Christmas has brought nothing but grief and loneliness for the past decade, after she lost her beloved husband to a fatal car accident. Hearing holiday music day after day during the first few months of the school year is like constantly ripping the scab off an unhealed wound.Determined to keep her husband in her heart, she has kept a fortress around it, allowing only one woman in as a true friend, and avoiding anything more than a passing acquaintance with any man.Until Timothy Fielding, the maintenance man at the apartment complex where she lives, comes along. He happens to love the Christmas season. When circumstances – and Janice’s best friend, Kayla – draw them together, he struggles to keep his growing feelings for Janice at bay. He has his own secret past that he’s sure would repel any woman, once she found out about it.But his desire for love and companionship win out, and he does his best to knock down the walls around Janice’s heart. But even when she finally relents and agrees to spend more time with him, she continues to resist opening her heart back up to Christmas.Because the death of her husband is only the beginning of the tragedy surrounding the day.In the meantime, Lucille Masterson, the great-grandmother of Janice’s star pupil, makes a shocking discovery that almost causes her to ruin Christmas for her family. Again. But then she realizes that if she would face her fear, she could finally release the burden she’s been carrying for the past ten years. What she doesn’t know is that it would release a horrible burden for the very person she’s afraid to face…**********“Christmas Mercies” is the first novel in Emily Josephine’s Christian holiday romance series, “Little River Village Christmas Romance.” A clean and wholesome romance novel, it will warm your heart, build your faith, and leave you feeling refreshed and hopeful.

    He takes his freelance writing career seriously and his claim to fame happens to be de-bunking Christmas festivities in towns across America. When he lands in South Pole, Alaska, he has one plan in mind...to get to the bottom of the whole 'Backwards Christmas' idea and spoil the holiday for as many people as possible. Holly Howard knows there's more to life than leading Backwards Christmas tours in South Pole, but she's happy with her job, town, and friends. The only thing missing is someone to share it all with, but in a small town, it's hard to meet new people. When a handsome writer comes into town, she's intrigued, and hopeful that he could be that person. But she has no idea he's the famous "Jolly Robber." It's not just any Backwards Christmas in South Pole, Alaska as the backwards celebrations rage and the town comes together to show their spirit in full force!

    Fueled by her own secrets, Karina has dedicated herself to ridding the city of infidelity one call at a time. But she may have met her match when she crosses Ben Adler, who loses his girlfriend and budding career thanks to the show. When Ben tries to redeem himself, he and Karina make a wager that will end up pitting the two of them against each other over the air in Ben’s own hometown. But with Karina stirring things up, the good people of Willow Grove aren’t the only ones in danger of falling in love. Lovers’ Quarrel by Jessica L. Randall is a sweet romance for the ages. With its familiar but fresh characters and witty banter it might just be love at first read. Pick up your copy of Lovers’ Quarrel and start the search for true love today

    Leland isn’t just his boss, though. He’s the son of the company’s CEO. And Brian has fallen in love. Hurt by too many stolen kisses and nooners at seedy hotels, Brian finally broke off their secret affair two weeks ago. Leland isn’t ready to let Brian go and he isn’t above seducing Brian — again — to give them both what they really want for Christmas: each other.This free short story was originally written for the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's 2010 holiday event and appears in the event's Stuff My Stocking: M/M Romance Stories that are Nice and… Naughty anthology.

    She's the intern nobody knows. Their goal: convince his ex that they're in love.What could be better than being asked to help head up a big project at work on her first day? Anything but being asked by her boss to pretend to be his girlfriend for the holidays. But when Ellie meets the crazy ex-girlfriend her boss is trying to avoid, she can’t help but agree to be his fake girlfriend.Brady doesn’t mind being put in charge of the big Christmas gala at work, but when he's forced to work with his ex-girlfriend, he panics. He is clearly not thinking straight when he asks the new intern to stand in as his girlfriend for the duration of the holidays—to keep his ex at bay—but is pleasantly surprised when she agrees to the scheme. Thrown together in mishaps and close encounters, Ellie and Brady keep up the ruse for family and friends. Balancing the fake relationship with real feelings, can they fool everyone around them, or are they just fooling themselves?

    After all, she has plenty to keep her busy—namely, her duties as a set decorator on a TV sitcom.But this December, Lauren's brother and his wife are expecting a baby, so her brother arranges a ride home for her with his good friend, Will.Unfortunately for Lauren, she’s been trying to forget college baseball coach and childhood crush Will Sinclair for more than ten years.Now, thanks to her fear of flying, she’s stuck in a car with him from California to Illinois.She’s circumspect and organized. He’s flirty and spontaneous.She’s convinced that people don’t change. He’s trying to prove to her (and himself) that he has.On this cross-country road trip, they’ll both discover that history doesn’t exactly repeat itself. . . but like any good Christmas carol, it does have a second verse.

    . .Cold TurkeyTara is in love with a man she can't have. She expected to spend Christmas with him but when the big day arrives, she finds herself alone. Sad and upset, Tara just wants to ignore the festive season - and then a chance encounter changes everything.About GardeningI love my husband Sam but our relationship isn't what it used to be. Can I find a way to bring us back together?Treat yourself to this heart-warming collection - it's perfect for warming up those winter nights.

    Eleven sweet and sexy holiday stories from New York Times and USA Today best-selling authors! Grab a cup of cocoa and curl up with this collection that will warm your heart and curl your toes.Each story is a new standalone contemporary romance set within popular series, with no spoilers, no cliffhangers, never-before-featured couples, and hot happy endings. This anthology of quick reads (each can be read in an hour or so) will only be available as a collection for a very limited time. Naughty never looked so nice!Kimberly Kincaid – Baby, It's Cold OutsideErika Kelly – Planes, Trains and Head Over HeelsJ.H. Croix – That Snowy NightAmy Andrews – Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Red Bikini TroubleLucy Score – The Mistletoe KisserLili Valente – MILF on the ShelfErin Nicholas – Must Love AlligatorsNatasha Madison – Tempt the AssistantWillow Winters – All I Want is a KissKate Canterbary – Professional DevelopmentMaria Luis – Kissing a Gentleman

    A crush she can’t shake. A Christmas she’ll never forget.Ivy Steadman is not in love with her boss. Because first of all, technically speaking, she’s an independent contractor, so he’s not her boss. And second of all, she’s way too professional to fall for someone she works with. Someone it’s her job to sell to the public. Someone who only thinks of her as a colleague, or, at best, a friend. Only a fool would fall for their own marketing like that.Alec Ames is completely in love with his PR Specialist. He’s tried to keep it professional, but there’s no denying the chemistry between him and Ivy. He thinks she just might feel the same way. There’s really only one way to find out.His plan? Sweep her off her feet at the big holiday party he’s throwing for all the employees. He’s got the perfect night planned, from the lush and elegant Christmas decor to the string quartet ready with her favorite holiday song. What could possibly go wrong?

    With a budget bigger than her life savings and a team of staff, how hard can it be?As one-by-one she meets the Marleys, she’s about to find out…Allie’s new boss, Robert, might be gorgeous, but he’s also colder than the snow outside and refuses to come home for Christmas. Robert’s playboy brother, Kip, flirts with her relentlessly; and his sister, Sloane, arrives home with baggage—both the divorce-kind and the Louis Vuitton kind. Their ninety-two year old grandmother, Pippa, spends her day grumbling at everybody from her mobility scooter.With Robert intending to sell Ashford, it’s the Marley’s last chance to create some happy memories in their family home—and Allie is determined to make it happen… even if it takes a little Christmas magic! With the festive spirit in full swing, she might even discover a little happiness of her own…

    by Catherine PalmerWhen Jeremiah Maddox agreed to let university administrator Lara Crane house international students in his guest cottage, he never expected he'd be hosting a married couple with three children. Nor did he imagine circumstances would compel him to babysit the family's infant at Christmastime. And what he least expected was to fall for the woman responsible for turning his life upside down!Christmas, Don't Be Late by Jillian HartWhen a misunderstanding caused millionaire Colton Nichols to be taken for Santa Claus by neighbor Amanda Richards's young son, Colton was determined to keep his distance. But the Christmas-wish letter Jeremy sent broke his heart--Jeremy asked only that his sick sister be well and his mom's heart not be sad. Colton found himself praying for just that--and wishing this family were his own.

    But her sister's stuck with a broken heart and a nonrefundable vacation, so she agrees to Christmas at a rustic Adirondack lodge-as long as she can bring her laptop. Matt's happy to take a break from the city. He and his brother are helping out with their aunt's Romance of Christmas weekend, even though the couples-only guest list at the lodge means all work and no play. When one of the "couples" turns out to be two sisters, Matt's brother calls dibs on the hot one-leaving Matt to deal with a quirky, work-obsessed woman who he's sure would rather get cozy with an electrical outlet than with him. Good thing there's no electricity at Dutch Gorge Lodge. Because sometimes you have to turn out the lights to see what's right in front of you.

    But when the merriment takes a bizarre twist, he retreats by himself to call it a night... Until his attention is captured by a teary-eyed Santa in a very short skirt.Holly's quest to find herself again ends in a disastrous Christmas date, leaving her discouraged and alone in a town far from home. But when her date returns, angry and violent, she's rescued by a gorgeous stranger--the kind of guy she once would have pursued. But that was before.Seeking cheer but preferring anonymity, they embark on an innocent game playing the roles of old friends catching up. Without encumbrances, honest conversations uncover hidden desires. Sparks fly, directing them to an outcome they hadn't expected and shouldn't pursue. But will it thrust them into each other's arms or leave them longing for what could have been?AUTHORS ADVISORY: While this romance is sweet, it's on the spicy side. If you like your romance STEAMY, your men HOT, and your sex DIRTY... this is for you.

    Festivities begin with tree lighting in the town square the day after Thanksgiving and continue until the culminating romantic Christmas Ball. From the Polar Express to a Winter Carnival, there’s something for every wonder-filled child—and every couple who’s in love—or about to be.An Unexpected Kiss by Amazon Top Seller Cindy Roland AndersonLucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?Feels Like Love by Jeanette LewisChristmas in Snow Valley is the perfect way for April Winston to introduce her city slicker fiancé, Scott Mecham, to life on a farm. If only Wade Hadley, hometown boy and high school sweetheart, will cooperate! But Wade has no intention of letting April go without a fight. This Christmas, Wade is determined to overcome their painful past and show April that she already has what she’s been seeking all along.Full Court Devotion by Amazon Top Seller Cami CheckettsKazlyn is too busy with her schooling and future plans to enjoy life, let alone fall in love with a man who has heartbreak written all over him. Tyrese Hamilton, a college basketball star and major heartthrob, is intrigued when Kazlyn doesn't pursue him or even seem interested. Ty's career is in jeopardy, and he needs a miracle and Kazlyn to save him.The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor HartMolly O’Hare gets the utterly ridiculous prediction that she will kiss her true love on Christmas Eve. But when she returns to Snow Valley and comes face to face with Kevin Snow, suddenly the kiss thing seems…a lot less ridiculous. Too bad the reason she left still has the power to make her deny her real feelings. Now Molly is left with a choice—forget the home town and the boy that she never quit loving or let Christmas work out a miracle all on its own.Risking it all for Love by Award-Winning author, Kimberley MontpetitSuccumbing to family pressure, Jessica Mason reluctantly comes home for Christmas. Ever since her high school boyfriend's death from a car accident three years earlier, Jessica and religion have not been compatible. So, when she visits Michael’s grave, she's surprised to meet the handsome James Douglas, Pastor John’s nephew, who’s studying for the ministry. James can not only dish back Jessica’s finely-tuned sarcasm but understands grief all too well, turning Jessica’s world upside down. Is she ready to take another risk on love?Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnellAs head of Snow Valley hospital's fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn't have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She's been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.

    Unfortunately he doesn't seem to like her much so she's spending the holidays with her disapproving parents, both of whom think she's screwing up her life. Elliott Alexander's security business is booming and he's finally in the position to come home for good. But home brings bittersweet memories and puts him in the path of a woman who makes him feel things he isn't ready for.When Kay's car skids out of control on Christmas Eve, she's forced to reach out to the only man she trusts to save her.THE ALEXANDERS SERIESReading OrderBook 0.5 - Teasing Trent ~ The PrequelBook 1 - One More Day ~ Jackson & RidleyBook 2 - The Things I Do for You ~ Nick & RainaBook 3 - He's the Man ~ Matt & PennyBook 3.5 - Christmas with The Alexanders Book 4 - All I Need is You ~ Elliott & KayleeBook 5 - Say You Will ~ Trent & Mara*Book 6 - Just One Thing ~ Bennett & Katie**coming soon