As far as heroin addiction is concerned, I’m not sure there really is such a thing. And of course, I never intended to write a sequel, but after NEEDLE was published it wasn’t long before I realized a number of readers, many of them addicts or family members and friends of addicts, were eager to learn how I recovered from a decade of opiate abuse. But again, regardless of what the “experts” say, I’m not sure there is such a thing—at least beyond what is often a precarious state of abstention—because “recovery” implies something different, or at least something more complete and comprehensive than the reality of the situation should suggest. Indeed, it implies the “recapturing of something that was lost, or the process by which one attempts to do so.” However, regardless of my own opinion, my own non-medical industry opinion, although I had cast a few lines out to gage reader interest, I never truly expected to write another NEEDLE-related account of my life. But ironically, ANY account of my life post-NEEDLE would inherently have to address my addiction because regardless of my continued state of abstention—I’m constantly reminded of it: an old friend, fallout from the past, a song, a famous overdose, a suddenly gentrified street and of course, my long-lost innocence has a haunting potential and so...I’m not sure there is such a thing. In any event, spurred on by my activist efforts and my readers’ interest, while in the midst of fostering a 15 year-old Himalayan cat that was rescued from an empty apartment where it was holed-up in a bird cage for three years and was now ready to rip my face off (perhaps as some sort of Karmic comeuppance for failing felines in the past), I decided to give it my best effort. After all, at the very least it might shed some insights for addicts and provide additional help for the homeless animals which, of course, is my new addiction—though it’s far more distressing and devastating than the old one. It is, in fact, the same part of my life which, prior to writing NEEDLE TOO, I briefly discussed and published at www.Needleuser.com back in 2012, and though I’m loath to regurgitate material—even if it was just a few pages shared with a very small percentage of readers—it was too important to do without in the most recent context because it detailed an event that was pivotal in how I got to where I am. And though I still question the realistic possibility of a complete recovery, after almost twenty years I'm still somehow here to tell the tale. So here it is…and thanks for being a Needle user.

    His lover of six years is cheating and his supposedly straight best friend of twenty-something years claims to be in love with him. Throw in that his cheating ex has possibly exposed him to HIV and Gabe’s world is a confusing place.Paramedic Dean Bannon has always been attracted to both sexes but after seeing his lifelong friend Gabe deal with prejudice and hate, staying on the straight and narrow seemed an easier path. But his deepening feelings for Gabe push him to reveal his hidden side. Now to convince Gabe of the positive possibilities of taking their friendship to another level.

    Sexy. Sassy. There’s so much to love. Don’t miss out on this massive collection of romance stories by best-selling author Summer Cooper and Scarlet Wilder! Included in this boxset:A Chance To LoveSomebody To LoveNot Mine To LoveFirst Love: A Single Dad Second Chance RomanceElemental Love: A Single Dad Second Chance RomanceAccidental Love: A Single Dad Second Chance RomanceLosing ItRisking ItWanting ItFeeling It10 standalone, heartwarming, panty-melting stories with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA. Scroll down and see what our swoon-inducing heroes have to say about their special ladies... A Chance To Love A cheating husband. Divorced with a young daughter. My heart died a little when I heard the news about Dana. When she picked him over me, I left. I know now I should have stayed and fought for her. I only hope that it isn’t too late… Somebody To Love She smells so good… and I want her all to myself. I knew that the first time I met her. But she’s clearly been hurt before by a**holes like me. I have to convince her I’m not like them. But if my plan fails, I’ll lose everything. Not Mine To Love She’s stalking me, I swear. Saying hello to her was a mistake. Getting to know her was an even bigger mistake. I should have kept my distance. I shouldn’t be thinking about her in that way. But it’s too late, now she occupies my most private thoughts... First Love Naked. That was the first time I really saw Elle, that I took any notice. I saw her vulnerability and I soon realized she had been bullied. I wanted to protect her right there and then. I wanted to run away with her. But that’s not something the dutiful son of a billionaire should do. Elemental Love The help. As much as I hate that word, I hate her even more. I hate that she’s in love with my little brother. I hate that she’s so good with my son. I hate that she’s the best at what she does. I hate her so much that I want to rip her clothes off and punish her… Accidental Love When I chose to adopt Lily, I closed the door on romance. Then I saw Eva again. The girl that once felt so right in my arms. The girl that ghosted me without a word. It’s been seven years but apparently, time doesn’t heal all wounds. I want her to feel the hurt she caused me. Losing It Definitely maybe. Eris has turned into a stunning woman that I can’t take my eyes off. She wanted me then and still wants me now. The thing is... she’s my best friend’s sister. She’s kind of woman you marry. She’s the kind I stay the hell away from. Risking It Women. Booze. Parties. That’s pretty much my life as a jock. But seeing her again stirs up memories. I remember the time I dragged her lifeless body out of the water. I remember the feeling of almost losing her… And desperately wanting to never feel that again.

     The Billionaire Dragon Shifter's Mate A BBW in search of adventure + a dragon shifter in search of a mate + a mishap on a mountainside = one sparkling and sexy story! Curvy Cara Linley left her boring life in Iowa in search of adventure, but she only found loneliness in new and different places. She thinks there's no fairy tales left for a girl like her-- until she gets stranded on a mountainside, and a gorgeous hero comes to her rescue. Billionaire dragon shifter Gus Gray has all the treasure a dragon could desire, but even his hoard of glittering gold has lost its shine, with no mate to share it with. Can an ordinary princess and a lonely dragon find their happily ever after? Beauty and the Billionaire Dragon Shifter A BBW who's new in town + a dragon shifter who's new to being human + a very confused dog named Mouse = one sexy fairy tale romance! Curvy science teacher Becca Stafford has just moved to Gray's Hollow for a new job. Over tea with the mayor's wife, she soon learns the town's biggest secret--it's the home of two dragon shifters, the mayor and his brother Ilie. As soon as she meets Ilie, without so much as a true love's kiss, he transforms into a gorgeous (and naked) man. Billionaire dragon shifter Ilie Gray has lived as a dragon since he was a child. His mother always told him that someday he would meet a woman worth turning human for, but he never thought it would happen when he recognized his mate in a single glance. He also never thought that changing into a human might cost him the friendship of his dog Mouse. Becca seems happy with his human form, but can she love a man who still sometimes wants to be a beast? The Billionaire Dragon Shifter's Christmas A curvy newlywed wife + a dragon shifter mayor + a small town Christmas celebration = one snowy, sexy holiday romance! Cara Gray, formerly Cara Linley, is settling into life as the wife of a small town mayor who also happens to be a dragon shifter. She has just one problem: her first Christmas with her new husband. What do you give the billionaire dragon who already has everything--including your heart? Gus Gray is the happiest of dragons: he has his mate, his hoard, and even a little dragonet on the way. But Christmas is coming, and he needs to give Cara a gift that a human will love. Can a dragon learn that there are things worth more than gold? Choosing the Billionaire Dragon Shifters A BBW in a small town + twin dragon shifters in need of a mate to share + the most hotly contested mayoral election Gray's Hollow has ever seen = one sexy story that's a win/win/win! Hannah Cole has been the Deputy Mayor of Gray's Hollow for four years, and with the current mayor stepping down, she's about to get a new boss. Twin dragon shifters Radu and Sorin Gray are coming back to town after years away. When Hannah finally meets the twins for the first time she's stunned to realize that she's destined for both of them, but it makes for an easy choice! Sorin Gray first recognized his mate four years ago, when he saw a spirited and full-figured redhead running for mayor against his brother. She lost the election, but Sorin knew Hannah was meant for him--but he thought that meant his twin brother Radu was out in the cold. When they find out Hannah is meant for them both, it seems like their happily ever after is a sure thing--until Hannah finds out Sorin and Radu have been holding back, and she wonders if destiny leaves her any room to choose.

    It was a business deal and I had only one rule. Do not fall in love.Losing my v-card to the hot British billionaire was never the plan.He was sexy as sin but arrogant as hell.I was an intern dreaming of my catering business;He was an heir pleasing his mom.A fake marriage seemed like the perfect plan.Until his touch made me want more.His lips against my mouth made me lose control.He claimed me in every way.I could totally resist him, right?Or was it too late? Faking it with the Billionaire is full-length novel with lots of heat, steam and a HEA. Scroll up and one-click your copy today.

    He doesn’t want to be drawn to the newcomer in town who shows up with a newborn and a dangerous secret. Emery Young will do what it takes to protect her sister and her niece, even when it could cost her everything.

     With Joy, Love and a Little Trepidation, Courtney, Sienna and Rachel Invite You to the Most Emotional Wedding of the Year… Their Mother's Courtney ~ The Misfit ~ As the awkward one, Courtney Watson may not be as together as her sisters, but she excels at one thing—keeping secrets, including her white-hot affair with a sexy music producer. Planning Mom's wedding exposes her startling hidden life, changing her family's view of her—and how she views herself—forever. Sienna ~ The Free Spirit ~ When Sienna's boyfriend proposes—in front of her mom and sisters, for crying out loud—he takes her by surprise. She already has two broken engagements under her belt. Should she say “I do” even if she's not sure she does? Rachel ~ The Cynic ~ Rachel thought love would last forever…right up until her divorce. As Mom's wedding day draws near and her ex begs for a second chance, she's forced to acknowledge some uncomfortable truths about why her marriage failed, and decide if she'll let pride stand in the way of her own happily-ever-after. A must-read for anyone who has survived the wedding of a sister, a mother, a daughter—as told by the master storyteller of the genre.

    She hasn’t been able to move past the death of her best friend and soulmate and fears she never will.When tragedy strikes during a bachelorette weekend, Roman and Charlotte’s paths finally cross in the most unexpected way.Charlotte has no idea that Roman served in the Marines with her husband, or that he’s been keeping an eye on her for years, all while continuing to keep her husband’s secrets.~ Winston ~ Winston Prescott has been a grumpy SOB for the past ten years. None of his brothers in the Savage Kings MC knew why, not until the day one of them made the mistake of posting a sexy centerfold on the wall of the clubhouse. The gorgeous model posing topless on sports cars and motorcycles isn’t just any girl. Her name is Zoe Donahue, and she also happens to be Winston’s stepsister. While the two haven’t spoken since the day Winston reluctantly let Zoe go so that she could pursue her dreams, an explosive reunion is on the horizon.Zoe’s been holding a grudge against Winston for how things ended the day she left. While she’s home for a week, her plan is to torture her brooding stepbrother by wearing as few clothes as possible while promising Winston that she’ll never let him touch her again. Winston will do anything it takes to earn Zoe’s forgiveness. And this time around, he isn’t going to let her leave without putting up a fight. ~ Verek ~ Verek Rhodes is playboy royalty in South Carolina. As a member of the Savage Kings MC and the manager of a nightclub, women were easy come, easy go in his life, until he met Tessa. Tessa Singleton was getting ready to marry the man of her dreams before her entire world came crashing down. She’s spent the past few months in therapy, trying to heal her emotional wounds. The one ray of light in her bleak world is Verek. Being with the easygoing biker keeps Tessa distracted from the darkness. Her fiancé Paul, on the other hand, doesn’t have a clue how broken she is and probably never will since Tessa can’t find the courage to open up to him. Eventually, Tessa will have to face her past and make a decision about who she wants to be with. Will she choose the man she once loved or the one who saved her from her nightmares?WARNING: THIS BOX SET IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ANYONE UNDER 18. IT CONTAINS SEXUALLY AND PHYSICALLY VIOLENT SCENES THAT MAY BE A TRIGGER FOR SOME INDIVIDUALS.

    But will they manage to find their mates in this strange new place called Earth?Read Meg Ripley's Bestselling Daddy Dragon Guardians Series In One Fantastical Compilation, Brimming With Sizzling Passion, Suspense And Sassy Supernatural Mates!This spellbinding anthology includes the following four 30,000+ word stories:Holden's MateXander's MateBeau's MateJulian's MateThis paranormal romance collection features steamy shifter scenes and is intended for readers 18+.

    Variety being the spice of life, a ‘wife’ is not in his vocabulary. Till he meets... THE HEROINE – Independent, feisty and smart-mouthed, Riyha wants a life free of parental interference. As marriage is a no-go area husband is a hush word. But then she falls in love with Rohan and they are only... MARRIED IN NAME – While Rohan plots to get his wife to move in with him, Riyha comes up with the RULES of SEDUCTION to persuade Rohan to turn their marriage into a Marriage for Real.

    Speculation surrounding Claire Conroy's sex life has fueled the rumor mill for years. Now, when Claire returns home from a trip to Italy separated from her husband of thirteen years, the imaginations of the Lululemon-clad ladies' who lunch spin into overdrive. As the gossipmongers create their own scandalous backstory for the separation, blaming Claire's infidelity, she learns the hard way just how mean mommies can be.Eager to begin her new life as a single mom of three Claire puts her trust in Jackie Martin, the president of the PTA, to help tell her truth and free her of the false accusations and scandal. But the plan backfires, and Claire is put further into the spotlight when an embarrassed mom declares war.As Claire dusts off her resume, fights the daily urge not to strangle her ex-husband and his new girlfriend, and dips her toes into the dating world one dud at a time will she find the happiness she craves or succumb to the pressure of the mean girls?

    Not even her closest friends could help her out of the rut she’s been in, after her bad break up with her last beau, Derrick. But, thanks to one of her devoted girlfriends, Laila, and the hot new dating app on the market, DateNight, Jennifer just might have a good chance, and another shot, at love. T​​hat is, until fate finally throws a bone her way. Into her hectic and loveless life walks Aiden, who could have only been sent Jennifer’s way by the dating gods. A gentleman of high reproach, Aiden quickly sweeps Jennifer off her feet, and into his own life. B​​ut, this fairy tale romance may not be all that it seems to Jennifer. Sure, there’s the flowers, the dinners and the earth-quaking sex, but there’s also a secret or two that Aiden is keeping from Jennifer, which may end their perfect relationship forever. W​​hile Jennifer does need to protect her heart from Aiden’s secret, she knows that she can’t keep ​Running from Love f​orever. This book is intended for mature audiences.

    He needs to move fast to make sure everyone around him believes he is getting married for real and to the right woman, even if it’s for only two years. Anjali never expected a complete stranger to propose a marriage contract as if he were offering her a job with a salary and benefits package, especially the first time they meet. What he offers is tempting enough for her to give in, so she can fulfill her dream and keep the promise she made to a loved one. For their friends and family, Dheeraj and Anjali are a loving couple who fell in love at first sight, but they both have an agenda. Their reasons for the marriage contract were different, but what they never expected is what happens when two people start living under the same roof pretending to be a couple. Sparks fly and butterflies flutter between stolen kisses, but when they start to find out more about each other’s reason for the fake marriage, will they still honor the contract? Will love make its way into the contract as a clause? Note: This is a stand-alone romance with a passionate couple who finds their HEA. This book is recommended for mature readers.

    But their greatest wish is to bring holiday happiness to those around them. To you, our dear readers, we offer these gifts of joy at Christmas time. New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors have mingled Christmas dreams and composed beautiful love stories that range from sweet to spicy, with romance and suspense, to keep you entertained and dreaming in Unforgettable Christmas Dreams. Firelight Confession: .Rebecca York, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Mail order bride hiding a secret that can destroy her marriage before it has a chance to succeed. Christmas Delivery: .Patricia Rosemoor, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: He “returned from the dead” seeking revenge...only to reconnect with the girl he loved, and the daughter they conceived thirteen years ago. A Rancher in her Stocking: .Leanne Banks, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: When a holiday-happy school teacher gets stuck staying with a sexy, grumpy rancher at Christmas time, can she persuade him to embrace the season – and her? Please Keep Me: .Mimi Barbour, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: A homeless pup adores the child & his new master falls for her Mom. Christmas Miracle: .Patrice Wilton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Can these two wounded people, an ex-marine sniper and a broken heart nurse, open their hearts to the miracle of Christmas? Secret Santa By The Sea: .Traci Hall, USA Today bestselling author: Now back in her small town, Serenity faces the man who’d broken her heart. She finds out the truth behind why he’d once set her free. Christmas in the Sand: .Jen Talty, USA Today bestselling author: Not only could her dreams go up in smoke, but if she’s not careful, she’ll end up giving her heart away. Lost and Found Family: .Dani Haviland, USA Today bestselling author: Sometimes it takes decades to find your true family …but only a moment to lose them. A Complete Family: .Mona Risk, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Her hands full with a little daughter, a ferocious German Shepherd, a meddling sick neighbor, and a charming but nosey boss, Nurse Melody dreams of a happy family. Three French Hens: .Nancy Radke, USA Today bestselling author: When you find something precious —like love— you give everything you own to keep it. Sparkles of the Season: .Susan Jean Ricci, USA Today bestselling author: Two unlikely couples rediscover love and commitment, after a magical meeting with Saint Nick.

    How do you keep a cowboy at Christmas?Don’t miss this holiday collection of modern-day cowboys and the women they love, featuring the same USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award-Winning authors from “A Cowboy to Keep,” which garnered 55 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.CHRISTMAS, LIBERTY, AND THE THREE MINUTE MAN by Carra CopelinDaniel Dylan Layman is determined to show headstrong city girl Liberty Ann Hart that a country life in Mistletoe, Texas, is the perfect Christmas gift.A CHRISTMAS CAROLE by Andrea DowningCarrie Matheson and her son are trying to settle into a new life in Wyoming. Tate Schrugge is trying to ditch his Scrooge and play Santa to the young boy. But will there be a Dickens of a romance by Christmas?THE PEPPERMINT TREE by Kristy McCaffreyLawyer Skye Mallory returns home for the holidays due to an unexpected inheritance, and cowboy Joe Carrigan stands in her way.THE DEVIL’S CHRISTMAS KISS by Devon McKayWhen Kristen Kelly receives a Christmas kiss from Cole Lawson, she doesn’t believe it means anything. But Cole sets out to make things right with the woman of his heart.SLAY BELLS by Hildie McQueenAt a small-town Christmas festival sparks fly between Carmen Dias and Detective Jared Bowden, but a dead body and a pesky ex-girlfriend don’t exactly spell romance.THE BEST CHRISTMAS by Hebby RomanAll Sofia Rossi wants is to re-connect with her estranged son. But can Gar McCulloch, a handsome cowboy who runs a juvenile rehab ranch, be the answer to her problems?COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS by Patti Sherry-CrewsWedding planner Melody Evans views happily-ever-after endings with a skeptical eye. Veterinarian Leland Jennings IV thinks Christmas is for kids. Can the holiday spirit bring them together?