A Heart of Desire and Deceit
How does one pick up the pieces of their life after it has been obliterated by the person they mistakingly trusted?
Ryker Waterborn’s heart is broken, and his wife is a killer. Their marriage is a sham, built on a foundation of murder, lies, and deceit. They’re broken. Destroyed. Yet, even after hearing her confession, Ryker cannot leave Brynleigh in the Pit.
In an act of foolish love, he makes a deal to set Brynleigh free. All she has to do is go back to her Maker and find evidence that Jelisette de la Point is a traitor.
That’s easier said than done, but Brynleigh is left with no choice. She can either accept the deal or rot behind bars. Worse than all that is her relationship with Ryker.
Once, she thought they’d get a happy ending. Now, an ocean divides them.
She broke the rules and fell in love, but is love powerful enough to save them?
This is the second half of Ryker and Brynleigh's duet, and should be read after A Game of Love and Betrayal.
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Elayna R. Gallea
Elayna R. Gallea crafts stories that transport readers to enchanted realms where love, magic, and destiny intertwine. Known for her evocative world-building and emotionally rich narratives, Elayna creates settings where every detail feels alive, from the thrum of ancient magic to the quiet moments of connection between characters. Her works don’t just explore fantastical lands—they delve deep into the human experience, making the extraordinary feel intimately personal.
A native of New Brunswick, Canada, Elayna grew up surrounded by nature’s serene beauty, drawing inspiration from her quiet, forested surroundings. She believes that much of her storytelling strength comes from her ability to observe the small, unspoken moments of life, which she then magnifies through the lens of magic and myth. Though her journey as a writer began with a love for reading, it was only after years of crafting stories in her mind that she felt compelled to share her worlds with others.
The Choosing Chronicles
In a world where love is as unpredictable as the magic that courses through its veins, The Choosing Chronicles offers a dark and thrilling journey through power, deception, and desire. At the heart of this series is Brynleigh, a vampire haunted by a past marked by pain and loss. Her thirst for vengeance drives her into the dangerous world of The Choosing, a mysterious and high-stakes competition where contestants are blindfolded to choose their partner—and never know exactly who they will end up with.
The Choosing Chronicles consists of four books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

