Billy is a firefighter, James a paramedic, and both of them have dangerous, stressful jobs that leave little time for anything else, such as romance or even dating. Then Polly, an adorable little black and white kitten that they rescue, comes into their lives and changes everything. James has always thought he was straight, but soon, he has reason to question that, and everything else, when he realizes that he's falling for his best friend. Winter Wedding in Wyoming A decade ago, Jason ruined everything with his best friend when he kissed him impulsively. The only logical thing to do at that point was to run away from his homophobic family and neighbors, not to mention his mistake, and build a new life for himself in a whole new state. Another mistake brings him back to Wyoming, back to Lance, the best friend that he’d freaked out all of those years ago. Even after all of the time that has passed, he only trusts one man on the planet enough to ask to marry him. And that’s exactly what he needs to do, if he wants any chance at keeping his exciting new life. Mistletoe Marriage When David was a teaching assistant, he met Jonathan, a beautiful young student. The two became close friends, but the romance budding between them was forbidden and impossible. After the death of David’s wife, the older man is left a single father, longing for his best friend. It isn’t until Jonathan gets divorced that they have their chance. When David invites Jonathan and his son to live with him in the aftermath of the divorce, both men begin to wonder if the spark that was once there between them still exists. As the holidays approach, will the opportunity for love rise once more? Holiday Engagement Jake Marshal is just a DJ - he never expected to be famous. After a widely publicized relationship with a high-profile pop star ends disastrously, Jake just wants to put the incident behind him. A year later, her betrayed fans are still threatening his well being, her revenge song is still on the radio, and his manager thinks he needs a bodyguard to get him through Christmas. Jake hates Christmas, but his attraction to his bodyguard is nearly instant. When bodyguard Xavier Stone gets a job protecting Jake, he has no idea how much he has his work cut out for him. At least, he figures, the tour of Christmas events that Jake’s manager has planned will keep them in high spirits. Xavier loves Christmas, and spends each year eagerly counting down from December 1st. He quickly discovers that Jake is a scrooge, still stuck on his break up. Small Town Christmas Andy is a small town Sheriff with a secret. For years he’s been in the closet, hiding the truth about who he really is--and this year, it’s even more important that he keep his secret hidden. His position as Sheriff is up for grabs. Jeffrey Smith is a big city businessman, and he’s only in town to secure an investment. When his luck takes a turn, he finds himself falling for the last person he should--the town’s Sheriff himself. Country Christmas Edward Kirby is a big-city surgeon who’s worked himself toward an early grave.

    if they can just steer clear of savage Doms, sneering demons, and their own nagging doubts. Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, bondage, dubious consent, male/male sexual practices, menage/multiple partners, whipping/flogging.

    'About the routine of the dungeon? The times you will be fed? The questions you will be asked? The instruments of torture I use?'"The prisoner knew that the Eternal Dungeon was a place where suspected criminals were broken by torture, and he was prepared to hold out against any methods used against him – except the method he could not anticipate.Arrested on the charge of committing a particularly horrendous murder, Elsdon Taylor arrives at the Eternal Dungeon in fear of the harsh methods used by the torturers, called Seekers, to draw confessions from their prisoners.But the dungeon's methods are for more devious than Elsdon had expected. Elsdon finds himself in a bewildering prison where his guard seems reluctant to punish him, the healer appears to have a vendetta against his employers, and Elsdon's Seeker is a mystery whom no one can penetrate.Now Elsdon is faced with a choice that will shape his future . . . as well as the future of his Seeker.This suspenseful novella (short novel) can be read on its own or as the introductory story for The Eternal Dungeon, an alternate history series set in a nineteenth-century prison where the psychologists wield whips.The Eternal Dungeon series is the first part of Turn-of-the-Century Toughs, a cycle of alternate history series about disreputable men on the margins of society, and the men and women who love them. Set in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as in a future that never existed, the novels and stories take place in an alternative version of America that was settled by inhabitants of the Old World in ancient times.Now the Midcoast nations of this world have reached a turning point: the old order is about to be overthrown. Brought together in friendship and romance by the danger of rising events, the people of the Midcoast nations must learn to adjust to a new world.Honored six times in the Rainbow Awards for LGBTA literature, Turn-of-the-Century Toughs presents an epic tale of adventure, friendship, romance, and class struggles.

     The stories in this collection, because they all happen in Upper Nettlefold, have things which happen, that influence the other stories. So the order in which they are presented here aligns with the timeline in which events in the stories happen. Read through this collection in order, and you will find that each story builds on the ones before, weaving the magic of community and interconnection between characters. There is also a map of Upper Nettlefold to help you visualise everything as you read. Although each story can stand alone, we’re sure that you’ll love finding the linkages as you go. This is our first visit to Upper Nettlefold, but it won’t be our last. You may see other collections based here, or you may see individual books from the various authors, but we will keep expanding the stories about the people you’ll first meet in this collection. The Viscount’s Summer Love A new Viscount with old secrets, a baker’s daughter, love thwarted, the threat of murder, a dramatic revelation, a long-held love finally returned. The Duke and the Spinster A Duke who needs to marry, a Lady who expects to never marry, a summer house party, a nefarious plot, gossip designed to harm, a desperate adventure, a love that redeems. Stitched in Love A seamstress who struggles to sew, a blacksmith beset by admirers, an accident with a dress, a runaway horse, a situation saved – barely, an unexpected love. Love Finds the Earl An unmarried Earl, a reserved widow, a clever sister, a social occasion, an accidental meeting, shady business dealings thwarted, a second chance for love. Doubting the Marquess An unrepentant rake, a woman more interested in business than men, a meeting, jealousy, an accident, a revelation that leads to love. The Degenerate Baron A fearless schoolteacher, a Baron lost in grief and despair, a collection of degenerate friends, a near accident that leads to a meeting, a reminder of past pain, a love beyond fear. Escaping the Scurrilous Earl A merchant’s daughter, a lonely physician, a thoroughly unscrupulous Earl, a debt called in, an impossible choice, an escape, a threat, a rescue, and a new love found. Esther, the Earl’s Hellion An orphaned young woman, a gentleman working undercover, a boarding school with a new owner, a despicable scheme, a rescue, a trap set to save, a dramatic conclusion, a fated love found. A Gentle Heart A spinster employed as a companion, a gentleman of means, a social opportunity, an act of kindness, a misunderstanding, a long hoped for love.

    As Willow tries to make the best of the situation, she discovers the house is inhabited by ghosts, and they aren’t happy with the mansion’s new occupants.The Haunting of Whitecrest EstateIn a small town, rests a hallowed estate shrouded in secrecy…Mystery and horror surround a long-abandoned estate, seemingly forgotten by the town. What was thought to be a new beginning for Julia soon devolves into an endless nightmare of hidden secrets and a troubled past best left unturned.

     Book 1—Daddy Heart M.D. Working with celebrities everyday has got her jaded. They’re all fake and self-obsessed, most of all, Sawyer Barnhart. Being a doctor, the man is supposed to save lives, not focus on dazzling audiences with his perfect smile! Okay, so she’s noticed his smile. He might be a heart surgeon, but he’s not getting a piece of her heart Book 2—Daddy Ivy League She’s been assigned to interview her college heartthrob. He’s the guy who was always too good for her- Isaac Parnell. If he sleeps with one more student he will lose his job. Now, that his world collided with Margo she’s all he can think about. The nerd of the class is now the woman he wants. Book 3—Daddy CEO Cliff was the guy of her dreams . Now her dream of owning a café seems too far out of reach. She’s still smoking hot, just like the meals she cooks up. She has him salivating and ordering seconds. Book 4—Daddy Player Vince is one of the hottest NFL players in the country. But he hates social media and being in the limelight. Now she’s just walked into his field, and she’s not going to just watch from the sidelines. Warning: This box set contains 4 sizzling hot 30000 word standalone novellas. Be prepared, these books all have steamy happily ever afters that will have you flipping the pages way past your bedtime!

    For most of them, the torment they received at those schools and at the hands of their own families was enough to make living on the street seem like a better proposition. Enter Camp Pride and its devoted staff of volunteers and backers. For college students Kory Maguire and Will Cooper, the camp was a way for them to help abandoned and confused gay kids find their way in life. And it didn't hurt that the incredible hunks - ex-Navy SEALs Jacob Steele and Seth Ralston - were working there, too. Straight Kory ran into Jacob in Seattle several times and found himself having lots of definitely un-straight thoughts about him. Will had been abused by his ex-boyfriend and was skittish of all men now - especially if they were twice his size, like Seth. Werewolves Jacob and Seth have found their mates in Kory and Will. But have the fates gotten it wrong? What if Kory can't commit to a relationship with a man? Is Will too skittish to trust and give himself to someone so much more powerful than he? And can everyone put their own problems aside so that the campers can feel safe and find strength in being loved? INTO THE LYONS DEN: FBI Special Agent Devin Lyons and Russian mob boss/FBI ally Andrei Panchenko have been at each others' throats for years. Literally. They've had their hands around the other's throat lots of times. When Andrei barely escapes a bold attempt on his life, government big shot James Jacobs decides to put Devin in charge of Andrei's safety. After all, who better to keep the Russian alive than the man who wants to do the killing himself? Andrei Panchenko knows two things as fact: Devin Lyons hates him. And the FBI agent is the sexiest man he's ever seen. Forced into cohabitation, Andrei tries to figure out why the agent wants him dead. He has been nothing but honest in owning up to his crimes and kills only the vilest men who manage to escape justice. But still Lyons (who has his own violent record) treats him with contempt. In the meantime, Andrei notices a touching side to the man that he's never seen before. And THAT scares him more than any gun. Devin Lyons hates Andrei Panchenko. It's one of the things in his life that he can count on. Until he's forced to spend time with the ridiculously beautiful and sexy man. Seeing the "real" Andrei turns Devin's world upside down until he's not sure whether he wants to kill Andrei or make love to him. A common enemy of both men is determined that neither will have the chance to do anything except die. When a life-changing secret is revealed, will the resulting fallout bring the two men together or separate them forever? THE NIK OF TIME: Colin Greystone has loved one man since he understood what love was: Nikolai Markov. But Nikolai is too young and Colin makes himself stay away. By the time he decides to declare his feelings, Nikolai has earned quite the reputation as a playboy and a badass. Colin spends years trying to forget the younger man, only to have his world flipped upside down when Nikolai Markov barrels back into his life. Colin is in danger and his fathers have asked Nik to protect him. Colin is less than thrilled to be forced into spending so much time --in such close contact -- with the man he swore he'd stopped loving. At 20 years old, Nikolai Markov is well known as a hired gun with a hot body. But now he only wants one thing : For Colin Greystone to give him a chance. Thrust into Colin's college life -- and dorm room -- Nikolai unloads his charms on a resistant and unbending Colin. When the two of them are in harm's way, Nikolai will kill anyone who threatens his man. His other mission? Making Colin fall for him.THE LITTLEST ASSASSIN SHIFTERS: It's baby time! The men of the Skull Blaster unit have spent most of their lives fighting together for a safer world, first in the military and now as an elite team supervised by Homeland Security. Now they have an even more pressing reason to make the world a better place.Their children are about to be born.Mateo Esposito grew up in foster homes, alone and cynical, grateful for the day he could be on his own. When fate upset his ordered life with innocent Riley Flynn, he didn't stand a chance against love. Now the soulmates are expecting two bundles of joy.Sam Waters found new life when he married Dakota Cadotte, the man with eyes like stars. Unaware Dakota was a werewolf when they met, Sam has now embraced the life he's been given with the man he loves. They also are expecting a baby any day now.When the time comes, the babies enter the world with a roar! Tears and hugs are shared, and life's road takes a definite twist as secrets and surprises are revealed. But chaos is nothing new for these men, is it?

    But that's not the only motivator. The way he sees his boss and best friend Paul has changed, his feelings transforming into something new and exciting. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't shake it.Jade loves their attention, the two gorgeous friends who swing by to see her at the cafe every day. They're both like something ripped straight from her dreams, and after she finds herself stranded, she can't turn down their offer to have her stay over. When the power goes out she's left with a dilemma; does she stay on her own in the cold, or go and join them in Michael's room where it's warmer?Paul's never done anything like this before. He has eyes for Jade, they both do. How could he possibly resist her? She's beautiful, smart, and great fun to be around. When they find out she's got no way of getting home, it's only right that they let her stay over at Michael's. They're both stranded and caught in the storm after-all. Now, with the power out, he's face to face with the most important decision of his life. Does he embark on a journey that threatens to completely change him, or does he turn his back on something incredible? "Lost Between Them" Is a hot and steamy MMF romance intended for mature audiences 18+ This story contains male on male sex and explores the evolving relationship between all three characters and their changing sexuality. Approximately 43,000 words with HEA ending.

    The handsome vampire almost immediately declares that Simon is his mate, and though he knows he should feel honored, Simon can’t help resisting something that sounds impossible.Ettore is overjoyed at finally finding his mate, even if the beautiful young man proves reluctant. Ettore is patient, enjoying the slow seduction despite his desire for Simon to give himself completely and stop holding back. When Simon disappears without a trace, Ettore doesn’t know if he should blame his political enemies or Simon’s reluctance to accept his love.No matter what, Ettore is going to find Simon and bring him home. He knows their love is meant to be and will not rest until Simon is back in his arms, willingly offering both his blood and his heart.

    Can they both get what they need at Green’s Hill?Jack and Teague are human ‘hunters’, who have been recruited to work as liaisons between the preternatural world of Green’s Hill and the ignorant humans that surround it. Teague's in the game for redemption – and Jack’s in the game for Teague.Teague Sullivan is damaged and haunted – and about the loneliest man Jack has ever met. But Jack sees beyond his scars and his gruffness to kind and valiant man underneath. Unfortunately, Teague sees beneath Jack’s overtures to the naive, green idealist, and although Teague loves him, he makes it clear that a scarred old dog like himself will never be good enough for a sweet young pup like Jacky.While the argument’s raging, Jack is injured in the line of duty and the two hunters are abruptly sucked into the paranormal world that they’ve been defending. Teague is forced to reevaluate everything he’s believed about the two of them. He may be old and damaged, but that doesn’t mean he can let his Jacky go somewhere without him, does it?(Be aware that future books in this series contain m/m/f menage.)

    Little does Gray know that the enigmatic shop owner, Mustang Richards, has more on his mind than the ink he’s putting on Gray’s skin, and it will soon turn into a night Gray will never forget.Mustang is a wolf shifter who is responsible for the largest pack west of the Mississippi. Getting involved with humans is strictly forbidden, but the submissive who walks into his shop proves almost irresistible to his Dominant side. Giving in to temptation proves all too easy, but when he accidently turns Grayson into a werewolf, there will be consequences neither one of them planned on dealing with.

    It’s a ticking clock of a different kind.Don’t miss any of these exciting Thriller Shorts: James Penney’s New Identity by Lee Child Operation Northwoods by James Grippando Epitaph by J. A. Konrath The Face in the Window by Heather Graham Kowalski’s in Love by James Rollins The Hunt for Dmitri by Gayle Lynds Disfigured by Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer The Abelard Sanction by David Morrell Falling by Chris Mooney Success of a Mission by Dennis Lynds The Portal by John Lescroart and M. J. Rose The Double Dealer by David Liss Dirty Weather by Gregg Hurwitz Spirit Walker by David Dun At the Drop of a Hat by Denise Hamilton The Other Side of the Mirror by Eric Van Lustbader Man Catch by Christopher Rice Goodnight, Sweet Mother by Alex Kava Sacrificial Lion by Grant Blackwood Interlude at Duane’s by F. Paul Wilson The Powder Monkey by Ted Bell Surviving Toronto by M. Diane Vogt Assassins by Christopher Reich The Athens Solution by Brad Thor Diplomatic Constraints by Raelynn Hillhouse Kill Zone by Robert Liparulo The Devils’ Due by Steve Berry The Tuesday Club by Katherine Neville Gone Fishing by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

    Not because she didn’t want to, but because she didn’t think girls from Connecticut married other girls. Yet here she is with Caroline, the love of her life, at their destination wedding on the Bermuda coast. In attendance—their respective families and a few choice friends. The conflict-phobic Tiny hopes for a beautiful weekend with her bride-to-be. But as the weekend unfolds, it starts to feel like there’s a skeleton in every closet of the resort.From Tiny’s family members, who find the world is changing at an uncomfortable speed, to Caroline’s parents, who are engaged in conspiratorial whispers, to their friends, who packed secrets of their own—nobody seems entirely forthcoming. Not to mention the conspicuous no-show and a tempting visit from the past. What the celebration really needs now is a monsoon to help stir up all the long-held secrets, simmering discontent, and hidden agendas.All Tiny wanted was to get married, but if she can make it through this squall of a wedding, she might just leave with more than a wife.

    Ricky and Draylah are just as much in love as before, but when little problems pop up, bringing out their inner crazy, will they be able to stick together? The other couples have returned as well, proving that even though this is the time for cheer and giving, problems will still arise and cause a little bit of dismay. Will these couples who have been through so much be able to pull it together as a family, or will they throw in the towel, letting the dark side of the holidays tear them apart?