The Cosy Cottage Café is at the heart of the picturesque English village of Heatherlea. Through summer, autumn, winter and spring, café owner Allie Jones and her friends, Dawn, Camilla and Honey, share their hopes and dreams, ups and downs, and a few surprises along the way. Join them at The Cosy Cottage Café and enjoy this bestselling series. ** PLEASE NOTE: THE FOUR STORIES WERE PREVIOUSLY RELEASED AS SINGLE TITLES. **

    Races operating within their own planetary systems are to be left alone until they begin to develop the ability to travel at FTL (faster than light speeds). When the ability to travel at FTL becomes apparent, one of the members of the Federation is nominated to help ease the newcomer through the Galactic citizenship process. Unfortunately, not all the galaxies systems belong to the Federation, and some of those systems are much less than friendly. The last several decades have seen the development of war like societies that systematically loot developing planets. They take the water, and other precious resources, including slaves, leaving the remaining native inhabitants a barren planet. Without resources the population simply dies a slow death. The Egolari are here because we, meaning the people of Earth, happen to possess a skill set and an aptitude that is critical to the needs of the Federation. The major problem within the Federation is that virtually all the members have, for centuries been living in peace. They have developed a society that is not well suited to counter the growing violence presented by the nonaligned races. In short, they have no way to protect themselves, let alone protect the fledgling races just arriving on the galactic scene. Enter Earth. Of all the emerging races to become future galactic members, one has a superior potential to face the violence threatened by the nonaligned races. You guessed it, Humanity. The Federation realized that to continue to function as an organized galactic society, they would have to develop a military arm that could provide the Federation and emerging systems the protection of a fleet of space vessels and marines. Humanity was the race most capable of leading the development of that military organization because we had not progressed so far that our war like tendencies had begun to erode. Although we were not yet ready for galactic membership, we were a necessity that could fill the need, thus we were getting a crash course in how to travel the galaxy, protecting ourselves and the Federation with the full expectation that we would go where no human has gone before, and kick some alien ass.

    

    Unable to care for him any longer, and wanting to hide the fact that she was dying from cancer, his mama sent him away, hoping to save her son from a life of trouble. Determined to get back to his mother, Khaution deals with the abuse he faces in foster care, but when his mother dies before he can get back to her, he turns to a life of crime to survive. Not knowing who his father was, Khaution hits the streets as Savage, and it’s not long before he ends up in jail. During a ten-year bid, he is suddenly released early from jail by none other than his father! Things between the two start off strained after not having him around in his life, but eventually, the two create a bond. A bond that enables them to take over the city of New York. But it comes with a price that Khaution wasn’t ready to pay, nor did he know he had to pay! With a queen on his arm that he doesn’t want, Khaution meets the mysterious, Autumn Kennedy. Never being in love before, he wants nothing more than to smash and walk away. However, Autumn pulls him in a way he didn’t see, and he finds himself in love for the first time. But Sybil is not going to let the empire and her king go so easily, and she gives him an ultimatum that he agrees to in order to spare Autumn. But what Sybil failed to remember was they called him Savage for a reason! In the end, she pushes him into making a decision that sends him on a path of truth that he wasn’t expecting. Savage by name and savage by nature. Follow this man as he embarks on a world of love and lies; some more devastating than others!

    Commissioned by the United States Government to do what other units cannot, existing both above and outside the law. A new recruit, Corporal Chris Jordon, has just been delivered, but before he can call himself Steel, he must pass every physical and mental test Mic throws at him. Orders for a mission have come down and Mic must train Jordon faster than ever. Their team is thrown into a desperate mission to rescue an undercover operative in the heart of Columbia. Forced to take down the head of the Fernando Cartel and the mysterious Frenchie, their mission is complicated when Mic and Jordon are lost to their team. Digging deep within herself, Mic will need every ounce of her strength to save both her team, and herself. Hardened by Steel- Book Two It’s been two months since our team mate was killed in front of us. Two months of training and waiting. Time is up and another new recruit is due to arrive any minute; the cousin of the man who betrayed us all. The guys aren’t going to like it, but Jackson has overridden my protests. Just when I didn’t think things could get any worse, my contact with Aunt Beatrice is discovered and my actions have put her in mortal danger. A hit was ordered from a cartel in Mexico. Led by the cousin of Diego Fernando’s widow, the Vega Cartel has a blood debt to settle and they have come to collect. Jordon is becoming more attractive to me by the day; as my feelings for him continue to grow, our situation becomes even more complicated when our connection is discovered by one of the team. Events spiral out of my control, forcing me to face my demons and darkest fears. I find myself teetering on the edge of good and evil, poised to fall. A sinister message has me racing to Mexico, trying to beat the dawn. What I find waiting for me there may spell the end of my life and Steel Corps itself. I must decide; am I hard enough to make this choice? Is my soul a big enough sacrifice for the lives of innocents? There is no question. I am Staff Sergeant Michaels and I am Steel. Forged by Steel- Book Three I’m Staff Sergeant Michaels, the leader of Steel Corps. We’re the best America has to offer and we’ve been dealt a heavy blow. I’m fighting to recover; struggling to be the leader my men expect me to be – need me to be. It’s been five days. Five days since my men rescued me from that basement in Mexico. My body is healing and I’m stronger than ever - eager to go to Russia and end this terror haunting me. Secrets burden our team like lead weights around our necks. We must strip them free and bind ourselves together anew. These revelations have the power to rip us apart, forever changing Steel. Will it be for the better? Or will Steel Corps burn? I can’t decide our future alone, but Chris Jordon is at my side, watching my back – chasing the shadows away, whether I want him to or not. An unexpected visitor forces our hands and sends Steel on a mission from which we may not return. I may get my way, but at what price? Only one way to find out…

    It's a place where folks embrace what matters most in life -- love, family, community.... Christmas to the Rescue! Librarian Becca James, on the mend from a tragic loss, finds hope -- and the promise of romance -- when an adorable rescue dog leads her on the Christmas adventure of a lifetime! A Very Cookie Christmas Busy, overworked Clara Cane finds her organizing skills put to the test when her most demanding client shows up in town -- and her high-school crush stirs up feelings she thought she'd long since moved past.... Sweet Apple Christmas Cafe owner Holly Snow makes the best scones in town and accepts her single status -- until a handsome orchard owner walks in and sparks begin to fly.... Christmas Romance in Heartsprings Valley: Holiday Collection, Books 1-3 This special Christmas box set includes the first three books in the Heartsprings Valley Sweet Romance series:Christmas to the Rescue! (Book 1)A Very Cookie Christmas (Book 2)Sweet Apple Christmas (Book 3) It's Always Christmas in Heartsprings Valley!

    Until she met him.Fiona Mckenzie has been physically and emotionally scarred by the fire that killed her parents. All that is left now is their memory and the vast fortune she inherited.Unfortunately, the people close to her, instead of helping her fill the gap in her heart, have always resented the scarred lass that has so much wealth and yet lives a simple life.At last, Fiona decides to move to the King's castle, under his protection and is told that the royal couple will help her find a suitable match. Fiona will travel with some of the King's best guards, but being around men seems unfamiliar and makes her feel uncomfortable and exposed.Among them, she meets Anthony Mcdonald, a battle-hardened warrior that makes women's heads turn everywhere he goes. Surprisingly enough, Anthony seems to bond with Fiona, and for the first time, she feels secure and even happy at times!But how can she be sure that this guard is truthful and is not going after her wealth? As she rejects every potential match, she falls more and more for Anthony, even if everyone suggests that he wants to take advantage of her!Fiona wants to listen to her feelings, but she knows that her heart is so fragile that one more crack will break it forever."Highlander's Hidden Scars" is a standalone steamy story by Olivia Kerr, packed with mystery, battle, and romance set on the beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.

    

    A monster, responsible for unspeakable acts, not limited to this world. Set in the aftermath of September 11th, the city of Chicago feels a sense of impending danger, fearing a similar tragedy could occur. A fast paced horror odyssey, which all begins on Halloween.Part of a series of interconnected horror novels that can be read in any order. Each book serves as a stand alone story, yet builds a greater picture behind a sinister mystery in Chicago.

    For one thing she didn't knit and for the other...well being single probably discounted her from the love category too. But a free holiday is a free holiday and it's the perfect escape from her lacklustre life.Michela didn't think she'd be returning home to Italy so soon, a new job at her cousin's restaurant on the harbour of Positano was a dream gig, miles away from the grey London clouds. This time though, she vowed not to fall into old habits, Stefano was the past and now her future in her old hometown beckoned.But under the Italian skies a whole host of possibilities await and maybe happy-ever-after is just a plane-ride away...

    i really mean it! IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED AND BELONG TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS, PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS BOOK: SCOTTISH, WELSH, NORTHERN IRISH, IRISH CATHOLICS, COCKNEYS, CHAVS, UPPER CLASS ENGLISH TWATS, RELIGIOUS CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS, JEWS, HOMOSEXUALS, RESIDENTS OF WATFORD, THE ACTOR ROBERT CARLYLE, THE WORKING CLASSES, THE UNEMPLOYED PUB GOING DOLE SCROUNGERS, THE AUTHOR'S FRIEND DANIEL SKELTON, REPUBLICAN AMERICANS, SOUTHERN STATES AMERICANS, CHRISTIAN MIDWEST AMERICANS WITH TRADITIONAL VALUES, ANY AMERICAN, TRANSVESTITES, SUPPORTERS OF THE ENGLAND FOOTBALL SQUAD, IRANIANS, EX PRESIDENT OF IRAN MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, SYRIANS, BASHAR AL ASSAD, WAYNE ROONEY, BELGIUMS, AGATHA CHRISTIE, THE FRENCH, YAHOO MESSAGE BOARD COMMENTATORS, SOUTH AMERICAN CRIME CARTELS, PRIESTS AND REVERENDS, THE WRITER OF THIS BOOK, PALESTINIANS, ARABS IN GENERAL, OLD YIDDISH MEN, THE FICTIONAL OLLAWONGA TRIBE OF DARKEST AFRICA, THE WRITER AND READERS OF FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, THE CHINESE AND TONY BLAIR. IF YOU BELONG TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS WHO HAVE HAD A MORE THAN CAMEO MENTION/APPEARANCE IN THE NOVEL, PLEASE READ THE BOOK WITHOUT FEAR OF OFFENSIVE STEREOTYPING: ITALIANS. If you have got this far, then allow me to enlighten you about a secret so great that the general public has no idea about but every government in the world knows and they are involved in a consistent cover up to keep the horrors from you.. What are the Ethereals? Some say they are the personifications of iconic and stereotypical energies given life by our collective beliefs and imagination. Others say they started as humans and evolved for much the same reasons given above. Both viewpoints have a basis in truth. A decade ago one of the most fearsome of these beings 'The Englishman,' was banished from our plane of existence by a weeping Tony Blair who cut the throat of a small child in a necromantic energy ritual to do so. With such a price paid, the question has to be asked ... just how serious a threat has arisen from the Ethereal world that the British government's only option is to bring back the Englishman to save us!!!! Set in 2012 in the lead up to the US election ... welcome to the twisted world of Mad Dog and The Englishman. WARNING: The following piece of hack work contains levels of swearing, depraved activity and violent situations sufficient enough to have Jihadi John puking up his guts.

    

    But the Kansas territories are a difficult place, and Letty has to do what it takes to survive. Now, she’s the last saloon girl in the rough-and-tumble town of Lizard Flats, a place where happily ever after’s are nothing but a dream.

    Numbering four hundred thousand strong, soldiers of the Red Army pour across the borders of the Soviet Union’s small neighbor. Outnumbered and outclassed the world expected Finland to quickly succumb to the Communist juggernaut. Hale grew up farming, and hunting the frozen forest of his northern home. Taught from a young age by his father to hunt and trap, Hale has grown into master woodsman. Not yet twenty summers in age, he is most at home in the wilderness. Utilizing his gifts, especially his uncanny aim with a rifle, he has helped put food on the table and to earn a living by selling valuable pelts. When invasion threatened, he put his growing love for Nea on hold, and answered his nation’s desperate call to stem the Soviet tide. Now alone in Finland’s vast southern forest, he hunts prey of a different kind. Will his skills and the rifle his father gave him be enough against the countless numbers, tanks, and air craft of the Soviet Union?