But that's exactly what she finds when she returns from being out of town. Worse, the bear has been deliberately trapped by the shop's owner, Will Parker.Will is starting a new life in the town of Reindeer Ridge. His shop, The Big Bear, sells novelty items while also providing guests the chance to see a live bear kept humanely upstairs. Unfortunately, the shop owner across the way seems to be determined to have his shop closed down.But Annaliese soon begins to realize that Will isn’t the bad guy she wants to make him out to be. As their feelings for each other start to grow, they both begin to realize the importance of compromise.This book was previously included in the December 2020 anthology, Small-Town Christmas. The rest of the series was not part of that anthology.The Reindeer Ridge series is a sweet, clean contemporary Christmas series filled with swoon-worthy heroes and a small-town setting.

    The city was decorated, the season in full swing.The only way to make it better was to celebrate love. Callen knew for this play he wouldn’t need his glove.It took a while for them to find their way. Now it was here, Callen and Spencer’s special day.With their family and friends by their side, they knew their life together would be an amazing ride.The Emperors cheered as the vows were said. One of their own was finally wed.Baseball was what had brought them together. Now Callen and Spencer had their forever.

    It seems like nothing has changed since she left...until she hears about the wealthy CEO who has taken up residence in town. All Allie Moore wants is some peace and quiet. She's built a life for herself in Cascade Falls, and she's happy with things just the way they are. But when a brash (and beautiful) woman comes storming into her office one day, Allie finds herself reevaluating things.Sparks fly between the two women, and Ivy swears the CEO is out to make her life miserable. But as she reluctantly spends more time around Allie, she wonders if she might have been too quick to judge the other woman.With a little help from the rest of the town, can Ivy and Allie find the spirit of the season--and maybe fall in love along the way?

    the amateur sleuths are on the case! Curl up by the fire and sip a cup of cider with this collection of 4 full-length, spooky cozy mystery novels from USA Today bestselling and award winning authors! This collection includes: Calamity Jayne and the Haunted Homecoming Calamity Jayne Mysteries It's autumn in the heartland, but this year, Tressa Jayne Turner isn't just enjoying the candy corn, popcorn balls and caramel apples. This reporter is on a mission to sniff out a serious story. Enter a blackmailing, six-foot-two-inch homecoming queen candidate with all the charm of Frankenstein in taffeta, a rival reporter out to scoop the competition, and a séance-hosting grandmother! Mystic Mayhem Mystic Isle Mysteries book #1 Melanie Hamilton brings home the bacon by inking tattoos at New Orleans's Mansion at Mystic Isle, a resort in the middle of the bayou that caters to fans of the peculiar and paranormal. But when a guest of the resort, a millionaire's widow, is poisoned, and Melanie's close friend is arrested for the murder, things go from hectic to downright dangerous. Lipstick, Lies & Dead Guys Gianna Mancini Mysteries book #1 Gianna Mancini has chatted with ghosts most of her life. It's never affected her much. Until now. The latest ghost in Gianna's world is a woman she despises and to get her of her apartment, Gianna chooses to help her move on. But she doesn't expect to come across poisonous jam, a vengeful cop, or a group of friendly clowns...and a whole lot of trouble. Murder Casts Its Spell Petra Paranormal Mysteries book #1 Attorney Petra Rakowtiz lives in a world much like ours...except that her latest client is a wizard. Petra might agree that magic can be unpredictable...especially when she suddenly possesses those powers herself. With the Wizard Council threatening to lock her up for inability to control her new power, and her client's life on the line if she doesn't prove him innocent, Petra could be in trouble. "The ghosts are booing in the eerie bayou in this fantastic southern tale, MYSTIC MAYHEM. Charming, cunning and clever." ~ Romance Junkies "Fans of Janet Evanovich will be glad to see that you don't always have to go to the burgh for mirthful murder and mayhem." (Calamity Jayne Mysteries) ~ Booklist "If you like your cozy mysteries on the humorous side, then look no further." (Gianna Mancini Mysteries) ~ Fresh Fiction

    But he's never noticed her. Because of previous mishaps at other jobs, Eve chooses to hide herself with dowdy clothing, over-sized glasses and an unflattering hairstyle. When her girlfriends confront her with the fact that she's not dating, Eve realizes she has to deal with her attraction to Nick and get him out of her system. One kiss, that's all she wants. Operation Stealth Elf is born. Eve attends her company's Christmas costume party as a very sexy, naughty elf. She catches Nick's attention and gets way more than a kiss. Before the clock strikes midnight, Eve escapes into the night, leaving her panties behind. The following week at work, Nick stuns her when he asks for her help in finding his naughty elf. Short of having every woman in his company try on the red lace panties that Eve left behind, he'll stop at nothing to discover the elf's true identity.

    When she decides to design and build a sugar cookie nativity scene, all she needs is the right cookie cutters—and handsome blacksmith Kyle Smoker is the one she asks for help. Using Kyle’s handmade cutters, Alyssa creates a striking display that brings more tourists to the bakery than she can handle. And when shoppers request handmade cookie cutters of their own, Kyle finds himself overwhelmed by the demand. As Christmas approaches, Alyssa realizes she’s been too caught up in work to focus on the true meaning of Christmas—and too distracted to explore the feelings she has for Kyle. Together, they put aside the holiday rush and spend their time celebrating the season that has brought them together.

    Wrong, and with yet another lonely Christmas looming, she decides it's time to alter the equation - and seek out someone who seems totally wrong for her. Eureka! The heart is a genius... Bah, Handsome Behind on her bills, B&B owner Hope receives an unlikely guest - stranded solicitor Danny, who has been threatening to put her out of business. Funny how the holidays can bring people together no matter how much they resist... Ms. Humbug Born rebel or overgrown man child, Matt is the kind of man no woman can tame--until an unexpected encounter with his nemesis, Cami, at the office holiday party proves there is an exception to every rule.

    So, when a much-loved portrait of the groom’s father is adorned with pirate eye-patches and black plastic moustaches, and his expensive cologne is switched for toilet cleaner, Lexie and Theo must once again don their metaphorical deerstalkers and unravel the mystery before the wedding dissolves into Christmas-themed chaos and calamity.A perfect Christmas wedding?Is there such a thing for The Cornish Confetti Agency?A glittery, feel-good story perfect for the festive season, and the third book in The Cornish Confetti Agency series.

    Doesn't everyone? But I had no idea that a little luck could mean bad luck too. What started as a perfectly polished plan turned tainted and tarnished. I was just trying to get back on my feet, back to the lucky side of life. But then everything changed... One look, one touch, one taste, And now, suddenly, my luck is improving. This just might be the trip I'd wanted all along. In this 21 book boxed set, from New York Times, USA Today, and other bestselling authors, find out just how lucky you can be with just one click. You'll be packing your bags and hoping Ireland will have just that sexy sort of magic you've been looking for. Contributing Authors: Theresa Troutman Amanda Heartley Andie M. Long Maggie Dallen Emma Tharp Rachelle Ayala Josie Kerr Heather Young-Nichols Tee Smith Bethany Lopez Tracy Lorraine Ja'Nese Dixon Monica Corwin Caitlyn Lynch Eva Winters K.L. Shandwick Alyson Reynolds Taige Crenshaw and McKenna Jeffries Aaliyah Burke Marissa & Thomas Dobson Emma Nichols

    Three of Arabesque's most popular authors pen tales about three different celebrations during this magical time of year, when dreams of desire really do come true.

    A tough exterior is her claim to fame, and necessary for the life she lives. But even the toughest have been known to let their guard down at Christmastime. Hilarious by nature, Pharo is the perfect match for Des. And though he wasn’t exactly looking, fate doesn’t care about that. When chance encounters with a stranger happen twice in one day, it's too big to be a coincidence and he's smart enough to know it. Join these two on a hilarious, heart-filled, nutmeg scented journey to love in tight spaces!

    Gray Lewis lost his wife two years ago, and the gorgeous community police officer hasn’t looked at another woman since. He’s had far too much on his plate to think about love, including a rebellious daughter who’s now in trouble at school. And then in walks Tuppence with her green eyes and gentle manner, and Gray’s lost.Falling in love with someone on the opposite side of the world is the last thing Tuppence needs, but Christmas is a time for miracles, and she’s not the only one who’s made a wish at the well…

    M. Claud's, one of Manhattan's largest department stores. For years they've loathed each other, and the fact that they're vying for the same promotion doesn't help their relationship. But when they accidentally get locked in the store on Christmas Eve, sparks will fly and they'll discover just how perfect they are for each other in this sweet holiday romance.

    The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Four short tales. 1 1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen Rowena Harcourt, Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena. Now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally given him a chance to win her hand?2 1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind by sweeping her off her feet.3 1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.4 1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble Susannah Westforth always loved Sebastian Beckett, but he only sees her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he must notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball and to see his little Susie, all grown up.

    The stockings are hung. And two precious miracles are preparing to make their debuts. The most wonderful time of the year becomes even more joyous for Zane and Honor when their surrogate, Sophie, gifts them with an extra special delivery. And Brody and Kara's dreams come true when their son arrives just in time for Christmas.Return to your favorite small town and visit the whole gang, including Minnie the cat, in this heartwarming holiday novella from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson!