The one who expects the world, but never remembers your birthday. The one who constantly ditches your dinner plans when you’re already halfway to the restaurant. The one who leaves you feeling exhausted, used and completely emotionally battered.   Why do we let these people into our lives? When is their friendship actually friend-shit? How do we dump these crappy companions?   This is the no-bullshit, essential guide for anyone devoting their precious time and energy into maintaining friendships with toxic friends. Using activities, truth bombs, and real-life examples, neuropscyhologist Dr Hannah Korrel will help you to identify the bad friends in your life, understand what true friendship should look like, learn how to attract the best people, and become the best friend you can be yourself.   Provocative, funny, and brutally honest, How To Break Up With Friends will change the way you look at friendship forever.

    Growing up together, Jack loved Lily and was fiercely protective of her and for almost all of his life all he wanted was to make her happy. When she was happy he was happy, except Lily lived a world away from him now and Jack missed her dreadfully. As far as Jack was concerned there had never been a time in their lives where they hadn’t shared everything and he valued their special bond. In recent years Lily’s ambitions took her overseas and even with an ocean between them, Jack still managed to support his best friend. One day things changed everything between them and their relationship began to shift. Lily had carved her own life and after observing a scene involving her, it made Jack take a close look at his own. Life post-Lily left Jack feeling confused and he decided to take a difficult decision, never realising the potential fallout from doing something he strongly felt was the right thing at the time. With his life laid bare and as a simple, uncomplicated guy he thought he had finally figured things out. Women loved Jack but they had all come and gone in his life apart from Lily. She was always there until one day she wasn’t. A revelation by Lily left Jack feeling betrayed and abandoned by the one person who he thought he could rely on no matter what. During his journey from that moment on Jack faced more separation and loss than he could have ever imagined. How would his experiences shape him as a man and would he ever find it in his heart to forgive?

    On the occasional trip into nearby White Gum Creek he keeps to himself and that's the way he likes it. And though over the last six years the townsfolk have tried to reach out to Nick, he's pushed them all away.Whenever Nick comes into the Gumnut Bakery, Natasha Duroz tries to engage him in conversation when she serves him. There's something about him that intrigues Tash, but she's not sure if it's because she feels sorry for him or there's something more.At last encouraged by the warmth of a few old and new friends, Nick gradually begins to re-engage with the outside world. Then, suddenly some minor vandalism on his farm escalates and odd things begin to happen on Winters Hill. Is someone out to hurt Nick or have his years of solitude been playing tricks on his mind? This entrancing novel is about overcoming heartache and loss through the power of friendship and love.

     This boxed set contains the previously published: Layers Inner Core Layers: According to Hayley love is a subject of ridicule, a myth created by hopeless romantics. When Hayley makes a resolution to declare her loose lifestyle era R.I.P, it’s all good in theory… That is until she meets Daniel Stark, a well-respected, mid-thirties business man who is known for his short temper, lack of steady relationships as well as his strict preserve of his private life. Opinionated, sharp tongued Hayley accidently steps into his office leaving Daniel resolved to put Hayley in her place and have her in his bed. Both Hayley and Daniel can’t avoid the immediate instigation of the attraction between them. In a unanimously agreed upon verdict by Hayley and her two best friends, Ian the gay self-absorbed, aspiring model and Natasha the witty, borderline neurotic soul mate, Daniel Stark is to be Hayley’s pure physical attraction, emotions aside era closure. Will it indeed be a closure, or a beginning to something neither Hayley nor Daniel ever bargained for… Inner Core: When Hayley makes a resolution to take back the control over her life, and declare their relationship R.I.P, it’s all good in theory… That is until Daniel decides to prove her wrong and get her back. Together, Hayley and Daniel seem to have it all. But can love ever be enough when two strong personalities collide and while reality takes the lead? Faced with more obstacles than she could have ever bargain for when it comes to Daniel, struggling to keep her own identity while sharing a life with her man. Buds of doubt start rooting in Hayley’s confidence, making her rethink her decision. And just when it seems that they might make it together after all, life happens. Bringing a threat that neither Hayley nor Daniel could ever anticipate, a threat that could break them apart forever . . .

    She's spent most of her adult life trying to avoid the festive frenzy. She loved Christmas as a child in Cornwall: the colourful stockings hanging above a crackling fire, the excitement of what will be waiting for her the next morning. But ever since her life took a heart-breaking turn, she's buried those memories and done everything she can to avoid her past, her family and most of all, the Christmas season.But on Christmas Eve, Abigail will have three visitors she can't ignore, and what they reveal about her past, present and future might just change her life - and mend her heart...

    But kidnapping on Valentine’s Day… Hester knows time is running out for her to mate, either she chooses her own mate before her thirtieth birthday, or one gets chosen for her. Not an enviable position, and considering that her last boyfriend nicknamed her Hectoring Hester (which became crazy bitch after they broke up), she’s not exactly hopeful the perfect guy will fall into her lap. Strangled by his jaguar leap traditions, Antonio Chavez finds himself in the unenviable position of seeking and snatching a bride from Los Lobos and carting her back to their small town. Not expecting to find anyone, he is surprised when a contentious cheetah shifter takes his fancy, and before he can stop himself they’re halfway home to Honey Blossom Mountain. Can Hester get past the way Antonio brought them together to really give them a shot? Or will someone else try to break them apart forever? This book has previously been released as a serial on author's website. Caution is advised as this is intended for mature readers.

    Her books plumb the depths of friendship, the loyalty of sisters, the secrets mothers keep—the whole complex, meaningful world of important relationships. Here are three of her best, selected and edited by the Reader’s Digest. Distant Shores A married couple is drifting apart, and a terrifying decision is made in an attempt to find a second chance at happiness. An exquisite reminder of the most precious gifts in life: friends and family, children and lovers, the strength to change, and the courage to forgive. Between Sisters Two women who have been separated for more than two decades come together over the course of a Pacific Northwest summer, to try to become what they never were—a family. Magic Hour A six-year old girl appears out of nowhere, speechless and alone. A child psychiatrist who has been shaken by a horrible public scandal is determined to reach her, risking everything to discover the truth.

    Although she can't complain, she has a home filled with love. Her eldest daughter, Jill, manages to get a job while going to night school. When Molly and her best friend, Nellie, discover that a neighbor is being beaten by her violent husband, the friends move into action...

    Lila made a decision to stick by his side. But in order to go forward, she had to confront an issue from her past.Home For Christmas: Cynthia Cooke, USA Today bestselling author: Melanie returns to Pineville to renovate her old home and turn it into an Inn. With the help of the contractor who had taken so much from her in the past, she discovers what was lost in her old house, holds the answer to what’s been missing in her heart.Keep Me Warm: Alicia Street, USA Today bestselling author: Can a small-town working girl make it work with a wealthy jet setter, when their relationship suddenly changes from enemies to lovers?Miss Christmas: Stephanie Queen, USA Today bestselling author: Scarlet is too independent to play Cinderella, but when she enters the Miss Christmas pageant she has trouble resisting the Prince Charming of the Regal family--who happens to be running the pageant.Christmas Con: Rachelle Ayala, USA Today bestselling author: Two ex-cons pose as stellar success stories to swindle a grandfather to change his will for Christmas.Courage To Celebrate: Taylor Lee, USA Today bestselling author: Luke and Ava face their biggest challenge yet. In the past they found the courage to dare, the courage to love and the courage to triumph. Now they have to decide if they have the Courage to Celebrate.Christmas Wish: Patrice Wilton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: When confirmed bachelor, Byron Watts meets school teacher, Meghan Shaunessy and her 4-year-old autistic boy, he’s met his match. Can these two stubborn people overcome the pain of their pasts and learn to trust the healing power of love?

    A budding freelance journalist, Alexis barely makes enough money for herself, let along a mini-family. Upon learning that the elusive jazz singer Max Deroux is coming to town to celebrate his thirtieth birthday, Alexis realizes that this could be her big chance to turn things around. Getting an exclusive interview with this famous recluse is worth thousands. She had expected that crashing his birthday ball while pretending to be a rich socialite would be hard. And managing to get some alone time with him even harder. But what Alexis hadn't counted on was her professional interest turning into attraction and her indifference becoming admiration. Max is everything she's ever wanted in a man. If only she wasn't everything he's always hated...

    A deadly pandemic unleashed. The fate of mankind hangs in the balance...In a near future devastated by famine, disease, and overcrowding, the United States balances on the cusp of collapse--and civil war.When terrorists hijack a lavish cruise ship, wealthy Amelia Black is forced into hiding with Gabriel Rivera, an enigmatic stranger with a dangerous secret. Despite their overwhelming differences--and the killers hunting them--the pair must form an unlikely alliance to battle a new catastrophic threat: a genetically engineered, world-ending bio-weapon hidden on the ship.What starts out as a single, terrifying incident will soon evolve into a race to save mankind from an extinction-level event...When the end comes for you, when there are no more rules and survival at all costs threatens to tear apart the moral fabric of the world, how far will you go to survive?*Rated PG-13 for mild language and moderate violence.*Full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.

     I dug a hole. A deep hole. Now I’m being targeted by a gang of ruthless harpies who are power-hungry, dangerous and wreaking havoc on NYC. When I met Sergeant Daniel Richards, he reveals a side of the city I never could have imagined existed - including the three other stunningly HOT protectors who stand by my side: Lenny: The rebel who wears his heart on his sleeve. Jack: Two words: Champagne and Chopin. Jamie: The type of person who behaved as though he has always known you. Social. Relaxed. They’re a very special unit of Phoenix shape-shifters and their responsibility is to keep the balance between Earth and the nether-world. Unfortunately, things couldn’t be further from.... The closer I get to my protectors, the more drawn to them I become. But now’s not the time to be thinking about that while the whole city goes to hell…. is it? A steamy shifter romance that will bring your body temperature up a notch and leave you wanting more.

    On departure she can't believe her ill-timing when she sees Dr Lucas Black on that platform in Venice.Lucas hates surprises. Offering his seat to the woman who jilted him fifteen years before was bad, but leaving her with his meddling grandmother was a hundred times worse.Transport yourself into the glamorous night and through the next thirty-six hours as emotion, an unexpected medical drama and grandmotherly interference help this midwife and doctor find their miracle for Christmas.

    Having a boyfriend was practically impossible until she met a guy that wasn't afraid to stand up to them - Dominic. He was sweet, thoughtful, and everything MacKenzie ever wanted in a man. But when they go away to college at Old Dominion University, MacKenzie sees a whole new side of Dominic and begins to wonder if he really is different from every other guy. Her world is turned upside down after a party, and her brothers' best friend Hunter is the one there to offer her a shoulder to cry on. The chemistry between them is electric, and feelings for each other that have been hidden for years are finally voiced. Is Hunter willing to be disloyal to his best friends in order to be with the one girl he's always secretly wanted? -------------------------------------------- Easy To Love You Hunter finally has MacKenzie Cahill, the girl of his dreams. A horrible accident finds those dreams threatened. As their lives change, secrets begin to surface. These revelations could prove to be either the downfall of Hunter and MacKenzie or the catalyst that strengthens their bond. Hunter has painful choices to make. Will he realize what he has before it’s gone? He knows what he must do to save his future, but will he be leaving everyone else in his past? Will the bond between the two families be strong enough to keep them together? -------------------------------------------- Hard To Love You What do you do when the one you've always wanted becomes too Hard to Love? Hailey Taylor's heart has always belonged to Mason Cahill, but one secret has changed everything. Things on the baseball field come easy for Mason Cahill. Why can't the rest of his life be simple? Mason's finally admitted he wants the one girl he can be himself around, but one secret destroyed that. Their love isn't sweet and simple. It's hot, loud, and messy. But now, when he's finally all in, she's folded. Sparks fly. Tempers flare. Hearts shatter. One thing is certain... everything has changed. Who will be too Hard to Love? -------------------------------------------- Let Me Love You Jaylinn McCormick is determined to forget that one terrifying night which left her feeling broken and tainted. There is one person who can make her whole again... but he is hell bent on keeping her at arm's length. She has loved him her entire life but can she wait for him to step up to the plate? Cooper Cahill has loved Jaylinn for years. He wants nothing more than to put all her pieces back together but he deems himself unworthy. Choosing between his baseball career and Jaylinn has him feeling lost. Does he have what it takes to put Jaylinn's heart back together again? When their paths cross will they intersect or blindly pass each other by? -------------------------------------------- A Christmas To Love You How can they still be in love after all these years? Andrew and Elle Cahill have been married for twenty-six years. They have a strong and healthy relationship along with a beautiful family. Join them and the rest of the Cahill’s this Christmas to hear about their epic love story and catch up with the rest of the crew.

    A breakthrough for humanity.After a science experiment gone awry which throws the world into chaos and destruction, Alex finds herself alone and on the fringe of surviving.Fanged, savage strangers called strigòns populate the Earth, entering from one of the dimensional tears; and despite their mutual animosity and hatred, Alex and her super-smart dog Einstein hop on an adventure to save both their and the strigòns' worlds.Will this group of unexpected allies save what's left of their post-apocalyptic worlds or is the damage too great to be repaired?Follow Alex and Einstein in their quest and see how far it gets you.This book contains hot, dirty sexual tension, bloody, graphic violence and bad humour. Or was it language? Nope, especially the humour. It's really bad. You've been warned.