Lilly Baek, a high school student at an elite Korean school, navigates a complex web of family secrets, abuse, and forbidden love. Forced into an arranged engagement with Cha Hyun Soo, the brooding brother of a K-pop idol, Lilly's life spirals out of control.
After a one-night stand with a mysterious stranger, Lilly faces blackmail and threats when a sex tape surfaces. As she struggles to protect her reputation, she must confront her abusive father and the dark truth about her family's mafia ties.
Cha Hyun Soo, with his cold demeanor and captivating presence, becomes entangled in Lilly's life. But can their forbidden attraction overcome the danger and deceit surrounding them?
*Themes:* Abuse, Family Dynamics, Forced Marriage, Loyalty, Betrayal, Self-Discovery
A serial killer stalks Barbados and Detective John Riley returns to the island to stop them before they turn their attention to the people closest to him.
*****
A serial killer stalks the tropical paradise of Barbados, leaving victims naked in canefields and the island police force is ill-equipped to handle the case. Enter Seattle homicide detective and Barbados native: Detective John Riley. John hasn't been back to Barbados in decades, and he has his own demons to face. But as he combats the heat, the media, and the very police force he's working to help, he desperately hopes he can stop the violence before the killer turns their attention to the people closest to him.
[[Wattys Winner]]
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]