Meet Trent Bailey, who is fighting for the right to continue his stellar professional football career after enduring striking legal woes in the recent past. Trent cannot and will not blow his second chance for anyone; after all, this is the blessing he's been praying for. After receiving confirmation that staying focused is all he needs, it's what he aims to do. No distractions. That's until he bumps into two unexpected overnight guests.

Retired hit woman Celine Briggs loved few people in this world; her husband Caleb, and her ex-handler, Brian Devereaux. When Celine took her marital vows, she exchanged the life of guns, drugs, and violence for the peaceful life as Caleb's wife. However, not all things buried stay hidden. When Celine's past comes knocking, it rattles her world and forces her back into the life she vowed to give up. Now she is turning up the heat on the streets of Chicago, showing no mercy to the men who've undoubtedly marked themselves.

In this collection are updated stories from some of your favorite Valentines.

Imani hates her life and her waitressing job. She's stuck in the small town of Crystal Lake with no money, education, or way to escape. And then Aiden and his friends come into town. People aren't sure if they're a gang of bikers or something else. There's this odd sense of power whenever they are around. But when Imani meets Aiden, desire instantly bridges between them. There's just one thing standing in their way. He's a werewolf—the alpha of his pack and the one who created the rule that shapeshifters can never breed with humans.

Wilde Roads was dealt an evil hand in life, but is attempting to make the best of her situation without complaints or the need for recognition. Her story plays out the same each day with caring for her sickly son being top priority. The lack of insurance has her up to the neck in medical bills, which encourages to Wilde to pursue a life outside of the one she’d imagined for each of them. Some nights are wild. Others are reckless. But, the night that she encounters Jhalil Hanover, mayor of the city, Wilde falls victim to both.

Retired hitwoman Celine Briggs loved few people in this world; Her husband Caleb, and her ex-handler, Brian Devereaux. When Celine took her marital vows, she exchanged the life of guns, drugs, and violence for the peaceful life as Caleb's wife. However, not all things buried stay hidden.

Stevie Bluehaven faces a tough decision: break the number one street code or stay in an abusive relationship. Choosing herself, the twenty-seven-year-old dog groomer goes against the grain and runs to a new city with her baby, best friend, and the clothes on her back. Taking advantage of her fresh start, Stevie pours all her time into building her clientele and restoring her faith in herself. However, an impromptu night out leads her to a place inhabited by a dangerous man, with broadening energy and protection the runaway didn’t know she would need.

Alana Powers is a triple threat. Brains, beauty, and intelligence. As a smart and savvy businesswoman, Alana's drive and passion for ensuring the success of Powers Construction is unparalleled. Nothing and no one can get in her way—except marriage. Noah Tate is caring, compassionate, and driven by his need to succeed. Fresh out of jail, past mistakes are now behind him, and Noah is determined to prove that he has learned valuable lessons about life. This time, he refuses to allow anything to stand in his way. Unfortunately, his record is proving to be more of a hindrance than he expects.

Sadik Ellis blew into my rather insipid world at breakneck speed and with gripping force. He held all the features: striking feline eyes, golden russet skin, incredible sex appeal, wealth exuding like the enticing scent of cologne, and mind-blowing determination. He was also trouble from the other side of the tracks, something I'd sensed. Sadik was an Ellis man with a solid education, his own thriving businesses, and self-obtained wealth. However, the Ellis family was known for their long underbelly ruling of the state of New Jersey.

For Nala Stanton, love has not always been kind. She fell in love with a façade, and now she's desperate to free herself before it's too late. When opportunity arises, she takes it, even though being found would surely bring her a death sentence. Armed with a new identity and half a million dollars in stolen drug money, she disappears to start a new life for herself. For six years, she's had the freedom she craved, but that is all about to change when he is on her trail.

For seventeen years, the Army has been Nakara Dakota Willer's saving grace. Dakota has excelled, ranked, and changed her life for the better. As a decorated Chief Aviation Officer, she encompasses the skillsets and fortitude to handle any challenges, except, him. Omari Kreed is a legacy. Born from a line of Kreed men who have served the highest ranks means his future in the Army is not only expected but destined. Regardless, his journey will be his own. Unlike the Kreed men before him, his mindset on acquiring Aviation wings.

Solomon takes care of his people. All he expects in return is for everyone on his team to remain solid. Anyone who refuses to show loyalty no longer earns his favor, and family is not exempt. Kaori Randall embraces one concept: love and be loved. She is raised by parents and grandparents, who are examples of happy, healthy relationships. Kaori has high expectations when it comes to her own happiness, which makes the failure of her own love life a huge disappointment.

I’m a professional. I have strict rules of conduct when it comes to my business, Taylar Made Events. My number one rule? Don’t flirt with the groom. But … What about the groom’s moody, but hot brother?

Billie Hopkins is discontent living life for her mother. The painter and baker spends her days working at her family’s business. Even though she wishes she could change her life, she doesn’t have the motivation to do so… Until her boyfriend of three years breaks up with her and gets engaged just six months later. Worse, his fiancée wants to hire Billie to bake their wedding cake. That seems to be the final straw that breaks the camel’s back and forces Billie to do something different with her life—even if it’s just for three days.

Ajoni "Khaotic" Brooks lives his life like any other hustler. He makes his money, takes care of his family, and stays out the way. He goes above and beyond for the ones he loves, and that very reason is why he has to do a five-year bid. His last weekend as a free man was spent enjoying life and the little freedom he had left. What he didn't expect was for that night to change his forever.

Angie is taking a serious break from dating. At least, she thought she was until she comes across the finest man she’s ever seen — the new handyman in her building. Angie knows what she wants in a man, and Law doesn't seem to be it. But that doesn’t mean she can’t get to know him, right? Law is focused on rebuilding his life as a free man. That rebuild doesn’t include getting involved with anyone, especially not the bougie girl at his job who always needs something fixed.

Imani hates her life and her waitressing job. She's stuck in the small town of Crystal Lake with no money, education, or way to escape. And then Aiden and his friends come into town. People aren't sure if they're a gang of bikers or something else. There's this odd sense of power whenever they are around. But when Imani meets Aiden, desire instantly bridges between them. There's just one thing standing in their way. He's a werewolf—the alpha of his pack and the one who created the rule that shapeshifters can never breed with humans.

Damita Jo Jackson has experienced a variety firsts in her life and on the cusp of yet another life changing event, she finds herself meandering down memory lane. The Pleasure Principle is her documented journey into womanhood via her sexuality, filtered through the lens of music from her very famous namesake. At the end of her journey through the past, DJ is reminded that it truly, always comes back to love.

For seventeen years, the Army has been Nakara Dakota Willer's saving grace. Dakota has excelled, ranked, and changed her life for the better. As a decorated Chief Aviation Officer, she encompasses the skillsets and fortitude to handle any challenges, except, him. Omari Kreed is a legacy. Born from a line of Kreed men who have served the highest ranks means his future in the Army is not only expected but destined. Regardless, his journey will be his own. Unlike the Kreed men before him, his mindset on acquiring Aviation wings.

Business and pleasure are two things that shouldn’t be mixed. Detective Gavyn Garrett doesn’t believe this rule applies to him. He is determined to live life on his terms, even if that means having a thing for his boss. Sharae Chapman is a sergeant with the Ribax Police Department who lives to uphold her squeaky clean and blemish-free image. Sharae never imagined how an instantaneous yes to hiring a new detective would rock her steady foundation. What happens when two people with an oath to uphold the law find themselves teetering the line between conflict of interest and what feels right?

Julius Gallalucci's plans have all fallen through, leaving him stressed and scrambling weeks before his album release and tour announcement. When the pressure becomes too much, he and his team duck off to Eastover to revamp and recharge. What he didn't plan for was his world to clash with a wide-eyed beauty who would prove more of a muse than a distraction.

I knew I wanted her since the first time I saw her at that kitchen counter sobbing. I could see the pain in her eyes, and I knew she had never been loved right. She probably never had someone console or love her the way that I knew I would. I couldn't love her then. My heart wouldn't allow me to, knowing that everything or everyone that loves me ends up leaving this earth.

Anastazia Chase has always had her life perfectly planned out. But what she didn't plan for was to be wrapped up with her current man Cedric. What started out as a potential fairytale romance quickly changed to the opposite, leaving Anastazia to become a woman she barely recognizes. When she realizes life won't ever change with him, she makes a shocking decision that sends her life into a tailspin.

You ever met somebody and knew right away they were going to be your forever? Yea, me neither. But when my path crossed with Devyn Banks, I knew she would leave a stain that was hard to wash out.

Born into the most ruthless crime family in the South, Azreal De Santis is bred to lead, dominate, and rule. When a strategic marriage forces him to take Natoi Kingston as his wife, Azreal learns power is not always defined by strength, blood is not the strongest bond, and loyalty isn’t always black and white. Sometimes there are shades of gray. Natoi Kingston is fire, rebellion, and nothing Azreal believes is beneficial in his world. She challenges, tempts, and makes him question everything he thought he knew about loyalty and love.

Fueled by her impulsive desire to create a memorable night, Sovanna approaches the finest man in the club. Boldly, she introduces herself to Zahir, confident he won't reject her...and he doesn't. Instead, he exceeds her expectations, making it clear that a mere one-night stand was just the beginning for them and the least she could've asked for. With Zahir, Sovanna realizes that she means much more to him than a fleeting, passionate encounter.

Life should be sweet for him and his wife, Malayah. However, the universe is throwing Lynx's world on its axis and stirring up trouble. Issues that were supposed to be buried resurfaced and could potentially threaten his happy home. Lynx also has to deal with the law trying to creep into his life. He rules his empire with an iron fist, and if he can be connected to any crimes within his organization, Lynx could be put under the jail and never again see the light of day.

In this collection are updated stories from some of your favorite Valentines.

She's a homie hopper. She's confused. She doesn't take accountability for anything. She's f*cking her way through all her brothers' friends. I've heard more than a few of those when people talk about me, and I have even felt the same way my damn self. I didn't know what I wanted. I mean, I knew what I wanted. I wanted marriage, love, and the commitment that I made to my husband—ex-husband. I've found myself confused after my divorce from Naheim. It would have been easier to stay and forgive him for something that broke me. It would have been easier for him to stay and forgive me.

Saniyah Montgomery learned at an early age what it means to be loved, but instead of setting the bar high, she chases the thrill of those who aren’t worthy. Grand Sinclair is just another thrill on the long list of bad decisions. He warns Saniyah to stay away but she’s stubborn and determined. The minute his walls come down, Saniyah realizes that the tortured fighter with eyes that crush your soul is nothing she expects but everything she wants.