You smile, say hello. Should be simple, if you’re anyone but me. The first time I met Dylan Reed, I found myself making eye contact with a different part of his body. You see, I’m very good at being shy, not to mention extremely well-versed in rambling nonsense and, unfortunately, rather highly skilled at making a fool of myself in front of a guy I’m attracted to. At the time, I knew nothing about him and thought none of what I said would matter since I’d never speak to him again. Turns out, I was very wrong. He was the star wide receiver of the football team, one of the few players expected to make it into the NFL, and I ended up seeing him all over campus. I might have also propositioned him, run away from him, attacked him with a cooking utensil…and…uh, maybe I shouldn’t tell you all of it. It’s pretty normal stuff, things you’d expect…from me. Eventually, the time came when I couldn’t hide anymore—not that he’d have let me even if I tried. Before now, he never knew I was secretly watching him. Now that we see each other every day, he knows when I have a hard time looking away. It doesn’t help that I’m not the most subtle person in the world either. He smiles at me and tells me he finds me fascinating because of my quirks. I can’t even tell him that I think my heart beats differently whenever he’s around. He thinks we’re going to be best friends. I think I have a big thing for him, and the more I get to know him, the more I don’t care that I’m not allowed to be his friend, let alone fall for him. The thing is, that’s exactly what I’m doing—what we’re doing, I think. Falling. Hard.

    It’s why I don’t date. I don’t need complications. When Zoe crashes her car, she needs help. She’s quirky, independent, hot as sin, and wants to be friends. For the first time in my life, I want more, but when I realize she’s my neighbor...well, that’s one hell of a complication! ZOE CURTISJaxon Parker is huge, he’s hot, and he’s out of my league. His nickname is the Beast and with his fame and talent, he could easily be an a$$hole. Except he isn’t. He’s helpful, kind, fun, and wants to be more than just friends, but I can’t get involved with a man who can leave anytime. When he asks me to be his date for a work function, a Halloween Ball, I can’t refuse the favor. One week in a lakeside resort with my friend will be fun, and nothing has to change. After all, he’s booked two separate rooms, how hard can it be? This October, twenty-four of your favorite contemporary romance authors are bringing you a month filled with sexy-spooky Halloween steam. Get ready for over-the-top love stories sure to set your spine — and other parts *wink* — tingling. Brew some cider, grab your favorite blanket, and snuggle up with these hot shorts. The Halloween Steam series is sure keep you warm and cozy all autumn long.

    As the son of a former NFL player, he’s showered with attention and praise twenty-four-seven. One flash of his smile and all the girls fall at his feet - or should I say to their knees? And then there’s me. Brady Lincoln is the last person I want attention from. He’s the kind of guy my father warned me about. His play on the field is legendary and his play with the ladies, even more so. I’ve managed to stay off his radar until recently. What happens when the cocky quarterback breaks all the rules to win my heart?

    He knows I want him, and he hates me for it.But I can see right through Kian Courtland, and I’ve figured something out. Something that he won’t even admit to himself.His secret?He wants me, too.Cross the Line is a standalone M/M new adult high school romance novella with enemies to lovers themes.*Originally published as a short story in the Love At First Fright anthology. This novella edition has been revised and expanded.

    He was a marine and now he is a widow who keeps the town safe with his security business--and his heart safe by locking out any chance of romance.Hanna Potter scares him good, though. From the day he meets her, he is afraid of what she makes him feel. Afraid of the wicked things she makes him want. And terrified his broken heart will scare her away.This October, twenty-four of your favorite contemporary romance authors are bringing you a month filled with sexy-spooky Halloween steam. Get ready for over-the-top love stories sure to set your spine — and other parts *wink* — tingling. Brew some cider, grab your favorite blanket, and snuggle up with these hot shorts. The Halloween Steam series is sure keep you warm and cozy all autumn long.

    Insta-love. And of course a sugary sweet HEA guaranteed! You know how OTT does it. Grab this book and let Akea bring you to your knees...

    I’m all that on the field and between the sheets — who cares about my stupid grades?But Claire doesn’t treat me like I’m dumb. When we’re not busy fighting, she actually encourages me. And with those sexy curves of hers, I know just how to thank her.Claire:I hate football players, but I need the money. Jake is just as cocky and arrogant as the worst of them … but his touch sets me on fire.I have to believe he’s different, that he won’t use me and break my heart. Because I can’t stop wanting him. I just hope I survive the ride.

    We stayed on our designated sides of the relationship circle. Ignoring swarming butterflies.Brushing off skipped heartbeats.Settling on lingering stares.Here’s the secret … a hand extended over that invisible line once, exponentially changing the equation. I was convinced we could make our relationship work until Tanner broke the trust he embedded in me from the age of seven. One deceit of mega proportions and the relationship we built for that short month vanished. I swore never to speak to him again and it’s worked. Until now—two years later, when my brother’s wedding places me face-to-face with the best man—Tanner McCain. Leaving one equation to be solved. Can love surface twice?

    Now granted, he wasn’t just any guy. Tall. Dark. Hot. Mysterious. Can you blame me for wanting to talk to him? He’s in town visiting his parents. So am I. He goes to the same college as I do. Such a coincidence. Almost as if our meeting is destined...But I shouldn't believe in that sort of thing. I am single as a Pringle and always ready to mingle. Until I keep running into Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious everywhere I go. Tony Sorrento. Turns out he’s on the football team. I mean, I’m not one to chase after a sexy jock but, okay. I’m down. And did I mention he’s only a freshman?Our fathers are business rivals, and they forbid us from dating. We need to keep this on the low. Can we remain friendly? Sure. Maybe turn our friendship into friends with benefits? Most definitely. Here’s the thing though. I didn’t plan on catching feelings for him so quickly. Seems like he’s falling pretty hard for me too.Defying our fathers’ wishes is only asking for trouble, but is being with Tony worth the risk?

    Even worse, my dad’s former-stepbrother has a room with my name on it.The only thing I remember about Uncle Willem is his boring button-down shirts and quiet demeanor.Except the rugged man who opens his home to me—filling out his t-shirt better than any person should—is not the man I remember. Standing here drooling over his easy dimpled smile, I wonder if I really looked at him at all.Because Willem is anything but boring and, based on the way his eyes linger on my ripped jeans and thin shirt, he is anything but bored by me.Add in that he’s a professor at my college and my major went from ‘undecided’ to ‘him’. He tries to hold back, but I have other plans in mind.College can’t start soon enough. I can’t wait to misbehave and get sent to the professor's office.One touch. One kiss. Each starts with a simple promise: Just for a little while.*Previously published in the USA Today Bestselling anthology, Stories of September. Now with bonus chapters and an extended epilogue.