A Lesson In Thorns

Jack is an expert in telecommunications systems, and he will have to suspend the vacation he longed for to fulfill his mission in space. What Jack does not know is that he will not only have to repair the satellite damaged by a meteorite, but he will also have to bring back Dr. Susan, who is lost on the planet Mars. NASA is hiding a secret, not only about the mission, but also about the importance of bringing Dr. Susan back, so they will send two undercover agents to guarantee the mission.

Synopsis for A Serenade in Starlight When struggling artist Elena Harper receives the opportunity of a lifetime—a prestigious art scholarship abroad—she faces a heart-wrenching choice: pursue her lifelong dream or stay with Nathan Cole, the enigmatic photographer who’s captured her heart. From a chance meeting in a rain-soaked café to late-night walks under Parisian stars, their connection deepens through shared passions, unspoken truths, and the kind of love that feels destined. But when ambition and distance threaten to tear them apart, they must decide if love is enough to bridge the miles—or if following their dreams means saying goodbye forever. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris, A Serenade in Starlight is a tender, emotional journey about chasing what sets your soul on fire—both in art and in love. Will destiny be enough to rewrite their stars, or will they become just another beautiful memory? Perfect for fans of soulful romance, artistic passion, and unforgettable Parisian nights.

[WSA 2024 Entry] Please Support. _________ Silas, as a normal hot-blooded youth with big dreams and huge ambition, wanted to see the world, experience what it has to offer while living his dream life. But when has life ever gone according to plan? when has it ever been fair to anyone? Silas was hit with a reality check after graduating, if school was hard, society is harder. For two years he worked but nothing seems to be working out. He gave up on his dreams and ambition and his determination waned. After a long day at work one day, he looked up at the ceiling and made a wish, a wish he never knew will come true and change his life forever. He got a system, one that seems to be an all-rounder and it has his dream feature. [Ding!] [You spent $1199. You received 10x rebate of expenses made. You earned $11,990. The money has been sent to host bank account] "My dream life is no longer out of reach!" ________ This is my first book and English is not my main, I will apologize for any possible error. ________ Disclaimer: 'Getting A System In A Modern World' is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This book may reference real companies and organizations, but these references are for narrative purposes only and are not intended to depict actual conduct or involvement of these entities. The use of these names and references is not meant to harm, defame, or discredit these companies or organizations. ________ Thank you for reading :)

In the span of a single minute, Cho Jae-Hwa, an ex-university student, along with thousands of others, is teleported to a seemingly endless dungeon. With no guidance, she encounters a mysterious young girl who introduces her to the Terminal system—a crucial tool for survival—as well as giving Jae-Hwa a reason to keep fighting. Though the reasons behind their entrapment remain unknown, it becomes clear that their predicament is not the result of magic or disaster, but a deliberate act by humans.

[ Caution: High Heat Advisory ] “Harper, stop undressing me with your eyes. The plot isn’t going that way… YET.” Harper McKenzie, a newbie web novel author, has a problem — she struggles with romance scenes. As someone with almost nonexistent real-life experience in the matter, she can’t get the intimate chemistry right, and those chapters always come out dry and cringy. Fortunately for her, Harper finds a freelance editor willing to workshop her writing. But the surprise? That editor turns out to be her childhood friend and the very first crush of her life. What happens now when he offers her personal lessons on how to write the hottest romance … and love scenes? -------------- Note: this is a fun, cozy, sweet story with a low-drama plot. No love triangles, no misunderstandings, no memory loss / car accidents / terminal illnesses / etc.. Mature content abounds, starting out soft but heats up quickly. You’ve been warned! -------------- Sneak Peek: He slid her bra over her shoulders and, with impossibly quick and skilled work, tied the lacy garment around her wrists. “Spread your legs wider,” he ordered. Harper’s already faltering heartbeat faltered some more. The command in his tone was foreign, but it crashed over her like a heat wave, and even though she could barely begin to picture how salacious she must look, with her hands bound and thighs spread wide like an offering to be ravished, she could feel the scorching need coiling hotter and hotter in her core. Her body obeyed eagerly on its own accord, bringing herself fully open just like she was told. Eli grinned. Moving between her legs, he trailed hot kisses along her inner thigh, leaving sizzling little fires crackling in its wake. “Good girl. Now, what should your character say next?” A finger glided over her wet and wanting flesh in a slippery stroke, making her heart slam to a hard stop as a moan tore free. “Write the next line for me, what should I say before I unravel you with my tongue and make you scream my name?”

Rose thought she had escaped the horrors of her past, but fate had other plans. After a fatal car accident catapults her into the body of her five-year-old self, she awakens disoriented, trapped in a warehouse with other kidnapped girls. Memories of her previous life flood back—memories of betrayal, pain, and a world that left her shattered and powerless. But this time, Rose is different. Armed with the wisdom of her past life and the mysterious Deadly Rose System, she’s determined to carve a path of vengeance. No longer a victim, she will dismantle the lives of those who wronged her, one thorn at a time. Her journey is a relentless dance of blood and shadows, her mind teetering on the edge of feral obsession. Driven by a single purpose—to ensure that history does not repeat itself—Rose transforms from a frightened child into a predator hiding behind an innocent mask. Yet, the deeper she delves into her dark mission, the more tangled her heart becomes. Among her enemies lies one man, a ghost from her past she can never forget. He is an enigma, an adversary who once brought her pain, but now stirs feelings she can’t explain. As their paths cross in a deadly game of lies and loyalty, Rose finds herself questioning everything. Can she afford to trust him, or is he a distraction that threatens to unravel her carefully plotted revenge? In a world where betrayal runs deep and love is a dangerous weakness, Rose must decide: will she risk her vengeance for a chance at redemption—or will she sacrifice her heart to see justice served? Thorns of Retribution is a dark and twisted tale of revenge, power, and forbidden desire. In the pursuit of justice, Rose must confront not only her enemies but the shadows within herself.

In the shadows of New York, 17-year-old Gianna lives a sheltered life, blissfully unaware of the hidden truths that bind her to a mysterious legacy. As her 18th birthday approaches, whispers of her father's death and long-buried secrets begin to surface, thrusting her into a world of deception and intrigue. As she navigates the complexities of newfound power and betrayal, Gianna must uncover the truth about her past while transforming from a timid girl into a formidable force. In Legacy of Thorns, every revelation could be the key to her survival—or her undoing.

Laiza Danford has lived her entire life at the beck and call of her family, enslaved by the desire of their love attention. Always being compared and living in the shadows of her twin. Detested by all even by the one she hoped will be her escape from her damned fate only for every thing to blow up in her face, pushed to death she promises to come back to destroy.

A Short Story with no actual meaning just to appreciate a few aesthetics I love

Liam, a disabled adult on earth, dies and reincarnates into the world of a novel he read as a talentless prince of the greatest clan. But he was also reincarnated with a book which contains all the information about the world and the future. A grimoire which could let him 'read' the future, and at some point, alter it. Reincarnated as a prince who was on the verge of death, he uses his quick thinking and calm mind to remove himself from harms way. But of course he can't have a peaceful life... [You have received an attribute. You are bound to interfere with the story whether you like it or not.] Armed with knowledge of this ruined world, he decides to get stronger as there was still hope to survive the 'Ending'. ______ Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/r8rVHNabuF

In a world where ancient forests guard forgotten magic, Elara has always felt out of place-feared for her strange powers and shunned by those she calls home. Lured into forbidden woods by a mysterious voice, she discovers a destiny bound by thorns and written in the stars. With a power that can either save or destroy, she is tasked with navigating the treacherous path of hidden truths, dark forces, and impossible choices. As allies and enemies blur and the price of her newfound magic grows clearer, Elara is forced to question: Is she the hero this world needs-or the harbinger of its doom? The journey has begun, but the stars are not always kind. Will she rise against the shadows, or will they claim her soul?

A strong Christian girl who has loved Alaska her entire life moves there, ready to live with her Alaska family, make new friends, and hike. But, of course, nothing ever goes to plan.

Sometimes to see the light, you have to dive into the darkness

In the cutthroat world of the gemstone industry, billionaire Zayne Aldridge is determined to expand his empire beyond the family sapphire mine, entangling himself in a high-stakes game with ruthless competitors. Calla, an ambitious saleswoman at Crystal's jewelry store, finds herself drawn into Zayne's captivating world, where every deal is layered with intrigue and every relationship harbors hidden agendas. As Zayne's obsession with success grows, so does the threat from Victor Sinclair, his cunning rival willing to resort to any means necessary to topple him. When Zayne’s trusted confidant, Mason Carter, becomes embroiled in a dangerous betrayal, Calla is forced to confront the shadows that threaten to engulf her life and the man she’s fallen for. Amidst deceit, power struggles, and a stunning diamond trap, Calla must navigate a treacherous path where loyalty is tested and trust is a luxury she can’t afford. With the stakes rising and darkness closing in, will she have the courage to fight for the love she desires, or will she become another casualty in Zayne’s battle for supremacy?

Selene was never meant to wear the crown. Born into a royal family with a tragic past, she was always content living in the shadows of her more charismatic siblings. But when an untimely assassination claims the lives of her family, she is thrust into the throne, burdened with the weight of a kingdom she never wanted. With the crown comes more than just responsibility. It’s a symbol of power, but also a curse—a dark history that binds Selene to ancient forces, and a crown entwined with the very fate of the kingdom. A mysterious figure, hidden in the shadows of the court, seems to know more about the cursed crown than he lets on. As Selene struggles to adapt to her newfound role, the prince from a neighboring kingdom begins to draw near, offering her a political alliance... but his true motives are unclear. As she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, Selene finds herself torn between duty, fear, and the forbidden allure of a love she can never fully trust. With every decision, the crown grows heavier, and the thorns hidden within its delicate structure seem to reach deeper, testing her strength and her heart. In a world where betrayal is as common as loyalty, Selene must find her own path—or risk losing not only the crown but herself.

To fulfill a prophecy in hope of saving his clan, Jaelan sets out on a journey North. His thoughts are mixed as he races to reach the cave hidden in the mountain of seven peaks before the allotted time runs out. However, on his quest he runs into a warrior, who might just be the answer to what he’s looking for. NC-17 rating due to sexual content Join our discord: https://discord.gg/2A78sSfn

Ayunda Saraswati was once Aleya, an independent woman in the modern world, a corporate worker with no family or close friends. She lived a life devoid of warmth, never knowing love or attachment. Until one fateful accident claimed her life, leaving her lost in the void between worlds. Reborn in the majestic Majapahit Kingdom, Ayunda wakes up in a new life, as the 10-year-old daughter of a minor minister in the royal court. The world around her seems eerily familiar, echoing the ancient dramas she had once watched. But this is no longer the life she once knew. Here, in a world of kings, warriors, and politics, Ayunda faces an unexpected challenge: she now has a family—a dignified father, a loving mother, and a handsome brother. For the first time, she finds the warmth and care she never had in her previous life. As Ayunda recovers from a feverish illness in the quiet seclusion of her family’s courtyard, she begins to adjust to her new life, free from the burdens of the court. But she cannot forget her past life and the lessons learned from her lonely existence. She does not seek the kingdom’s destiny or its politics; all she hopes for now is to live peacefully with the family that loves her, and perhaps, experience the affection and connection she never had before. However, the kingdom’s fate is not so easily ignored. And Ayunda’s newfound family, including the handsome Crown Prince Rajendra Wijaya, may be the key to a future far different from what she ever imagined. Disclaimer: This is a work of pure fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, persons, or places is purely coincidental.

Melissa Rodriguez is a woman on a mission. She's determined to rise to the top of the wealthy elite, no matter the cost. Armed with secrets and scandals, she sets her sights on those who stand in her way - including her former lover, billionaire Derrick Sanchez as she plays the dangerous games with the top players . As Melissa navigates the cutthroat world of high society, she's forced to confront her own dark past and make impossible choices to stay one step ahead. But with each calculated move, she inches closer to her ultimate goal: total domination. Will Melissa's cunning and ambition be enough to secure her place at the top, or will the very secrets she's used to climb the ladder ultimately be her downfall? In this gripping tale of power, deception, and revenge, only one thing is certain: in the game of wealth and power, no one can be trusted."

I died. That's obvious. But I was reborn. How? Don't ask me. Maybe it was some god. A divine being? Ah- It doesn't matter. My life burned away and now- well I'm stuck here in this black void. This dungeon. Maybe I had lived a pious last life. Laughable as that was. But I was given a second chance. Told to grow my dungeon, to create hulking monstrosities that would destroy the world. In short, I am now a villain. I am the consciousness of the dungeon, the little orb at the end my body. And still I live. A projection of a body is created - a trap - and I am that. I am the one to guide foolish adventurers to their death. My looks are curated. Soft features that entrap the mind. I am the dungeon. I am the projection, I am human, and I am the dungeon. And I will conquer all. Every being will bow before my might. "Before you're cuteness~" Ah- heh- that too... help... I didn't ask to look this cute!

--- Dear Reader, Welcome to a transformative journey through the pages of "The Confident Mindset: Lessons from History, Power for Today." I invite you to embark on an adventure of learning, self-discovery, and empowerment as we traverse the corridors of time and explore the profound concept of confidence. This book is not just a collection of words; it's a shared exploration, a conversation between you and I, a fellow traveler on this path. My name is Troy Watkins, I go by many names, Visionary Pharaoh, Pharaohic Vision, Varaoh, etc etc.. Today I am here as Visionary World, the author of this book and many more to come. I've delved deep into the annals of history, drawing wisdom from the lives of remarkable individuals whose confidence radiated through the ages. Together, we'll uncover the secrets of those who faced adversity with unwavering conviction, challenged the norms of their time, and left an indelible mark on the world. Their stories will serve as beacons, illuminating the path to understanding what it truly means to be confident in oneself. But this journey isn't confined to history alone. Throughout the book, I'll interlace my personal reflections, insights, and interpretations. I'll bridge the chasm between the past and the present, showing you how the lessons learned from these remarkable figures can be applied to modern-day scenarios. As we navigate this terrain, you'll discover the myriad traits that compose the confident mindset – resilience, courage, authenticity, and more. You'll witness how these qualities manifested in the lives of historical figures and gain a deeper understanding of how they can empower you today. "The Confident Mindset" isn't just a book; it's our compass for self-discovery and personal growth. Together, we'll navigate the seas of uncertainty, charting a course towards the confident, empowered, and authentic self you aspire to be. So, dear reader, let's embark on this adventure together. Let's explore the pages of history, unlock the power of the confident mindset, and illuminate the path to a brighter, more confident future. With anticipation and inspiration,, Troy Watkins (Visionary World)

"Liona Christin tak pernah menyangka hidupnya berubah hanya karena sebuah buku misterius." Setelah membeli sebuah novel dari nenek tua di pinggir jalan, Liona mulai membacanya hingga kantuk menguasainya. Namun, saat terbangun, ia mendapati dirinya bukan lagi di rumah sederhana, melainkan di dunia megah sebagai Putri Liona Graciella Zyandes, tokoh utama dalam buku itu. Di dunia yang penuh intrik dan pengkhianatan, Liona harus hidup sebagai putri yang wajahnya dirusak oleh saudara tirinya dan dijodohkan demi perdamaian. Ketika segalanya semakin rumit, ia bertanya-tanya: bagaimana ia bisa masuk ke dalam novel ini? Dan lebih penting lagi, apakah ia bisa keluar?

Araceli Beckham is an orphan striving to make ends meet. The only problem she had was working her butt off to put food on her table, pay for her little apartment, transportation and pay for her tuition for her last year in college. All these were already a pain in the ass and hard to keep up with. Last thing she needed was some other problem added to it but life had other plans. Her brother was caught up in a gambling mess and used her to pay off his debt to the gang he owed. Araceli was made to become one of them and was trained in the assassination department. She became a pro seductress and excelled in all her tasks. Everything changed on that fateful day she was made to go after Ruslan Vyacheslav ____ Ruslan Vyacheslav is the biggest mobster in the mafia world. He is feared and has a lot of enemies awaiting his downfall. Ruslan is a married multi billionaire and father to a handsome 3 year old. He respected his wife, even though they weren't married for love but because of an alliance. He remained faithful to her because of a promise he made. And Ruslan never breaks off a promise made in his honor. All that was put to test on meeting the beautiful and sexy Araceli Beckham with a smart mouth. He didn't think too much about it and cared less because it was nothing. Right????

The story of an adventurer passing through the dungeon.

By wanting a revenge on The Hero, his own best friend, made Kevin aka "a total shut in", formed a contract with a Demoness and captured her in a normal necklace. Will he succeed on taking a revenge on The Hero? Come and find out!

In a world where unexpected connections can lead to transformative experiences, the assignment of Aaron to tutor Jamie sets the stage for a narrative ripe with potential. Both students come from different walks of life—Aaron, the diligent overachiever striving for academic excellence, and Jamie, the laid-back free spirit struggling to keep up. As they navigate the complexities of their tutoring sessions, a bond begins to form, blurring the lines between friendship and something deeper. Will their shared moments of laughter, vulnerability, and discovery cultivate a romance that neither of them saw coming? As they delve into lessons of business studies and heart, the question lingers: can love truly blossom amidst textbooks and spreadsheets?

A story about healing, about loved ones, and about loving someone right. Jasmine is tired. She is tired of relationships that don't last long. So, she has decided to go with a no-relationships policy until she meets her junior, Jason, who happens to be her younger brother Aditya's friend and the new campus heartthrob. Her plans take an unexpected turn when Jason becomes her new neighbour and then her flatmate. Jasmine finds herself in a mess with a failing family life, social expectations, failed relationships, and low confidence, all while dealing with alarming deadlines. Amidst all this chaos, a budding romance with Jason adds to her whirlpool of emotions. Will she be able to navigate through her life successfully? (You can find this novel in Wattpad with the same title)