Defying the Stars

From #1 New York Times Bestselling author Emily McIntire comes a contemporary Romeo & Juliet retelling and the first interconnected standalone in an all new series Defying the Stars. Juliette Calloway lives in a world of luxury, legacies, and lies. The daughter of Rosebrook Falls' most powerful family, her life is a carefully crafted performance, and she's tired of being polished to perfection. Roman Montgomery doesn't exist. Not officially, anyway. He's a shadow, a hidden weapon, the secret heir to an empire soaked in danger and a generations-old feud. When their paths cross, sparks fly. No names. No pasts. Just reckless smiles and a chemistry neither of them can shake. Roman is charming. Mysterious. Infuriatingly flirty. And Juliette? She's simply. . . his. When Roman is called back to claim his place as heir to the Montgomery empire, the truth crashes down: Their families are sworn enemies, and Roman's very existence is a threat. Their love isn't just forbidden, it's impossible. Now every kiss feels like a betrayal. Every stolen moment a risk. And in a town built on secrets and blood, their passion might just be the most dangerous thing of all. *Burning Daylight is a Contemporary Romance. It features mature themes and content that may be triggering for some. Reader Discretion is Advised. For a full list of content warnings, check the author's website.*

Some sins are worth the fall. Lance Calloway fights when they tell him to fight. Bleeds when they tell him to bleed. Breaks when they tell him to break. Six years in an unsanctioned cage, and the one line he's never crossed? Loyalty to his best friend, no matter the cost. Then he's asked to protect her. Genevieve DeGrance didn't ask for any of this. She came to Rosebrook Falls to be with the mayor's son. But nothing in this town is what it seems. Especially not the dangerous fighter who watches her every move like a threat. She hates him. He hates her. And yet... The more time Lance spends guarding Genevieve, the harder it becomes to remember she belongs to someone else. And the more she uncovers about Rosebrook Falls, the more she realizes the only honest person in her life is the one man she's forbidden to want. In a town built on secrets and lies, falling for each other could destroy them both. But staying away might be the one fight Lance can't win.