She killed your father." He responded and glanced at me probably waiting for my reaction at what he just said. ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● Scandals brew in the air once more. Lies in the web of deception and atrocities committed, he seeks to unravel them. Would the past rear its ugly head and untangle all the mysteries? Started[November 2022] Finished [August 2023]