But things might not be as simple as they thought.What happens when duty and love collide? Wyatt Norris fears the answer. Marked by a tragic past, he lives alone, honoring his duties as Sheriff, yet denying himself the chance to love again. When he is called on to the Alcot’s farm to investigate a mysterious disappearance, he finds a second chance at love waiting for him this Christman. A kind woman, Ruby, who deserves so much more than she has been offered will soften his heart. The guilt that hunts Wyatt, however, is not so easily beaten and he will have to go above and beyond to save Ruby from a perilous game of life and death.Ruby Alcot knows she has made the wrong choice to marry Mathew. He drinks and gambles, making her life a living hell. The only good thing out of this union is her son, her pride and joy. When Mathew disappears one day, the disturbing news brings the Sheriff knocking on Ruby’s door and suddenly, her desire for her family’s reunion is countered by her desire for a better life at the side of that man who is trying everything to help her.Yet, both Ruby and Wyatt bear internal scars that prevent them from succumbing to love’s call. What’s more, a dangerous gambler is after Ruby and her land, and her husband’s recklessness puts everyone at risk. Will Wyatt be able to save Ruby and her son before it’s too late?

    Haunted by the memory of his dead wife, John hasn't considered dating again until he meets Bryan Simmons in the park. It isn't long before John realizes that what he feels for Bryan could be something real, but how will he know he's ready to move on?As John soon discovers, Bryan carries some heavy emotional baggage of his own. With John's help, Bryan starts to put his demons to rest, and together they lay the foundation for a relationship. It looks like they might finally leave their tragedies behind them—until John takes a misstep that could turn a magical night together into their last.

    Sure it seems simple in the grand scheme of things. After all, she's got her family supporting her, and family is all that matters. She is ostracized in her dorm for being just a little bit quiet and a little bit conservative. But that doesn't bother her…initially. Her roommate is loud and wild and white, drinks beer and has sex with her boyfriend. They are polar opposites in every sense of the word. But when Natalie decides to accompany her roommate to a house party off-campus in a cozy house of blue siding, her world is turned upside down the moment that she's knocked unconscious with a flying beer bottle. Yes, you read that correctly. When she comes to (in more ways than one) she is face to face with Brandon Greene, a preppy, oatmeal-skinned New Yorker, with a loud mouth, a grand smile and an open heart. Brandon makes his intentions clear from the beginning: he is hopelessly in love with his girlfriend, Sophia, but does not want to marry her. He does, however, want to be friends with Natalie.Neither Brandon nor her curiosity about him make sense to her at all, and her sense of complacency begins to tumble as she and Brandon grow closer. She's thrust into a love triangle that she wants no part of and suddenly, a streamlined future to success in the medical field is the last thing on her mind — all she sees now is a shade of gray. Brandon and Natalie have a powerful dynamic; but can it stand the weight that time, spatial disparity and color have placed on them? "When You Come to Me" is a sometimes humorous, sometimes dramatic take on the loss of innocence in its most colorful form.

    Boxed Set Includes: When Girlfriends Break Hearts, When Girlfriends Step Up, and When Girlfriends Make Choices.WHEN GIRLFRIENDS BREAK HEARTSSophie Wharton doesn't like losing control, especially of her life. She's always been the girl who's kept it together--the girl with a charming boyfriend, a lively social life, and plans to start her own bakery. Life is great for Sophie a few years out of college in Seattle...or so she thinks.Then a series of events start to turn Sophie's perfectly ordered world upside down. After three years, her boyfriend suddenly decides to call it quits. Her close camaraderie of girlfriends is starting to fall apart. Secrets are exposed. And when she thinks things couldn't get any worse, Sophie learns that one of her friends is fighting a devastating battle. Now living with her best friend Claire, Sophie struggles with learning to forgive or forget those who break hearts, while trying to accept that there are some situations she cannot control. But is there still a light at the end of the tunnel? Can a girl find the "good" in the "bad"?This is a heartfelt story about what happens when friendships take different paths and when life doesn't exactly go according to plan.WHEN GIRLFRIENDS STEP UPRobin Sinclair is young, determined, and has a promising career at a small publishing house in Seattle. Even though she considers herself unlucky in love, Robin still dreams of eventually meeting Mr. Right and having a happily-ever-after kind of life. And at twenty-five, the world of opportunity is wide. But it's been a difficult year filled with trials...and it's only just begun.While long-time friendships are finally on the mend, and things are starting to look up again, Robin is faced with her biggest challenge yet. She's single and pregnant.Uncertain now of her future and scared of being alone, Robin must re-examine her life and choices, and summon the courage to step up.With the love and support of her best girlfriends from college, especially her best friend and roommate, Lara, Robin will learn that when the going gets tough, the best of friends become family. And, perhaps, with their encouragement, Robin can mature and gain the confidence needed to become a single mother. And, who knows about being unlucky in love. Things are suddenly getting interesting with Robin's attractive co-worker, Bobby.This is an endearing story about maturity and perseverance. It's a story about friends coming together as family, about finding the strength within and around, and about writing your own happily-ever-after.WHEN GIRLFRIENDS MAKE CHOICESLara Kearns has it all. She has her MBA, a successful career in advertising in Seattle, and she's even living with her best friend and single mom, Robin. Reliable, dedicated, and eager, Lara is the resident go-to-girl, and she wouldn't have it any other way.Lara's that girl who has everything going for her...everything, that is, except for true love. With the big 3-0 on its way and no man in sight, Lara wonders if she'll always be married to her career, or her cat, and never find the One.But then, when she least expects it, a handsome and suave executive at her firm, Paul Mackenzie, makes a pass at her. Hesitant at first about striking up an office romance, Lara eventually finds herself falling for her charming colleague. And the best part? Paul is falling in love with Lara, too!What happens, though, when the man of your dreams loves you...and his wife?Battling with what the head and the heart want, Lara finds herself in a precarious situation. Life is spiraling out of control, but with the support of her therapist and friends, Lara must make a choice. Is she really prepared to chase after love...at all costs?This is a provocative story about struggling between right and wrong. About what you will or won't do for true love.

    Binge read the bestselling Four Kings Security series in one set! LOVE IN SPADES Ex-Special Forces soldier Anston “Ace” Sharpe is fighting a different battle these days—one involving the world of private security across the state of Florida. As part owner of Four Kings Security, Ace and his fellow Kings tackle everything from cyber intelligence to executive protection. Cocky, fearless, and brash, Ace isn’t afraid to take risks. Sparks fly the moment Ace meets Colton Connolly, but getting involved with a client, even one as fiery and beautiful as Colton, is a line Ace is unwilling to cross. As the Florida nights heat up, so does their passion, and Ace and Colton are faced with a difficult choice—take the plunge and risk it all, or play it safe and walk away? BE STILL MY HEART Former Special Forces medical sergeant Russell “Red” McKinley knows a thing or two about wounds, like the fact some can take a lifetime to heal, if they heal at all. The scars Red carries run deep, and living with PTSD often means battling the memories of his past. Injuries he received while working an executive protection case with fellow Kings and co-owners of Four Kings Security, have once again forced past heartaches to the surface, but Red is determined not to let it derail his blossoming romance with sweet and beautiful fashion photographer Lazarus Galanos. When an attempt is made on Laz’s life, Red is determined to keep him safe. Can Red and Laz find a way to help each other heal and take a chance on love, or will their fears and insecurities cost them more than their future together? JOIN THE CLUB Eduardo “Lucky” Morales is a fighter, from his childhood days in Cuba to his time as a Special Forces Green Beret. Scarred by the wars of his past, Lucky has learned nothing lasts forever. Guarding his heart is second nature, and getting emotionally involved is not an option. As co-owner of Four Kings Security, Lucky works hard alongside his former brothers-in-arms and fellow Kings, but he also plays hard. Flirting with sexy Texas cowboy and detective, Mason Cooper, is too much fun to resist, until Mason turns the tables on him. Determined to keep Mason at arms’ length, Lucky is surprised to find the man at Four Kings Security. The Florida nights might be getting cooler, but the heat between Lucky and Mason burns hotter with every passing moment. Working private security can be dangerous and unpredictable, but so can falling in love. DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH For Ward “King” Kingston the role of protector, forged by fire and tragedy, is one he takes seriously. When King is asked to safeguard the son of a four-star general and friend, he is pulled back into the world of government black ops on a mission that raises painful memories from his past. The moment King meets Leo, amid the chaos of a lockdown at a secret black site, it’s clear he’s never faced a challenge like this—one that will test his unwavering sense of control. King and Leo couldn’t be more different, yet as they navigate the dangers of a secret multi-agency operation and face unknown threats, their differences could be what saves them. Neither man believes a happily ever after is in the cards, but their hearts might just prove them wrong… if they can survive a deadly betrayal. Four full length novels filled with action, humor, found family shenanigans, and romance! HEAs guaranteed!

    After what Rachel thought was a great day, an unexpected surprise when she returned home from work turned her life completely upside down. Just as Rachel slowly started to rebuild her life and regain her independence, an unexpected love interest pries his way into her life. Rachel is taken on the ride of her life when she quickly realizes that he isn’t the man he claims to be. Trenton quickly realizes he’s made a terrible mistake by letting Rachel go, and she finds herself in the middle of chaos. Rachel is forced to decide what is more important for her own heart: fixing the broken relationship with her husband of seven years or putting her trust into a man that may have his own ulterior motives? Trust is broken, secrets are revealed, but will love win? Zarkia takes you on an unforgettable journey in her new African American Urban Fiction Standalone and it’s available for your reading pleasure right now.

    

     Matthew Warren, Earl of Hardingham, never expected to find a letter in the middle of the road while on his way to see his long-time friend, Jonathan Ayles. Or to become so frustrated with his inability to discover the identity of the mysterious “Elizabeth.” With her wedding day approaching like a bad omen, Evelina makes one final request before her freedom is snatched away from her forever: a single meeting with the enigmatic “Percy”, whose poetic hand has captured her heart. What Matthew and Evelina never expected though is how inextricably connected their fates are. Or to what gruesome lengths a certain someone will go to tear them apart forever. And then Evelina suddenly goes missing... *If you like a realistic yet charming depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Letters from a Missing Lady is the novel for you. This is Hanna Hamilton's 30th book, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after. Pick up "Letters from a Missing Lady" today to discover Hanna's amazing new story!

    A situation almost as agonizing as her father’s death.Severely wounded and with war raging around him, Duncan Goreidh, Laird of Brynkirk, has but one choice if he wants to survive: to disguise himself as a British soldier. Rescued at the last minute by an old English lady, his plans to flee home are ruined when he meets her irresistible niece.Their love is forbidden, but their meeting was not a coincidence.With Isabella’s presence turning his own flesh and blood against him, Duncan finds himself short of allies. And ways to protect her. An old vendetta started by his kin returns from the grave to haunt them, and it comes with a price. For whose fault is it, when you invite death into your own house?*Ravished by the Iron Highlander is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.

    Bodyguards don’t mix with romance, so I’ve been married to my job for the past few years. But when that job lands me in a cabin guarding a man named Taylor, things aren’t so clear cut. I’ve always been straight, but something’s drawing me to him, and the more we’re together the less I want to fight it.He’s testifying in a huge case, and if he wants to make it to the stand, I’ve got to keep him safe. That means keeping my distance—and keeping my feelings in check. Special Forces trained me to fight, but Taylor needs more than just a soldier.TAYLOR:Working in IT isn’t usually high stakes, but when a mercenary group starts hunting me down, I’m forced to seek protection from a bodyguard. I’m testifying before Congress, and I need Jack’s help to make it there in one piece. We can’t cross the professional line or Jack may end up becoming a lethal distraction.With a steely face and a soft heart under a tough shell, I can’t keep my mind off him—especially when we’re trapped together. But these killers are hellbent, and Jack needs a clear head if he’s going to protect me. The last place I should be is by his side, but that’s the only place I feel safe.This is a standalone MM romance.

    But that's exactly what she finds when she returns from being out of town. Worse, the bear has been deliberately trapped by the shop's owner, Will Parker.Will is starting a new life in the town of Reindeer Ridge. His shop, The Big Bear, sells novelty items while also providing guests the chance to see a live bear kept humanely upstairs. Unfortunately, the shop owner across the way seems to be determined to have his shop closed down.But Annaliese soon begins to realize that Will isn’t the bad guy she wants to make him out to be. As their feelings for each other start to grow, they both begin to realize the importance of compromise.This book was previously included in the December 2020 anthology, Small-Town Christmas. The rest of the series was not part of that anthology.The Reindeer Ridge series is a sweet, clean contemporary Christmas series filled with swoon-worthy heroes and a small-town setting.

    He’s always had to hide who he is or else incur the wrath of his strict and abusive father. After he’s faced with a horrible ultimatum, he flees to Hollywood where he hopes he can escape the specter of his miserable upbringing. Aaron is a wealthy, sophisticated man who loses himself in painting portraits of bound men to stave off his loneliness and despair. Unable to find a lasting connection with anyone, he has resorted to paying lovers so he can indulge in his darker passions. Aaron’s only respite is the Hampton Road sadomasochism club where he’s a respected Dominant. Naïve in the ways men can please one another, Sam takes a job at a bathhouse where he first glimpses a handsome older man. Aaron has his interest sparked when he spies a shy towel boy watching him whenever he patronizes the Temple of Eros. When a traumatic event triggers Aaron’s protective nature, he rescues the gentle Sam from the clutches of the disreputable establishment’s manager. As their bond deepens and Sam is trained for his first night at the Hampton Road Club, an unknown danger lurks. Will Aaron’s heart be crushed once again? Publisher Note: This book was previously published under the same title with a different publisher. It has been reedited, revised and expanded. Hesitant Heart is Book 1 in The Hampton Road Club series, but there is a satisfying HEA with no cliffhanger!

    Hiding among the choir, he was content to be ignored at school. But in order to make his singing dreams come true and win the scholarship, he has to push aside that shyness and stand out. When new kid, Maverick Cole shows up, all of Ashton’s plans are thrown into chaos. Now he has to work with his new duet partner to perfect their song for the biggest choir competition in the country. The moment things start to look up, Ashton suddenly finds himself at the lowest point in his life. His new friend steps in to save him, proving their friendly rivalry might be more than friendship, on and off the stage. If only he could tell Maverick how he really feels. With his heart and his future on the line, will Maverick and Ashton be able to work together to make this work or will the pressure of winning tear them apart? The stakes are high, so Ashton will have to be ready to not only stand out, but come out. Especially if he wants to win both the competition and his Maverick’s heart. Besides, who needs therapy when you have harmony? *The Boy I Love The Most is a young adult gay romance*

     Luke’s life couldn’t get any worse. His parents are gone, the family bar is failing, and he's had to drop out of college. On top of everything else, now he's engaged in a custody battle with his grandparents over his younger brother. Adam is a drop-dead gorgeous lawyer, representing a certain pair of grandparents in the custody battle. He isn’t pleased to be involved with such snobby clients, and he’s definitely miffed to be shipped out to the Midwest for this case. That all changes when he meets Luke. The man is handsome, charming, and he gets Adam’s sense of humor. Worse, he definitely deserves to win the case. They’re not supposed to talk to one another, much less date, but both Adam and Luke feel a connection they can’t ignore. Can they figure out a way to make it work? Or will the case – and the things they have to do to win it – tear them apart? If you love tense, sensual, heartwarming gay romance, dive in to Fighting for Love tonight. Delight in desperation and a guaranteed happy ending. Get this and five other books with steamy, sweet stories in the Fighting for Love Bundle!