A statistic. A victim. A single teenage mother from the poor part of town. Most of the time I'm too busy working and struggling to care what people think. Survival doesn't come easy.I have a dark secret, a pressure valve, a rare moment just for myself. On these nights I visit a club. There I find men who give me what I need.Men like Colin.But he wants more than a few stolen hours. He demands more than my body. He wants my heart and soul--my happily ever after. I never thought I'd be Cinderella. I never thought a man that rough could be my prince.HARD (Book Two)What Colin doesn't know can't hurt him.At least that's what I tell myself about the secrets I keep. I don't have a choice, not if I want to keep my daughter safe. And keep him Colin safe too. There are enemies in the shadows waiting to strike from all sides. I'm holding them out with my bare hands, but it's hard not to get crushed in the process.And the truth has a way of coming out.If I'm not careful, the past I've been working so hard to hide, the pain I've been fighting so long to outrun, will wipe out the man I love.FIERCE (Book Three)I'm torn between what I want and what I need. Between the men in my past and the man by my side. Colin has tried to control me, to use me. But he also guards me so fiercely my heart aches.Raincheck. Business. Don't wait up. --CThat's the note he leaves for me, as if I could sit around while he fights my dragons. As if I could let himself get killed in some vain attempt to protect me.There's no protection left for me. No redemption either.This is my battle, and I've already lost.Boxed sets in the Chicago Underground series:Rough Hard Fierce - Colin and Allie's storyWild Dirty Secret - Luke and Shelly's story

    When the loss of her husband’s business forces them to move temporarily back to his family’s farm, Leslie is terrified that once Dan is back in the fold of family and the community of Holmes Crossing, her needs will be smothered. Then a near tragedy tests everything they both hold dear.Start your journey to Holmes Crossing with Dan and Leslie’s story and get pulled into Terra’s, a girl with sass, spunk and a haunting secret. Terra has spent the last few years outrunning the darkness of her past. But when she is forced to stay in Holmes Crossing past and present clash in a way that has chilling repercussions for any future she hopes to create.After that you’ll meet Miriam who has a second chance at motherhood when she unexpectedly becomes a joint guardian of the baby she gave up. But can her rekindled relationship with Duncan, co-guardian of her daughter, withstand the accusing secrets of her past?What readers have to say: The Only Best Place “If you cry easily, you may want tissues nearby." “ Keep reading the book. It has an ending we could all live with.” All In One Place “This book, while difficult in subject, has great hope and promise for its subjects as well as it’s readers. Holmes Crossing is a place to get comfy for awhile.” “Thank you, Carolyne, for writing a tough and yet beautiful story of healing and redemption!” This Place “I fell in love with this series and the people are so down to earth! “You really must give this book your attention because it is great!" “The healing and forgiveness and hope were like a warm blanket on a cool night.” Read the rest of the series as well: A Silence in the Heart Any Man of Mine A Place in Her Heart

    It isn't until Jackson walks through their door that she realizes something may be missing in the recipe of her life. For the past year, Jackson has been dealing with the fallout of his wife's abandonment. He's had to learn how to be a single father to their eight-year-old daughter, and will do anything to fill the void her mother left. It isn't until he commissions Millie for his daughter's birthday party that he realizes he's forgotten that he's not only a father, but a man. They both think they're content in their lives, but sometimes the right amount of spice can turn an okay dish into a magnificent one. A Pinch of Salt may be all that's needed to bring Millie and Jackson the flavor they've been missing.

    Meet these strong, independent couples, willing to risk it all on finding their happily-ever-after with the one that got away. IT HAPPENED IN VEGAS One little wager. What could go wrong? That's what Charlie King thinks when her friends dare her to reach out to the one man she's never forgotten. There's just one catch—he's the older brother of her former fiancée. Rodeo star Jared Drake is in Vegas for the Grand National finals when he spots Charlie. Their chemistry is instantly off the charts. There’s just one problem—his role in her broken engagement. This time around, can they beat the odds to happily-ever-after or will secrets from the past keep them apart forever? CRAZY VEGAS LOVE It's party time in Las Vegas when four former college roommates and best friends converge on Sin City. Add in a crazy drunken bet about finding "the one that got away" to see if there's a spark still burning after all these years—how bad could it be? The next day, after coming to her senses, Gloria Valenzuela had no intention of going through with the bet. Not until one of the other women played fairy godmother and arranged things so Gloria had no choice but to meet up with her ex. A world famous country music star, Kyle Greenwood had everything he'd ever wanted except for the one thing he'd left behind—Gloria. Then fate in the form of his matchmaking manager lends a hand and brings Gloria back into his life. Before the night is over, a simple practical joke escalates into more than either anticipate. Secrets from their past begin to unravel and threaten their last chance at happiness. Can they overcome their obstacles and hold onto their happily ever after? MARRIAGE, VEGAS STYLE It's party time in Las Vegas when four former college roommates and best friends converge on Sin City. Add in a crazy drunken bet about finding "the one that got away" to see if there's a spark still burning after all these years—how bad could it be? When Cynthia "Cyn" Evans finds herself without access to cash and credit cards, she tempted to cave in to her mother's demands to return home and become engaged to someone who's earned the family approval. That is, until she runs into Noah Cochran in the hotel lobby. What are the odds the one man she decided not to look for is right here in Vegas? Noah Cochran can't believe his luck. The consortium deciding on the contract for the brand new casino complex has narrowed its choices down to five contenders, and his company is at the top of the list. But he's the only unmarried businessman in the running, and if he wants to make a good impression, he needs a fiancee—fast. A fake engagement seems the ideal solution, until things spiral out of control. Will outside forces pull them apart when they've just found each other again, or can they hang on tight for their own happily-ever-after?

    right?

    Lee claimed Indy a lot later. Now they’re married, with children, have not yet been out on a date…and it’s Valentine’s Day. Lee’s so busy being a badass, he’s forgotten. So what’s a Rock Chick to do? Take matters in her own hands. Not to mention, hold a grudge, but still plan a sex-a-thon. Revisit the couple that started the Rock Chick series with A Rock Chick Valentine!Once Upon A Red-Hot Kiss by Lauren BlakelyEveryone knows friends are off-limits in the sack. A man needs to stay far away from falling into bed with his best friend. Even if she’s sexy as sin, sweet as candy, and damn near irresistible every single day. But not only are Macy and I best friends, we’re also complete opposites. She’s perky, upbeat, outgoing and I’m . . . how shall we say . . . a little bit broody. Then Valentine’s Day comes around, that dreaded holiday that I hate and she loves, and it seems Macy is determined to make me change my mind. Determined as in she’s decked out in red, lacy lingerie, a naughty grin, and a head full of dirty ideas. I just might need to revise all my rules on friends in bed.Seaside Serenade by Melissa Foster They say opposites attract, but for former boxing champ and gym owner Brock Garner, having the beautiful dark-haired, tattooed, combat-boot wearing pixie Cree Redmond flitting around his club has nearly driven him mad. Brock has wanted her since the first time he saw her, and when he learns she has the singing voice of an angel, it speaks to another part of his heart and he’s unwilling to hold back any longer. But Cree’s dating a burly biker and is firmly off-limits. Or so he thinks…Shadows of You by J. Kenner For two long years, Stark Security agent Denise Marshall has been alone, mourning her missing husband. But everything changes on Valentine’s Day when she encounters a mysterious man who seems to understand her deepest desires.Dirty Sweet Valentine by Laurelin PaigeAmy’s not much for holidays invented to celebrate an emotion she hasn’t felt for years. Not since Harrison Steele left. But on February 14th, he’s back. And it seems that Cupid’s arrow is still lodged firmly in her heart. The Bedroom Experiment by Kendall Ryan When your stepbrother is a hot hockey stud with more notches in his bedpost than, well anyone, he’s the perfect candidate to help you gain a little bedroom experience. At least that's my plan this V-day.

    The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.Jaxi may have once considered him a big brother, but now she has plans for Blake’s hands. She’s all grown up and ready to convince him that she’s just what he’s been waiting for. Except he can’t seem to see past the big “don’t touch” sign that’s apparently still hanging around her neck.When the heat between them reaches volcanic levels, Blake must decide if Jaxi’s brand of trouble is worth fighting for.Rocky Mountain HavenHaving buried her abusive husband, Beth takes her boys away for a fresh start in Alberta. She definitely doesn’t want another man in her life—until one look at a sex-in-boots cowboy in a Calgary bar blows the dust off her sorely neglected sexuality.Sensing an edge of desperation, even fear, beneath Beth’s come-on, Daniel gives in to the powerful urge to let his normally controlled desires run wild. The lady wants anything-goes sex? She’s got it.Too late Beth realizes Daniel is burning away the protective fortress around her heart…and the guilty secret she dare not reveal.Rocky Mountain DesireSince Matt’s cheating ex split for the big city, no way is he giving anyone else the chance to drop-kick his heart. Physical pleasure? He’ll take—and give—with gusto, but nothing more.Hope is scrambling to keep her quilt shop afloat after her sister/business partner ran off. Sex? Like she’s got the time. Besides, Matt would never knock boots with the younger sister of the woman who dumped him.Yet there’s something combustible going on between them, and though it grows into more, it may not survive the arrival of the last person they ever wanted to see.

    When his work brought him back to his hometown, and he learned she was still single, he pursued her with a relentless focus. Now, in just a few weeks, they’re set to lock things down permanently on their big day. With the wedding looming, Ivy’s working tirelessly to create the perfect menu and orchestrate their dream wedding. However, Kit has one last secret to reveal—and it might just be a deal breaker. Will Ivy see the truth behind Kit’s actions? Or will she call the whole thing off, this time for good? --------Twisted Mercy--------Hope Townsend has spent long years searching for the brother she was brutally separated from when their mother was murdered. Now, thanks to help from a mysterious source, she’s found him deep in the Medicine Bow Mountains on the remote compound of the notorious White Kingdom Brotherhood motorcycle club and prison gang—a viper's nest of drug runners, murderers, and thieves. The only person who can help her is one of the club’s most lethal members—a man who goes by the road name "Mad Dog." Colorado's infamous Wall Street hacker, Max Cameron, served five years of his twenty-seven-year sentence before being recruited by the Red Team. Now a seasoned operative, Max has gone under cover in the motorcycle club of the white supremacist prison gang that befriended him in jail. His mission was simple until Hope Townsend, a female mechanic, came along and gummed-up the works. Nothing about Hope is as it seems, and Max struggles to keep her out of danger…and out of his heart. When his team finds evidence she’s working for their enemies, Max will have to decide where his loyalty lies: with his team or with the woman he loves.--------Ty and Eden: A Red Team Wedding Novella--------Weddings are the spice of life… After reuniting with his bio dad, Cord Ryker, Ty Holt is all too aware of how easily life can change—for better or worse. He convinces Eden Miller to pin down their wedding plans and set a date, pronto! And family drama’s the hot sauce… When a woman from Cord’s past makes a startling accusation, the team discovers an unexpected new clue in the mystery they’re unraveling. Eden’s mom, stepdad, dad, and stepmom, out for the nuptials, worry their daughter has fallen into the grasp of an insidious crime lord—a concern that Ty can’t, in all honesty, put to rest. ---------------------------------------------------------------------Ages: 18 & up (collection contains adult situations, profanity, and violence)Length: over 650 pages combined!

    He can’t lose focus now—not with his career on the line. But when his best friend’s little sister makes him an offer he can’t refuse, Eric could lose the drive the team relies on from their captain.Still in a downward spiral after a life-altering event in college, Dana Campbell is desperate to try anything to break away from the horror of that fateful night—even enlisting the help of the only man she trusts completely.No matter how irresistible she is or how tempting the offer, Eric might not be able to cross that line—especially with the team’s chance at the playoffs on the line. Now, Eric has to take one last shot, but will he choose Dana’s Breakaway chance at happiness or the move that could secure his career?ON THE FLYBeing sidelined for far too long due to injuries, Portland Storm player Brenden “Soupy” Campbell is ready to take his career to the next level and make his new position on the team stick. After he meets the general manager’s cute new assistant, Brenden knows he’s right where he’s supposed to be.Determined to change things up On the Fly and establish a future for herself and her children, Rachel Shaw jumps at the opportunity to work for the Storm. She’s not going to let anything—or anyone—get in her way, especially not a sexy and overly cocky hockey star.But when Brenden pulls out all the stops and turns on the charm, Rachel refuses to make the same mistake twice. Now, it’s up to Brenden to cement his spot—both on the team and in Rachel’s heart.TAKING A SHOTRising hockey star Jamie Babcock is ready to take the most important shot of his life—and this time, it’s not on the ice. Dating his teammate’s daughter might be riskier than going head to head with one of the Portland Storm’s rivals. But time is running out—it’s now or never.High school senior Katie Weber knows all too well the woes of adolescence, but throw in a leukemia diagnosis, and her life just got a lot more complicated. With prom looming and a shiny bald head to contend with, Katie might sit at home on the most important night of her potentially very short life. Unless Jamie Babcock, her ultimate crush, finally makes the move she’s been praying for. But that’s not the only miracle she needs.Now Jamie must show Katie just how important she is and how hard she must fight.Before it’s too late…LIGHT THE LAMPHockey star Liam Kallen lost his scoring touch when his wife died. Still broken up over her loss, Liam’s darkness overpowers him, but his new team—the Portland Storm—needs him. A chance meeting brings him face to face with Noelle Payne, the most positive and upbeat woman he’s ever met, and his darkness begins to fade.There’s never been a challenge that Noelle can’t conquer. Brightside optimist to a fault, Noelle refuses to succumb to the luxurious life Liam can give her, as she longs to find deeper meaning and purpose in her life. Now it’s up to Liam to open up and show her that she’s the light he’s needed all along—giving her the greatest purpose of all. He might have saved her, but can Noelle be the light that saves him?

    Landing a job skiing every day, Casey finds Blaine - a wish come true. A hunky surfer turned ski 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. Can she live without passion to get the family she craves? When Jason comes to town, Casey questions everything she wished for. Their consuming love threatens to explode, leaving her with the choice between a family and the love of her life. Lease on Love Skater Lori was USA’s golden girl, headed for the Olympics and destined for a medal. But when her coach's abuse forces her to give up the opportunity, her world spins out of control. Their perilous love affair is discovered and plastered all over the tabloids. Three years later, Lori is ready to move on. New to skiing but determined, she reinvents herself as a ski instructor and moves to Breckenridge. Driven to rebuild her life Lori isn’t prepared for the likes of sexy Kaleb. One look from the sensitive snowboarder unchains her heart and she explores love without fear. When the past returns to haunt her, Lori's new found freedom is at risk. What’s lurking in the shadows is worse than she could have imagined. She fears for more than her safety when she realizes Kaleb is in danger too, and they may end up paying the ultimate price. Rush for Love Olympic hopeful Gretchen doesn’t do love. Men exist for sex and a good time. Snowboarding is her main priority and a clingy boyfriend will only get between her and a spot on the Olympic team. Dark and dangerous Derrick is all for the physical approach. His carefully guarded heart likes it hard and fast. Meeting an adrenaline junkie like Gretchen suits his sexual needs just fine. But when a steamy relationship races out of control toward love, tragedy is inevitable, and hearts aren’t the only collateral. Their accidental love threatens Gretchen’s chance for gold, and the destruction changes everything. Fierce in Love Ex-model Dannika knows she’s spoiled and when her brother abandons her, she’s desperate for another man in her life. Flirting for keeps, she gets one. The wrong one. While the guy who challenges her in every way keeps her in the friend zone. Financial whiz Christian moved to Breckenridge to escape the rat race and mend his broken heart. Intent on a year as a ski bum and casual dating, everything changes when he meets Dannika. Suddenly he’s back in business, with a girl that that tempts him to be more than a professional partner. A family death makes Christian rethink his move and leave Colorado behind, along with Dannika. Forced to fend for herself with a prosperous business, but not the guy, Dannika learns to trust herself. When Christian returns she must decide if he’s worth trusting too. Ready for Love Ruby swore off men after her high school relationship with a reckless ski racer ended in an unplanned pregnancy. Heartbroken, she buried herself in her fashion design where any mistake can be recycled and torn-out stitches easily replaced. But then sizzling hot entrepreneur Neal enters her life with a business proposition. He wants a partnership to launch her clothing line -- but he has a reputation for intimate proposals too. After years on the race circuit, Trevor moves to Breckenridge to teach skiing and settle down. He stumbles on Ruby -- the one who got away. Even discovering she kept their child a secret can’t make him forget their steamy connection.

    Forced to transfer schools mid-year, she wasn't trying to make new friends. In that same month, sophomore Nate Wilson's girlfriend broke up with him. Searching for someone to fill the void left by his first love, he meets Emi in his art class. Nate knows he wants Emi from the moment he sees her. Emi knows she needs Nate after one night together. A life-long friendship is born, and a pact is made to ensure that nothing will come between them. This novella is the prequel to the Emi Lost & Found series. After the 3-volume series was published, readers wanted more. This is for them – the story of how Nate and Emi met – and although it’s a prequel, it can be enjoyed before or after the series.

    They expect their differences will cause them conflict. What they don’t expect are the two women who blow their careful plan apart. Suzanna Quinn is the principal and hates being attracted to the new school psychologist. Worse, thirty year old Social Studies teacher Kelsey Cunningham is horrified by her feelings for Luke, her new “student.” But the very real threat of school violence from more than one student forces them to work together and face their feelings for each other. Suicide, gang warfare and bullying all play a part as this stunning drama unfolds.

    They are an Elite Navy SEAL Team who will take your breath away. HER STEADFAST HERO: Captain David Sloane is an Army Captain serving with he Black Dawn SEAL team on the small island of Las Flores. He is thrown a curve ball when the woman he’s never forgotten arrives as a nurse with Doctor Without Borders to help in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. David and his team is intent on stopping the a bunch of escaped prisoners, but he is also determined to grab hold of the second chance that the universe has provided him with Sarah Kyle. Through all the turmoil, will David and Sarah be able to finally make a future for themselves, or will the situation spiral out of control, ending not just their love, but their lives as well? HER DEVOTED HERO: Dex Evans, a Navy SEAL is pranked by his buddies, when they set up a dating profile on-line for him. After politely turning down hundreds of unsolicited e-mails, Dex is awed by a woman who is funny, gorgeous, compassionate, but skittish as hell. Single mother Kenna Wright has spent years putting her child’s needs first, and immediately regrets the e-mail she sent to SailorBoy69. When she ends up working with Dex on a project in person, all of her defenses go up. He can’t seriously be interested in her, can he? Can Dex prove to Kenna that good guys exist? HER PASSIONATE HERO: Navy SEAL Hunter Diaz has scraped and fought his way out of the gangs of East LA to serve honorably as a SEAL in the United States Navy. He has become one of the most dangerous men on the planet. When his adopted grandmother tells him his childhood sweetheart is in trouble back home, he returns to the place he vowed to leave firmly in the past. Aliana Novak spent most of her school years being bullied. Her only refuge, was Hunter Diaz, until the day he graduated and left her to deal with the tormentors herself. Those horrific experiences molded her into what she is today and made her the perfect candidate for Vice Principal of one of the toughest schools in East LA. As she fights for her students to live the best lives they can, she is targeted by one of the most dangerous gangs in the city. Hunter Expects to find the same awkward and fragile girl he once knew, instead he finds a beautiful and strong woman who is willing to risk everything for the children under her care. As Hunter tries to rekindle the deep feelings they once had for one another, Aliana withdraws further into herself. What happened to her while he was gone? Can Hunter break down her walls and prove to her he is still her knight in shining armor before she ends up dead?

     Author’s Note: NAKED LOVE is a brand new boxed set for the season as a gift to our readers and to introduce you to new series to love! TEN BOOKS INCLUDE: No Pants Required by Kim Karr Dirty Rich One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones Fallen Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan Husband Material by Raine Miller Small Town Siren by Lexi Blake Ruined by the SEAL by Zoe York Survival of the Richest by Skye Warren Temptation by Robin Covington The Passion Project by Kristen Strassel Resist Me by Chelle Bliss

    She's on a hit television show and engaged to one of the most desired men in Hollywood. Her life is perfect. But then she gets a letter in the mail that changes everything. The past she has been trying to forget for so long has finally come back to haunt her. Gloria Star hasn't always been an A-list celebrity. She used to be just a regular Midwestern girl named Glory Stark. Now she is forced to reconcile her two lives because Johnny Carter, the only man she ever loved, has asked her to return to her hometown, and she can't say no. Ten years ago, one night changed everything for Gloria and Johnny. Not only did Gloria lose Johnny, but she also lost herself.Now she's headed back to Princeton, Missouri, to reconnect with her sister and make amends with Johnny. She quickly realizes that returning to Glory Stark's life isn't going to be easy. As she faces painful truths about her past and an uncertain future, Gloria learns that forgiveness is essential, family is everything and love is forever.