Even more exciting, each of these stories will spin off into a series of its own. Maggie Shayne’s CHRISTMAS BLUESA true believer returns the music to a lonesome drifter’s soul.Miranda’s Shayne’s FINDING CHRISTMASA small-town coffee shop owner melts a humbug hero’s wounded heart.River Shayne’s A HERO FOR HANNAHCan a woman in grave danger learn to trust one more time?Jessica Lewis’s THE SOLDIER’S CHRISTMAS BABYA lonely serviceman comes home for a holiday he’ll never forget.Grab a cup of eggnog, curl up near the tree, and fall in love with the holidays all over again!

    But the Circle Bar B ranch isn't the haven she expects it to be. Malicious rumors about Libby are circulating through the ranch, and worse, her lifelong opponent, rancher Jess Barlowe, believes them. The cowboy is as sexy and rugged as ever…but now he's promised to keep a very close eye on her… The more time Jess spends with Libby, the harder it is to resist her. He can't get her out of his mind, but his doubts linger. Are the rumors true? Is he the man she really wants? And in the end, can a proud cowboy like Jess love a woman he can't completely trust?  FREE BONUS STORY INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME!  A Wife for a Westmoreland by New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson Derringer Westmoreland is haunted by memories of a woman whose face he cannot recall. When he finally traces his mystery woman, Lucia Conyers, she's less than impressed with his charms. For the first time in his life, if he wants to win a woman's heart, he'll have to risk his own.

     HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE (Original 1936 version) HOW TO STOP WORRYING AND START LIVING THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING Published in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People is still popular in business and Business Communication skills. It is packed with advice to create success in business and personal lives. It includes the following parts: Part One: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People Part Two: Six Ways to Make People Like You Part Three: How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking Part Four: Be a Leader - How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment HOW TO STOP WORRYING AND START LIVING, his second most popular book had the goal of leading the reader to a more enjoyable and fulfilling life, helping them to become more aware of, not only themselves, but others around them. Carnegie tries to address the everyday nuances of living, in order to get the reader to focus on the more important aspects of life. The third book, the Art of Public Speaking, was the book that taught generations of public speakers world wide, and that, even today, continues to be an unsurpassed tool of the trade.

    Wodehouse tradition, if Wodehouse had had a libido. Without meaning to, Corky Wopplesdown has just gotten sexy lingerie model, Wisper Nuckeby, fired. In an effort to somehow make things right he sets off on a wild journey to find her while in the unlikely company of a rude, horny stripper, a repressed minister, an unexpected fiancee and a comic book collecting pervert. Then Corky's car breaks down in the tiny hamlet of Nikkid Bottoms, a little, coastal village where the sun is warm, the people are nice, and the clothing is optional. Funny, edgy and wickedly satirical, this is the irreverent Chuck Austen writing at his ingeniously zany, and unbelievably outrageous best. Fully illustrated.

    D. Robb Celebrity in Death Her career in homicide has taken her into the darkest depths of New York City’s underground—and sometimes Lieutenant Eve Dallas feels more comfortable in those kinds of places than in the high-rise, high-society world of her billionaire husband, Roarke.But while she’s no party girl, she’s managing to have a reasonably good time at the celebrity-packed bash celebrating the debut of The Icove Agenda. This time it’s Eve, not Roarke, who’s a guest of honor, since the film is based on one of her famous cases. Her partner, Peabody, is practically giddy over rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty. Eve, on the other hand, is more likely to roll her eyes than have stars in them. But she has to admit it’s a little spooky seeing the actress playing her, who looks almost like her long-lost twin.Not as unsettling, though, as seeing K. T. Harris, the actress who plays Peabody—drowned in the lap pool on the roof of the director’s luxury building. Talented but rude, and widely disliked, K.T. had made an embarrassing scene during dinner. She clearly liked being the center of attention. Now she’s at the center of a crime scene—and Eve is more than ready to get out of her high heels and strap on her holster, to step into the role she was born to play: cop. Delusion in Death It was just another after-work happy-hour bar downtown, where business professionals unwound with a few drinks, complained about the boss, maybe hooked up with someone for the night. Until something went terribly wrong.At first it was just a friction in the air. The noise intensified. The crowd seemed oppressive. Some sharp words were exchanged, some pushing and shoving. Then the madness descended. And after twelve minutes of chaos and violence, eighty people lay dead.Eve Dallas is trying to sort out the inexplicable events. Surviving witnesses talk about seeing things—monsters and swarms of bees. They describe sudden, overwhelming feelings of fear and rage and paranoia. When forensics makes its report, the mass delusions make more sense: it appears the bar patrons were exposed to a cocktail of chemicals and illegal drugs that could drive people into temporary insanity—if not kill them outright. But that doesn’t explain who would unleash such horror—or why. Eve’s husband, Roarke, happens to own the bar, yet he’s convinced the attack wasn’t directed at him. It’s bigger than that.And if Eve can’t figure it out fast, it could happen again, anytime, anywhere. Because it’s airborne....

    " Harry Hunter is the new golden boy of the literary world. With his books selling by the millions, the paparazzi on his tail, and a supermodel on each arm, he seems to have the world at his feet. Women all over the world adore him but few suspect that his angelic looks hide a darker side, a side that conceals a lifetime of lies and deceit. Tor, Cress and Kate have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Through all the challenges of marriage, raising children and maintaining their high-flying careers, they have stuck together as a powerful and loyal force to be reckoned with - living proof that twenty-first-century women can have it all, and do. It is only when the captivating Harry comes into their lives that things begin to get complicated, as Tor, Cress and Kate are drawn into Harry's dangerous games . . .

    A practising lawyer, Wade is forced to confront truths that challenge his most basic notions of justice and good.Part of the Storycuts series, this short story was previously published in the collection Ford County.

    

    Merwin --Magic barrel / Bernard Malamud --About marriage / Denise Levertov --from Jane Austen / Virginia Woolf --Princess and the tin box / James Thurber.

    They'll offer you a cup of mulled cider and the story of how they met—and they'll share Helen's breathtaking adventures during the Second World War.“KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE” by Bella AndreFor Mary Sullivan Christmas has always been about family. As she hangs her ornaments, she's swept back to the first days of her whirlwind romance with her husband--and the love that would be the foundation on which they built their family.“FINDING EACH OTHER” by Melody AnneBrayden Steele gave up his love of Christmas many years ago when he lost his mother and father in a car wreck. But just because he no longer believes in Santa Clause, doesn’t mean the magic has given up on him.“BEFORE THAT PROMISE” by Violet DukeIf anyone can make Drew Lawson believe in the magic of Christmas, it's the mind-wreckingly beautiful Skylar Sullivan.  She's the girl-next-door he'd classified as completely off-limits two years ago--and she's standing on his doorstep on Christmas Eve.“CELEBRATION AFTER DARK” by Marie ForceOn the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary, Big Mac and Linda McCarthy take a look back at how they came to be, while each of their children confront a new challenge in their own lives. Come to Gansett Island to celebrate the holidays and the anniversary of the island’s most loved couple!“A DUNDEE CHRISTMAS” by Brenda NovakWelcome to Dundee, Idaho, where the town is small but the hearts of the people living in it are large. A woman seeking refuge in an unfamiliar town during a snowstorm is taken in by a man who helps her discover a new sense of home. But Ken Holbrook provides more than safety and comfort because with him, she also finds love. “UNMATCHABLE” by Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGeeAfter Jane Osborne is unceremoniously dumped by a rich man, and then invited to his wedding, on (Christmas Eve no less), she decides to hire a date from Craigslist and pass him off as an upgrade.“CHRISTMAS MIRACLE FOR DAISY” by Jane PorterWhen his goddaughter, Daisy, is orphaned, confirmed bachelor Cormac Sheenan adopts her. All goes well until Marietta's seasonal Santa Claus promises his daughter a mommy for Christmas. Cormac is livid, until his old flame Whitney Alder comes back to town.…“CHRISTMAS WISH: A HOPE FALLS HOLIDAY NOVELLA” by Melanie ShawnFor the movie star and the single mom, will a Christmas Wish become their new reality? “A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE” by RaeAnne ThayneWidow and caterer Jenna Wheeler is determined to spin Christmas into the stuff of magic for her four children, even if that means helping out her new landlord, sexy billionaire Carson McRaven. At first, Carson wants nothing to do with Jenna, children or the holidays, but he has a little to learn about the spirit of Christmas."THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS" by Melinda CurtisSimon Castle' s on his way to a make-or-break meeting unseasonably scheduled for December 25--until the gorgeous redhead subbing for his limo driver takes him on a detour.“GINGERBREAD DREAMS” by Anna J. StewartCan carpenter Hamish MacFadden show free-spirit Essie Goodman how magical family--and Christmas--can be?

    But some crabby bureaucrat is standing between him and the permits he needs. He's surprised to discover the culprit is actually beautiful, young Shannon Morgan, and even more shocked when fireworks ignite between them. Unmasking Love: Sparks fly when Julie Payne meets Trace Watkins at a costume party, and they end the night beneath the sheets while literally hiding behind their masks. When the holiday hook-up ends, their real identities present a serious snag: Trace manages the bank Julie happens to be suing. But will they turn this nasty trick of fate into a treat? Lights, Latkes, and Love: Non-profit CEO David Shay can't get enough of the December festivities. As manager of a large retail store, Hannah Jenkins, on the other hand, turns into a jaded Scrooge every year on Black Friday. Can a nice Jewish boy - with the help of some Christmas lights, a little girl, and a latke party - teach Hannah the true meaning of the season and guarantee them both a New Year's Eve kiss to remember? Ringing in Love: When entrepreneur and single mother Catherine Bennett leases office space in Dominic Russo's building, she can't keep her mind - or her eyes - off her new landlord. Only problem is, he happens to be a known womanizer . . . and her professional rival. Then he offers her an irresistible chance at winning a huge contract if she partners with his company. Catherine must decide whether mixing business with pleasure might not be such a bad idea this New Year's Eve. The Gift of Love: Isabella Rodriguez received the worst birthday gift ever - an eviction notice from her family home. Adrift, she accepts an unexpected promotion and transfers to Seattle where she meets Taylor Jordan at a business mixer. They're drawn to each other like candles to a cake. But when Taylor discovers Bella was behind one of the most humiliating experiences of his life, will they be able to find a future together? Thankful for Love: Rancher Jack Richardson needs someone to wrangle his two sons, and Quanna Morales needs a steady job to fund her education and help support her disabled brother. But despite a working relationship, the two can't fight their attraction, even though Quanna worries his family and friends won't accept her Indian heritage. When her worst fears come true and a feud erupts at the Thanksgiving table, will Jack be able to convince her that their love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle? Sensuality Level: Sensual

    Abduction is a high-tech thriller about a mysterious transmission from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean that will change everything you know about life on Earth. Two great thriller by the master of the medical thriller.

    She's thrilled to be able to meet the band backstage, and when the guitarist takes her aside, the sparks that fly between them could light a bonfire...He's a lead guitarist who can't shake his inner demons.Julian Bremmer is a musician struggling with alcohol and his band's newfound success. Girls throw themselves at him because he's a rock star, but all of the attention doesn't stop him from feeling empty inside. When he meets Shannon, he can't help but wonder if she's just the next girl who wants him for his fame...Fate has thrown them together, but will the world pull them apart?From jealous bandmates to drunken brawls, from the sunny rock concerts in San Diego to the steamiest bedroom scenes in Paris, this collection brings together all of Shannon and Julian's stories!EXCERPT:Julian reached up and brushed a lock of red hair behind her ear. His fingers tickled slightly, and she winced."Shannon, there is nobody I'd rather be with than you. But you said yourself that this was an important semester."It was true. Shannon had a big photography project due to her advisor by the end of the semester, the beginning of her senior thesis to outline, and a ton of other stuff to get done. But now Julian was going to be in Europe on tour with Wilder Side, her roommate Brynn was leaving to go to an internship in Budapest. Shannon had never felt so alone in her life. So abandoned."I don't want you to go without me," she said, tears spilling over her dark red lashes. "I don't want to be apart.""We'll still be touring when you go on break," Julian said. "I'll buy you tickets to fly out then. It's not that long to wait.""It's long enough." Shannon knew Julian was right, but she didn't have to like it."Then we'll just have to make the most of our time before I leave." Julian kissed the side of her neck and slid one hand along the bottom edge of her skirt, sending a thrill of excitement down Shannon's body. God, he was incredibly sexy. She pretended to resist, leaning away as he moved to kiss her again."Oh, so it's like that, huh?" Julian teased. "Maybe," Shannon said. "Maybe I'll just have to tie you up and take you anyway I want," Julian said. A wide grin spread over his face. How could she be mad at him when he looked at her with such desire in his eyes?"Maybe," she said, wiggling happily as he clasped one arm tightly around her waist. "Fine, then," Julian said. He swept the suitcase to the floor with his free arm, sending her clothes flying everywhere."Julian!" "Shannon!"Shannon could only gasp as his strong arms picked her up and threw her bodily across the bed. She rolled to one side but he pinned her shoulders down with his hands. "Julian!""Sorry, you asked for it." He kissed her throat, tickling the base of her neck with his breath. Tremors ran through her body and she felt herself become instantly wet as he darted his tongue out to her skin. Oh god.Julian touched her like no other man had ever touched her before. His hands possessed her, claimed her, moved her in a way she hadn't even imagined could be possible. Even a light stroke of his fingers along her thigh sent her into a dizziness that took her a half hour to overcome. And now he was moving his mouth along her collarbone, his teeth gently biting down on her skin, then retreating. It was too much for her body to handle."Julian, please," she said. "That's a good girl," he whispered in her ear.

    When empath Jade Calhoun moves into an apartment above a strip bar on Bourbon Street, she expects life to get interesting. What she doesn't count on is making friends with an exotic dancer, attracting a powerful spirit, and developing feelings for Kane, her sexy landlord. Being an empath has never been easy on Jade's relationships. It's no wonder she keeps her gift a secret. But when the ghost moves from spooking Jade to terrorizing Pyper, the dancer, it's up to Jade to use her unique ability to save her. Except she'll need Kane's help--and he's betrayed her with a secret of his own--to do it. Can she find a way to trust him and herself before Pyper is lost?Witches of Bourbon StreetJade Calhoun was never fond of her empath abilities. Now she's discovered she has another gift she'd rather not unwrap--magic. But when her mentor, Bea, becomes gravely ill and insists Jade's the only one who can help, she's forced to embrace her witchy side.It's too bad she spent a decade shunning the magical community and never learned to harness her powers. Because time's run out. A trapped spirit has revealed a clue to Jade's long-lost mother. The resident angel has gone rogue and disappeared with Jade's boyfriend, Kane. And if that wasn't enough, her ex appears to be possessed.To save any of them, Jade will need to find a way to control her inner white witch--without succumbing to black magic. Otherwise, she'll lose everything...including her soul.

    Being the lone mechanic in Sapphire Falls hasn’t left him with a whole lot of free time and up until now, he hasn’t minded. But now that the business is finally solid, he decides to take a weekend just for himself to try and figure out what his next big thing in life should be. He never expected the answer to be found on the side of the highway…All Chloe Holland wanted was the chance to live the life she wanted without dealing with other people’s expectations. That’s what had spurred her last-minute cross-country trip. If only her car had cooperated. Stranded on the side of the road left her feeling as if her great adventure was over before it had even began. Little did she know, it was really just the beginning of her greatest adventure yet.