Chelsea Lauren

Because of You is a Represent Publishing anthology about love, growth, and finding peace. This is a collection of four short stories by Ashlyn Drewek, D. Allyson Howlett, Danielle Merchant, and Chelsea Lauren."Spirits n' Chai" by D. Allyson HowlettRaina, an introverted artist, is fine with how her life is. She's safe, and she's comfortable-sort of. Regardless, she's making her own choices and living the life she wants to live; more than she could say nine months ago. But when Raina is thrown out of her comfort zone, haunted by a ghostly spirit in search of closure, Raina has to decide between stepping face first into her fears or remaining in the shadows forever."Wither" by Ashlyn DrewekWorking for literary sensation Gerulf Prince should have been a dream job for aspiring author Zane Beaumont. Six months, all-expenses paid, and one-on-one time with his favorite writer? It sounded too good to be true-because it was.Still reeling from an accident that left him lame and disfigured, Gerulf Prince has struggled with his career, but that doesn't mean he needs an assistant, let alone someone like Zane, hanging around all day. With a deadline approaching, Gerulf's faced with a decision he never saw coming-break his contract and face a legal firestorm or submit his novel and lose his newfound muse forever."Fairytale Ending?" by Danielle MerchantAt 29, Courtney refuses to be single on Valentine's Day. Last year, on that very holiday, she was dumped by a man she thought was the one. Almost a year later, she is tired of waiting for Mr. Right to fall into her lap, so she is taking matters into her own hands. Her solution: online dating to curate her perfect Valentine's Day. This light-hearted love story is about letting go, being patient, and having faith in the Universe's plan."All A-Boat You" by Chelsea LaurenEvie had envisioned a different life for herself by the time she turned 30. But as the days creep closer to the big 3-0, she's still a workaholic, single, and always the maid-of-honor, never the bride. Evie has one wish: a day dedicated to her on a sailboat with her best friends. Little does she know that while on the edge of a burnout is the day her entire luck changes. It starts with a tea latte and ends with the next chapter of her life.

Can there be a world without chaos?Theodore, a teen activist, has been in a year-long fight to get his parents justice after they were murdered. He's nearly lost faith in humanity as each protest brings him no closer to progress. Yet, millions of people are watching his every move. He has to fight, he has to create change, he has to protect.Theo is exhausted. He wishes he could disappear to another planet, give up his responsibilities, stop caring, and not be the teen who saves the world-for just a moment.So when the opportunity to escape presents itself, offering hope, progress, and a break, Theo is skeptical.Can a perfect world even exist?

Journey through a forever Christmas land and fight candy cane monsters. Open questionable gift boxes full of snow. Cozy up by the fireplace with a warm cup of Isabella's Coffee. Walk with a teen through an unfamiliar world after he wishes he never met his best friend. Run through the forest with an English Princess and wonder what she is running from. Help a lost traveler find their way home in the snow ... follow us to Winter Neverland

Will the truth set him free or drive him deeper into the bottle?Formerly "cured" in therapy, Benjamin Jacobson refuses to further explore or accept his sexuality-that is, until the charming Caden Benson waltzes into his independent coffee shop. As Ben plays the role of picture-perfect husband and father of two, he relishes the hidden moments of a secret relationship where he can finally embrace who he is. Soon, the increasing weight of a double life demands to be acknowledged, whether Ben is ready to address it or not.Underneath the Whiskey is the poignant and wrenchingly honest story of a closeted gay man struggling to keep his family and business afloat amidst an affair and alcohol addiction.

Stalked by monsters in the woods and her past, Anora finds safety in the quiet comforts of her small town life.It's another ordinary day when she's sent to a Guardian assessment designed to unleash rare supernatural abilities, until she blasts a tunnel of water across the room. Her coach calls her gift a blessing, but Anora knows it's a death sentence. Now she must train as a Guardian and battle the very monsters that have tormented her entire life.After being thrown into the arena with a clawed and cackling creature, Anora refuses to accept this new life. She appeals to the Commander and begs her trainers to let her go home. The more they refuse, the more Anora realizes this isn't a training camp-it's a prison and they will never let her leave. Now she must escape the camp before the Commander catches on, for if he does, he may turn out to be worse than the monsters lurking in the woods.

Julianis awkward, athletic, and knows a fun fact or two. According to his friends, the most important aspect about him is that he's still a virgin. Except, the thing is, sex never crosses Julian's mind. He doesn't understand what the big deal is. Julian's tired of all the pressure. He just wants his friends off his back once and for all.Quinnis the captain of the soccer team and a straight A student who undeniably loves sex. And who cares? Her body, her decisions. Guys can love sex, so why can't girls? With the double standard, she's found herself with a bad rep. Her friends don't believe she can hold a relationship. But Quinn's competitive. She may not care to date but she's determined to prove her friends wrong.Julian and Quinnare seemingly polar opposites. Coaxed on a date through a dare, each only carry half of the story. Together, they learn there is far more to a person beyond stereotypes, society's expectations, and that love has more than one meaning.