Desperate For A Duke Romance

Born into shame and shadow, Rael Nightbane was the son of a slave girl—forced and discarded by the arrogant young master of the prestigious Nightbane Clan. Marked from birth as a stain on the clan’s honor, Rael endured a life of scorn and cruelty. On the sacred day of Talent Awakening, his humiliation was complete: the revered 12-ring column failed to shine even the faintest light for him. Power is everything in Rael’s world, and to be talentless is to be nothing. Branded as worthless, his existence became unbearable. But when his twisted stepbrothers conspired to end his life—casting him into a deadly river to be devoured by water beasts—fate intervened. At the river’s dark bottom, a mysterious black hole beckoned. As it tried to consume him, something ancient stirred within Rael’s bloodline. Instead of death, he found rebirth. The void awakened a power long buried in his veins. Dark matter surged into him, merging with his soul. From that abyss, Rael rose—no longer a powerless outcast, but a harbinger of vengeance, shrouded in shadows. His true inheritance had awakened, and it was darker—and more powerful—than anyone could have imagined. Now, as the Duke of Darkness, he returns not just to survive, but to dominate. Those who mocked him will beg for mercy. Those who hurt his mother will wish they’d never been born. And the Nightbane Clan? They will remember his name—for they are first in line to suffer his wrath.

“Everything has a price,” he said coldly. “Even you.” Aria James had it all—beauty, privilege, and a picture-perfect fiancé. But when her father's company collapses in scandal, she’s left bankrupt, humiliated, and abandoned. Desperate to protect what’s left of her family’s reputation, she agrees to participate in a charity auction, offering a “date” to the highest bidder. She never expected the bidder to be Leon Castellan—the ruthless billionaire known for his icy heart and deadly business instincts. His offer? Thirty days. No escape. No emotions. Just obedience. To him, Aria is nothing more than a temporary possession. A beautiful distraction he can control… and discard. But as boundaries blur and secrets unravel, Aria discovers that Leon’s interest in her is far from random. And the real reason he bought her might destroy them both. He doesn’t believe in love. She doesn’t believe in ownership. But what happens when obsession turns into something more dangerous than either expected?

Michelle finds herself on a difficult dillemna she has to choose between a planned life and fated romance

All Ethien desired was a serene existence after enduring years of bloodshed. As the Duke who led the revolution, and dismantled the former empire, he had placed Prince Glenn Lancaster on the throne. Now, Ethien longed to marry, step away from politics, and enjoy a life of peace. However, Glenn had different plans. As the newly appointed Emperor, Glenn consistently rejected every marriage proposal directed at Ethien. Without any attempt at subtlety, he dismissed anyone who expressed interest in the Duke, making it his goal to remain close to Ethien. While Ethien fought to suppress feelings that should not have arisen, Glenn relentlessly pushed through every barrier. Their positions were meant to keep them apart, but for Glenn, it was merely another reason to claim Ethien as his own.

All she wanted was to save her brother. And all he wanted was a child. He bought her, bound to a contract to give him a child and disappear from his life afterwards, but what hit her like a storm was love... falling for the masked monster who bought her body. Andrew Sterling hated greedy women, and every woman he'd contracted to bear his child, heir to the Sterling Enterprises, had been just that. When Anne, his third contracted surrogate, showed up, he saw her as the very same type of woman until she peeled open his stone-cold heart. What ties them next isn't just a baby contract, but an unexpected marriage formulated by Andrew's grandfather. But a man who has always despised marriage will never be tied down, not even by his contracted surrogate, because the minute she gave him the child he needed, he would send her out of his life. But when the tables turn on him... He says to her, "With a husband as rich as me, right now you're the wealthiest woman alive." "We're only married till I give birth," she retorted. He frowns at that, feeling internally displeased. "It doesn't matter how long we're married for. From now on, everything I own is yours. If you want heaven and earth, I'll buy it for you. My wife will never be found lacking a single fucking thing." She stared at him in disbelief. When did he start feeling something for her? He couldn't remember.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be known that this book wouldn't have made it this far without the support my dear writing buddy Rachel E. Canton who is a great writer of SINS OF THE SERAPHIM - https://www.webnovel.com/book/sins-of-the-seraphim_26438336605116805 and Derek J. Perna To Rachel & Derek, Thank you for everything! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When the last heir of Ardel lost everything, fate would bring her to her rightful protector. Anna Adhemar, the forgotten princess, found herself betrayed by the Regent. Hunted by the Bargesians and the ruthless slave traders, she desperately fled for her life. Rescued by a mysterious man, her newfound safety was short-lived as she succumbed to a potent aphrodisiac. Then, she awoke in the arms of the fearsome Knight Commander of Gerhard, stripped bare, in a foreign kingdom. Fear, confusion, and a sense of profound devastation enveloped her. But the man before her declared, "I am your husband. I married you last night." Then, with unwavering determination, he vowed, " You're my woman now. No one can hurt my woman." --- Kyren Raychard, the Crown Prince who had chosen to forsake the throne and become celibate, led the Knights of Gerhard to safeguard his kingdom’s border from slave trading activities. Outside his camp, he found Anna poisoned and delirious. The healer informed him of the only cure, of which he must race against time to give and honour her. For the first time, he felt an overwhelming instinct to protect and claim her as his own. Unaware of his deepening affection, he belatedly realised his feelings as he stood on the brink of losing her. Bound by a soul-binding spell, their fates intertwined…

One second I was falling down the stairs of my apartment with a half-eaten meal and a romance novel in hand, The next, I woke up naked in bed with a man I didn’t know... in a body that wasn’t mine. Worse? That man is Killian Raventon, the most feared Duke in the empire. Colder than winter, deadlier than war, and famous for never touching a woman more than once. Except this time… we’re married. I’ve transmigrated into the body of Lady Evelyn Wrenford, a spoiled noblewoman with a reputation for scandal and a fate sealed in disgrace. She was supposed to disappear after this drunken mistake. But now I’m Evelyn. And the Duke thinks I seduced him into marriage. The court wants me humiliated. His sister wants me destroyed. And Killian? He wants to unravel my secrets one slow touch at a time. But what no one knows is I’m not the real Evelyn. And I think I brought magic back with me.

> What happens when you lose your job, your girlfriend, and your dignity—all in one day? Chan Chen Lyan just turned thirty. Instead of celebrating, he finds himself jobless, heartbroken, and betrayed by those he trusted most. With nowhere to go and nothing left to lose, he drowns his sorrow in beer and isolation—until a spontaneous decision to build a gaming PC becomes the start of something unexpected. As he immerses himself in the fantasy world of Qing Emperor, his reality begins to blur. But when he collapses from exhaustion, the world he wakes up in… isn’t his own. Is this madness, a dream, or a second chance? A gripping blend of contemporary life, psychological struggle, and mysterious fantasy—A 30-Year-Old Uncle’s First Holiday is a raw and emotional journey about loss, escape, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Forged in the depths of darkness and light, a shadowborn will unravel. Seek the elders, the place where it all began. For the blood that once wove the curse, shall provide the cure. But beware, the price of freedom shall undoubtedly be paid in full. ................ Kael watched her, fighting the temptation of wanting to feel her skin beneath his. He loathed and desired her at the same time. Torn between wanting to watch the life drain out of her and kissing her till she's a breathless, moaning mess begging and desperate for his touch. He took in a deep breath trying to calm his fast growing arousal. He could not give into his desires. His duty was more important than anything. Everyone's lives depends on Aria's. No matter how tempting she was, he was not going to give in.

Delia's life was a cruel reality: the neglected and abused illegitimate daughter of a noble family, the Ellington family, she yearned for the love of her stepmother, Baroness Augusta, and younger sister, Lady Anne, who relentlessly mistreated her. Her world crumbled when she discovered a double betrayal: her beloved husband, Lord George had secretly pined for Anne, marrying Delia only to be near her sister. Simultaneously, her step mother framed her for a crime Anne committed. Overwhelmed and heartbroken, Delia's attempt to escape a death sentence led to a fatal carriage accident. But death was not the end. Delia awoke one year in the past, finding herself still engaged to George. This was her second chance, and the naive girl was gone, replaced by a woman consumed by a burning desire for revenge. Her first target: Duke Eric Carson, the powerful and wealthy man her sister Anne desperately pursued. Delia boldly approached Eric with a proposition for a contract marriage. To her surprise, Eric agreed, but with a condition: their fake marriage would become real and they can go their separate way after a year, hiding his own secret agenda. Now, armed with Eric's unexpected devotion and his willingness to lay down his life for her, Delia meticulously begins to dismantle her family's world. With Eric's help, she exposes the secrets they hide, manipulates their desires, and turns them against each other, orchestrating George’s demotion, Anne's downfall and seizing everything her sister coveted, including Duke Eric love and obsession. Will Delia and Eric be able to conquer all odds to get what they want? What happens when Eric doesn’t want their contract marriage to end? What happens when the last petal of that indicates her second chance falls? ——————— EXCPRET “I can’t return your feelings, your grace,” Delia whispered, her back against the cool wall. “But I can,” Eric murmured, stepping closer. Delia’s voice trembled. “It’s not the same.” She choked out. “ No one can love me without hurting me.” “Then teach me,” he said, his breath warm on her cheek. “Teach me how to love you the way you deserve to be loved. I’m a quick study.” When she stayed silent, he sighed contentedly, a soft smile playing on his lips. “It’s alright. Just… use me. Anything you need. if you want money, ask the treasury, take as much money that’s needed. if you want power, use my name. if you want security and love, use my body.” His breath warmed her skin, his chest rose and fell with hers. "As long as it's from you, I'm happy."

April had only ever known pain. At just 19, she watched her mother suffer years of abuse at the hands of a man who blamed them both—for being women, for being weak, for simply existing. One night, April made a choice: run or be ruined forever. Fleeing to a distant town with nothing but hope and her mother’s trembling hands, April stumbles upon a whispered opportunity—a powerful duke searching for palace staff. Desperate for a fresh start, April seeks the duke’s estate. But fate plays its first cruel trick: she meets a silver-eyed stranger with a quiet strength and a mysterious charm. He helps her find the palace... but never tells her who he really is. Because he is the duke. What began as a job soon turns into a royal entanglement—one filled with secrets, longing, and a love too intenseto resist. But can a girl who ran from the past survive the fire of a man with a crown... and scars of his own?

Zelda Delacroix is no ordinary girl—raised in a world of affluence, power, and hidden secrets, she’s adopted into the prestigious Delacroix family, where appearances are everything and silence is survival. But beneath the surface of her new life lies a web of forbidden desire, fractured loyalties, and dangerous truths no one dares to speak. As Zelda tries to navigate university, dreams of becoming an architect, and the unrelenting expectations of the Delacroix household, she finds herself drawn to Lucien—the cold, enigmatic eldest son of the family who has always watched her from a distance. He’s off-limits, untouchable, and infuriatingly magnetic. Their connection simmers quietly, the tension growing more unbearable with each stolen glance and whispered word. But Lucien isn’t the only one watching her. The family’s secrets begin to unravel, and a forgotten brother erased from all records haunts the corners of Zelda’s life. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that could shatter the Delacroix name—and cost her everything. Meanwhile, rivals emerge. Marcella, a cunning girl from another elite family, pretends to befriend Zelda while scheming to steal Lucien. And Delphine Vale, a petite and seemingly harmless classmate, hides sinister intentions beneath her sweet smile. Every step Zelda takes forward is shadowed by betrayal. With her budding friendship with the genuine and free-spirited Ariyah, and the quiet support of her adoptive brothers Berrett and Ryan, Zelda tries to hold on to her sanity. But as the line between protector and possessor blurs in her relationship with Lucien, and long-buried feelings rise to the surface, Zelda must decide: Can she survive the weight of a love that was never meant to happen? And in a house built on secrets… who will burn first?

From being a sex slave to the mafia lord’s favourite, follow the story of Mina Angel, from being a sassy girl to the mafia lord princess. Aaron Vertercio, the mafia Lord took a liking to Mina, he’d do anything for Mina to be his sex slave, even if he had to make Mina and her sick mom homeless and suffer. “What, I woke up like this” Mina said. “ Go back and change princess!” Aaron growled “ Why?” Aaron walked towards her, the aura was enough to send a shiver down someone's spine Mina was slammed against the wall, and Aaron locked her in his arms “Remember this, you are mine and mine alone”. You can follow me on Discord; _Mckenzie_

Martha Blandflord's life was already a nightmare, thanks to her wicked stepmother and stepsister. They delighted in her misery, and their latest scheme was the ultimate cruelty: an arranged marriage with the worst match they could think of to make her life more miserable. And what more dreadful match than with the infamous, mysterious Duke of Ravenwood, who had returned to the country three months ago? Rumored to be a repulsive, drunken old man, with a monstrous appearance that he never made any public appearances, and Martha dreaded the thought of sharing a life with such a monster. She even attempted to take her life to avoid such a fate. But nothing could have prepared her, or anyone, for the shocking revelation. Upon meeting her new husband, he was young, handsome, and also one of the wealthiest men in the country! However, there was a catch: the Duke of Ravenwood was notoriously dangerous and ruthless, a rake full of sin and vanity, he may not look like a monster but was one at heart. And he had a jaw-dropping proposal to make to his arranged bride.

In a world drowning in corruption and creeping madness, Kaisel de Ravengard, the cunning Duke of a once-great Duchy now in decline, hides his true intentions behind a mask of nobility. Haunted by his mother’s murder and the shadow of his family’s downfall, Kaisel wields forbidden magic and the power of the Seven Sins to unravel dark secrets buried deep within the Empire’s rotten core.As he unravels layers of conspiracy and deceit, uncovering mysteries and hidden truths, Kaisel carves a path of destruction through the corrupted aristocracy. Navigating a dangerous world where loyalty is scarce, every revelation threatens to pull him deeper into darkness in his relentless pursuit of vengeance and ultimate dominance. In a land where darkness festers beneath the surface, Kaisel’s rise threatens to unleash chaos and reshape the Empire forever.

Mazori Maiyu is a princess full of wealth but she is not loved by her family, her sisters hate her and her mother sides with them, shes about to marry the one she loves but learns he also hates her, She been betrayed, by the only person she thought could understand her, She decided shes going to be the perfect daughter this family could ask for, shes makes it up to her sisters and becomes close with them and she becomes the perfect princess her mother could ask for, she completely changes herself, even going as far as to dye her hair for her mother, She decides to look at life the regular way, join a regular school and make regular friends, At first everyone thought this was a Typical Royal Romance Fantasy, but this is Not!

Kim Soyeon, a reckless 20-year-old heiress to a Dubai real estate empire, lives for luxury and parties, ignoring her late father's will that demands she marry to claim her fortune. When her mother schemes to pair her with Park Jungwoo, a Stoic 32-year-old businessman who fought his way out of poverty, sparks fly between two opposites. Soyeon thinks Jungwoo is dull and arrogant; he sees her as a spoiled child. But amidst Dubai's dazzling nights, from Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah, love begins to bloom through hilarious mishaps and dramatic misunderstandings. With a charming rival stirring trouble and family pressures mounting, can Soyeon grow up and find true love? And will Jungwoo open his heart to a world he's never dared to explore? VIP Romance is an emotional rollercoaster packed with laughter, tears, and swoon-worthy romance, where two worlds collide in the heart of the city of dreams!

At day, he is the respectful, charming and simple Duke of Belmont. At night, he is a ruthless and deadly vampire, a threat to the society. And, pretty but, naive Ember Hall, had managed to capture his heart. However, she was unaware of the doom that accompanied capturing the heart of the Duke Dallas. For all she knew, he was the charming, respectful Duke. But, oh how was she so wrong! He was the total opposite of everything he feigned to be. Dallas is danger. He breathes danger. Speaks danger. Every word from his lips is a promise of danger. And, when the weary sun retires into the depth of the sky at night, immediately replaced by the bright moon, Dallas eyes blares a daring red, his teeth grows it fangs and ruthlessly, he devours like a starving predator. And, he won't stop until he is soaked in blood. ~ And, dead in the eyes, he looked at me. “Yes, I'm the devil. I thirst for blood and no matter how much you run, I will always find you. You can't escape me, Ember. I'm yours, forever. Till death do us path.” He whispered, brushing a kiss on her quivering lips.

When Alaric first awoke after a long slumber, longer than he could remember, he was no longer in his own body but in the body of a fifteen-year-old. What was worse was that he couldn't remember anything about his old life, but the mysteries didn't end there. What he could remember was a book he once read, his name, Alaric, and that he shared it with the body he had awoken in. How did he know that? Well... it belonged to a character in that book of course, Alaric Astraeus son of Duke Astraeus. *New cover Page* Updates will be any time between [1800]hrs to [2100]hrs (UTC).

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Zoe Hawkins lost everything in one night — her parents murdered, her twin sister, Chloe, dead, and her home slipping through her fingers. Alone and desperate, she assumes her sister's identity in a high-stakes competition, determined to win the prize money and reclaim her life. But living as Chloe comes with complications — especially when two mysterious brothers stir emotions she’s never known. One offers solace. The other? Heartache and betrayal. Yet her heart refuses to let go of either. As secrets buried in the house begin to surface, Zoe must face the truth: her sister’s death wasn’t just a tragedy — it was the beginning of something much darker.

Louise escaped from one prison to another. Married off as a political pawn to a duke twenty years her senior, she’s now trapped in a loveless marriage and resigns herself to such. Until… Enter Cassian, a prisoner of war forced to compete in the gladiatorial arena in Louise’s kingdom. Louise and Cassian form a forbidden bond, but her marriage stands in the way of true love. But then, Louise’s husband pulls Cassian out of the arena and into his employ as her personal knight. Does the Duke know Louise’s secret affair? Secrets soon turn darker, and lying, treason and murder cannot be far behind.

Bound

A prestigious university. A bunch of troublemakers. A rival university. And a competition that will decide the fate of the rising band, Four of Clubs. What happens when the cold hearted Angel cross paths with the fierce demon? One famous for his magnetic charms and the other known for his stoic nature. One who burns in passion and the other desperate to fulfill one's deathbed wish. Are 180 days enough to bring two desperate hearts together? #enemiestolovers #boyband #popularity #Boy×Boy #competition #teamwork #friends #music #badboy

synopsis

“What did you say?” Félix asked. She repeated, “Name your price.” “What is that supposed to mean?” His voice had tapered off with an unreadable emotion that got her weak in her knees, but she held out her chin. “Didn't you once offer to pay me off? Now, make me an offer I cannot refuse. Otherwise, I will go in there"—she gestured toward the Ball—"and make everyone think you dragged me out here to take advantage of me. I know exactly what that would do to your reputation.” “Say. That. Again,” Félix said through gritted teeth as he inched closer to her. ====================== She hadn’t meant to upset him or, worse, blackmail him. She didn’t even know who he was; she only knew he looked important because of how regally he stood in the moonlit dark. Estella was the baron of Cleverdale’s youngest, born into a hard life and always kept on her toes. Her stepsisters hated her. The baroness loathed her. And her father, the only one she called family, shattered her heart when he sold her to Viscount Alistair Ravensdale to cover up his misdeeds. The night of Lady Agatha’s ball, she seized her chance and ran straight into … Duke Félix of Chateaûbriant. In the dark, he mistook her for Princess Coralie, his fiancée, and kissed her. When the moon revealed her face, something about her stuck with him. He couldn’t shake the image of her running wildly or how she smelled like white lotus with hardcore roots. But when she threatened his reputation, he refused to play along. She returned to her world of cruel sisters and an unwanted engagement. What she hadn’t prepared for was the Duke arriving at her doorstep, making two outrageous claims. One. He was the Duke of Chateaûbriant. And two. She had stolen something valuable from him that night. What had she stolen without knowing it? Or worse, what could he possibly demand as repayment? ✯Like it? Add to Library!

In a world of luxury and power, Olivia's life is forever changed when she's forced into a contract marriage with Alexander, a ruthless and enigmatic mafia boss with a dark past. But Olivia is already committed to Ryan, her charming and brilliant medical doctor boyfriend, and she's determined to find a way out of the arrangement. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of her new role, Olivia finds herself drawn to Alexander's commanding presence and intense passion, even as she struggles to maintain her relationship with Ryan. But as the love triangle between them ignites, Olivia must confront the secrets and lies that bind them all together.