From sweet to sexy, suspense to small town drama, travel from Belarus to Africa to the snowy Highlands of Scotland as Santa delivers our gift to you—love, laughter and happiness this Christmas!Recipe for Love by Ruth Cardello, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.All Madison Andrade wants for Christmas is a place to hide and she finds it in the home of a lusty French chef. Richard D’Argenson’s recipes are famous, but they lack one necessary ingredient—love. Spend a steamy holiday with this unlikely couple and fall in love –Andrade style.Must Love Santa by Nina Bruhns, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.Detective Nick Palladin just needs to close one last case in Vice—going undercover as Santa—before getting his Christmas transfer to the K-9 Unit. But when a cute little fluffball and the knockout holding her leash stumble into the op and are attacked, Santa and his faithful dog come running to the rescue!An Almost Perfect Christmas by Donna Fasano, USA Today bestselling author.Aaron Chase is desperate to give his daughter a perfect Christmas and elicits the help of Pediatric Nurse Christy Cooper to do it. When Aaron’s impish eight-year-old talks them into a make-believe wedding, can the magic of Christmas make the vows stick?Christmas Captive (The Decorah Security Series) by Rebecca York, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author.How did hard-driving businessman Jordan Campbell end up in a coma? And can nurse Hannah Andrews use her psychic talent to connect with him and trap his would-be killer? As she and Jordan work together, she knows she’s putting her own life---and her heart---at risk.The Army Doctor’s Honeymoon Baby (The Army Doctor’s Series) by Helen Scott Taylor, Award-winning and National bestselling author.Army doctor, Blair Mackenzie, secretly loves his childhood friend, Lorna, and protects her in the African refugee camp where they work. Lorna depends on Blair—he’s her best friend, the only man she’s ever loved. She longs to admit her feelings but a family secret from their past prevents her.Kiss Me Santa by Patrice Wilton, National bestselling author.Widowed schoolteacher, Cindy Harris meets Brad Williams--posing as Santa--when she takes her young son to the mall. Imagine her surprise when he shows up as the hot-shot realtor selling her family home. Sparks fly between them. Can the magic of Christmas give them the best gift of all -- love?An Unusual Christmas by Mona Risk, Award-winning and National bestselling author.Running away from Christmas celebrations and the demons of her past, Dr. Jillian has dedicated her life to saving third-world children. In Belarus, a baby girl, four little boys, and a handsome doctor may teach her the true meaning of Christmas.A Cowboy for Christmas by Annie Jones, Award-winning and National bestselling author.A single mom who has pinned all her hopes on reviving a popular tourist dude ranch gets a Christmas surprise that may change everything when her son asks Santa for a new dad. And that very night a Christmas-skipping cowboy shows up at their door.The Christmas Honeymoon by Alicia Street, Award-winning and National bestselling author.Quiet librarian Serena always loved Christmas, until she was jilted before her December wedding.

     Featuring MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER by USA and NYT Bestselling Author Heidi McLaughlin They say you should expect the unexpected, I didn't realize my unexpected would be the forever kind. FOR EVERLY by Raine Thomas The last thing physical therapy student Everly Wallace wants is a relationship, but when she’s roped into working with sexy Major League pitcher Cole Parker, she’ll discover that it just might be the one thing she needs. INDELIBLE by Bethany Lopez Sam's a single mom, working her way through college while raising her toddler. Judd's a college baseball player, who on the outside, looks like he doesn't have a care in the world. Can two people at different stages in their life find a way to make a life together? TATTOOED DOTS by Kimberly Knight Brooke and Easton learn that people are brought into their lives for many reasons. Over time, they find out what those reasons are. Some are to be a temporary acquaintance while others are there for life. MANGLED HEARTS by Felicia Tatum Can two loves find their way back to each other despite an addiction and a hardened heart, allowing their love to overcome it all? Can these mangled hearts be mended? BREAKDOWN by Amanda Lance After Charlotte Ferro's suicide attempt is ruined by a handsome do-gooder he introduces her to a world of fast cars and cool criminals. But can their newfound friendship survive the secrets of their past? MAVERICK by Anna Cruise International surf sensation Kellen Handler has it all – fame and fortune and more women than he can count – but he's riding his own personal wave toward disaster. Can PR genius Gina Bellori rescue his reputation...and his heart? DO ANYTHING by Wendy Owens A broken heart is only the beginning for her. He thinks he has his life figured out. Will they risk their hearts on a new chance at love? RESIST ME by A.O. Peart Ethan, a former-Marine-turned-firefighter, has never really cared for any woman, while living his life to the fullest and enjoying the bad boy stigma. Until the street-smart Lisbeth comes along, and instantly turns Ethan’s world upside down, making him want to protect her, no matter the consequences. THE MAN TEST by Amanda Aksel Couple therapist Marin Johns tries to prove that all men are liars and cheaters by beginning a fictitious relationship. Will her new "boyfriend" be the statistic or will Marin regret the satisfaction of being right? A RISK WORTH TAKING by Heather Hildenbrand For college grad, Summer Stafford, watching her parents’ divorce has taught her that, above all, love is a risk. For a drifter like Ford O’Neal, love isn’t just a risk, it isn’t even on the table. But attraction quickly leads to something more and they are both forced to realize they’re risking a whole lot for a summer fling. UNINTENTIONAL VIRGIN by A.J. Bennett Nineteen-year-old Karma points is cursed. Cursed with a ridiculous name, self-esteem issues and the inability to lose her virginity. That is until Jax, the tattooed bouncer, comes into the picture. THE FALL OF SKY (PART ONE) by Alexia Purdy Singing duo Audrey and Liv Westing hope to be discovered as the next big thing. While fumbling through their turbulent existences, they attract the eye of a deadly but powerful Cartel family.

    Steamy stories of love from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors, featuring a sexy CEO Millionaire, a passionate Navy SEAL, a ruthless fighter, a hunky ski instructor, an injured Army sergeant, a sensual artist and a self-sacrificing Marine. AT ANY PRICE by BRENNA AUBREY. An online virginity auction. A geek girl virgin. A sexy CEO. When he's the winning bidder, she gets more than she bargained for. Is he playing her or is he playing for keeps? First book in the Gaming the System series.KILLING HONOR by S.M. BUTLER.Returning home after a disastrous extended first deployment, Navy SEAL Brody Battles struggles with nightmares and government secrets building a wall between him and his wife, Devyn. But while they're adjusting to being a couple again and raising a young family he barely knows, an old enemy waits in the shadows, salivating for the sweet taste of revenge.THE WRIGHT BROTHER by MARIE HALL.From NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Marie Hall, comes a new Contemporary Romance, set on two continents and an almost three decade love affair full of pain, joy, and the knowledge that sometimes even destiny needs a helping hand... From the moment Julian Wright opened his eyes he could only see the world in shades of gray. Deaf and colorblind, he was a loner. Until he met his neighbor, Elisa Jane Adrian. The fractured part of his soul felt whole when she was around. But for Elisa the feelings she has for her much younger neighbor feels reckless and dangerous. Determined to put her dangerous desires behind her, she moves away to Ireland. There's only one problem, once a Wright sets their eyes on you, there's no going back...ever.HE'S THE MAN by M. MALONE. Matt Simmons is over Army doctors poking him until he finds out his new physical therapist is H-O-T. But Penny wants a settled suburban life, which means NO military men. Which means Sgt. Simmons just found his new mission in life. CAN'T SHAKE YOU by MOLLY MCLAIN. Carissa's gotten herself into a mess with an impromptu renovation project, and the only contractor available to help her out happens to be the one man she's never been able to forget. Josh is also her ex-boyfriend's best friend, therefore completely off-limits...unless they don't get caught.SHADOWBOXER by CARI QUINN. She's in for the fight of her life...To fund her new life with her baby sister, Mia Anderson wants one thing - to fight the reigning king of the underground MMA fighters, Tray Knox. Tray refuses to fight a woman until he learns that Mia's tougher than anyone he has ever known. He soon realizes he wants more from her than blows and blood, and he's willing to hit below the belt to get it. This battle's about to get dirty.CRAVE by VIOLET VAUGHN.Casey Cassidy knows what she wants. Determined to get over Jason and find a man that wants afamily, she moves to Breckenridge, Colorado.Landing a job skiing every day, Casey finds Blaine Johnson -a wish come true.  A hunky surfer turnedski instructor, he checks off every requirement on her list.Except for the one she forgot to add.Blaine has a secret.  A secret so big it keeps intimacy smoldering,when Casey needs fire.  No matter how hard she tries, the embers won't ignite.

    This free eBook sampler is a curated volume of excerpts from new and upcoming titles from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors including Wait for You by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout); three books by Cora Carmack: Losing It, Faking It and Finding It; Dark Heroine by Abigail Gibbs; Foreplay by Sophie Jordan; three books by Molly McAdams: Taking Chances, From Ashes and Forgiving Lies; and The Registry by Shannon Stoker.

    We have the annual tree lighting in the town square, a snowman building competition, ice skating on Grosvenor’s Pond, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. You’re welcome to cut down your own Christmas tree at Gridley Meadows, or join in the caroling on the Common.Dickens offers an abundance of heartfelt wishes, a few much needed miracles, and—quite possibly—a touch of magic! Families reunite, new friends are made, and old flames take a second chance at happiness. All while celebrating this most joyful time of the year.Join us as our best selling and award winning authors fill your holiday stocking with ten brand new novellas ranging from sweet to sassy, including:Millie’s Awesome Holiday Miracle by Top 100 Author Nancy Fraser ~ She’s an overworked single mom struggling to make ends meet. He’s the handsome CEO who’s come to Dickens to save—or close—the toy factory. Can one precocious little girl bring a couple of much-needed miracles to the people she cares about most?Miracle At Holly Hill Inn by Top 100 Author Maddie James ~ Ariana is looking for the perfect Christmas village. Instead, she finds the town Scrooge. Will two days snowbound together at Holly Hill Inn bring them closer together, or send them each on their merry way?Holiday Hearts by Top 100 Author Caroline Clemmons ~ Laura Jordan’s beauty and sense of humor are more apparent than her sharp mind, soft heart, and strict code of right and wrong. Ward Callahan has avoided romantic complications to throw himself into building his ad agency. Once he meets Laura, he falls hard but must convince her that dating her boss is not inappropriate. Can he convince her he doesn’t want her heart only for the holidays, but forever?The Tinsel Tango by Best Selling Author Bonnie Edwards ~ Brenna needs some R&R over Christmas in Dickens. Tango lessons from mysterious Jett…Smith? may bring her everything her heart desires, but his secrets may kill the love they find.Wisdom of the Heart by USA Today Best Selling Author Liz Flaherty ~ They were best friends who fell in love, but that was high school. Life and families and other loves had happened since that dear and distant time. They're friends again, comfortable with each other and having so much fun at Christmas time in Dickens. They're not still in love, but...wait...could it be happening again?Operation Snowball by Best Selling Author Kathryn Hills ~ Returning to small town life is hard for Army veteran John Gridley. The last thing he expects to find is love with the beautiful widow, Heather Murphy. Can the perfect Christmas tree and a missing cat named Snowball bring them together despite meddling townsfolk?Angel Kisses and Holiday Wishes by Best Selling Author Peggy Jaeger ~ When Sage left town 18 years ago, she left Keith's heart in tatters. Now she's back, and he's wondering if they can put the past behind them and rekindle the love they lost.Holly’s Wish by Top 100 Author Kathleen Lawless ~ What if the girl who got away is actually standing right in front of you? Years earlier, Nico and Holly shared one magical Christmas Eve. She never stopped wishing he’d find where she left her number.When he does, is it too late?Holiday Heart Wishes by Award Winning Author Lucinda Race ~ On her way into Dickens to visit family, Vera picks up Tony, a stranded motorist. Rather than part ways when they arrive, they discover their loved ones are intent on getting married. Can they slow down the older couple's rush to the altar? Or, will holiday heart wishes come true for everyone?Santa’s Wish by Best Selling Author Jan Scarbrough ~ Will Christmas magic help them overcome Roz’s career ambitions and Cooper’s grief, and bring them together for a second chance at love?

    Dover Now that his time for revenge is over, Ryley wants to make the season special for the woman he loves. Not only will you hear the sound of Christmas bells during the holiday, but maybe another type of bell followed by the pitter patter of little feet. Merry Mitchell Affair ~ by Jennifer Foor Come join the entire Mitchell clan for a very merry Christmas and a surprise wedding. Hit or Mistletoe ~ by HJ Harley London and her twin brother Trent are headed home for the holidays. This year Trent has brought home his hockey teammate and friend Pratt Montgomery. Who if wasn’t for Trent, would have spent them alone. London is convinced Pratt is just another beer drinking jock, until she sees a completely different side of him when he opens up to her. Stranded ~ by BJ Harvey Stranded in Chicago just two days before the holidays, Porter Daniels and Harlow Wilson have to clear the air. Can they finally stop circling each other and get what they really want for Christmas? 12 Days of Forever ~ A Beaumont Novella ~ by Heidi McLaughlin The Christmas trees are trimmed and the bells are ringing. For one lucky couple in Beaumont, Christmas has a whole new meaning. Adam ~ A Torn Series Novella ~ by K.A. Robinson In Tamed, you heard Amber's side of the story. Now, it's Adam's turn. What happened after Tamed? What was going through Adam's mind in key scenes of Tamed? It's time Adam had his say. Lost in Translation ~ by S. L. Scott When two opposites attract in Paris, can the language of love bring them together or will they be Lost in Translation? Fighter ~ by Tijan Jax Cutler is one bail jumper Dale doesn't want to help her family catch, but he soon becomes the one she can't let go. Snowflakes & Fire Escapes ~ by J.M Darhower Cody Moran and Gracie Callaghan wanted nothing more than to escape the life they'd been born into, but it's the kind of life that doesn't like to let go. A story of love and heartache spanning the streets of Hell's Kitchen to far, far away, where it doesn't snow.

    Coming in Hot by USA Today Bestselling Author Kate Meader: Firefighter Tyler has one problem. He’s still got his V-card. And he wants his best friend Evie to help him lose it, only she has no idea he’s wanted her for years. Time to make his move. Precious Cargo by USA Today Bestselling Author Nicole Morgan: With a hit out on Alena’s life, U.S. Marine Brandon is faced with protecting her while completing his mission… And keeping his hands off her is the hardest task of all. View from the Top by USA Today Bestselling Author Carmen Falcone: Retired Air Force pilot Mack always desired Jenny but couldn't act on it because she'd been too young. Now, years later, he's ready to show her they’d make a great couple—in and out of the bedroom. Two for the Road by Bisou deVie: One city girl from LA. One sexy Greek paramedic from Canada. One road trip. What could go wrong? Call Me Crazy by Rebecca Royce: Faith keeps calling Sheriff Wyatt about something odd she keeps seeing in her yard… But all he sees is one sexy woman he wants for a night of hot passion. The Navy Seal’s Secret Baby by Kat Baxter: A hot NAVY Seal, an awkward teacher, and a weekend of hot sex. It was supposed to be temporary, but a baby changes everything... Always Ready by Kimberly Nee: In town for a few days from his job in the Coast Guard, Steve helps Lauren live out her sexual fantasy. But it’s the staying together part that’s challenging... Ready for Trouble by Tina Donahue: Jake loves his job as a cop and loves the steamy Florida women more—as long as they’re into casual. And that means hands off his boss’s sister...

    However, most of the individual stories have been released and are available separately. ***18 brand new sexy stories from bestselling authors, each one too steamy for the penalty box . . . 20% of royalties from sales of Hot on Ice will go to Homes for our Troops, a charity that builds specially modified homes for injured veterans.Get ready to fall in love with the smokin’ hot hockey players of the New Orleans Cajun Rage. After this season’s Cinderella run all the way to the Finals, these heroes have won the Cup—and now your heart is the goal. FREE AGENT, USA Today Best Seller Robin Covington – Finally out, he thought he knew his next step . . . until the man he might not be able to resist puts a sexy offer on the table.BODY CHECK, USA Today Bestseller Desiree Holt - The Cup, the girl, and the future-could he make them all come together?DEEP CHECK, USA Today Bestseller Kimberly Kincaid – There’s no such thing as in too deep…BLOCKED, USA Today Bestseller Heather Long - He needs to clean up his reputation . . . Can this bad boy keep the pop princess safe?RANSOM, USA Today Bestseller Nana Malone - The last thing he wants is to be stranded in a cabin with the one girl he's always wanted.CAGED, USA Today Bestseller Virginia Nelson – She plans to melt the ice king’s heart and prove she’s just the girl to go skate to skate with him, whether he likes it or not.BREAKAWAY BROOKE, Publisher's Weekly Bestseller Angi Morgan – Can he convince this Amazon beauty to stop fighting her erotic powers long enough to play his game?THE WARM UP, Xio Axelrod - Toss a stoic defenseman, a no-nonsense nurse, and a ward full of crafty children in a Cup and anything can happen.CHECK MY HEART, Christi Barth - The only thing that will make him happy again is the one woman he can’t have . . .FULL CONTACT, Andie J. Christopher – This player has a bounty on his virginity. She has him up against the boards.BLADE, Avery Flynn - Sometimes the line between love and insanity is as thin as an ice skate’s blade.UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN, Kim Golden - When it comes to the game of love, he’s playing to win.COURAGE, Lena Hart - This hot-tempered coach is fully prepared to fight for his wife—but can he win back her heart?PENALTY BOX BLUES, Robin Kaye - The only woman who knows his secret can slam his heart against the boards with a sideways glance. He is so pucked.BEAR NAKED, Katie Kenyhercz - When he sets his sights on a goal, it's only a matter of time.IN SKATES TROUBLE, Kate Meader - Can a passion that started in the dark find a lifetime of love in the light?MAKING HIS MOVE, Susan Scott Shelley – Making impossible saves is easy compared to falling in love.CHECKING YES, Misty D. Waters – She’ll send him to the penalty box, and keep him there . . . for good this time.

    A collection of 8 Full Length Novels from some of today’s best selling authors FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY!!Rose of Thorne by Mia MichelleRepair Me by Jennifer FoorDon't Lie to Me by Stacey LynnIn a Heartbeat by Hilary StorrnCursed Love by TH SnyderSizzle by Lexi BuchananTease by Missy JohnsonMisguided Heart by Amanda Bennett

    Sterling, Tara Sivec, and Tiffany King. Bouquet Toss by Melissa Brown That Boy by Jillian Dodd Back to You by Priscilla Glenn Unlikely Allies by Tiffany King Love Revolution by Michelle Mankin A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan The Perpetual Quest for the Perfect Life by Michelle Pace & Tammy Coons Ten Days of Perfect by Andrea Randall A Beautiful Lie by Tara Sivec Chance Encounters by J. Sterling Protecting Truth by Michelle Warren Waiting on Forever by Ashley Wilcox

    But growing emotions - and sizzling attraction - keep drawing them closer together. Close enough for them to wonder if stealing one more secret moment together can ever be enough? Lawful Lover from the Eternal Bachelors Club by Tina Folsom After their tumultuous barely-two-week relationship, Sabrina leaves her life in San Francisco and moves in with Daniel in New York. The adjustment is difficult and made worse when an old nemesis from San Francisco causes trouble for Daniel. To further complicate their lives, Daniel's ex-girlfriend Audrey resorts to deception to make Sabrina doubt Daniel's love for her. Fool for Love from Gansett Island by Marie Force
Joe Cantrell, owner of the Gansett Island Ferry Company, has been in love with Janey McCarthy for as long as he can remember. It was bad enough for Joe loving Janey from afar, but having her nurse a broken heart at his house is pure torture. Will he take advantage of this opportunity to show her what they could have together? And what will Joe's best friend and Janey's protective older brother Mac have to say about it? So This Is Love from Callaways by Barbara Freethy For Max Harrison, a homicide detective, love seduces and then destroys. His brother went to prison for love. His father left his family for love. Max is determined not to follow in their footsteps. Then he meets Emma Callaway, a sexy, courageous fire investigator, who turns his life upside down. As fires rage around the city, the heat between them ignites in a blaze of passion. Will it destroy them or will they finally get everything they ever wanted? Fight With Me from With Me in Seattle by Kristen Proby Jules Montgomery won't risk her career for mind-blowing sex, no matter how much her body and heart keep arguing with her. Reformed bad-boy Nate McKenna won't be brushed aside. She can fight all she wants, but he'll have her in his bed in the end.

    Four full length novels for one low price! Available for a limited time only!Fixed on You by New York Times bestselling author Laurelin PaigeA bartender with obsessive tendencies and a billionaire built on dominance come together in a steamy story that explores the line between head games and love-cures-all.Late Call by New York Times bestselling author Emma HartShe’s a high class call girl. He’s taking over his father’s business.Seven years ago, they fell in love in Paris.They walked away at the end of the summer, never imagining they’d meet again.Now he’s her client.When I Break by New York Times bestselling author Kendall RyanWhat happens when a sex addict falls for a virgin? With his life unraveling, Knox Bauer attends a local Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting where he finds himself tempted by the alluring instructor, McKenna.Dirty Little Lies by Clare JamesAfter a nasty breakup, good girl Stevie Sinclair creates a sexual bucket list. And the mysterious Gabe Shannon is all too willing to help her check off each and every item … and then some.

    Blair Very Bad Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills Shattered Ties by K.A. Robinson Sizzle by Lexi Buchanan Always You by Missy Johnson Love in Between by Sandi Lynn Emerge by S.E. Hall Fallen Crest High by Tijan ALL proceeds to go to First Candle: http://www.firstcandle.org This anthology will be available for only 99c and will run for two weeks only May 11 - 25, 2014

     These 18 sexy, sweet men will go to the ends of the Earth to win their ladies’ hearts, but will these lovers emerge unbroken? From first kisses to dangerous encounters and second chances at love, we've gathered all 18 wonderful stories in one big box. This heart-pounding collection is filled with confident, sexy, and sweet men you'll fall madly in love with. Click now to get this special box set of best-selling books before it’s gone forever! Milly Taiden -Their Second Chance -Nick lost the woman he loved to the heartbreak of infertility. One locked door will either leave them broken forever or back together. Deanna Roy-Forever Sheltered-A doctor with a secret falls for the unorthodox art therapist at the hospital where he works, sparking a love affair that could destroy both their careers. V. M. Black-Kiss of Memory-Will has spent his adult life locked in a Victorian sanitarium because he suffers from seizures, but a mysterious baroness offers him a bargain he can't refuse. Cora Seton-The Cowgirl Ropes a Billionaire-Bella needs money fast, so she enters the reality show, Can You Beat a Billionaire. If she loses, she’ll have to marry him. Blair Babylon-What A Girl Wants: Rhiannon- Brand-new back-up singer in the rock band Killer Valentine, cannot fall in love with any of the band members. Really. She must not. Really. Zoe York-Beyond Love and Hate-Tall, dark, handsome, and totally infuriating. Beth can't stop thinking about her new colleague. But Finn isn't the guy for her, and they both know it. Olivia Rigal-Ripped-Lyv wants a life far from her dysfunctional family and their diner. What she gets is an absent rock-star baby daddy and one helluva choice to make. Daisy Prescott-Ready to Fall-Falling in love is the last thing on John's mind when Diane, a beautiful brunette with her own messy past, moves next door. Lacey Silks-My First, My Last-Pierced, tattooed and hot as hell, Adrian steps back into Mia's life after 20 years. Mature. More experienced. Intent on reclaiming his first love. Chrystalla Thoma-Azure-On vacation in Greece, Olivia meets sexy and enigmatic Kai, but Kai belongs to the sea, and the sea won’t let him go, unless Olivia breaks the curse before it’s too late. Holly Hood-Wicked Little Sins-The more wicked the sin, the deadlier it can be. Home for the funeral of their mother, four siblings unearth more than they bargained for. Danielle Bourdon-The Royal Elite- Ahsan-Sheikh Ahsan Afshar, an arrogant, seductive rogue, falls for a woman whose deadly secrets could tear them apart. Olivia Hardin-All for Hope-Brennan didn’t want to be the love of Hope's life. He wasn’t the man she needed. But sometimes the safest distance between two hearts is none at all. S.J. Mayer-High Risk Love-Risking it all for the one who could shatter her heart completely? Bad idea. Yet Jasmine can't stay away from Jet any more than he can from her.

    The collection features a British alpha who wants to turn a good girl bad, a woman realizing her impetuous marriage to a stripper isn’t all bad, a bad boy boxer who could use a large dose of sexual healing, a carnie who has found new and inventive uses for fun house mirrors, and a rocker who wants to woo the girl who got away: his high school sweetheart.