Everyone has that special someone - their first love. The memory of that person who brings butterflies to your stomach and a smile to your lips. My first love was Owen Moore. He was my best friend's older brother - a broad, strapping alpha who never failed to make me feel safe. I spent most of my childhood at the Moore's house, their open warmth a welcome relief from the cold reception my own parents gave me. Owen never looked twice at me then. Now, I'm back in Blackwater, teaching at the local school. Owen's in Blackwater, too, protecting and serving as part of the police force.

Ryker’s been away from home for six long years, undergoing the rigorous training required of the next pack alpha. Now he’s back, ready to take his place as the leader of Blackwater’s wolves and to claim the man he’s always wanted to be his mate. Austin can’t remember a time when he wasn’t attracted to Ryker, but when Ryker left town, so did Austin’s dreams that they would, one day, be together.

I know that I can be gruff and blunt, and I've never really been the romantic type. Still, I thought we were happy together. It turns out my ex didn’t see things the same way. He cleared out my bank account and skipped town with another man, leaving me to pick up the pieces of our broken dreams alone. Let’s get one thing clear: I'm not ready for another relationship. But that doesn't mean I'm not up for a little distraction with an attractive coworker.

It was your classic case of opposites. I was the football star; he was the class clown that put itching powder in my jockstrap. I'm laid-back; he's in-your-face loud. I've told everyone for years that I hate him...but hate has an opposite, too. His name is Tripp. He's a social media star. And he's so damn vibrant he makes my teeth ache. And I need to ask him for a favor.

What’s a four-letter word for an utterly oblivious, totally commitment-phobic, heartbreakingly gorgeous man with a pet pig named Bernadette? That’d be D-U-N-N, as in Dunn Johnson, my very best pal and fishing buddy since I moved to Licking Thicket. What’s a six-letter word for a nerdy, crossword-loving town doctor who’s doomed to be hopelessly, thoroughly, irrevocably, in love with that straight best friend for the rest of his born days? That’s T-U-C-K-E-R, as in me. 

Harley: What happens when the most successful boy band on the planet breaks up? How about 20,000 fans screaming my name. But the price of fame comes with an increased risk to my safety. I've been avoiding the dreaded B word for as long as I can, but after a close call with a rambunctious fan, I can't do it anymore. It's time to give in. I need to hire a full-time bodyguard. And when he shows up, he not only screams badass, he's another B word I try to stay away from: boyfriend material.

I never thought I’d meet my mate at the dentist’s office, but when I take my daughter to get her tooth pulled, he’s right there waiting. I recognize Jamie’s scent as soon as I walk in, and it’s making my inner wolf crazy. And when I see how great he is with my daughter, my heart melts. I need him to be mine. We’re scorched by the heat of our chemistry, and I can’t get enough of the man. But when Jamie starts to pull away, I don’t know if I can keep the omega as my own. 

Patrick thrives on spontaneity, mischief, and mayhem. Injured in a car accident in his teens, he hasn’t let his limited mobility hold him back from experiencing all life has to offer. And when life offers up a cute vet just when he needs help for his service dog, Pepper, who is he to turn it down? Welcome to Sunnydale Vets, where love is the best medicine, and all it takes to fix your problems is the willingness to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

The last thing I want is another relationship or another broken heart. All I need are my bees and the occasional hookup to scratch the itch. Okay, maybe meeting up with my hot contractor weekly is a little more than occasional. And maybe the way I’m starting to feel about the guy I’ve been anonymously chatting with online should concern me. But CaulkyAF doesn’t want to meet, and Cole doesn’t want anything serious, so what’s the worst that could happen?

Julian was the boy next door. My brother's best friend, he fit with my family in ways I never could. While he and Rhett went on to play house, I left the only life I knew, desperate for a fresh start. Until everything changed. Heartache came along, and the aftermath of my brother's death was here to stay. I was now face to face with Julian more than I ever wanted to be. Being around him brought up all my insecurities, forced me to deal with hard truths, and conjured up feelings I had no business entertaining. He wasn't the man I thought I knew.