But that was before a storm cut power all over town, her brother's bride went missing and Eve's mother, Olivia, was tragically killed.Now Rio, an investigative reporter, is the only one with a lead on her mother's case. Eve's willing to answer his questions, as long as they don't involve her daughter, Molly. Six years ago, Rio made it clear he never wanted a child. How can Eve trust him to do the right thing if he finds out the truth about Molly? The story continues in Father and Child Reunion Parts 2 and 3.

    And for a brief moment his belief in family ties is restored, thanks to Peggy Saxon and the two fragile lives he brought into the world.After a disastrous marriage, getting involved with anyone is not in Peggy's life plan. Things aren't easy as a single mom, but her babies need stability, and that's not something she can expect from a taxi-driving cowboy.But, like natural disasters, babies have a way of changing things. Maybe it's time for her to accept a strong helping hand from the cowboy who came to her rescue that night.The story continues in Ooh Baby, Baby Parts 2 and 3.

    But in small town Grand Springs she needs a husband in order to adopt.Dr. Tony Petrocelli has a reputation for romance. In reality, he's tired of short-term relationships and intrigued by Bethany. And if he's going to get that promotion to head of Obstetrics, he needs a wife.A marriage of convenience can help them both. As long as Tony never learns Beth's secret, it's the perfect solution….The story continues in Marriage by Contract Parts 2 and 3.

    Stumbling in the dark, she hits her head and awakens to a vision of the mayor's murder. Was it just her imagination, or was it real? To learn the truth she'll have to go to the one man who can help her. The one man she wanted to forget when their affair ended—detective Stone Richardson.Stone Richardson deals in facts. He's worried about Jessica. If she's seeing things, she needs a doctor, not a detective. Either that or he has more to investigate with Mayor Olivia Stuart's death than he thought….The story continues in For Her Eyes Only Parts 2 and 3.

    But he's determined not to lose sight of the beautiful stranger. Finding her days later, he has a business proposition for the widow and mother—a fake engagement that could reward her enough to save her son Tommy's life.Nina tells herself she doesn't believe in fairy tales. Her relationship with Alex is strictly professional. But as she spends more time with her handsome rescuer, it's harder to see him as just a business partner. In trying to save her son, is she risking her own heart? The story continues in Cinderella Story Parts 2 and 3.

    Strange Bedfellows Part 1 Sworn enemies Cassandra Mercer and Sean Frame become more than friends when they're trapped inside her car by a dangerous mudslide. Who would ever have pictured guidance counselor Cassandra Mercer at such close quarters with her nemesis, businessman Sean Frame? They're usually facing off at school board meetings, where he arrogantly questions her methods every chance he gets. But when a mudslide traps the two inside Cassandra's car, the will to live ignites a passion that brings them together. The story continues in Strange Bedfellows Parts 2 and 3.

    It all seemed like a great adventure. Until she reported to her new boss, J. L. Montgomery—her elevator cowboy in a suit and tie!Jared is on the fast track to success. He'll need a wife, but his adorable redheaded assistant is more bedroom than boardroom. Still, he can't get her, and the stormy night they shared together, out of his mind.When Jared overhears Paige telling a friend she's pregnant, he wants to do the right thing. But Paige isn't willing to settle. Marriage means love—and until that's on the table, there's no deal.The story continues in Nine Months Parts 2 and 3.

    The big bike in her garage hasn’t been ridden for a couple years now. It is no more than a symbol of her loss and reminds her of her own lack of usefulness.When the very large, very excited Mikkel Gunnarsen arrives to buy it, his pleasure in the bike makes the decision to sell to the younger man much easier than she imagined it would be. The same is also true for the decision that ends with Mikkel spending the night in her bed.Kia knows the blissful moments with Mikkel are only momentary relief, but being with the younger man is certainly inspiring.

    To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by their lives and work.This special eBook is yours at no charge because Harlequin is committed to celebrating women's efforts and supporting the causes that are meaningful to them. By sharing Rhonda Clemons' story, we hope to turn awareness into action and mobilize others to make a difference.To find out more or to nominate a woman you know, please visit HarlequinMoreThanWords.com.

    I’m Lorna Doone. Yep, spelled just like the cookie and I own the Peaches ‘N Cream Café here in Weston. You might think nothing much happens in a small mid-western town, but as my friend Harriett says, things aren’t always what they appear. Take our girl Emma for example…”Emma Lewis has a lot on her plate. The single mother of two precocious twin boys and an aging mother who is having trouble getting through each day, the last thing Emma needs is a man in her life, especially a doctor. So when the town’s doctor goes on vacation and his handsome nephew takes over, Emma is shocked to not only find him standing in her bedroom, but accusing her of being a neglectful parent.Clint Preston came to Westen for the year to fill in as the town doc while his uncle took a long needed vacation. Clint also needed a sense of peace and calm to try to find his passion for medicine burned out by long shifts in an urban hospital’s ER. Angered to find two boys in his clinic with broken wrists and no accompanying parent, he is determined to confront their mother. The feisty redhead he meets quickly dispels his belief that she’s a neglectful mother, but he can see her situation is more critical than she wishes to face and finds himself volunteering to help care for her sons and the remodeling of her home.As Emma and Clint forge a relationship among the slightly off-beat characters that inhabit Weston a menace from Emma’s past threatens her and her sons. Clint and Emma join forces to prevent the loss of either boy and the love they’ve discovered in each other’s’ arms.

    And he wants her.Successful, handsome and too damn charming for his own good—he's perfect.The only problem? Letting him in could destroy everything she knows and loves.Samantha Burke loves her quiet close-knit community of Cedar Springs, just the way it is thank you very much.The addition of an upscale new resort as well as its arrogant owner, Trent Harrison, and the change they're both sure to bring to town, is certainly not welcome. As far as Sam's concerned, Trent can turn right around and go back to where he came from.That is, until one very hot—and completely unexpected—kiss changes everything. Now Trent is pushing his way into her town, and her life and it's getting harder and harder for Sam to deny the heat between them. Change is inevitable, but can either of them drop their guard long enough to accept it when there's so much on the line? Including the chance for love?

    I only have one rule: hands off the neighbors.The single ladies on the block have tried it. I mean, come on. I'm a rich, single dad with a big house and an even bigger... lawn. But playing where you live is a recipe for trouble. Especially since I've got nothing to offer beyond one night/ and a hell of a lot of bitterness.Then the girl-next-door gets locked out and I can't exactly leave her outside, right? This is a bad idea. But it's going to feel oh so good.

    So when a baby lands on the doorstep of the Texas Brand, his first question is which younger brother is in for a butt-kicking? But the little fellow isn't named after Ben, or Wes, or Adam, or Elliot. The little feller is named after him – Garrett Ethan Brand–according to the note his mama left behind.He’s still racking his brain to figure it all out, when a woman shows up at the ranch in the dead of night, spitting, fighting mad, and accusing Garrett of murdering her sister and stealing the baby!Chelsea is confused, heartbroken, and too mad to think straight, and the same trouble that found her poor sister is right on her tail. But of all the places she and the baby could've wound up, Garrett thinks this ranch is the best one.Because this is one family that knows how to pull together and trouble doesn't stand a chance against The Brands of Texas.

    She’s twenty eight, owns a bookstore, and is one determined, control freak of a woman. She’s decided to take the entire weekend off to have some fun. Except Anabel’s unapologetically single and perfectly uncomplicated life is suddenly upside down with problems! The cheating love of her life is back in town. Her family is meddling in her personal business. An adulterous wife of a good friend has gone missing. She’s been targeted for death by a homicidal serial rapist. An evil aunt has gone fanatic. Her sociopathic cousin has stolen her gun. The macho police chief is driving her nuts. And one not-too-tall, deliciously dark, and definitely not handsome stranger is enticing her to break all her ironclad rules on dating in the most intriguing of ways. Strange things are happening in Northfield, Minnesota. But Anabel’s never met the challenge she won’t stare in the eye while daintily spitting sideways in the dirt. Will Anabel begin to believe that life is never simple, some rules are meant to be broken, and a certain mesmerizing complication may be worth the trouble--even if it kills her? (Adult Content)

    Two men. One meddling small town.Raised by her older sister in the small town of Blueberry Springs, all Beth Wilkinson wants is to create a family so big she’ll never be alone. Things are going great until her fiancé, Oz, rethinks everything from his own career to their nuptial plans—forcing Beth to do the same.As Beth works to rediscover herself in hopes of reattracting Oz, she catches the eye of the charming new city doctor, Nash. Not only does he see her as she’d like to be seen, but he knows exactly what he wants from life—and that includes Beth.Torn between the two men, as well as two versions of herself, Beth discovers that love and dreams are much more complicated than they seem.