"A Book in the Mates Series" Ethan Abbatt is a wolf shifter who can't shift. Plagued by pain and weakness all his life, he hopes to find an honorable death by joining his pack mates in a vampire attack. Instead, Ethan learns two things: draining his blood releases his pain and his wolf, and he has a true mate-a vampire named Miguel. Miguel Rodriguez is more than four centuries old. Strong, powerful, and vicious, he walks through life as a shadow, without happiness or affection. When a young shifter tells Miguel they're true mates, destined to be together, Miguel sends him away. But Ethan is persistent, and Miguel can't resist for long. Once Miguel gives in, being together comes naturally. The challenge is keeping themselves alive so they can stay by each other's side until forever comes.

Rafael Some obsessions are forever. Isabel Adamik made me need her. She made me crave her in a way I'd never seen coming. With tempting innocence tinged by that hint of darkness under her skin, she showed me everything I'd never dared to dream mi princesa could possess. A Queen for the devil himself. Nothing exists but the overwhelming need to make her mine in every way. To sear myself into her skin until she admits she loves me. Isa Some loves are worth killing for. I fell in love with the devil, and he stripped away everything I thought I knew about myself. With beautiful lies and clever manipulation, he showed me a version of the world that seemed too good to be true. Because it was. He's determined to possess me in every way. To strip down my defenses until there's no part of me he doesn't know. But sometimes... Secrets are better left in the dark. Until Forever Ends is the second book in the Beauty in Lies series and ends on a cliffhanger. This is a DARK mafia romance and contains graphic violence, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your own discretion.

Sometimes forever takes a detour Single mom Lacey McQueen's life has never gone according to plan. She fell in love once, at sixteen, with a man she thought would be her forever. He was her first kiss---her first everything. But one horrific night took everything from her, leaving her broken and alone, with lifelong responsibilities. Landon Jessup's life revolved around Lacey, but when the unthinkable happened to her, it all fell apart. Unable to make things right, he did the only thing he could. He ran. And he's regretted it for six long years. Now fate has brought them back together. The moment their eyes meet it's as if time has stood still--the attraction, the pull, the love--it's all still there. But so are complications, new and old. Can this second chance at love deliver the future they've always wanted or will the pain of their pasts destroy them again? Content Warning: contains scenes depicting rape, violence and unplanned pregnancy.

She's trusted the wrong man too many times. But when she starts a fling with her best friend's playboy brother, she knows exactly what she's getting into...right? Sophie Delaware has chronically bad taste in men. After another disastrous relationship implodes, she's ready to give up on love. What she needs is a little fun, with no strings attached, and she knows the perfect guy for the job. Cooper hasn't had a serious relationship since he returned from military service. He wears his serial dater persona like a cloak and doesn't speak of the nightmares that plague him. When Sophie proposes two weeks of unadulterated pleasure, he knows he shouldn't agree, but his little sister's best friend grew up to be more tempting than he expected. Before Sophie knows it, Cooper has taken it upon himself to be her one-man support system. He was supposed to be a fling, but there's more to the dreamy veteran than meets the eye, and now she's at risk of losing her heart. When it comes time for their affair to end, will she be brave enough to put everything on the line, or will her past get in the way of happily ever after?

It was something she would never forgive herself for... it wasn't until lunchtime that Jessi remembered to call home. No answer. She tried calling several times while she ate her lunch. Still no answer. She closed her eyes and rested her arms and head on her desk. She breathed deeply, wishing she had remembered to call earlier. Until Forever is a story of a young family that is torn apart by the devastating effects of alcoholism. Can healing take place in a relationship when an unforgivable act is committed? Will Jessi's pain and Mark's guilt keep them apart forever, or will unforeseen circumstances bind them together? 'Darlene is an extremely gifted and exciting new author. Her story of a family suffering and growing and changing manages to leap beyond the clichés of the genre and stand as an original work.' -Cliff Graham, Author of Day of War 'Until Forever delves into the difficult realms of reconciliation, redemption, and forgiveness. Shortridge illustrates a story that is at times poignant and compelling. I found myself vicariously experiencing Jessi and Mark's tragic loss and desperately wanted them to be fully healed and restored. If you battle with the perception that you are unconditionally loved and forgiven by God, this novel is for you.' -Jeral Davis, Author of Tomorrow

Meet Travis Wagner and Lindsay Yardley, heirs to the most infamous feud in the history of the charming mountain town of Brandywood, Maryland. The Wagners and Yardleys have been at each other’s throats for generations, but beneath the surface a secret passion has been smoldering. For years, Travis and Lindsay have indulged in forbidden rendezvous, each tryst more fiery than the last. They’ve sworn it would be the last time, but destiny has a different plan in store. When the Wagners launch a campaign to oust Peter Yardley, Lindsay’s beloved grandfather and a national celebrity, from Main Street, fate thrusts Travis and Lindsay together once again. Tasked by the town council with finding a peaceful solution that will preserve the town’s charm and the livelihoods of local businesses, Lindsay and Travis must put aside their family’s animosity and work side by side. Forced to work together, they can no longer deny the simmering attraction that has kept them coming back for more. But as they navigate the treacherous waters of newfound love, a more daunting challenge looms—figuring out a way to tell the truth to their feuding families. Can Travis and Lindsay’s love bridge the gap between generations of animosity and bring harmony to Brandywood ... or will it be the final blow to their town’s broken heart? A contemporary romance with steamy, open door romance about family rivalries, forbidden love, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds, Until Forever Ends is the fourth installment of the Brandywood Small Town Romance series. CW: language, adultery