He has one purpose in life, to clean up the mess his father left behind and give his younger sister a better life. That is until Penelope shows up, piercing him to his core with her warm smile and soft innocence. She makes him long for things he never knew he wanted. Penelope’s on the brink of being homeless. With only a few dollars left in her pocket and nowhere to go, she takes a job that sounds too good to be true. She soon discovers the only position her boss will accept is her being his wife. Colden can’t let go of her warmth, and she wants to trust him with her heart. He only has to convince her that she’s changed him forever.

    But after taking a bullet in the line of duty almost destroys everything he’s worked for, he’s not in the mood to play nice or to look after some pampered rich girl at her daddy’s request. There’s only one woman he wants by his side…the sweet angel who saved his life. But this Christmas, heaven might be a little closer than one grumpy detective could ever believe… Don’t miss these other fantastic holiday stories! — The Barbarian Before Christmas by Ruby Dixon The Last Christmas Present by Ella Goode Home For Christmas by Alexa Riley All He Wants For Christmas by Kati Wilde

    He wanted to own me. I just wanted to be his. JACKSON I wanted Megan from the moment I first saw her, and nothing would keep me from her. I could have been called a bastard for knowing her father would fail in paying me for a mutual business agreement, for knowing I would take Megan as payment. But she was mine and in my world, when I wanted something, I took it. And I wanted her. She was bought and paid for, collateral damage when her father failed to uphold his end of the deal. They all think it’s only for a week. They’re wrong. I’m keeping her. MEGAN My father couldn't fulfill a debt to Jackson King, but Jackson didn't seem to mind, not when he got me as his payment. Having been attracted to the brutal businessman for years, I couldn't help but feel arousal and trepidation at what he had planned. He wanted me for a week, to do with as he pleased. He wanted my virginity. But I knew this was more than just repaying a debt. This was about Jackson wanting to own me, not just my body, but every part of who I was. And the depraved part about it all was the fact that I wanted to give everything to him. I wanted to be his. WARNING: This is a fast and hard ride, featuring an over-the-top Alpha who fights dirty and plays dirtier. It’s a safe read, but it’s short, filthy and so hot you might need a nice, big, long, cool… drink to get you through to the happy ending.

    Nothing in life was guaranteed-perfect, especially not guys... and most definitely not guys in the immediate vicinity of tiny O'Leary, New York. And then sexy Navy SEAL Ash Martin walked into Cal's bakery, and made him wonder if fate might have cooked up something sweet for him after all. Their connection was immediate, all-consuming, and definitely not vanilla... but could their perfect date last for more than just a night, or even a season? Note: This is a 23k word SHORT STORY that first appeared in the Heart2Heart anthology as “The Baker and the SEAL." It has been slightly expanded.

    In fact, he’s never spoken to me other than to order his coffee. I just can’t get over the way he sits in the corner of the shop a couple of times a week slowly sipping his hot, black coffee and staring at me with intent. Why? I don’t know. I should be concerned that he’s like a lion stalking his prey, but all I can think of is stalk me, please. James: I watch her every chance I get. When the time’s right, she will be mine. With every smile she tosses at a male customer, the angrier I get. Buying the shop, installing extra cameras, and visiting twice a week does nothing to calm the need to claim her for my own. She’s going to think I’m crazy, but really, I’m determined.

    With her business booming, she moves into a duplex nearby. Supposedly, the owner lives next door, but the mysterious man keeps odd hours and is often away, leaving her no opportunity to get to know him. Pilot, Colton Black, is trying to accept his life outside of the Air Force after an injury forced him into retirement. Despite keeping himself in the air by running a private charter company, he feels lost. Until the night he spies Lindsay in a black dress, carrying a tray of cupcakes. Suddenly, he has a very clear purpose, sex and sweets. Lindsay is uncomfortable starting a relationship with her landlord, but Colton is more than determined to convince her to take a chance on him. Unfortunately, someone else is laying claim to her, someone in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to tear Colton and Lindsay apart.

    New York Police Officer Ryker Cunningham comes from a family of men committed to upholding every letter of the law. But when he crosses paths with MaryAnn Glover, a troubled woman who not only tempts his heart but also his self-control, his need to protect her overrides everything he’s ever believed in. With a promise to keep her safe at any cost, Ryker shows MaryAnn what it means to live without fear…and love without regret.

    One to the Army; the other in a tragic car accident. Two years after the latter, a ghost from the past reappears, igniting feelings in Alexa she’d thought long dormant.Jace McAllister has spent the last ten years in the Army, defusing bomb after bomb, trying to forget the girl who once set his world on fire. For him, she’s always been the one who got away. After a not-so-chance encounter places her back in his line of sight, he’s locked eyes on target, and won’t let her go without a fight.Ten years ago their chemistry smoldered, and now the sparks threaten to light a fuse leading to an explosion between them even Jace can’t control. Not that he wants to. But when love has slipped through your fingertips before, how can you trust it will once again remain?Will Alexa’s fear of love and loss destroy their second chance at a beautiful future before it can even begin?

    Now, his Scrooge is melting away along with thoughts of if her sugar plums taste as good as they look. Penny Evergreen lives for Christmas. When her parents send her to New York for a month-long training to relieve the piano prodigy of her paralyzing stage fright, she takes one look at the elaborate Christmas Village at the prestigious Knight & Knight department store and she hatches a holiday plan of her own. Will these two star crossed opposites attract? Or will their deceptions be the end of this holiday fairy tale before it has a chance to take off? Author’s Note: Grab your candy canes and sit in front of the fire. This sugary sweet Christmas story will warm your heart and melt your panties. This May December quick holiday romance is sure to have you asking Santa for some Malcolm of your very own. Complete insta-everything, safe and always a happy ending. Or two. Or ten.

    He’s married to the love of his life, has an amazing son, and in a few short months, his family will grow again with the birth of his twin girls. The past year has been a tough one for the Cage family, but they are now on the road to healing by learning to let go of the past and looking forward to their future. When situations beyond his control threaten to take away so much of what Greg holds close to his heart, he has to learn that he doesn't always have the control he tries to maintain in their lives. Will he be able to handle the stress of knowing his wife and newborn daughters are beyond his protection? Join the Cage family as they embark on yet another one of life’s journeys with a rambunctious four-year-old, pregnancy complications, and the fear of the unknown. Will the love that Greg and Melissa share hold true as they fight to overcome the obstacles that face them?UNCAGED is not a standalone. It is a continuation of CAGE. It is recommended that you read the first 3 books in the series before UNCAGED.

    After a year of rehabilitation, losing his career as a Marine along with his fiancée, he’s had to learn quickly what’s really important. Colton grew up wanting to serve his country. Managing his parents’ biker bar was never part of his plan, but after meeting Gia Caro, he’s beginning to think that’s exactly where he’s meant to be.Ever since Gia Caro arrived in the small, sleepy town of Ruby Falls, Tennessee, her life has spiraled out of control. Between losing her grandmother a little more each day to dementia, and her hot boss’s constant attention, her once quiet existence isn’t so quiet anymore.After weeks of sidestepping Colton, things get out of hand, and before Gia knows what’s happening, she’s spending her nights in his bed and her mornings in his kitchen. And as he cleans out drawers and makes room in his closet, she starts to wonder if she’s falling too fast.

    . . . Abby Davis isn’t wearing a skimpy bikini or sipping umbrella drinks, not when she’s busy chasing around four little ones. And Matt McKinney isn’t looking for fun—he’s a Navy SEAL, a grown man with a long list of missions . . . and fallen brothers.   They only have a week. . . . Abby has brought her children to this beach to start over, to give them the enjoyable memories they deserve. Matt’s been sidelined by a combat injury, and haunted by the best friend he lost and the promise he made: to remain a SEAL—focused and dedicated. This leaves no time for what he’s always wanted: a family.   But a week is all it takes. . . . Matt opens her heart while Abby soothes his soul. And though they plan to say good-bye when the week is over, something magical happens on that beach, something neither can forget. Something utterly, completely worth falling for.

    Hard as nails Scarlett has been unlucky in love: she’s been burnt, chewed up and spat out. Reluctant to have another relationship, can she keep her wits about her when hot-as-sin Mace walks into her tattoo parlor? Or will he break her down and leave his mark within her ink?What starts out as a little fun, turns into something so much more.Can Scarlett look beyond Mace's devastating past or will his demons come back to haunt them both?Content warning: contains steamy, anywhere-goes sex, an alcohol induced embarrassing night out and two headstrong lovers taken on a whirlwind of crazy.

    I still am, even if I’ve spent the last four years shutting myself away from the world because of the darkness inside of me. But royal duty has left me no choice but to attend a “suitor’s ball” in a neighboring kingdom. Finding a wife is the very last thing on my mind, until the moment I lay eyes on her - the far too sweet, far too innocent, far too untouchable Princess Isla. One look at those big dark eyes and luscious curves, and I need to possess her. One taste of those lips, and I lose control of the beast inside. One touch of her soft, untouched body against mine, and she belongs to me. Forget that she’s off-limits. Forget that she’s never been touched. Forget the darkness hanging over my head and clawing at my past. I’m claiming this princess tonight. First, I’ll take her as my queen. Then, I’ll take her in my bed. Princess Isla’s unchained the beast, and I won’t rest until I’ve claimed her in every way I can. *Please note that each of the Possessing Beauty books are completely standalone stories centered around one couple, with no cliffhangers. Beasting Beauty is a quick and filthy modern twist on a fairytale involving a dark, utterly obsessed alpha hero and enough insta-love, kindle-melting steam, and sugary-sweetness to give you the vapors. If you love over-the-top, slightly unrealistic, and wildly dirty stories, this one’s for you! HEA with NO CHEATING!