These are the stories told to warn children, entertain adults and beguile all. Contents:BluebeardThe Living BookThe Jacaranda WifeRed SkeinThe Chrysanthemum BrideFrozenThe Hummingbird HeartWordsThe Little Match GirlThe Juniper TreeSkinThe Bone MotherThe Dead Ones Don’t Hurt YouLight As Mist, Heavy As HopeDresses, ThreeThe Girl With No HandsCover design by Lisa L. Hannett

    Knight, R.E. Bond, C.A Rene, Mallory Fox.Violent Tendencies is Romance After Dark's Spring 2021 Anthology's Bloody Anti-hero collection. Each novel will be a brand new standalone, dark romance, with no cliffhangers. Violent Tendencies is intended for mature readers, containing material that some may find triggering. A full list of triggers for the included stories can be found inside the book, however, readers should proceed with caution as this anthology may contain material that people could find offensive.

     You know the kind. They steal the breath from your lungs and make your heart beat a little faster with a single look. You can’t stop staring, but the moment they pin those gorgeous eyes on you, you’re done for. The kind that’s too hard to resist. This is a collection of men just like that. Handsome, confident and all for you. DRAWN TO HIM is a collection of eight exclusive never-before-seen novellas you can't resist, complete with HEAs. They have all the book feels and angst you've been wanting.

    He has won four World Fantasy Awards, ten British Fantasy Awards, three Bram Stoker Awards, and the Horror Writers' Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. Three decades into his career, Campbell paused to review his body of short fiction and selected the stories that were, to his mind, the very best of his works. Alone With the Horrors collects nearly forty tales from the first thirty years of Campbell's writing. Included here are "In the Bag," which won the British Fantasy Award, and two World Fantasy Award-winning stories, "The Chimney" and the classic "Mackintosh Willy." Campbell crowns the book with a length preface which traces his early publication history, discusses his youthful correspondence with August Derleth, illuminates the influence of H.P. Lovecraft on his early work, and gives an account of the creation of each story and the author's personal assessment of the works' flaws and virtues.In its first publication, a decade ago, Alone With the Horrors won both the Bram Stoker Award and the World Fantasy Award. For this new edition, Campbell has added one of his very first published stories, a Lovecraftian classic, "The Tower from Yuggoth." From this early, Cthulhian tale, to later works that showcase Campbell's growing mastery of mood and character, Alone With the Horrors provides readers with a close look at a powerful writer's development of his craft.

    We listened. We obeyed. We sinned. Shall we repent? Or shall we take you down with us? Thou shall not have any other gods before me. Thou shall not make yourself a carved image. Thou shall not take the Lord's name in vain. Thou shall remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. Thou shall honor your mother and father. Thou shall not murder. Thou shall not commit adultery. Thou shall not steal. Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s house. *This is NOT a religious book. This is dark, depraved, and delicious and is intended for a mature audience 18+. The Ten Commandments as you've never seen them before...*

    From heroes to bad guys, there’s something for everyone.stalk·erA person who stalks: a person who pursues someone obsessively.Stalkers is a taboo romance collection jam-packed with captivating stories.Authors Included:Abigail Davies · Yolanda Olson · Ally Vance · Jessica Ames · N. Isabelle Blanco · D.S. Wrights · Faith Ryan · Sam Destiny · S. Firecox · Cole Denton · Ker Dukey · Petra J. Knox · Kara Dawson · Brianna Hale · Alice La Roux · Emery LeeAnn · Raven Amor · Claire C. Riley · Shannon Youngblood · Kat T.Masen · Logan Fox · Cassia Brightmore · Leaona Luxx · A.K. MacBride · Ryleigh Sloan · Erin Trejo · C. Firecox · Michelle Pace · M.A. Foster · Cora Kenborn · Catherine Wiltcher

    His property. His Jasmine.And he will never let me go. Trapped in the middle of nowhere, taken by a madman, I'm forced to be his wife. Obedient, meek, righteous in the eyes of God.But I am none of these things, and I can't give in. No matter what he does to me, no matter how much he hurts me, I have to get out of here.I have to escape... before I forget who I was before him.

    Ranging from laugh-out-loud funny to deliciously dark, these stories are about the ordinary day-to-day challenges facing these extraordinary individuals growing up, growing old, relationships, parenting, coping with that age-old desire to fit in when, let s face it, they don't.“Ms. Liberty Gets a Haircut” by Cat Rambo, copyright © 2009 by Cat Rambo, originally published in Strange Horizons (October 26, 2009); “Destroy the City with Me Tonight” by Kate Marshall, copyright © 2017 by Kate Marshall; “Fool” by Keith Frady, copyright © 2017 by Keith Frady; “Pedestal” by Seanan McGuire, copyright © 2017 by Seanan McGuire; “As I Fall Asleep” by Aimee Ogden, copyright © 2017 by Aimee Ogden; “Meeting Someone in the 22nd Century or Until the Gears Quit Turning” by Jennifer Pullen, copyright © 2017 by Jennifer Pullen; “Inheritance” by Michael Milne, copyright © 2017 by Michael Milne; “Heroes” by Lavie Tidhar, copyright © 2016 by Lavie Tidhar, originally published in Strange Horizons (September 19, 2016); “Madjack” by Nathan Crowder, copyright © 2017 by Nathan Crowder; “Quintessential Justice” by Patrick Flanagan, copyright © 2017 by Patrick Flanagan; “The Fall of the Jade Sword” by Stephanie Lai, copyright © 2017 by Stephanie Lai; “Origin Story” by Carrie Vaughn, copyright © 2016 by Carrie Vaughn, LLC, originally published in Lightspeed Magazine (April 2016); “Eggshells” by Ziggy Schutz, copyright © 2017 by Ziggy Schutz; “Salt City Blue” by Chris Large, copyright © 2017 by Chris Large; “Birthright” by Stuart Suffel, copyright © 2017 by Stuart Suffel; “The Smoke Means It’s Working” by Sarah Pinsker, copyright © 2017 by Sarah Pinsker; “Torch Songs” by Keith Rosson, copyright © 2017 by Keith Rosson; “The Beard of Truth” by Matt Mikalatos, copyright © 2017 by Matt Mikalatos; “Over an Embattled City” by Adam R. Shannon, copyright © 2017 by Adam R. Shannon; “Origin Story” by Kelly Link, copyright © 2006 by Kelly Link, originally published in A Public Space (Winter 2006) and reprinted in Kelly Link’s Get in Trouble (Random House; 2015)

    I thought I’d leave the red-headed stranger with dark green eyes behind and good freaking riddance. Except he’s not even close to being gone. Mason McConnell is everywhere, drawing me in, like an invisible thread. I just hope that string doesn't snap and break my heart. Mason: Two weeks was all I needed to go home, spread my cat’s ashes, and visit my brother. But one foolish decision at the airport managed to throw all my plans off track. Somehow, I had unknowingly cast the line, and Charlotte Kelley took the bait. The chatty, prying American somehow had a way of bringing me back to life. I didn’t want her under my skin, and I certainly wasn’t expecting her to make her way into my heart, yet once she did, I didn’t want her to leave. But with one secret wedged between us, I'm not sure I have the right to ask her to stay.

    This anthology will benefit Caring Community Foundation, located in Raleigh, NC where the 2017 Authors in the City book signing will be held. Authors in the City is hosted by: Stephanie's Book ReportsChristmas Once Again - Samantha ChaseLike Christmas - Ashlee TaylorUgly sweater - Elizabeth HayesA change of heart - Shari J. RyanChristmas break - Misha ElliottJoyful Temptations - Janine Infante BoscoDancing Snowflakes - Madison StreetThe Lovers of Vale - CS PatraChristmas Interference - Jennifer L. AllenRewrite - Stephanie RoseAll I Want for Christmas - Savanna Grey

    Will spending a whole month as Patterson's Bluff's official Mr. and Mrs. Claus give a golden girl and the town outcast a second chance at love?Mission: Merry Christmas by Nancy NaigleA physical therapist finds her client bah-humbugging the Christmas spirit out of everyone and decides to focus on getting him back on the nice list.Christmas In Sweetland by Lacey BakerA restless hometown girl strikes a deal with the uptight guy next door to win a neighborhood holiday decorating contest—but they’ll both need a little Christmas magic to survive missing cupcakes, broken twinkle lights and falling in love.The Matchmaking Christmas Spirit by Lindsay EmoryAn event planner and a handsome handyman keep getting thrown together by a matchmaking Christmas spirit who won’t stop meddling in matters of the heart.Christmas Eve at the USO by Tif MarceloWhen former college sweethearts and Army soldiers reunite at the Dallas Airport USO during a Christmas Eve snowstorm, they try to ignore the love they lost—until the Christmas spirit decides to play Cupid, leaving them with no choice but to go after the love wished they still had.A Midnight Clear by Victoria SchadeA dog sitter booked to spend the Christmas holiday caring for a client's new puppy is surprised to discover that an approaching snowstorm has trapped her with the handsome man of the house.Love Letters for Christmas by Sasha SummersWhen a soldier decides it’s time to meet his long-time teacher pen pal, his visit to her classroom brings all sort of surprises—and might just give them their greatest Christmas gift ever: love.A Snow Maiden for Christmas by Sariah WilsonChristina and Jack were high school sweethearts until he left her behind to follow his dreams. Now he's back and their meddling mothers are determined to give Christina and Jack's former romance a second chance by forcing them to play roles opposite one another in their local winter festival.A Merry Royal Layover by Teri WilsonWhen a veterinarian traveling to a remote European village to volunteer at an animal shelter during the Christmas holidays gets an unexpected first-class upgrade, she meets a charming stranger in the airport lounge who may or may not be the country's crown prince.

    Get an ice cold glass of water before digging into these brand new, never-before-seen hot reads!Burned Promises by Willow Winters My world is caving in on itself; the scars of my past threatening to consume me. I was ready to fall from the top of my empire and I didn't give a damn. But then she showed up; falling back into my life and into my bed. My sweetheart. I should let her walk away again; I'm a bad man, but I'm too selfish. This time, I'm keeping her.Dirty Debt by Lauren Landish It's time to collect on the biggest debt anyone in the city owes me. Jacob Waters, the bastard that killed my father. He's an abusive prick and he'll pay the ultimate price. But before I take him down, I'm taking his most prized possession. His precious Sarah.Bound to the BB - Crystal Kaswell Brendon. My best friend's brother. The smoking hot tattoo artist miles and miles out of my league. He wants me. He wants me bound. I've had a crush on him since I can remember, but can I really handle him like *this*?Protector by Bella Love-Wins Robin - I bump into the bad boy who broke my sister's heart nine years ago, and everything changes. I never expect forbidden fireworks, secrets and danger at every turn, and a hero in my corner when I need him most.Redeeming Viktor by Alexis Abbott A passionate one-night-stand ends in heartbreak. Five years later, and he's back, but can what they have be rekindled once he realizes they have a daughter?Hostage by Vivian Wood World-weary ex-soldier Sam isn’t expecting to find beautiful, broken Kat in the snow. When he takes her back to his hunting lodge and cleans her bruises, she tries to flee. Scared for her life. Sam is determined to protect the delicate blonde from the world, even if that means putting his life on the line. Now that he’s found her, he won’t let her go…Lumberjack Boss by Tabatha Kiss Wealth. Power. Wood. Three things I had more of than anybody else until Hazel showed up to protest my latest project. She won’t take my money. She doesn’t care about my family’s influence. Maybe a little wood is what she needs... and I’ve got more than enough to give her.Bloodlines by Aubrey Irons Once upon a time, he was my prince not-so-charming. But there are no happy ever afters with life in the Dark Saints Irish mafia. I swore I’d never come back to Boston after he pushed me away six years ago. But that’s before there was a price on my head, and I needed protection. I won’t fall for him again. Giving in to temptation this time around doesn’t mean a broken heart. It means we’re dead.Hard Rock Promise by Athena Wright I thought it'd be an easy job when my friend asked me to "babysit" her out-of-control brother — her playboy, arrogant, *sinfully sexy* older brother. As the bassist in the rock band Cherry Lips, Gael's had more than his fair share of women. But his dirty, sexy words ignite my body, just as his promises of forever ignite my heart. Is Gael playing me or playing for keeps?Also included are: Crossfire by KB Winters One Night Stand by Kylie Walker Signed SEAL'd Delivered by Holly Hart and A Fake Wife by Sierra Rose

    He was a great match, and they had so many things in common. But sometimes your life can come down to one single bad decision... NYPD Computer-crimes detective Connor Mitchel’s sister is missing. As he combs through his sister’s life, he realizes Monica might not have been this killer’s first target—or his last. In a twisted game of cat and mouse, Connor thinks he’s finally found the man responsible for his sister’s disappearance. Unfortunately, he’ll first need to convince the shy, distrustful Evelyn Price she could be the next victim tangled in the murderer’s web if she doesn’t agree to help him catch the killer. But just as Connor and Evelyn close in on their quarry, the killer has one last trick up his sleeve that could trap them all…

    A retired New York City Police Chief, he knows a cover-up when he sees one and his Irish Cop conscience can't let that happen.Now, Fitz, his family and his quirky band of Bleecker Street Irregulars are ensnared in the bizarre secret the woman died to protect.Is this a cold case turned hot again, or an unspeakable conspiracy that could alter the course of history?Fitz doesn't yet know how high the stakes are, that failure isn't an option, and that the little old lady was so much more than she appeared. But he's trying to keep everyone alive long enough to find out.Characters you’ll care about, dark shocking secrets, and disturbing similarities to today’s political scene, will keep you turning pages to an ending you won’t see coming.Praise for Cathy Cash Spellman’s books:About Bless the Child“Suspense that rivals that of Stephen King…” West Coast Review of BooksAbout Lark’s Labyrinth“The author constructs a blistering story that will keep readers turning pages of this spectacular thrill ride.” Publisher’s WeeklyAbout So Many Partings“Almost impossible to put down.” Publisher’s Weekly

    You swear on it when diving into this anthology.The laws of the street are:1. Expect a cruel, bloody and sinful underworld.2. Appreciate the villains; the monsters under your bed.3. Lay money on foul language.4. Have faith in steamy scenes.5. Thrive in the darkness.6. Pray for forgiveness.And have a Merry Mafioso Christmas!Sixteen dark romance authors bring you sixteen mafia and dark stories. Bow to the bosses: Bree Porter, V Domino, Eleanor Aldrick, AJ Wolf, J.M. Stoneback, Natalia Lourose, Zavi James, Shanjida Nusrath Ali, Anna Widzisz, Kay Blake, N.J. Adel, Jessica Avary, Alexi Ferreira, P.T. Macias, Krissy V. and Sav R. Miller