Canterbury’s inns are full, but the door of the local brothel stands open and Frau Klaus welcomes all who come seeking shelter. Gather with the stranded travelers around her Tannenbaum as they share secrets, holiday tales and stories of love.

    The young widow of the disgraced Sir Hugh Delahaye, Adeline reverts to her maiden name and is determined to leave the past behind. When she encounters Guy Ashleigh, the handsome and charismatic young ward of the village squire, they fall passionately in love, but Guy is expected to marry his childhood sweetheart. When jealousy forces them apart and the secrets of the past catch up with them, Adeline sees no alternative but to run away. Somehow, they must find a way to overcome the obstacles that threaten to destroy their future together.

    One that no one can know about. If her past catches up with her, she will be ruined. Reputations will be tarnished. The only option she has left is to start a new life out West as a mail order bride. Her seductive charm takes her to the open plains of Wyoming where she meets a ranch owner, the man she hopes will one day become her husband… but she has to act fast. Jessie has a plan and everything will turn out alright. It has to. Her life as well as the life of her secret; an unborn child conceived from one regretful night, depends entirely on Jessie making all the right decisions. Benjamin Hardy. Charming. Rugged. A rough around the edges cowboy. A gentleman with a tough exterior and a mysterious air about him. To Benjamin, honor is paramount. It’s time to settle down. Start a family. Find a wholesome wife. But what meets Benjamin out West is more than he could have ever imagined. The second Benjamin lays eyes on Jessie, he wants her. Deeply. Passionately. Lust becomes love. This is everything Jessie could have ever wanted. The man of her dreams. The perfect life. But the guilt of her secret is too much to bear. As ghosts from her past begin to resurface, their quiet idyllic life slowly begins to a spiral into a storm of chaos. Will her plan ultimately destroy any chance of happiness she has? Can Benjamin find forgiveness for the woman he now loves? ........................... This book contains some sexual content and is intended for mature audiences.

    His is a voice combining humor and pathos with an edginess creating fresh new stories that are being published in great literary journals regularly.A boy acts out at the death of his father and abandonment by his brother through a savage playground beating; a young man confronts his own troubled history when asked to hire on his girlfriend's strung-out brother in an attempt to keep him out of prison; a teenage babysitter works through a scorching-hot summer afternoon that will prove to alter her life forever; a grieving widower finds comfort in the unlikeliest of places, a recently-built casino; an itinerant farm worker visits the same former lover in South Dakota year after year while following the Harvest north; two friends search for excuses and fail to claim responsibility for their own decisions after one loses his father, and the other's house burns to the ground; and a taxidermist falls in love with the ex-wife of his high school bully and tries to convince her to marry him despite her son who seems to share his father's bullying mentality."A brilliant, sometimes heartbreaking debut by this gifted young writer and Columbia writing teacher. Cross captures the angst and tenderness of the young men and women growing up in the rust belt with little hope and less luck. The moments of grace and redemption shine through. I loved every story." —Linda Bubon, Women & Children First Bookstore"There are countless moments like this in Fires of Our Choosing, lines that appear true from the moment they’ve been written and hang in the back of the mind for days afterwards... With Fires of Our Choosing, Cross climbs boldly into the ring with the greats, if only to deliver a decisive knockout punch." —Urban Waite, Fiction Writers Review"Cross offers no apologies for his characters: their poor choices, their lack of moral fortitude, their betrayals of each other and the poverty of their surroundings and, often, themselves; he leaves these things alone. They are who they are, and if dignity has been denied them by the rest of us, including us story-tellers, it is restored by this collection. That he has undertaken to serve as their raconteur should place Cross on the radar of all the big prizes that gift those blessed with talent, compassion and fearlessness, particularly during this present moment in our history." —Ru Freeman, Huffington PostEugene Cross was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania and received an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh. His stories have appeared in Narrative Magazine (which named him one of "20 Best New Writers" and his story "Harvester's" a "Top Five Story of 2009-2010"), American Short Fiction, Story Quarterly, TriQuarterly, and Callalloo among other publications. His work was also listed among the 2010 Best American Short Stories' 100 Distinguished Stories. He is the recipient of scholarships from the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference and the Chautauqua Writers' Festival, and the winner of the 2009 Dzanc Prize for Excellence in Literary Fiction and Community Service. He currently lives in Chicago where he teaches in the Fiction Department at Columbia College Chicago.

    Scandal!From the snowbound Scottish Highlands to the glittering ballrooms of London, our fearless heroines enter the Christmas season in pursuit of their heart's desire.But, the course of true love never did run smooth... especially when SCANDAL is afoot.Settle in to enjoy these tales of romantic adventure, sizzling passion, and heartwarming holiday romance.This collection of never-before-published Yuletide historical romances from your favorite authors is available for just three months, so don’t miss out.Unwrap the pleasure...Rogue for Hire - by Sasha CottmanWhen heiress Alice North engages the scandal managing services of Lord Harry Steele, she gets a first-hand lesson in steamy, wicked behaviour.The Highlander's Christmas Lassie - by Anna CampbellA chance to mend two shattered lives. After years of searching, the Laird of Dun Carron finds his lost beloved and their son, but the reunion doesn’t go as expected.The Christmas Rose - by Emma V. LeechDarkly handsome Ludo—universally known as Lascivious Lord Courtney – is the wickedest rake in Christendom, and unwitting wallflower Felicity Bunting just accidentally trapped him into marriage.The Lady's Guide to Scandal - by Emmanuelle de MaupassantWith her name already mired in scandal, posing as the fiancée of reckless explorer Ethan Burnell can only spell trouble--or make Cornelia Mortmain so notorious she'll become irresistible. The game is on!The Courtship Caper - by Beverley OakleyWhen the scandalous Brightwell sisters wave their matchmaking wands, Christmas becomes a comedy of errors for two hapless couples who find themselves paired with their imperfect match.A Scandalous Secret - by Laura TrenthamA secret passion is revealed when a spymaster’s daughter and the man pledged to protect her are forced to shelter for the night in a cottage—with only one bed.Fate Gave Me a Duke - by Amanda MarielChristmas brings unforeseen complications for the Duke of Cleburne and Lady Juliet Gale. Will they give into fate, or fight against it?Duncan's Christmas - by Ellie St. ClairDuncan McDougall is on a mission to reclaim his betrothed. Though the woman he nabs isn't the one he intended, she just may be the one truly intended for him.Bedeviled: A Russian Pursuit - by Elsa HollandPrince Ilya Petroski is honor-bound to play the rake and dominate London's gossip columns; cruel are the fates to introduce him to the love of his life, the gentle-hearted Seraphina Seymour.At the Mistletoe Masquerade - by Dayna QuinceLady Cassandra's plans go amiss when a kiss gone too far turns into the scandal of the season.The Christmas Courtesan - by Victoria ValeMoonlighting as a Gentleman Courtesan seems like the best way to earn a dowry for his sister—until a scandal during a Christmas house party leads Roger Thornton toward a fiery and unexpected love.A Scandal Before Christmas - by April MoranHe’s determined to win her back; she’s determined to resist. Will the night before Christmas bring scandal or the renewed promise of a wedding?Her Virgin Duke - by Nicola DavidsonA lost wager sparks an unlikely alliance and a wicked affair between England's stuffiest duke and London's Mistress of Sin.

    

    Her talent and great prospect of becoming a successful musician are about to go to waste though when her father decides to marry her off to someone she despises to financially secure the family. Sophia feels trapped in an undesirable future, until she meets the handsome Duke of Berkshire by chance and under the false identity of a high society member. Apart from making her heart flutter, could he also be the solution to all her problems? Guy Bastable, the Duke of Berkshire, has mourned for a long time. Nothing can soothe his passion for revenge on the man who left his sister to die. At least that’s the case until he saves a young woman from a collision and realizes that there’s something more to live for; an extraordinary lady that is nothing like any other woman he’s met before. The more time he spends with the charming Sophia, the more his vengeance and pain give place to other, deeper feelings. Could she be the salvation he has been looking for? Sophia’s and Guy’s growing love might be undeniable, but it’s also based on a tale of lies that Sophia will struggle to free herself from. Through their connection, Sophia will discover the greatest truth of all in the midst of her lies, but nothing guarantees that her feelings will be believed. This time it’s not her future or financial security she is worried about losing, but something much more important. Will love manage to overcome the reckless lies and the class barriers or is this romance doomed right from its dishonest start? "A Love Song for the Duke" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

     A collection of five, full length, stand-alone, Scottish historical romances by New York Times and Internationally bestselling authors. The Captive - by Parris Afton Bonds The mighty Kincairns, once a powerful Highland clan, are now rebels out to destroy the conquering British invaders. Ranald Kincairn, chieftain of the rebels, swears to take his vengeance by stealing his ruthless foe's virgin bride with the intent to destroy her soul. But his captive swears to take her own vengeance by making his own soul her captive. Highlander's Ransom - by Emma Prince He was out for revenge. Laird Robert Sinclair would stop at nothing to exact revenge on Lord Raef Warren, the English scoundrel who had razed his lands and people. Leaving his clan to conduct attacks in the Borderlands, he lives to be a thorn in Warren’s side. When he finds a beautiful English lass on her way to marry Warren, he whisks her away to the Highlands intent on ransoming her to her fiance. She would not be controlled. Lady Alwin Hewett had no idea when she left her home to marry a man she'd never met, she would be kidnapped by a vengeful Highlander. But she refuses to be a pawn in any man’s game. When she learns that Robert has had them secretly wed, she will stop at nothing to regain her freedom. But her heart may have other plans… Too Deep for Tears - by Kathryn Lynn Davis Late 1800s: Three sisters. Three corners of the British Empire. Three lives intertwined… forever. As he travels the British Empire, diplomat Charles Kittridge leaves behind three daughters: Ailsa in the Scottish Highlands; Li-an in Peking, China; and Genevra in Delhi, India. Bound by threads they neither see nor understand, the three sisters are haunted by their absent father--each in her own way. Creative and intuitive, often lost and without hope, they come together through their dreams in times of fear and need. No matter the courage and passion, betrayal and loss they experience, their dreams never leave them. In the end, they believe Charles Kittridge has the power to heal them. But the truth is far more complicated than any of them understand. To Love a Warrior - by Lily Baldwin Destinies unfold. Secrets are revealed. The Isle of Mull will be forever changed. Half Highlander, half Viking, Garik MacKinnon was not born on the Scottish Isle of Mull, but fostered there in his youth. Now, he leaves behind his home, once more bound for Mull. He is ready to answer Robert the Bruce’s call to arms, eager to fight for Scotland’s freedom. He is not prepared for his encounter with Nellore, a shield maiden whose allure defies all reason. Nellore has the strength and skill of a warrior but the heart of a woman. When the men are called away to war Nellore must aid those left behind to safeguard their village against attacks from the MacLeans. She understands her duty to her clan. She is ready to take up arms against the enemy if need be. She is not ready forthe ache that fills her heart when war pulls Garik from her side. Desire ignites and battles are waged as both Nellore and Garik learn what it means to love a warrior. Highland Intrigue - by Ceci Giltenan Lady Gillian MacLennan's clan needs a leader, but the last person on earth she wants as their laird is Fingal Maclan. She can neither forgive nor forget that his mother killed her father, creating Clan MacLennan’s current desperate circumstances. King David knows a weak clan, without a laird, can change quickly from a simple annoyance to a dangerous liability.

    Marrying a man almost double her age doesn’t sit well with her. Being told two weeks before the event makes things even worse. Instead of waiting around for the inevitable, she steals out in the middle of the night to answer an advertisement for domestic help in another state. Little did she know what she was letting herself in for. After his wife’s death, Preacher Matthew Barnabas is left to care for their two small children. When Rose turns up unannounced, after answering an advertisement he knows nothing about, his life is turned upside down. The preacher will accept Rose into his life because he has no choice, but will he ever let her into his heart? Author's Promise: This is a heartwarming historical Christmas novella with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhangers. It is a clean and wholesome story with nothing more than hugs, kisses, and holding hands.

    Fall in love with the lakeside small town of Lawford, retired Marine Corps General Harold Hart, his artistic wife Fiona, matchmaking housekeeper Lucy, and his nine single granddaughters. Did we say single? Well not for long!This collection includes books 1-3 of the Hart Land series.Heather – Boston cardiac surgeon Heather Preston has invested everything to achieve her dream of working at a world renowned hospital. When an unsettling call from her grandfather the retired general brings her back to her childhood lakeside home, she rediscovers the appeal of life in a small town, the joys of free-spirited youth—and Jake Harper.Lily - Another matchmaking fiasco behind her, Lily Nelson has sworn off men. Which is just fine since her lifelong dream of owning her own bakery is almost within reach…maybe. Now more than ever, she needs all her wits about her to balance her noisy, no-boundaries friends and family, and look after a handsome firefighter. Not that Cole McIntyre isn’t easy on the eyes, he just might be too easy on her heart.Violet – Unable to work in her flooded Boston studio, yoga instructor Violet Preston retreats to her family’s peaceful lakeside home. While the looming sale of her affordable apartment building might be threatening her Zen, her real battle comes in the form of Grant Whitaker, a well-dressed, smooth-talking, Lamborghini-driving charmer with unexpected plans of his own.Look for more books in the Hart Land series:IrisHyacinthRoseand more!MORE PRAISE FOR HART LAND:"Small town, big family, and mismatches that will steal your heart! Delightful!" Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times bestselling author of the Dogfather Series.

     Includes: Lady Lissa's Liaison: Too many suitors hungering her newly-acquired inheritance, Lady Lissa Lovington plants a devious rumor: she's had a liaison with the notorious Earl of Wylde. The rumor works like a charm, until the mercurial Lord Wylde returns to turn the tables. Miss Marcie's Mischief: After escaping Mistress Cheltenham's School for Young Ladies on the eve of Saint Valentine's Day, heiress Marcie Darlington is nearly run down by the London Mail Coach, commandeered by the Marquis of Sherringham. Both are trying to escape a scheming Cupid. Neither will succeed. A Dangerous Courtship: Traveling to the Yorkshire moors by horseback to investigate another of her naïve friends' suitors, Veronica is set upon by a pack of wild dogs—and rescued by a handsome stranger who also seems on the brink of madness. Reviews: "Ms. Randall displays a wonderful talent for writing humor." ~Rendezvous To Woo an Heiress, in series order Lady Lissa's Liaison Miss Marcie's Mischief A Dangerous Courtship Miss Meredith's Marriage Also by Lindsay Randall Rescued by a Cowboy Slow Dance with a Cowboy For Love of a Princess Meet Lindsay Randall By day, Lindsay is a development writer for a private university. By night, she pursues her passion—writing romance. She's written twelve novels and has received a Reviewers Choice Award from RT BookReviews.

    That chance presents itself when a handsome young lord steps into the tavern. Ernest Jackson, Marquess of Dalton, sees his mundane life take a dramatic turn the day he finds a mysterious box. On a mission to solve the mystery of his allegedly deceased sister, he discovers he has been lied to all of his life. His search leads him to Rachel, who proves to be not only a skillful spy but also his sole ally... But their questions raise suspicions and when Rachel gets kidnapped, Ernest needs to pay the ultimate price: his own life. Sooner than later they will both realize that some truths are worse than lies—especially when the liar wears a familiar face.

    This is one of those stories . . .He's a wild-West attorney and she's his beautiful client. Could she really be guilty of murder?Attorney Brock Daniels meets Grace Davenport in the least romantic setting he could imagine: the town jail. And yet her beauty and kindness capture his heart almost from the start.But Grace is facing a tough jury in this rough-and-tumble town. And the charges don't look good given her track record. This last one makes her a widow three times over, with each of her dead husbands worse than the last. Geoffrey ate poisoned mushrooms, Harry was so drunk he got thrown by a horse, and Billy Joe went missing after Grace chased him down and gave him what for at the saloon where he'd gambled away all their food money.Still, Brock is a skilled attorney. And Grace's son Jesse is determined to prove her innocence through researching case law at Brock's side until his mom is freed. In the end, Brock may be meeting Grace in front of a judge for an altogether more celebratory occasion . . . as soon as she's cleared.A delightfully romantic tale. --Maggie Brendan, author of The Jewel of His Heart (on And Then Came Spring in A Bride for All Seasons)"Brownleyhas a way with words that keeps the reader interested until the last page." --Romantic Times

    Mallory St. Martin is a man with revenge in his heart. Born the second son, his brother was killed at Trafalgar, and he was forced into a life he’d never wanted, and wasn’t prepared for. As the new Duke of Chichester, he discovers that his father lost everything to Geoffrey Woodward, and the disgrace of it all, led to his father’s death. Vowing revenge, and seeking to win back all his father lost, he decides to strike back at Woodward through the woman he views as Woodward’s greatest treasure, his only child, Miss Elizabeth Woodward. As their worlds collide, they both discover that the greatest risk of all is taking a chance on love.