And certainly what Melville did for whaling Austen does for marriage--tracing the intricacies (not to mention the economics) of 19th-century British mating rituals with a sure hand and an unblinking eye. As usual, Austen trains her sights on a country village and a few families--in this case, the Bennets, the Philips, and the Lucases. Into their midst comes Mr. Bingley, a single man of good fortune, and his friend, Mr. Darcy, who is even richer. Mrs. Bennet, who married above her station, sees their arrival as an opportunity to marry off at least one of her five daughters. Bingley is complaisant and easily charmed by the eldest Bennet girl, Jane; Darcy, however, is harder to please. Put off by Mrs. Bennet's vulgarity and the untoward behavior of the three younger daughters, he is unable to see the true worth of the older girls, Jane and Elizabeth. His excessive pride offends Lizzy, who is more than willing to believe the worst that other people have to say of him; when George Wickham, a soldier stationed in the village, does indeed have a discreditable tale to tell, his words fall on fertile ground. Having set up the central misunderstanding of the novel, Austen then brings in her cast of fascinating secondary characters: Mr. Collins, the sycophantic clergyman who aspires to Lizzy's hand but settles for her best friend, Charlotte, instead; Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy's insufferably snobbish aunt; and the Gardiners, Jane and Elizabeth's low-born but noble-hearted aunt and uncle. Some of Austen's best comedy comes from mixing and matching these representatives of different classes and economic strata, demonstrating the hypocrisy at the heart of so many social interactions. And though the novel is rife with romantic misunderstandings, rejected proposals, disastrous elopements, and a requisite happy ending for those who deserve one, Austen never gets so carried away with the romance that she loses sight of the hard economic realities of 19th-century matrimonial maneuvering. Good marriages for penniless girls such as the Bennets are hard to come by, and even Lizzy, who comes to sincerely value Mr. Darcy, remarks when asked when she first began to love him: "It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley." She may be joking, but there's more than a little truth to her sentiment, as well. Jane Austen considered Elizabeth Bennet "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print". Readers of Pride and Prejudice would be hard-pressed to disagree. --Alix Wilber

    Since he's in unrequited lust with his boss, Keane thinks a clandestine tryst might just take his mind off his gorgeous colleague.Rayche Marquette has wanted Keane since hiring him, but being his boss means Keane's off limits...until Rayche decides he can wait no longer and reserves the Wet Area of the spa so the two of them can spend a Naughty Nooner together.Rayche and Keane meet in the elegant shower area, but when Keane discovers the sender of the note is his boss, his reaction is not what Rayche expects. Keane rebuffs him, thinking the lunch hour adventure is a lark for Rayche, a meaningless liaison. For Keane, that can never be enough with this man. How can he convince Rayche to turn their Naughty Nooner into a lifetime commitment?Dalton's Awakening by Carol LynneAfter weathering a bitter divorce amongst rumours of his sexual preference, Dalton Montgomery finds solace at his favourite new restaurant Bella Lucina's. His lunches spent talking to the restaurant's bartender, Sal, get him through the lonely days and nights. When Dalton begins to feel attracted to the hunky bartender, his world spins out of control. Had his ex-wife been right?Lunches in Laguna by J.P. BowieScott is intrigued by an art collection in a Laguna gallery, but it's the gallery manager, Michael, who gets his full attention!By his own admission, Scott Stevenson is a rough and ready kind of guy, but even he can appreciate art on occasion, especially when it comes in the form of Michael Taylor, the manager of a Laguna Beach art gallery. Invited to spend a lunch hour with Michael, Scott doesn't hesitate to let his new friend know he considers him a perfect work of art.The attraction is mutual and the two men start seeing each other regularly for 'lunch'. But when Michael fails to show up at the gallery one day Scott discovers that his perfect man may have an imperfect past, and if Scott wants lunch to progress to dinner he'd better ensure that those who are threatening Michael aren't around for dessert!Raven by Dakota RebelIn a club owned by vampires that feed on lust, it may end up being more than your neck on the line.Raven is the hottest gay club in Detroit. It is owned by Patrick and Kennedy, two vampires who emit so much sexual energy the club could run itself for days on it. They had always enjoyed smoking, drinking, and grabbing as much action as they could from their patrons so they could brag to each other about their conquests.But lately, Patrick has had enough. And when a young, hot blond shows up vying for Kennedy's attention, it's time for Patrick to teach him a lesson, and take his rightful place at his partner's side.Lust in the Afternoon by Cian FeySometimes all it takes is one afternoon.Ted Wayne is the IT manager at a gay online magazine and bookstore that also provides live streaming peep shows. During a fierce snowstorm, the on-air talent can't make it in for the "Lust in the Afternoon" show, and only Ted is around to fill the void.Art director Grayson Jeffries talks Ted into fifteen minutes in front of the camera, Ted agrees partly because he thinks Gray is the hottest thing going. He's reluctant to masturbate in front of Gray, but at least with Gray in the room, he has no worries about getting it up.Gray has wanted Ted for months - now he has this one chance to make all his fantasies come true.Lunch is Served by Jude MasonAdmitting you're gay is difficult enough. Can Philip Sands go even farther and admit he wants to be dominated?Philip Sands needs a job. When he finds one at The Gate Room, a gay BDSM club owned and run by the sexy Mark Freeman, he's faced with a dilemma. He'd admitted to being gay years ago, but had hidden his submissive side, even from himself. Dressed in the sexy leather gear required for his new job, Philip finds himself drawn into the lifestyle and lusting after Mark. Constantly aroused by the scenes taking place in the club, the duties he's asked to perform are more than a little frustrating.An evening meeting, which turns out to be so much more, only adds to his torment. When Mark invites him to come in for lunch the following day, Philip jumps at the chance. Will their meeting turn into more? Will he finally find the courage to tell Mark his feelings? And what does the handsome Mark have in mind?

    He just wants to live an anonymous life and be a good dad to his daughter. But when a local girl vanishes, he’s asked to return to the skills that made him a mythic figure in the shadowy world of counterterrorism.Follow Levon and his daughter while they go on the run from the feds and a growing army of enemies that Levon makes along the way.

    What she doesn't count on are the Kane brothers. Ansley may have the college degree, but Jeremy and Ryan are two cowboys who can teach her a few things she didn't learn in school.

    A group of storytellers banded together to chronicle the tsunami of evil that ensued. Their scribblings depicted events so horrific, the manuscript was hidden away.Now, dear reader, you seem to have stumbled upon it.And you have opened it.You must reap what you have sown.Come, step into the pages. See firsthand what hell is capable of.Of course, just know, you won’t last long enough to scream.

    With her mate gone, she’s left alone to defend her territory from rival wolves, dark magic, and worst of all, the threat of losing her pack if she doesn’t impress her superiors.Erik Jensen is not who he claims to be. When he comes to the shifter town of Copper Creek to help after a mining accident, he discovers there is more going on than meets the eye. Now he must uncover the secret of the sleepy little town, before the wolves discover his. Grace Kwan-Cortez knows how tough it is being a cop in a town full of shape-shifters, magic and who knows what else. What she isn’t prepared for are the feelings she can’t seem to shake since meeting Julian. And she can’t decide which option she dreads more, that he ensnared her in some sort of spell, or that the feelings might actually be real. Julian Magie is in possession of certain information. Information that could change Tarker’s Hollow, and the world, forever. Torn between his sworn duty and his allegiance to his friends, Julian must decide who to trust, and where his true loyalties lie. ˃˃˃ A Complete Story... Fate of the Alpha: The Complete Bundle combines all three episodes of the Fate of The Alpha serial in one place! It is a complete story of over 400 pages. No waiting for the next installment. And no CLIFFHANGERS! Check out the look inside, or just scroll up and grab a copy today.

    This collection of alpha males and strong heroines who tame the beast they’ll love forever is a box set you don’t want to miss. True Loves is available for a limited time. Bake This! – Tasha BlackSexy shifter Will Harkness has always enjoyed being a lone wolf. So when a voluptuous but accident-prone witch shows up for the holidays, Will is surprised to suddenly find that he wants more. If only she can stop breaking things long enough for them to get to know each other better...Protector Wolf - J.K. HarperJace Canagan has a last chance shot at being a Guardian for the Black Mesa Wolf Pack. Then sexy Caitlin Rendall strides into his life with her adorable twin cubs, challenging all his ideas of what it means to be a protector wolf.Black Velvet - Elianne AdamsWith her old pack dead and buried, wolf shifter Joy Sutherland leaves her beloved Akino lands to seek refuge with the Eryma pack of Timmins. When she discovers Warren, her new Alpha, is also a Dom with the skills to handle her, hope flares to life. But if she can't convince the rest of the pack to accept her, she--and her wolf--could lose their mate forever.Kiss Me Cowbear – Liv BrywoodWhen Jessica arrives at the Curvy Bear Ranch with her five-year-old son, she never expects to meet sexy bear shifter Clint Wilson. The ruggedly handsome cowboy is everything she ever wanted in a mate. But with a shattered marriage in her past, she's not sure she'll ever be ready to commit to someone again.Embraced – C.E. BlackLonely and more than a little depressed, Sean finds himself in a small town bar, drinking his sorrows away, knowing the woman he loves will be married the next day to her true mate. But when he meets Sarah, they're both surprised at the intense attraction they share. The night is filled with a passion neither can forget, leaving Sean wondering how he could fall for another woman he cannot have.Seduction – Elle ThorneAstra Evans is a curvy, delicious firebrand who thinks that the only good shifter is a dead shifter. With two exceptions. And Kane Ortiz is not one of those exceptions.Stormchild -Vivian ArendDoctor and shaman for the Pacific water-shifter clans, Matthew Jentry resolved to avoid the sensual temptations of his people. Until the mysterious Laurin Marshall crosses his path, and resistance ignites into a blazing night of sexual fireworks. One night is all they're willing to take, but fate has other plans...The Mighty Hunter – Michelle M. Pillow (previously released story)Caderyn is the sexiest--and perhaps craziest--man Bridget has ever laid eyes on. Sparks fly. Desires heat. But there's one small problem. He claims they're trapped in the lost city of Atlantes, living on a cursed island deep within the ocean.Pisces Phenomenon - Mandy M. Roth (previously released story, non-shifter)Detective Sirius Baron's world is full of magik, power, immortality and egos that tend to cloud better judgments. It's also full of honorable warriors who are sworn to protect the people of the Earth. Sirius is one of these warriors and will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves.Bear's Touch- Emma AlisynA Healer who can kill with a Touch. An Alpha Bear determined to save his son. Will they clash- or will they accept their bond? When Lea reluctantly travels to a strange Clan in order to heal a dangerously injured young Bear, Alpha Yurii promises he won't try and matebond her to him. But resolve flees when he sees the snarky, curvy female for the first time. Is a fated matebond worth risking freedom- or her life?Fated and Mated - Love at First Site - Harmony RainesCassie is helping Marjorie set up the new website for her shifter online dating agency, Fated and Mated. What she never expected, was to be the first success story. Will things run smoothly? Find out in this paranormal romance, contains smoking hot shifters and a happy ever after!Run Fur Love – Catherine ValeHarley Myers can smell a shifter a mile away. And she can smell trouble, just as easily. And now, both are wrapped up in the drifter at the end of her bar. The drifter with the killer smile is a man of many secrets. If Harley isn't careful she'll find her heart is on the line, along with her life.Cry Wolf – Michele BardsleyFierce Elle wants to escape nightmarish memories. Alpha Xavier wants to claim his destined mate. Together, they must face their fears--and their enemies--to save the future of their wolf pack.V. Vaughn – When Carly's dreams about a hot guy, a bear and a tattoo call her, she answers. With her best friend by her side, Carly goes on the adventure of a lifetime and finds more than the love of her life. She finds the warrior who is ready to come out.

    From the majesty of medieval castles to the glittering ballrooms of the Regency, read an enchanting novel from six of the twelve Jewels of Historical Romance!A KNIGHT IN TARNISHED ARMOR by Jill BarnettBook 1 of her Fool Me Once seriesEngland, 14th Century: Desperate to flee a forced marriage to England’s most fearsome knight, Lady Linnet of Ardenwood hires the dangerous mercenary, William de Ros, to help her escape to a convent. But de Ros is the new Baron Warbrooke, her betrothed, who has only a week to woo and win her heart.THE BRIDE WORE BLUE by Cheryl BolenBook 1 of her Brides of Bath seriesEngland, 1811: For six long years Thomas Moreland has dreamed of the beautiful young noblewoman who rescued him. Wealthy now, he's come to Bath to rescue his fair Felicity—while endeavoring to win her love.MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE by Lucinda BrantBook 1 of her Roxton Family SagaEngland & France, 1769: Based on real events, a hasty midnight marriage between teenagers establishes a dynasty. Ten years later, Deb stumbles across a wounded duelist in the forest. It is love at first sight. The stranger is in truth her husband Julian, Marquess of Alston, returned from years in exile to claim his wife before a rival can.THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Darcy BurkeBook 1 in her The Untouchables seriesLondon, 1811: A decade ago, Titus St. John’s idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart—and his self-imposed isolation. Now she’s back, and she needs his help. But by “saving” her, The Forbidden Duke may ruin her life all over again.LADY DANGER by Glynnis CampbellBook 1 of her Warrior Maids of Rivenloch seriesScotland, 1136: Warrior maid Deirdre of Rivenloch never turns her back on a fight when her clan is threatened. But when she marries the powerful Sir Pagan Cameliard to save her sister, Deirdre faces a new kind of enemy who crosses swords with her by day and lays siege to her heart by night.GATHER THE STARS by Kimberly CatesBook 1 of her Culloden’s Fire seriesScotland, 1746: Englishwoman Rachel de Lacey vows to wed the bravest soldier. She is taken hostage by the Glen Lyon, the Highland raider saving Scotland’s orphans from English retribution. Branded a coward in battle, he teaches her a new meaning for courage. Also look for Fabulous Firsts: The Red Collection by six more bestselling Jewels of Historical Romance!

    In Razor’s Edge, Deputy US Marshal Jack Killigrew can’t stop thinking about his best friend’s widow, Rachel. He promised to protect her, but giving into his desire could betray his buddy’s memory—unless Rachel wants the same thing... In Taking the Heat, Layla Creed is ready to testify in a sensational murder trial, but doing so would take her out of Deputy US Marshal Brian Simmons’s life forever. They have the option of going on the run, but a stranger in the shadows could force them to risk everything in the name of love... In On Fire, things are getting hot between Deputy US Marshal Jared Cameron and fire inspector Darcy Michaels. But a secret from Darcy’s past could draw them into the flames... Razor’s Edge previously appeared in The Promise of Love Taking the Heat previously appeared in Men Out of Uniform On Fire previously appeared in Hot in Handcuffs

    Self-control becomes unnecessary, but so does free will. Can a stranger's condition of submission be the key to one woman finding her wings again? A fragile woman ventures forth into a mall one day to buy a card and stops to admire a dress. A sensual stranger convinces her to try it on... So begins a game of full seduction through the loss of free will. One afternoon in the life of Meg, a woman whose heart is so raw, she believes she can never heal. Until she meets Daniel, a man who not only believes he can ease the pain of her past, but that Meg can live again if she can only learn to let go. A story of sensuality so rich, sexuality so primal, MAKE HER DREAMS COME TRUE tells the tale of a woman who learns to fly by allowing one man to chain her.

    Passion. Obsession. Elizabeth Cook is a conservationist trying to save a lighthouse on the northern side of Chesapeake City, Rhode Island. Zane White is the billionaire who just bought the real estate it sets on and plans on tearing it down to build condos that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. When Elizabeth goes to New York, where Zane’s business is headquartered, the two meet and instant chemistry connects them. With a date made, Zane nor Elizabeth ever thought in a million years it would end with them being fake married. Meagan Saunders is a high powered judge who has had her eye on Zane for quite a while. She has made plans to make sure he ends up with her. Blackmail is a thing the judge is not above when it comes to getting her man to help her in her aspirations for the governor of New York and then the presidency. Will Meagan get her way and make Zane hers or will Elizabeth find strength in herself to keep Zane right where he is? Or will Zane show them both just how powerful he is and take care of the situation on his own? Find out if true love wins in the end or if the powerful politician does.

    Until the most inappropriate man in London asks her to dance. After a scandalous waltz that sets the gossips’ tongues wagging, the next morning, the man shows up in her family’s drawing room and announces his intentions to court her. Captain Ethan Dorrill dresses like a pirate, irritates her to the point of madness, and kisses like her heart’s desire.Snow Queen Mary LancasterThey call her the Snow Queen…for no man can thaw her frozen heart.Lady Alba Snowden lost her first love when she was seventeen. Since then, no man has touched her heart – until the summer she encounters wild, fun-loving Russian Prince Yuri Volkov, who is visiting London with the Tsar.The Highlander’s Unexpected Bride Tarah Scott & KyAnn WatersShe intended to stop a scandal…not become one.Lady Alison has a penchant for mischief. How else could she end up in the bedchamber of the notorious rake Viscount Weston? She expected to rescue her foolish cousin, instead she finds herself engaged…and embroiled in the devious exploits of sex slave traders.Dreaming of a Gentleman Summer HanfordMiss Rebecca Wycliff knows her place in the world, that of a poor relation beholden to her relatives for any scrap they care to award her. Still, she holds a secret dream for more, one that would see her tossed out on the streets, penniless, should her wish be uncovered.Not Another Nob Anabelle AndersFamily rivalries are no match for love.Neither is who they say they are. He thinks she’s a lady and she thinks he’s a gentleman. Even so, the seeds of romance are planted when they meet over a broken carriage and a small dog.Lord Keeper Tarah ScottA midnight race for freedom leads Victoria Hockley, the Countess of Lansbury, to a churchyard deep in the Scottish Highlands. But not even hallowed ground can save her from the devil who’s pursued her from England, or from the furious Scot who swears to protect her.The Maid of Inverness Rose FairbanksDespite Douglas Randolph’s attempt to avoid Society and his responsibility as the future Duke of Inverness, news he is has inherited the dukedom reaches him deep in the Highland hills of Scotland. That problem pales into comparison to the wager he makes with the man known as The Marriage Maker. Sir Stirling James swears he can find suitable husbands for four ladies directly descendant from Robert the Bruce. Little does Douglas know he is to be the first groom.One Last Promise Amy CorwinLove defies all obstacles to unite childhood friends...Bespectacled and plain compared to her two sisters, Martha Stainton cherishes no expectations, except, perhaps, to one day become a doting aunt. After the death of their beloved father, Martha and her two sisters must leave their home and become dependents of their aunt in London.Marrying the Belle of Edinburgh Lisa BoeroA foul murder, a beautiful widow, and one man who will risk everything for love.On a dark and lonely road, a masked gunman ends the life of the dashing Lord Carlyle. Distraught but determined, Helena, the bewitching Belle of Edinburgh, reenters London’s glittering society bent on tracking down her husband’s murderer.Lady Victoria’s Mistake Amy CorwinA dangerous rogue or a businesslike gentleman—what’s a lady to do?Lady Victoria’s parents have issued an ultimatum: marry or remain a spinster—forever. They have even prepared a marriage list of four eligible bachelors. The only problem is that none of them makes her pulse race. No one does, until she meets John Archer, a rogue her parents have forbidden her to see again.

    He has until Thanksgiving to decide if he should be the one to move to Marietta. But could he be happy living in such a small town?The Valentine QuestDustin Decker makes a strategic pact with the prim, bookish Nevada Parker for a multi-day race called The Valentine Quest. But with a kiss, their unlikely alliance turns into something more…and soon racing isn’t the only thing on their minds. As the finish line nears, they must decide if the grand prize is worth more than what they’ve found together…or if one of them will walk away empty handed—and broken hearted.The Chocolate TouchChocolate expert Chantelle Cummings arrives in Marietta, Montana with two goals—sign copies of her new book and research a quaint local chocolate shop. When she meets the gorgeous York Parker passing out chocolate samples, her visit turns sweeter than she ever imagined. But when York learns she’s moving abroad, will the truth harden his heart, or will love pave the way to a sweet future?

     HIGHLANDER IN HER BED: American tour guide Mara McDougall visits a London antique shop and spots perhaps the handsomest bed ever. Then she bumps into the most gorgeous man ever - an irresistible Highlander she can't forget. Not even when she learns that she's inherited a Scottish castle. Sir Alexander Douglas has hated Clan MacDougall since he was a medieval knight and they tricked him into a curse-the curse of forever haunting the bed (the very one that Mara now owns) that was once intended for his would-be bride. But Mara makes him feel what no other MacDougall has-a passion that he never knew he'd missed. Red-hot chemistry ignites from the moment Sir Alex and Mara meet.” ~ A Romance Review HIGHLANDER IN HER DREAMS: After stepping through a magical gateway, Kira Bedwell finds herself in fourteenth century Scotland, face-to-face with Aidan MacDonald, the irresistible Highlander who has visited her in dreams. Now that their romance transcends dreams to reality, they find themselves under attack by Aidan’s enemies. It will take all of their courage and will for their love to survive beyond time itself… Aidan is a Romantic Times K.I.S.S of the Month Hero! “Highlander in Her Dreams is a fun, sexy story. HOT.” ~ Romantic Times Magazine TALL, DARK, and KILTED: Cilla Swanner has been jilted by her lover, and she is struggling with a jewelry business that’s far from sparkling. She needs a getaway someplace quiet and remote. Someplace like Dunroamin Castle in Scotland. But what she finds there may be more than she can handle. Centuries ago, the roguish Scots knight known as Hardwick was renowned for his swordmanship, both on and off the battlefield. But a traveling bard cursed him to wander the world forever, pleasing a different woman each night with no hope of fulfillment or true love. Then Hardwick meets Cilla, who may be his only chance for salvation. “Tall, Dark, and Kilted is outlandishly funny one minute and seductively sensual the next.” ~ Wild on Books SOME LIKE IT KILTED: Mindy Menlove lives in a castle that was transported stone by stone from Scotland to Pennsylvania. When she must sell the estate, her plans soon unravel. She's bound for the Hebrides, a place she'd hoped to avoid. Once there, she's confronted by the castle's original builder, who happens to be maddeningly irresistible and seven hundred years young. Bran of Barra was a legendary Highland chieftain. Since his demise he's enjoyed his ghostly pleasures - until a feisty female from across the Atlantic claims that she's come to Scotland to restore his ancestral home. It's a task she hasn't accepted willingly, and if the roguish Bran doesn't change Mindy's mind about his bonnie homeland - and him - neither of them will ever find any peace. But unexpected passion can be the most powerful... "Bran of Barra is one of the most compelling heroes I've read. I wouldn't mind having him show up in my bedroom to carry me back in time to his castle." ~ Love Romances & More Enjoy these tales filled with Highland magic and the beauty of Scotland!

    So when I get to intern at a leading shoe brand, I think it’s my big break. But I couldn’t have messed it up more if I tried. 
Someone has stolen my designs, and the dashing Mr. Preston is making it hard to concentrate. He’s the CEO, he’s twice my age, and he’s totally out of bounds.

Can I keep my job, my dignity, and my heart, or have I just ruined my whole career before it’s even started?

Kyle
My shoe company is losing money. I should be worried, but all I can think about is the intern, Penny, and her soft curves and the delicate arches of her feet.
But she’s the intern and I won’t exploit my position, no matter how much she begs me to.
Penny is book six in the Curvy Girls Can series. Short, sweet and steamy insta-love stories about women with big curves, big attitudes, and big dreams and the alpha men who are man enough to love them.High heat, oh so sweet, and always with a happily ever after. Each book in the series is a standalone. No cliffhangers.Read less