Those Who Favor Fire Series by Chance Christopher, Bella Liddell

Westing House stood as a testament to the passage of time. Nestled in a quiet, overgrown garden, its once-stately facade bore scars of age. Faded paint peeled off in delicate layers, revealing weathered wood beneath. The roof, adorned with timeworn shingles, was pitted and sunken from years of elemental exposure. For Alex, Westing House represents a new beginning. Eighteen years old and fresh from a cruel and uncaring foster system, he’s suffered plenty of setbacks in his short life... moreWesting House stood as a testament to the passage of time. Nestled in a quiet, overgrown garden, its once-stately facade bore scars of age. Faded paint peeled off in delicate layers, revealing weathered wood beneath. The roof, adorned with timeworn shingles, was pitted and sunken from years of elemental exposure. For Alex, Westing House represents a new beginning. Eighteen years old and fresh from a cruel and uncaring foster system, he’s suffered plenty of setbacks in his short life. But a job as the caretaker for a dilapidated historic house is the perfect opportunity for him to start anew. To get some money in his pocket and have a place to call his own, even if it’s just for a year.His tentative hopefulness is shattered by the arrival of several creepy messages and presents from someone who signs themselves only as “X.” This person knows everything about Alex, and they want it all—all his deepest, darkest secrets. His body. His heart. When the messages shift from uncomfortably romantic to menacing, where will Alex turn?He’s lucky to have Gabe in his life. A tall, handsome firefighter with the Emberford FD, he sweeps into Alex’s world just in time to catch wind of the monster that haunts Westing House. Gabe is strong, brave, and fiercely protective. But it may be the case that even Gabe can’t save Alex from the entity that wants Alex all to themselves… on pain of death.Will Gabe be able to save Alex from the faceless evil that pursues him? Or will their love go up in flames, along with Alex’s sanity?THOSE WHO FAVOR FIRE is a terrifying dark romance with adult themes. Readers should be warned of scenes containing graphic violence and peril. Discretion is advised. less

My dearest Alex,Did you think that it was over? That, when the fire came, all your deepest nightmares came to a head and blew away like smoke on the breeze? Think again, lover.Remember that I know you like nobody else knows you. I see you in a way that you can’t even see yourself. I am your shadow on the street; I’m the stray light that catches your eye when you turn your head just-so under the glare of the morning sunlight. I’m with you when you eat, sleep, bathe, laugh, or cry... moreMy dearest Alex,Did you think that it was over? That, when the fire came, all your deepest nightmares came to a head and blew away like smoke on the breeze? Think again, lover.Remember that I know you like nobody else knows you. I see you in a way that you can’t even see yourself. I am your shadow on the street; I’m the stray light that catches your eye when you turn your head just-so under the glare of the morning sunlight. I’m with you when you eat, sleep, bathe, laugh, or cry. (You need to stop crying, Alex. I’m going to change all that; don’t you worry.)I wish you could envision the life we’re going to have together. Where I’m taking you, there will be no more city filth or soul-sucking intruders in our love story. You don’t need any of them, my beautiful boy. You don’t need family or friends. Especially not Tom — you definitely don’t need him.This time around, Alex, I am telling my story. I won’t be misunderstood any longer. If they all understand the pureness of my love and what I was willing to do to make you mine, maybe they would stop vilifying me. I’m not the bad guy, after all. I may have killed, but who wouldn’t end a life to build the life of their dreams with the most perfect angel that God ever created? I may have committed unspeakable violations, but every heinous act I did was to get closer to you. To keep you safe. I would do anything for you. Lie, steal, cheat … I would die a thousand deaths to see you smile.After all, what’s love without a little pain?Eternally yours,XWhat I've Tasted of Desire is a terrifying companion novel to Those Who Favor Fire. Readers should take note of graphic and heinous content and are encouraged to read the full list of trigger warnings in the book's forward. This title is intended for readers 18 years and older. Reader discretion is advised. less