Showing results by author "Stephanie Nicole Norris" in All Categories

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.

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

After her fiance calls off the wedding not once but twice, Camilla's had enough. In a brazen move, she takes a new position in the windy city of Chicago, leaving her parents, friends, and ex in a bittersweet goodbye. Adapting to her new surroundings isn't easy, but as Camilla settles in, a chance encounter with an infamous playboy throws her off balance and rattles her world. She hadn't expected to be drawn so meticulously to another, but denying the magnetism that lures her is a futile fight.

Small-business owner and financial advisor Samiyah Manhattan is mourning the death of her six-year marriage when she vows never to trust men again. Alone at a local bar, Samiyah attempts to put her situation in perspective when she is drawn inexorably to the presence of a nearby patron. Celebrity ex-boxer and heavyweight champion turned business mogul Jonas Alexander Rose never takes women too seriously. They only attach themselves to him because of his star-studded status. However, when he meets the beautiful Samiyah Manhattan, Jonas is overwhelmed by the heated attraction.

Raised as a debutante, ladylike and reserved, London Jones has stepped into unknown territory. From the moment her life collided with a man who should've been off-limits, a bachelor with a hot reputation - staying out of his way was the sensible thing to do. However, she finds herself caught in a tangled web of passionate fervor whenever he comes near. So much so that her ability to place a barrier between them becomes a futile battle. The heart wants what it wants, and London's heart yearns for him.

At the celebration of her best friend's wedding, Claudia Stevens is trying to sort out her tumultuous emotions, regarding the groom's best man and brother, Jaden Alexander Rose. What started as a platonic relationship, has turned into a battle of wills whenever they find themselves together. Their heated exchanges have risen to the surface, and desire spills over on contact. However, Claudia fears she is not enough to be on the arm of a prestigious benefactor like Jaden. And Claudia is sure that's why he's friend-zoned her.

On the surface, Corinne Thomas has the world at her fingertips. Adventurous by nature, her daring persona allows her the freedom to take risks and live her life, at times, in complete anonymity. But there is something that lingers deep down that, if brought to light, could stir the masquerade Corinne's built for herself. For the past few weeks, exchanges with a certain someone wreaks havoc on her ability to maintain a solid pretense.

Effervescent, fearless, and self-assured, Selena Strauss is always the life of the party. Her buoyant personality is a pleasure to be around, causing her to garner the attention of a hot commodity she's had her eyes on for a while. Being in the proximity of her walking wet dream, Selena finds herself immensely infatuated with the possibility of their relationship flourishing into something much more. That is until the reality of her parent's divorce becomes the focal point of Selena's life, and, suddenly, Selena's not so sure that the happily-ever-after she's chasing is real.

In the biggest wedding of the decade, triplets Eden, Jasmine, and Phoebe Alexandria Rose prepare to marry the men who've captured their hearts. Invitations have gone out, and The Who's who in the city of Chicago will be in attendance, including local and national media. However, after coming up with what seemed to be a brilliant plan for the sister's wedding night, those ideas backfire and the ladies lean on each other for support in an effort to hold it together - all the way to the altar.

Always the optimist, TV assignment editor Allison Sullivan makes no excuses about the enthusiastic life she leads. As doors of opportunity present themselves, whether in her profession, in her love life, or her friendships, Allison is one to take the task on full speed ahead. But when Allison meets the man she's investigated in person, the world around her seems to pause as she fumbles to recover from the dynamic energy that clings from him to her. She's never felt desire forge so deeply within, and the chance at a clandestine meeting raises the stakes on an ensuing love affair.

It was the season that brought families together for trick-or-treating and Thanksgiving dinners. But for Octavia Davenport, this season symbolized an era in her life when she lost everything. For years, Octavia was alone living a moderately single life, but then she met the owner of Rose Security Group, and suddenly things began to change. A blossoming friendship evolved, and with it came an unrestrained indulgence to connect with him on every level. Desire had never stirred her until him, and Octavia didn't want to deny herself what she so hungrily craved.

Embarking on a new journey, Santana Summers wants nothing more than to enjoy her new city, new friends, and new career. But when one of those friends is one of Chicago's most eligible bachelors, Santana finds herself getting more than she ever bargained for. Being the youngest of seven brothers, Josiah Alexander Rose is the quintessential playboy. He is not interested in settling down until his father gives him a proposition he cannot refuse. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but to execute it, dear old dad wants Josiah to settle down, show some responsibility, and gain a wife.

One thing that held constant in Shelby Donovan’s life was her career. As a world-renowned artist, Shelby’s paintings traveled the globe, landing in museums and homes across the nation. But what she couldn’t seem to get under control was her love life. Her mother insisted it was because of her best friend, Sebastian Cartwright. They’ve known each other for years. Sebastian and Shelby shared everything; embarrassing moments, secrets, dating tips, affection, and even an explosive kiss during one tipsy night on Shelby’s birthday.

Life at the Houston Report for investigative journalist Desiree Stevens is no longer a fulfilling one. She's contemplating moving back to Chicago where her family resides, but Desiree can't deny that returning to her hometown for the sake of employment isn't her only reason. Just a few weeks prior, Desiree had the pleasure of meeting philanthropist Julian Alexander Rose, awkwardly enough, at the hospital. And since the strange encounter, getting Julian off her mind has been Desiree's biggest failure.

As the owner of WTZB broadcast station, Avery Michele was determined to make her grandfather's legacy thrive, even if her duties included being in front of the camera for Chicago's hottest events. However, Avery didn't foresee catching the eye of one determined bachelor. And after accepting his invitation to lunch, an unexpected craving for more than nutrition storms her with heat that takes her breath away. But with life outside of her profession shifting in the wrong direction, the thought of disappearing is the impetus that makes Avery run away from love.

As the matriarch in one of Chicago's elite families, Bridgette Valentine has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Coordinating soirees for every season, along with pulling her weight as the co-owner of Valentine Media Group, Bridgette is left little time to indulge in the one person who rocks her world, Leslie Valentine.

Three friends experiencing life’s uncertain changes decide they need relaxation beyond the usual girls’ night out. A friend tells them about The Den, an upscale male strip club. They find out the club is a shell of what really lies beneath - and soon, the ladies are venturing into their mind and body’s wildest desires.

In this season of giving, love is in the air for the Rose and Valentine families. Because of the addition of in-laws, they both are in pursuit of new land and developments to build lasting memories with the ones they hold dear. So when they submit bids against one another, their rivalry heats to a level that will bring them to a head; until they both become outbid by a new competitor. On the heels of a love affair brewing, the need for a partnership arises that may shut down the foundation of their feud permanently, or possibly, extend it.

Princess Cadena Winthrope was well aware of the splintering heat that sizzled her flesh whenever Gemini was nearby. As her loyal guard, Gemini remained standing in the shadows, watching her every move—his gaze catching the dark corners of the room as well as her body's outline. Past ready to face their attraction head-on, Cadena is prepared to put her heart on the line, but a romance between the two could put his life at risk. How far would they be willing to go for love?

As the CEO of Building Bridges LLC, Bri is driven by determination for success. However, while planning the wedding of one of Chicago's hottest couples, Bri's focus is shifted when the strum of a nocturnal voice captures her attention. Being an empath has empowered her sense of compassion for others, so she's not only drawn to him because of his broken heart but also from a fierce attraction that sparks her interest and tap dances on a groove on her heart. Getting involved with someone who's not open to love may prove to be the most difficult road Bri has ever journeyed.