defiance synonym

What happens when you have a steamy one night stand with your best friend's brother —yeah, the one you hate— and he returns for more? ********************************** Joan Madison has always despised Aaron Thompson, her best friend's arrogant, insufferable brother. The feeling was mutual—until it wasn't. A vacation meant for relaxation with her friend Rhoda takes a different turn when Joan finds herself tangled in a steamy, reckless encounter with the one man she swore she’d never want. What should’ve been a fleeting mistake becomes something far more dangerous as Aaron refuses to let her go—and his hunger for her only deepens. Jo’s trapped between desire and defiance, but one thing is clear: this game they’ve started could burn them both.

Vincenzo doesn't forgive. He doesn't forget. And he never, ever loses. When you spill Mancini blood, payment comes due—with interest. Stacy Salvatore should have been an easy target. The daughter of the man who slaughtered his mother and tried to burn his family empire to ash. His perfect revenge, gift-wrapped and delivered to his doorstep. He had it all planned out: take everything from her, break her spirit, and kill her. What he didn't plan for was her backbone of steel and eyes that burn with the same ruthless determination as his own. She's no cowering captive. She's a storm wrapped in human skin, fighting him with every breath, challenging the code he's lived by since childhood. With each clash between them, the lines blur. Enemy. Obsession. Addiction. Her defiance becomes the only thing that makes him feel alive, and the vengeance he's chased for years might just start tasting like ash in his mouth. But blood debt must be paid. In full.

My best friend and I were in relationships with the brothers from the Wilson Family, and we both got pregnant at the same time. She flaunted her relationship publicly, making everyone in Junopia know that Rick had left the monastery for her. On the other hand, I kept silent about my relationship with the heir of the Wilson Family. Thus, everyone mistakenly thought I was single. That was until my best friend saw my pregnancy report. In a fit of rage, she rallied a group of friends, stormed into my dorm, and vandalized my room with food waste. "I thought you were my best friend, and here you are, trying to steal my man," she accused. Not only did she live-stream this accusation, trying to paint me as the other woman, but she also spiked my chicken soup, hoping to get rid of my unborn child. In defiance, I poured the contaminated soup over her head. "Just so you know, Rick isn't the only Wilson brother," I retorted. Later, Rayden, the man who controlled Junopia, wrapped his arm around me and declared icily, "I've heard troubling rumors about my wife being called a mistress. We need to talk."

Lyca, a hybrid born to a wolf mother and a vampire father, lived a life of quiet despair. Ostracized by both worlds, she was powerless and frail, a constant reminder of her imperfection. Then came Zack, the conceited grandson of the most powerful clan leader, who was smitten with Lyca, making her the envy of every girl. Their jealousy fueled a fire of hatred, leading to Lyca’s tragic demise. Damon, a vampire friend, resurrected her, not as the frail hybrid she once was, but as a creature of immense power. Every powerful creature she bit transferred their abilities to her, making her a living arsenal. This transformation made her a target, a treasure trove of potential, coveted by both wolves and vampires. The vampire king, awakened by Lyca’s potent blood, was drawn to her, not by her power, but by something far more primal, something ancient and forbidden. His fear of her existence, her ability to disrupt the ancient balance between vampires and wolves, fueled his desire for her destruction. Now, hunted by both wolves and the vampire king, Lyca was alone, feared, and forced to confront the tapestry of betrayal and power woven into her world. Her transformation was just the beginning. She had a choice: succumb to the darkness, or rise above it, a beacon of strength against the shadows. The power within her blood was a double-edged sword, capable of both salvation and doom. Would she trust herself? Would she rise as a legend, or fall prey to her own power? Lyca's story, one of survival, defiance, and the power of her very existence, was far from over.

Bonnie Walton had a crush on Jude Ashford since the first time she saw him when she was twelve and he was twenty-two. Jude is her brother’s best friend. He was always indifferent towards Bonnie until the summer she turned fifteen and he caught her reading a smut book and promised it was their little secret. Over the years, her feelings for Jude developed from a crush into a burning, heart-wrenching desire.  After years of not seeing each other, she can no longer hide her feelings for him on her eighteenth birthday, and their attraction ignites. They have the most lustful and sinful that leads to Bonnie losing her vCard to Jude.  Jude Ashford is the synonym of perfection, CEO of Ashford Publishing. He never steps out of line, being the most respectful man on the face of the earth. Jude always tries to be away from the spotlight his name brings.  What will happen when the woman that broke his heart ten years ago reappears in his life engaged? Will Jude be able to fight the jealousy he feels and allow her to find happiness with another, or will he fight to be with her?  Now that Bonnie is back in New York and living with her brother, Will Jude, and Bonnie be able to keep their hands to themselves? Or will their red-hot scorching desire for each other to get them to be together and reveal their attraction? Even if it means losing their best friend and brother’s support?

Tyler never wanted an Alpha, especially not someone like Landon Hayes. At Ridgecrest Academy, Landon is at the top of the food chain—dominant, arrogant, and used to getting everything he wants. But Tyler isn’t like the other Omegas who fall at his feet. Defiant and independent, he’s determined to finish his year and leave without ever being claimed. Landon has other plans. The moment Tyler caught Landon’s eye, it was game over. Tyler’s quiet defiance and refusal to submit ignite something in Landon he can’t ignore. For the first time, Landon is chasing someone who doesn’t want to be caught. At Ridgecrest, the rules are simple: the strongest Alpha gets what he wants. And Landon Hayes wants Tyler. *** “You—” he starts to say, but his voice catches. I see his pupils dilate, his lips parting as he tries to push back against what’s happening. I let the red flash in my eyes, just for a second, enough to show him who’s in control here. It’s not about scaring him—it’s about reminding him of the natural order of things. The way this has always been meant to go. “Submit,” I growl. He whines. It’s quiet, barely audible, but I hear it. His body betrays him for just a second, his knees wobbling as his head lowers, shoulders hunching in instinctual submission. His eyes flick away, and I can see it—the brief moment where his will cracks. And god, it’s intoxicating. That split second of submission is all I need to know that he’s mine. He might fight it, but his body knows. His scent tells me everything I need to know. It’s only a matter of time before he breaks completely, before he’s begging for it.

Lorenzo McLaren is an underground Mafia Lord who controls New York City. He does whatever he wants and gets away with it Mariana Martinez is a college student whose life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped and sold into a Mafia ring. She refuses to give up and accepts the life before her, fighting and looking for ways to escape. But her defiance is cut short when it grabs the attention of Lorenzo. Mariana falls first but Lorenzo falls harder. Will Mariana be able to ignore her morals and love Lorenzo even with his dark side? And will Lorenzo have to sacrifice his empire for the woman he loves?

"You," he growled, glaring at me with hatred in his eyes even as he pinned me to the wall, obstructing my airflow. "I'm going to enjoy breaking you." "I'd like to see you try, Alpha." I spat at him, my voice filled with defiance. He dropped me to the ground before lifting me up as if I weighed nothing and pinning me against his study table, pushing my legs apart. "Oh, you'll see. And by the time I'm done with you, you'll beg for death." He growled against my ears, filling me with fear of what is to come. ***** In a world of false accusations and vengeful rulers, Evelyn's life takes a harrowing turn. Framed for a crime she didn't commit, she faces the wrath of the alpha king. Instead of death, he condemns her to a fate worse than she could have imagined: becoming his personal slave and breeder. As fear grips her, Evelyn must summon her strength to challenge the tyrant's rule and reclaim her freedom. Will she find a way to defy her captor and seek justice, or will she be forever trapped in a life of darkness and despair? What happens when the moon goddess announces that she is his second chance mate? Will she still try to escape him or will she let their bond bloom? A gripping tale of resilience and defiance unfolds in this thrilling journey of survival, betrayal and love. Trigger Warning: This book explores themes of dark romance, including intense emotions, power dynamics, and challenging relationships. Readers Discretion is advised. Book 1 in the Ruthless Alpha King Series.

Mel was eager to explain her situation to Ethan, to let him know the truth behind her dismissal from her previous job. But to her dismay, Ethan refused to listen. With a tone of defiance, he accused her of attempting to seduce him because of his wealth. Despite her best efforts, he remained stubborn and unreceptive to her words. Frustrated and unable to keep her composure any longer, Mel retorted that she only sought the job because she desperately needed it, and had no idea that her savior was the president of the company she had long dreamt of working in. But even then, Ethan seemed unconvinced and unmoved. Just as Mel was about to leave, Ethan's attention was suddenly drawn to a scar on her left hand. As he stared at it in shock and recognition, he realized that it was a scar he had seen before, long ago. Caught off guard, Ethan found himself at a crossroads. Should he trust Mel's story and give her a chance? Or should he let his past cloud his judgment and dismiss her once and for all? As it turns out, the scar was a sign of a connection that Ethan and Mel shared, one that neither of them could have ever expected. Through their struggles and challenges, they would come to rediscover their love for each other and find their way back to each other's arms. Mel's journey is one of resilience and determination, a story that shows that even in the face of adversity, success is within reach. Will you join her on this incredible journey of love and self-discovery?

Widowed mother of two, Amaliah Rivers starts working for her late husband's enemy; Tech billionaire Caesar Masterson to earn enough money to take care of her twin daughters and pay the debts her late husband left behind. Caesar falls in love with the beautiful Amaliah and is determined to win her heart despite her defiance and dislike for him.