T. Smith

Sometimes, the best choice might be the one that leaves you vulnerable. The one that forces you to face a past that hurts or go through with something you never thought would come to fruition. The one that makes taking a risk your only option. Wilhelmina "Wil" Cunningham is no stranger to pressure. The child of an Olympian and a boxer, and a former Olympian herself, Wil has gained an "America’s sweetheart" reputation—a high pedestal to fall from when her world gets rocked by betrayal and deceit.

Presley Evans has been labeled as promiscuous ever since she was a teenager and it has unfortunately followed her into adulthood. Being painted as someone she isn't, for as long as she can remember, has taken a toll on the young beauty, numbing her whole being. Couple that with the hurtful secrets she's harboring from the world, no one would blame her for her desensitized attitude. But when she meets a handsome NFL player who offers her an arrangement she can't turn down, and one that would ignite the spark she's been missing for so long, Presley can't help but to oblige.

Analicia Chase at one point had it all, a great family and a loving, talented boyfriend. But with the death of her father coming shortly after the loss of her boyfriend's dream, along with his usual tenacity, and a recently developed strained relationship with her sister, things have been rough. They only worsen when a stranger comes into her life, throwing it completely off course. With everything around Analicia crumbling by the day, defeat begins to consume her.

The day Lisara Compton caught her husband in a rather compromising position changed her life in a way neither she nor her sons ever saw coming. Realizing too late that divorcing him would cause a domino effect of turmoil, she is now forced into an uncomfortable life that she can't seem to stay afloat in. With her eldest son acting out and a nonexistent ex-husband, Lisara feels things can't get any worse. That's until her ex betrays her and their son in a way that leaves her in need like never before. It seems she just can't catch a break, until she meets him.

For Nalani Stark, legacy matters… maybe more than most things. Important enough that when that legacy — inextricably tied to her mother’s memory - is challenged, she’s forced to consider even the most undesirable options… Such as a match made in hell with Orion Sterling. The heir to the competitor she grew up being warned about. Orion is a man well-accustomed to getting exactly what he wants. Other than opportunities to grow the family business, he’s moved by very few things.

Putting herself first is what Jordana Evans knows how to do best. She’s at the top of her game in her career and no longer haunted by memories of her past threatening to steal her joy. In her mind, being in love is a want, not a need, and she’s convinced that she’ll be just fine without it. Having intimate relations with the opposite sex is something she’s willing to do for one night only. But then came along…him.

In my world, loyalty is everything. I shouldn’t have let her get close. I shouldn’t have let her get under my skin. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let another take her from me. He’ll pay with his life, because nothing will keep me from reclaiming what I lost.