Sterling Shore Series by C.M. Owens

Everyone has secrets that define them, a past that has shaped them, and a game they play - whether they know it or not. Despite the fact they live next door to each other, Kade and Raya have never made an effort to speak, until a wild party, four frat boys, and... a bulldozer. Sterling Shore was supposed to be a new start for eighteen-year-old Raya Capperton... moreEveryone has secrets that define them, a past that has shaped them, and a game they play - whether they know it or not. Despite the fact they live next door to each other, Kade and Raya have never made an effort to speak, until a wild party, four frat boys, and... a bulldozer. Sterling Shore was supposed to be a new start for eighteen-year-old Raya Capperton. Everything was working out perfectly until her two roommates were expelled for a prank, leaving Raya with the house she couldn't afford on her own. Fate intervenes before she has the chance to find a new home, but she struggles to decide if it's divine luck or the devil's cruel sense of humour. Twenty-one-year-old Kade Colton has his life planned out, and everything he does is an elaborate game to aid him with his future endeavors. Coming from money has made Kade's life easy, but he wants to build his own name - his own future. The thing he doesn't realize... when you only put forth superficial effort, you only acquire superficial friends. Raya is torn between being amused or disturbed by Kade and his philosophy, but the drive behind his determination isn't what Raya expected. Little by little, her hatred fades and is replaced by emotions she never would have believed she could have for the rich jerk she desperately doesn't want to care about. Too bad you can't force yourself not to care. The problem is... Kade's shiny name can't be tarnished, and Raya has a jaded tie she can't cut loose. Nothing about them can work, nothing about them makes sense, but nothing can seem to stop them from trying. less

We never go after what we want without circling around it at least a hundred times. Instead, we play games, try to work just the right angle, even when it's not necessary. You've heard Raya's version, and now it's Kade's turn. He had everything mapped out. His life was a series of strategy and games, all of which he was mastering. And then Raya Capperton invaded his life at a moment when he refused to be distracted... moreWe never go after what we want without circling around it at least a hundred times. Instead, we play games, try to work just the right angle, even when it's not necessary. You've heard Raya's version, and now it's Kade's turn. He had everything mapped out. His life was a series of strategy and games, all of which he was mastering. And then Raya Capperton invaded his life at a moment when he refused to be distracted. The animosity between them boiled over at first, but the second Kade started falling, he fell hard. But Kade has never been accused of doing things the easy way. less

The cunning predator, the willing prey, and a weekend neither of them will be able to forget... ever. Ash Branderwood was told one thing before going to her best friend's brother's wedding - don't get Tagged. There's always that one guy you shouldn't want, but you just can't help yourself. He's going to be horrible for your health, he'll probably break your heart, but he's going to be so much fun while he's doing it. Stay away... moreThe cunning predator, the willing prey, and a weekend neither of them will be able to forget... ever. Ash Branderwood was told one thing before going to her best friend's brother's wedding - don't get Tagged. There's always that one guy you shouldn't want, but you just can't help yourself. He's going to be horrible for your health, he'll probably break your heart, but he's going to be so much fun while he's doing it. Stay away. Ash Branderwood can't seem to heed such logic when she meets playboy millionaire Tag Masters. Weddings always seem to create a false sense of intimacy, but Ash doesn't take that into consideration when she starts fantasizing about the man she can't possibly tame. She's a good girl... well, good enough. She's never really taken any chances or done something irrational or foolish. Tag is just the person to rectify that for her. Tag has never done anything but take chances. He never had anything to lose - so he risked it all and built his name up in Sterling Shore. Meaningless sex is one of his many hobbies, and he's not looking to settle down any time soon. After all, these are the best years of his life. But, one look at Ash, and he almost forgets his own name. And what in the hell is she doing at Wren's wedding with Bity? Tag is almost furious when he sees Billy Prize brought a girl as stunning as Ash, considering Tag doesn't feel as though Billy deserves such a thing. He has to have her... at least once... possibly twice. It was supposed to be a weekend of fun, one she'd remember just long enough to forget. But she quickly realizes there's one thing for sure... she's never going to be able to forget Tag Masters, only it isn't for reasons one might think. All hell breaks loose when secrets emerge, but when Ash's life is endangered, Tag has to put aside his own issues to keep her safe. less

A love that never came to be, a letter that ruined it all, and secrets that shred and heal... Rain Noles left Sterling Shore to break free from the painful life she had, but she left behind the man she loved, expecting him to come after her. When he didn't, resentments festered, and Rain lost faith in the love she felt couldn't have been stronger. Dane Sterling watched his best friend walk away, but he assumed it was only temporary. He didn't realize she was walking out of his life... moreA love that never came to be, a letter that ruined it all, and secrets that shred and heal... Rain Noles left Sterling Shore to break free from the painful life she had, but she left behind the man she loved, expecting him to come after her. When he didn't, resentments festered, and Rain lost faith in the love she felt couldn't have been stronger. Dane Sterling watched his best friend walk away, but he assumed it was only temporary. He didn't realize she was walking out of his life. And now she's back in Sterling Shore and his life. Life has a way of creating a path for fate to travel. Despite their buried resentments, Dane is there when Rain needs someone the most. But as much as life gives, it also takes away. It's only the strong who brave worst times. less

Tria Noles and Kode Sterling are a match made in hell, and no one will deny that. They’ve hated each other for years. Kode Sterling is the jerk who doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Tria Noles hides under a cold façade to appear strong and confident. There’s no possible way they could be anything together besides a volatile disaster. But when their chemistry overrides their logic, they have no choice but to face their twisted attraction to each other... moreTria Noles and Kode Sterling are a match made in hell, and no one will deny that. They’ve hated each other for years. Kode Sterling is the jerk who doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Tria Noles hides under a cold façade to appear strong and confident. There’s no possible way they could be anything together besides a volatile disaster. But when their chemistry overrides their logic, they have no choice but to face their twisted attraction to each other. When that attraction refuses to fade, what started off as physical turns into something neither of them expected — or wanted. Tria has spent most of her life living in her sister’s shadow, and it’s no secret that Kode was once one of the many who adored Rain Noles. It’s hard for her not to keep her guard up, because she doesn’t want to feel overlooked once again. Kode starts to realize he might have been chasing the wrong Noles girl all these years. And there’s a lot he did wrong in the past when chasing Rain that could jeopardize any future he has with Tria. There’s a thin line between love and hate, just as there is a thin line between success and disaster. less

What happens when one neighbor pisses off the other? They end up in a brutal prank war, of course. But neither of them expects what happens when they can’t break even. Rye Clanton I told myself a long time ago that I wouldn’t—couldn’t—fall in love. I’ve seen what happens, the things they don’t tell you in fairytales. But I never saw Brin Waters coming until she had thoroughly invaded my life. Until her, I never laughed, joked, or even knew how to have a good time... moreWhat happens when one neighbor pisses off the other? They end up in a brutal prank war, of course. But neither of them expects what happens when they can’t break even. Rye Clanton I told myself a long time ago that I wouldn’t—couldn’t—fall in love. I’ve seen what happens, the things they don’t tell you in fairytales. But I never saw Brin Waters coming until she had thoroughly invaded my life. Until her, I never laughed, joked, or even knew how to have a good time. Until her, I just existed. If my secrets weren’t so dark… But they are. Brin Waters How the hell do you go from hating someone to loving them? I don’t know, but Rye Clanton is good at it. However, he’s a walking contradiction that I can’t figure out, an enigma that has stumped me more times than I can count. But he’s the first person that’s ever made me feel alive—free. How do you give something like that up? Is loving him worth the risk of being destroyed? less

Allie Thrash: Wren Prize is the asshole who got me pregnant seven years ago. And gave me a false name. And walked out of the hotel without a backward glance. Sure, I know I wanted to have sex just as much as he did, but I didn't want to be tossed aside like garbage the second it was done. I also wasn't planning to get pregnant. Now, after seven years of hating the jerk, I'm living in his city, because it's a small world and I found him by accident... moreAllie Thrash: Wren Prize is the asshole who got me pregnant seven years ago. And gave me a false name. And walked out of the hotel without a backward glance. Sure, I know I wanted to have sex just as much as he did, but I didn't want to be tossed aside like garbage the second it was done. I also wasn't planning to get pregnant. Now, after seven years of hating the jerk, I'm living in his city, because it's a small world and I found him by accident. Yes, I realize how crazy that must sound, but my luck is just that bad. The problem is, the Wren Prize of today is not the Wren Prize I've envisioned castrating all this time. And I hate that I can't hate him the way he deserves to be hated. In fact, I'm terrified I might just be stupid enough to be falling for him. Wren Prize: A daughter. I have a daughter. And I've missed over six years of her life because I decided to go for the world's biggest jerk award. I'm supposed to be the cool-headed one, the mature one, the one everyone goes to for advice. Yet I'm the one who fucked up the most. Sadly, I don't even remember that night. Too much fun, too much sun, and way too much booze. It's hard to ask for a second chance when you don't even remember the first chance you had. And every time I'm around Allie, even when she's casting me glares that prove she wants me dead, I can't help but wonder what that night was like. Well, what it was like before I ruined her. less

RUBY KROSS Who is Corbin Sterling to me? That's what people always want to know. He was my first friend. He was the love of my life. And he was my only heartbreak. The problem is that I love the big jerk, and I've refused to give up our friendship, even if it does mean it'll eventually ruin me. So, to answer the question... Corbin Fucking Sterling is the Bane of my existence; that's what he is... moreRUBY KROSS Who is Corbin Sterling to me? That's what people always want to know. He was my first friend. He was the love of my life. And he was my only heartbreak. The problem is that I love the big jerk, and I've refused to give up our friendship, even if it does mean it'll eventually ruin me. So, to answer the question... Corbin Fucking Sterling is the Bane of my existence; that's what he is. CORBIN STERLING People tell you to learn from your mistakes, but the problem isn't learning from them; it's undoing them. I wish I could go back and undo a lot of shit. Maybe then I wouldn't feel tortured every time Ruby calls me her "best friend." This might be the last chance I have to make everything right, but she's sure as hell not going to make it easy. The games we play will either finally stop, or turn into what I've always wanted. This time I won't fuck it up. Hopefully. less

JAX My life was simple... until Bo Brendon crashed into my lap. Shy girls aren't my thing, yet somehow, she's under my skin and in my head. It's a f*cking nightmare. Yet it's a nightmare I don't want to give up. BOLIVIA (BO) Jax Marshall was an accident. A really sexy, smart, incredibly smooth, hot... accident. He's the kind of guy you shouldn't fall in love with, because he could crush you with barely any effort. Especially someone like me... moreJAX My life was simple... until Bo Brendon crashed into my lap. Shy girls aren't my thing, yet somehow, she's under my skin and in my head. It's a f*cking nightmare. Yet it's a nightmare I don't want to give up. BOLIVIA (BO) Jax Marshall was an accident. A really sexy, smart, incredibly smooth, hot... accident. He's the kind of guy you shouldn't fall in love with, because he could crush you with barely any effort. Especially someone like me. Either it will be the best thing to ever happen to me, or it will be the disaster that leaves me in ruins. I guess I'll find out. ***** *Romantic Comedy *Adult content *Can be read as a stand-alone *Dual POV less

BELLA New life. New job. New home. New goals... I vowed to make drastic changes and to never fall back into old habits. But then Ethan Noles showed up and blew all my good intentions to hell. I should have stayed away. I shouldn't have played his game. But I did. Now I just hope I don't regret it. ETHAN Bella is the type of girl you can't help but chase, because she doesn't want to be caught. I came back ready to live and enjoy life. Not to get tethered to a girl. But.. moreBELLA New life. New job. New home. New goals... I vowed to make drastic changes and to never fall back into old habits. But then Ethan Noles showed up and blew all my good intentions to hell. I should have stayed away. I shouldn't have played his game. But I did. Now I just hope I don't regret it. ETHAN Bella is the type of girl you can't help but chase, because she doesn't want to be caught. I came back ready to live and enjoy life. Not to get tethered to a girl. But... shit happens. Bella happens. And everything I thought I wanted slowly changes. less

DALE I'm a mature and very pragmatic person, whom others like to call boring. At least I was...until Harley came back into town... What do you do when a girl comes back for some petty revenge against you and seduction is part of her game? You pretend to be a millionaire dom, of course. Yeah...it sounded better in theory. My execution keeps ending up in awkward messes, and this game between us gets even messier when I learn more about Harley... moreDALE I'm a mature and very pragmatic person, whom others like to call boring. At least I was...until Harley came back into town... What do you do when a girl comes back for some petty revenge against you and seduction is part of her game? You pretend to be a millionaire dom, of course. Yeah...it sounded better in theory. My execution keeps ending up in awkward messes, and this game between us gets even messier when I learn more about Harley. She's easy to fall for, even though she's hazardous as hell. What happens when all the games end? HARLEY One simple little goal turns into one giant disaster. On the surface, Dale Sterling seemed like an asshole from my past; the typical arrogant guy who boulders through life and anyone in his way. So a little revenge seemed plausible, considering what he did to me once upon a long time ago. In hindsight, it was immature. But revenge has kept me on top of the world since I stopped being on the bottom of everyone's shoes, so I make no apologies for my immaturity. But Dale is weirdly kinky... Everything is going fine...until it gets real. Now the guy I wanted to humiliate is the same guy I'm begging my heart not to stupidly fall in love with. Unfortunately, my heart tends to be stubborn. *Can be read as a stand-alone *Sexual content *Adult language less

Salem: Just some fun. Just one night of reckless, harmless, wild fun. That's what I told myself the night I hooked up with quite possibly the sexiest guy I've ever known. Only, I didn't want to KNOW him. Life is a series of temporary situations, or so it's always been for me. A future revolves around the next move, but I'm still the type to live in the moment on a seldom occasion, consequences be damned... moreSalem: Just some fun. Just one night of reckless, harmless, wild fun. That's what I told myself the night I hooked up with quite possibly the sexiest guy I've ever known. Only, I didn't want to KNOW him. Life is a series of temporary situations, or so it's always been for me. A future revolves around the next move, but I'm still the type to live in the moment on a seldom occasion, consequences be damned. Unless that moment happens to be unknowingly landing in bed with my brand new stepbrother. The universe is a mean, twisted jerk. And one consequence is that I have to be around him and get to know him. The worst consequence is the fact that Maverick Sterling, the infamous playboy who can't possibly be tamed, is really hard not to want more of once you've had a taste. So long as I'm not stupid enough to fall in love, it shouldn't be a big deal. Right? Maverick: My life has been blissfully simple for a really long time. I have a routine. I have friends. I have family. Yet everyone seems to have less and less time, since they're all sort of trying to be adults or what the hell ever. I blame them for the fact the only girl to ever ditch me without a backward glance is suddenly under my skin. I blame my father for the fact she's a new fixture in my life. Not that I knew that before I got a little overly friendly with my new stepsister. I mean, what are the odds? It shouldn't have been possible. But it happened. It figures the one girl I can't get out of my head is the one girl who doesn't want to be with me. At least in my head she's the only girl who doesn't want to be with me, because I tend to be arrogant like that. The point is, now she's everywhere I turn, yet she's marking a line in the sand that she thinks I really won't cross. Obviously she doesn't know me at all. *Can be read as a stand-alone *Sexual Content *Adult Language less

Despite the fact it seemed like Base Masters was all over Sterling Shore, I'd never really known much about him, aside from random factoids. Things like...he's a semi-estranged cousin of one of my brother's friends, plays guitar in a local band, and he doesn't get mentioned much unless he's on stage. Until...he decided I was going to be his first real-life muse, moved himself into my spare room, and started splashing the walls with pictures of my face next to his lyrics.. moreDespite the fact it seemed like Base Masters was all over Sterling Shore, I'd never really known much about him, aside from random factoids. Things like...he's a semi-estranged cousin of one of my brother's friends, plays guitar in a local band, and he doesn't get mentioned much unless he's on stage. Until...he decided I was going to be his first real-life muse, moved himself into my spare room, and started splashing the walls with pictures of my face next to his lyrics... His weirdness differs from mine, but he'd be a perfect candidate for my hymen situation. Then I could finally move on to the next personal challenge on my list. The only problem is that he's yet another man afraid of a virgin. I genuinely never expected it to be so difficult to lose one's virginity. I think the world has filled me with false expectations of debauchery coming so easily. The human element always messes up the plans in my head. less