In order to earn a spot on his Jarl’s voyage, he must compete against his fellow Northmen in games of strength and skill. But when he learns that the prize for winning the competition is the hand of the dark-haired beauty he met only days ago, will he be forced to choose between his dreams and his heart? Eyva wants nothing more than to train as a shieldmaiden, but her parents refuse, hoping to yoke her to their Northland farm forever. When they put her up as the bride prize for their village’s festivities, she fears she will never escape the fate of a grueling life on her parents’ farm. But Tarr’s longing gaze and soft kisses just might give her the courage to fight for herself—and for their budding love. *This is a novella in the Viking Lore series and features all the beloved characters from Enthralled, Shieldmaiden’s Revenge, and Desire’s Hostage. Although it is meant to take place between Shieldmaiden’s Revenge (Book 2) and Desire’s Hostage (Book 3), it can be read as a stand-alone novella. **This novella was originally published in the Sirens of the Northern Seas collection in January, 2016.

    But could meeting the right man at the wrong time cause them to break their vows to each other?Kinsley King loves her lavish lifestyle as one of Manhattan’s most in-demand real estate brokers. She’s worked hard to get to the top, and she’s not backing down now… But when her favorite aunt bequests her a wildlife sanctuary in the middle of nowhere, she has a tough decision to make: honor her aunt’s last wish or put the property on the market and maintain the life she adores.Dylan Reese, on the other hand, thinks life off the grid is just about perfect. That is, until the owner of the wildlife sanctuary he manages dies suddenly and leaves the place to her spoiled city-slicker niece. Now he, too, has a choice: leave it all behind or swallow his pride and take orders from a woman who wants no part of this particular commitment.Sparks fly in this opposites attract sweet romance as Kinsley finds herself falling for the swoon-worthy sanctuary manager, causing her to rethink the no marriage vow she made with her girlfriends, while Dylan wonders how he’s going to keep from losing his heart to the one woman who’s sure to break it.

    He walls off his heart, placing his attention solely on his cotton crops and raising his two young children. He counts heavily on his sister’s help, not only with running the home, but in caring for his traumatized children—particularly his son who hasn’t spoken since his mother’s death. When Quincy’s sister announces her betrothal and imminent move across the country, Quincy is frantic. How can he survive without Helena’s help? But Helena has an idea. She sends for a Mail Order Bride for him. At first angry, Quincy finally agrees to a marriage of convenience. But Alma Fairman has different ideas. She wants romance, a beau who loves her, and a real marriage. So when she gets to Arkansas, she is devastated. Quincy’s two beautiful children are her only consolation. When she succeeds in getting Quincy’s son to talk, she prays that this might become the catalyst that sparks affection between herself and Quincy. But she is completely unprepared for his reaction. And then tragedy strikes. It seems like Alma will never find the love she desires. Nor will Quincy—unless he’s courageous enough to open up his heart one last time.

    Loren is perceived as a child as thin as a rail with mud caked hair when Old Tom and his boys come across Thad Walters on their way to town. Rather than take the chance that Miss Pearl won't offer him enough money for a visit at Pearl's brothel, Old Tom decides to convince Thad to buy her. Thad knew that he would do everything in his power to get the child away from the men that had her tied behind their horse half dragging her to town. When he finally payed them enough to get four steak dinners and one roll in the hay for Old Tom, he took her to his ranch planning to take the child to the next town where she could be taken in by a good family. To his surprise, when she got all the mud off, he found her to be a beautiful woman, not a child at all.

    When the 8th Earl of Staton dies, his eldest son, the unreliable Richard, inherits the title and the family’s home—Hembry Castle. The Earl's niece, the American-born Daphne, is intrigued by Edward Ellis, a rising author with a first-hand knowledge of Hembry Castle—from the servants’ hall. And Edward, though captivated by the lovely Daphne, has his own hurdles he must overcome. Can Richard come to terms with his title before bringing ruin on his family? Will Edward and Daphne find their way to each other despite the obstacles of life at Hembry Castle? When It Rained at Hembry Castle is a page-turning, romantic novel with vivid characters and an engrossing story that will keep you guessing until the end.

    English lords are notoriously egotistical, self-absorbed, and independent creatures. So when one of them admits that a woman has made him a better man, that admission goes against everything he’s convinced himself is possible. In this collection you will meet four such fellows! Four scoundrels of differing shades of arrogance and pride who are about to lose their hearts in the most enticing, unexpected, blindingly stubborn ways.HIS WICKED EMBRACEby USAToday Bestselling Author Lauren SmithA kidnapped Persian princess was the last thing he expected to find when Lawrence Russell went under cover for the Bow Street Runners. But with one look at her terrified eyes, he knew he had to save her. And in doing so, he knew she’d made of him a better man. Still in danger of being discovered by her obsessed captor, the half-English princess Lady Zehra is left with only one request of her handsome savior. “Take me to bed. I wish to see the stars again.”THE SECRET SCOUNDRELby Kristin Gabriel, two-time Rita winner and author of the Harlequin book made into the television movie Recipe for RevengeOne stolen vase, two captured hearts. Miss Diana Harwood was too tall to gain a fellow’s interest, and Colin Sinclair, Marquess of Thorne and Viscount Thorne, was too much of a rogue to tempt any clear-thinking maiden. But when neither can manage to win the upper hand, their only recourse is to collaborate in finding the priceless Chinese vase Thorne was hired to recover…and leave their hearts perilously unguarded.ONE DUKE OR ANOTHERBook Three of The Trevorsby USAToday Bestselling author Ella QuinnShe was perfect for him. Now all Guy Paulet, heir to the Bolton dukedom, had to do was convince Lady Aglaia to jilt his uncle, defy her father, and marry him in less than a month. After all, she absolutely could not be allowed to marry a man who had murdered his four previous wives.A SCOUNDREL AT HEARTBook Five of Ransomed Jewelsby Amazon bestselling author Laura LandonHe was blind to love. The fire that had left Lord Thomas Renfrew terribly disfigured had seen to that. Even when faced with the heart-shattering love offered by the beautiful Lady Cleora, he couldn’t see a way to unleash the passion that filled him in her presence. Until she was freed from her own prison, and took him into her heart—scars and all.

    At least, not until she met the straitlaced Earl of Claymere, the most unattainable bachelor in all of England who made it known to one and all that he would not marry for at least another decade.No one could have predicted...Claymere had never met anyone like the bold and beautiful Miss Barnett, and her effect upon his senses was dizzying. One passionate embrace led to another, and suddenly, Claymere could not imagine a life without her. He proposed, and she rejected his proposal. A year ago, he would have felt relieved. But not now.

    Now, they face a new, unforeseen threat. In a divided world between politics and religion, the young King James V faces a threat from his own people. As civil wars break out amongst the highland clans, James recruits a secret group of warriors for protection. He calls them, the Protectors of the Crown.Ian MacKay has one mission; to defend the crown no matter the cost. Along with his men, Ian’s mission is to hunt down one of the most dangerous men in the Highlands. While on his journey, venturing into unfriendly territory, he comes across a lass on enemy land that he takes for ransom. However, as events unfold, truths come to light and passions are awakened. Is it Ian whose been captured by her instead?Keira Sinclair has lived a life of peace and simplicity until now. With her clan on the verge of losing everything, she is forced to wed a Laird from a neighboring clan to ensure that hers survives. During her travels to her new home, her carriage is attacked and Keira is taken hostage by a ruthless man. Caught in the middle of a war that she does not understand, will her secrets be safe, or will she succumb to the Highland warrior who now threatens to capture her heart?

    Drawn to the wild landscape, Iris hopes to forget the burdens of her past: her father’s death, a narrow life in a small-minded town. But the dilapidated manor houses its own secrets. There are strange cries in the night, and is the stoic housekeeper Mrs McInnes all she seems? Iris begins to have disturbing dreams about the maze, planted centuries ago in the manor grounds to honour the ‘old ways’, concealing something even older. “Even on that first night, I dreamt. A presence, in the darkness.” Despite the consuming task of refurbishing the manor as a guesthouse, Iris increasingly feels the brooding presence of Neas and Eachinn, the two brutish farmhands who seem as much a part of Dorchadas House as the old maze. As autumn wanes and Samhain Eve approaches, the island folk prepare to honour the dead and the Goddess Nicneven, as they have done for generations past. “The women play their part, too. We’re the most important, you could say …” Has something more than chance drawn her to Eirig? 'Dorchadas House' is a 1940s Gothic mystery, combining elements of folk-horror with adult themes.

    When she visits the Maitland Manor to discover those answers, she finds only secrets…haunting secrets that leave her wondering who she can trust. Should she trust her feelings for the one man who hides from the world—the man who might put her in danger?Justin Maitland hasn’t been human for over a year. He knows things about his family—things that could destroy Victoria. The only way to help her is to send her back home without learning anything. Yet, how can he let her go when he’s given her his heart?

    Imagine Lucius’s surprise when Eldon shows up in Cutter’s Creek! But even though Eldon’s bank account makes it appear he has everything a man could want, his brother has something far more precious. A wife. Can Eldon find the same happiness? After all, the pickings in Cutter’s Creek aren’t just slim, they’re practically non-existent! Agatha Shrewsbury has lived with the Bridger family for five long grueling years. More a slave than a member of the family, she finally reaches the breaking point. Will she ever know happiness? Or only toil and ridicule at the hands of her “keepers”? A lonely man, a desperate woman, one Christmas festival, a mean-spirited family, and one … well, you’ll find out. Mix them together and you have a Recipe for Christmas! Enjoy this clean and wholesome, sweet historical, holiday romance!

    A scandalous affair. One unique love story. Anne is condemned to a life of loneliness. Until one day, through a massive crowd in London's Cheapside, she sees a man who instantly makes her heart flutter. Their eyes meet in a unique passionate moment... and then she is forced to flee.Overwhelmed by the hardships of her life, Anne is certain that she won't see him again. But fate had other, more sinister plans. When her dear friend Katharine introduces her new intended, Henry, Anne recognizes him immediately...What follows for Anne and Henry is a tale of forbidden passion, friendship, heartbreak, and danger. The closer these two get together, the more they put themselves and everyone they love at risk. The forbidden fruit never tasted sweeter...

    Ten New York Times, USA Today or Internationally bestselling authors bring you their twist on the holidays using some of your favorite characters in STARS ARE BRIGHTLY SHINING . This collection includes: "Heart of Thanks" by Paula Quinn -  ‘Tis the season of miracles, and when Elysande MacPherson begins falling in love with the son of her father's worst enemy, she's going to need one. A very big one. "The Hope of Love" by Meara Platt - Felicity Billings, raised as an orphan, has always hoped for a family of her own. Will her wish come true when she takes a tumble and Wellesford's handsome doctor comes to the rescue? "A Christmas Kiss for the Highlander" by Collette Cameron - A prisoner of his past, Quinn Catherwood scorns heritage and kin. Skye Hendron cherishes family and traditions, and she offers him freedom and a future…but can he pay the price? "Christmas Heart" by Mary Lancaster - A quarrel with her husband sees the Duchess of Alvan travelling to her parents’ home for Christmas. But the road is blocked by snow and there is no room at the Hart Inn… "Starlight Night" by Alexa Aston - A child from the streets. A couple with love in their heart. A warm, wonderful Christmas. "One Beastly Christmas" by Sydney Jane Baily - A frigid Christmas Eve, an infuriated husband, and beloved family members gone missing. Forlorn Lady Lindsey needs a holiday miracle, or maybe three! "Warming Winter's Heart" by Elizabeth Ellen Carter - Julian Winter has had his heart broken a time of two. And he's tired of his well-meaning family trying to set him up with yet another vapid debutante. His attitude to attending a winter house party is frosty indeed until he meets fellow guest Caroline, a widow with a young son. As Christmas draws near Julian finds there is warmth in Winter's heart, after all. "A Bunch of Mistletoe" by Lynne Connolly - When Matilda, chaperone and aunt to the most scandalous family in London, takes a tumble from a tree, she's rescued by the most unlikely saviour. Toplofty stickler Harold, the Duke of Trensom, is more than annoyed to find Matilda on his property. Worse when he finds himself falling for her. "A Solitary Candle" by Avril Borthiry - Lost in a winter storm, a cold-hearted man is drawn to a flicker of light in the darkness. Will he find the warmth he seeks? "A Merry MacNaughton Mishap" by Aubrey Wynne - When Calum MacNaughton rescues a rival clan member from an icy drowning, he is unexpectedly rewarded with the clansman’s most precious possession. Now Calum has until Twelfth Night to convince her to stay. From Dragonblade to you, we wish you a very happy holiday season! (Note: This collection will be approx. 500 pages)

    If mice in the walls and holes in the roof aren't bad enough, someone wants her to believe the place is haunted. But Portia doesn't scare that easily, even if catching sight of the brooding ghost leaves her strangely breathless. When he was accused of murdering his fiancée a decade ago, Giles Ashburne fled the country to his supposed death. Now he’s returned to the Hall to uncover the evidence that will exonerate him, only to find himself playing a ghost in his own home. Nothing he does drives Portia away, and worse, the stubborn chit is starting to grow on him. The more Portia learns about Giles Ashburne, the more certain she becomes that her ghost is not only innocent, but far from dead. When she sets out to prove it, she puts herself on a crash course with not only Giles, but the real killer. If Giles and Portia don't learn to stop striking sparks off each other and work together, there will soon be two ghosts at Ashburne Hall.

    Vincent, spinster sister of the Devil Duke of Enwright, finds herself in something of a quandary. While attending Lord Raynecourt's annual holiday house party she has been relentlessly pursued by a veritable army of men after her hand in marriage. Not to mention her obscenely sizeable dowry. She is at her wit's end when the dashing Lord Fitzherbert Frost, the current Earl of Houghton, appears as if by magic and comes to her rescue, saving her from yet another fortune hunter. Now paired with Lord Frost during a rather absurd treasure hunt through the manor house, Amelia must decide if she is willing to trade one night in the earl's bed for a lifetime of ruination. Or whether the magical power of love can melt even the frostiest of hearts before it is too late. This 36,300-word novella, which is a companion piece to the "Tales From Seldon Park" series, is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter and sexier read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences.