Beneath This Gruff Exterior

Usually, in fantasy books, humans would be gifted with powers or something but, how come he's gifted with unluckiness??

Jim was an undeniably ordinary boy. He was neither athletic nor particularly skilled at anything, and while he wasn't ugly, he certainly wasn't stunning either. In every conceivable way, he was unremarkable. Yet, he embraced this reality without hesitation; he was entirely comfortable in his skin. Indifference defined his attitude toward the world around him, including his existence. The popularity and social status dynamics held no sway over him; he didn’t care. His primary desire was to unwind and enjoy life. However, fate dealt him a powerful blow—he acquired an ability that would significantly impact the one thing he cherished most. True curses always come disguised as gifts, and Jim was about to discover that the hard way.

Teresa is a timid human whose life has been a series of unfortunate events—until she meets Lucian Blackwood, a very rich and handsome man who awakens a deep, unexplainable connection within her. But Lucian, an alpha werewolf with a haunting past, is repelled by Teresa’s perceived weakness, blaming weakness for the tragedy that shaped his life. Unable to accept her as his mate, he rejects and humiliates her, leaving Teresa shattered. Just as she’s picking up the pieces, Adrian Daegon, an ancient vampire with his own dark allure, steps into her life, determined to win her heart. Now, Lucian is torn with regret, desperate to reclaim the woman he cast aside. But to do so, he must face a powerful vampire and confront his own fears—while somehow convincing Teresa to forgive his betrayal and reignite their lost bond. Can love and redemption overcome the scars of rejection, or has Lucian's cruel mistake cost him his mate forever? Torn between two powerful forces, Teresa must decide where her true destiny lies—in the fierce grip of the wolf who scorned her or the dark embrace of the vampire who vows to adore her.

Ethan Marlowe, the most feared and revered crime lord in the United States, rules the underworld with intelligence, ruthlessness, and a keen sense of loyalty to those who serve him well. Despite his dark reputation, he has a code: no unnecessary violence and no trafficking of innocents. He believes himself untouchable—until the FBI sends its sharpest and youngest agent, Aria Hart, to infiltrate his world. Aria, driven by a family tragedy caused by crime syndicates, poses as a journalist writing a feature on the enigmatic billionaire. But her undercover mission becomes increasingly complicated as she finds herself drawn to Ethan’s hidden vulnerability and his dangerous charm. Ethan, on the other hand, suspects her motives but can’t resist the allure of her fiery spirit. As they collide, their lives spiral into a whirlwind of betrayal, passion, and moral ambiguity. When an even darker syndicate threatens both Ethan's empire and Aria's mission, they are forced to work together, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. But can love truly survive in a world drenched in blood and shadows?

Isabella "Bella" Hart is a fresh-faced intern at Blackwood Enterprises, eager to make her mark in the competitive world of fashion. Her dreams are quickly tested when she finds herself under the security of Alexander "Alex" Blackwood, the company's powerful and enigmatic CEO. Known for his ruthless business tactics and icy demeanor, Alex has no interest in love or personal connections -until Bella steps into his world. As Bella and Alex clash in the high-stakes environment of Blackwood Enterprises, their professional relationship becomes increasingly complicated. Bella begins to see glimpses of vulnerability in Alex, sparkling series of events that force both of them to confront their true feelings. Just as Bella starts to break through Alex's icy facade, a series of misunderstandings and external pressures threaten to tear them apart. Amidst the turmoil, Bella must decide whether to fight for the man she has come to care for or walk away from the toxic environment that is causing her so much pain. With the help of unexpected allies and her own inner strength, Bella discovers that love can thrive even in the unlikeliest of places. Will Alex let go of his past and open his heart to Bella, or will his fears and insecurities drive them apart for good? In "Beneath His Cold Gaze," the line between love and hate blurs, and two souls find themselves on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love.

When an intergalactic empire invades the planet, the people of Earth must put together a team of champions to fight the Imperials in a tournament with the fate of the world on the line. Their team consists of a street thug, a serial killer, an adventurer, a distinguished nobleman, and a mysterious masked man. Do these men have what it takes to protect Earth’s freedom or will they be just another planet added to the Emperor’s collection?

In a world that has crumbled under the weight of past mistakes, Arin, a twenty-year-old young man, paves his solitary way through the remnants of a civilization that has breathed its last. The earth, covered in layers of ash, seems like a mirror reflecting the hidden wounds deep within him. With each step his feet take on the rubble, a question echoes in the air, like an endless echo: Is it possible to escape the shadows of destruction, or does humanity carry within itself the ashes of its lost world?

In the quiet darkness of the city, where shadows stretch long and secrets linger, a charming and meticulous man prowls unnoticed. By day, he’s an unassuming professional, navigating the corridors of power with ease, his impeccable manners and handsome face concealing the predator lurking beneath. By night, he dons his most dangerous mask—a façade of warmth and intrigue that draws unsuspecting victims into his carefully woven web. Obsessed with uncovering the truths hidden in human minds, he views each person as a puzzle, their fears, desires, and vulnerabilities as treasures to exploit. But when he encounters a woman who seems perfect for his next plan, his tightly controlled world begins to fray. As his games grow darker and more daring, the question looms: will he remain the master of his deadly art, or will the mask finally crack, exposing the monster within? "The Masked" is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a man who thrives in the shadows, a story of manipulation, obsession, and the masks we all wear.

Fabio Reis is surrounded with mysterious persons and death of his closed ones make him to take revenge for his fallen friends. He soon finds outs that his enemies are not humans... Instagram :- Mystryalex

An orphan seeking the truth. A priest bound by secrets. A forbidden love that defies faith, society, and the expectations of the world. In a world where faith demands sacrifice and love demands courage, will their bond bring redemption—or ruin them both?

In a world where Fate Constellations determine one’s power, destiny, and survival, 13-year-old Cyrus was meant to inherit the legendary Solarius Constellation—a beacon of light and balance in the universe. Instead, at his awakening ceremony, the unthinkable happens. Cyrus bonds with a mysterious constellation with unknown power. All while Cyrus and his father Ezra are on the run because they are being hunted by a shadow organization that wants to rid the world of their clan and all who inherit the Solarius Constellation

Have you ever wondered what its like to be in a world where no one really loves you?, where no one really cares?. Ninni didn't but now she has to.....

"Are you afraid?.... I would be afraid... But then again, there's nothing you can do about it is there? So while not just accept your fate and....DIE?" "ALL.... THINGS.... PERISH...." With that calm statement, a silver lightning bolt as thick as a skyscraper....if it could still be called a bolt, came crushing down. And just like that the feared by all demon lord along with his castle and everyone in it. All that was left in the area was a pit that seemed to lead into the abyss and beyond...

The world is thrust into crisis as anomalous monsters — Kaiju — emerge from unknown origins. In response, the world's governments unite to form the Global Anomaly Response Coalition (G.A.R.C.), a joint task force dedicated to uncovering the source of these beasts and eradicating them. Armed with the combined military might of every nation, G.A.R.C. stands as humanity's final line of defence against total extinction. But with every battle, the Kaiju grow stronger, their purpose shrouded in mystery. Can G.A.R.C. uncover the truth behind these despicable creatures before it's too late, or will humanity be trampled underfoot by monsters beyond comprehension?

When a romance novel fanboy gets reincarnated as the second male lead in the novel "Harana", things don’t go as planned. Instead of following the usual love story with the female lead, the male lead becomes strangely drawn to him. Will he be able to change his fate, or is he stuck in a love story he never expected?

As Hyllen tries to understand the mystery behind the man who rules with strength and precision, Dorian becomes intrigued by the boldness and free spirit of the young woman who defied his expectations. But in a kingdom where class differences are an insurmountable barrier, what begins as a spark of curiosity may turn into a dangerous love — one that could challenge the rules, customs, and even fate.

> "In the shadows of Italy's underworld, betrayal threatens to dismantle one of the most powerful mafia families. Vincenzo, the ruthless yet enigmatic leader, battles not only enemies outside but also a strange illness that pushes him to the brink of madness. Vanessa becomes his unexpected anchor, a calming presence who soothes his chaos and holds the key to his survival. But as a hidden traitor lurks within their ranks, plotting against him, trust becomes the deadliest weapon. In a world where secrets are currency, can Vincenzo uncover the betrayer before it’s too late—or will the underworld claim him first?"

I wish I had never met him. If he had never looked in my direction, would things be different now? I ask myself that question every time I think about Jack Carlos-his smile, his confidence, the way his eyes seemed to see right through me from the very first moment we met. ~~~~ she never expected someone like him to notice someone like her. Jack Carlos was a name everyone knew: wealthy, charming, and entirely out of her league. When their eyes met that day, it had felt something-a spark, a connection he couldn't explain. But was it love at first sight?. For Jack, maybe. He made it clear from the beginning that he was drawn to her, though she never understood why.There was a huge gap between them, one so painfully obvious that even the world around them couldn't help but notice. she drew a line between them ...she built walls around herself ,a fortress to keep him-and everything he represented-at a distance. And still, he tried to break through, as if he could just erase the differences between their worlds with sheer determination.

I wish I had never met him. If he had never looked in my direction, would things be different now? I ask myself that question every time I think about Jack Carlos-his smile, his confidence, the way his eyes seemed to see right through me from the very first moment we met. ~~~~ she never expected someone like him to notice someone like her. Jack Carlos was a name everyone knew: wealthy, charming, and entirely out of her league. When their eyes met that day, it had felt something-a spark, a connection he couldn't explain. But was it love at first sight?. For Jack, maybe. He made it clear from the beginning that he was drawn to her, though she never understood why.There was a huge gap between them, one so painfully obvious that even the world around them couldn't help but notice. she drew a line between them ...she built walls around herself ,a fortress to keep him-and everything he represented-at a distance. And still, he tried to break through, as if he could just erase the differences between their worlds with sheer determination.

The moonlight filtered through the large windows of Li Qiang's penthouse, casting a silvery glow over the room. The city lights twinkled in the distance, a stark contrast to the dark world they both inhabited. Xin Yi stood by the window, her silhouette framed by the night sky, lost in thought. Li Qiang entered the room quietly, his presence commanding yet gentle. He approached her, his footsteps barely making a sound on the plush carpet. "Xin Yi," he called softly, his voice a deep, soothing rumble. She turned to face him, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and vulnerability. "Yes, Mr. Gou?" she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. He stepped closer, his gaze intense and unwavering. "You don't have to call me that when we're alone," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Call me Li Qiang." Xin Yi's heart skipped a beat. She had seen him in his most ruthless moments, but this side of him was different—softer, almost tender. "Li Qiang," she repeated, the name feeling foreign yet familiar on her tongue. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. His touch was surprisingly gentle, sending a shiver down her spine. "You've been through so much," he murmured, his eyes searching hers. "I see the strength in you, but I also see the pain." Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away, refusing to let them fall. "I have a mission," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't afford to be weak." Li Qiang cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears that escaped. "Strength isn't about never breaking," he said softly. "It's about finding the courage to keep going, even when you're broken." For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. It was just the two of them, standing on the precipice of something neither could fully understand. Xin Yi felt a warmth spread through her, a feeling she hadn't allowed herself to experience in a long time. Li Qiang leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. "Let me be your strength," he whispered, his lips inches from hers. "Let me help you carry the weight." Xin Yi closed her eyes, her resolve wavering. She had come here for revenge, but in this moment, all she wanted was to lose herself in his embrace. She felt his lips brush against hers, a tentative, gentle kiss that spoke of promises and unspoken desires. She kissed him back, her hands finding their way to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. It was a kiss filled with longing and desperation, a silent plea for solace in a world filled with chaos. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. "This changes nothing," Xin Yi said, her voice trembling. "I still have a mission." Li Qiang nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "I know," he replied. "But maybe, just maybe, we can find a way to navigate this together." As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the lines between love and duty blurred, leaving them both wondering what the future held. Jang Xin Yi's world shattered the night her parents were brutally murdered. Consumed by vengeance, she infiltrates a ruthless mafia organization, posing as a bodyguard. Her mission: gather evidence and dismantle the syndicate from within. But her resolve wavers when she meets Li Qiang, the enigmatic and feared underboss. As she navigates this perilous world, Xin Yi is confronted with horrors that test her every step—the nauseating stench of death, gruesome torture chambers, and the brutal reality of Li Qiang’s actions. Despite the terror, Xin Yi remains determined to see her mission through. Will her thirst for revenge triumph, or will love and danger alter her path forever? Li Qiang commands respect through sheer terror. But when he hires a fearless martial artist who speaks her mind, his curiosity is piqued. Soon, he discovers the truth—his new bodyguard is a woman in disguise.

Aleck, a young orphan, was found by Ethen Grayfield, one of the nobles in charge of the Kingdom's "Perfect Soldier" project. Because of Aleck's overly resistant nature, he was deemed unfit for the program and exiled to the outskirts of the kingdom. There, in a dilapidated slum, he started his 11th year living with Anna, a retired knight.

Igarashi Hikaru, a dog-human with fluffy white hair and sunset like orange eyes, has always been sickly and overprotected by his loving family. In his past life, he passed away at just five years old, never knowing what it was like to be truly loved. In this new life, however, his family adores him, and at 18, he was finally free from his illness, though still fragile. Eager to experience the world beyond the safety of his home, Hikaru is sent to an expensive high school, unaware that his family is wealthy and that the outside world can be much more complicated than he realizes. At school, Hikaru meets Higan, a lion-human with vibrant red eyes, medium-length blue hair with slight messy appearance with visible strands, in the back a small and stubby ponytail. Though Higan is known as the school’s bully, Hikaru has no idea about his reputation. He’s simply surprised by how kind Higan is to him... He wonders why Higan seems to care about him, but his innocent nature prevents him from understanding that this kindness is unusual. What Hikaru doesn’t know is that Higan is slowly becoming obsessed with him. Higan, too, is confused by his feelings, unable to recognize the intensity of his growing affection for Hikaru. As Hikaru tries to navigate school life, he remains blissfully unaware of Higan’s true nature and the danger lurking in his growing attachment. Hikaru, with his pure heart and innocent outlook, doesn’t realize that Higan’s feelings may soon become more than he can handle. Caught in a web of confusion and affection~!

Jiang Ming is just a normal teenage girl, has a warm and sweet family, but one day just that one dream changed all Jiang Ming perspective........ She wanted to change everything, to help them , but can she really help them? She only one that knew they were characters in the book but all the characters don't have happy endings. In the end, They became her friends. Can she change their endings ? Can her intervention change their fates? Are their fates already set in stone? Or will her intervene make their fates worse than the original?

The psychiatric hospital was always filled with stories—tragic, strange, and sometimes even beautiful in their brokenness. As a nurse working in a psych ward, Aurren form a deep, unspoken connection with a young woman in her 20s diagnosed with schizophrenia. Over time, he became her confidante, listening to her stories—whether real or distorted by her illness—and share quiet moments together, offering her comfort during her worst episodes. As she begins to improve, will his feelings for her blossom? or should it never start to begin with?