As sea levels rise and livable landmasses shrink, the Reorganized United States of America has instituted population control measures to ensure there are sufficient resources and food to sustain the growing population. Birth authorization must be paid for and obtained prior to having a child. Someone must die before another can be born, keeping the country in a population neutral position at what experts consider to be the optimal population. The new laws are enforced by a ruthless government organization known as Pop Con, responsible for terminating any children resulting from unauthorized births, and any illegals who manage to survive past their second birthday, at which point they are designated a national security threat and given the name Slip. But what if one child slipped through the cracks? What if someone knew all the loopholes and how to exploit them? Would it change anything? Would the delicate resource balance be thrown into a tailspin, threatening the lives of everyone? And how far would the government go to find and terminate the Slip? In a gripping story of a family torn apart by a single choice, Slip is a reminder of the sanctity of a single life and the value of the lives we so often take for granted.

    Loretta Drennan learns about her stepfather’s plot to sicken her mother and take over the family business in Chicago. Letty flees to Montana in search of her brother, Johnny, to seek his help. Traveling alone, she meets Paul Slater who claims to own a ranch with Johnny as his partner. He offers to escort her on the two-day journey to their ranch in Morgan’s Crossing. Hoping to out-run a looming snowstorm, they instead get stranded in a cabin. Days later they finally reach their destination. Reunited with her brother she pleads her case for him to return home. Johnny wants to help but his share of stocks will not give him the needed votes to gain control of the family company. Letty can only get her shares when she turns twenty-five or by marrying. Paul steps in to help by offering to wed his friend’s sister. They plan a wedding, in name-only, but there are real underlying feelings. When left alone at the ranch house the truth begins to come out. But the honeymoon is interrupted when a stranger shows up and kidnaps the bride. Can Paul save the woman he’s fallen in love with before it’s too late?

    He needs to move fast to make sure everyone around him believes he is getting married for real and to the right woman, even if it’s for only two years. Anjali never expected a complete stranger to propose a marriage contract as if he were offering her a job with a salary and benefits package, especially the first time they meet. What he offers is tempting enough for her to give in, so she can fulfill her dream and keep the promise she made to a loved one. For their friends and family, Dheeraj and Anjali are a loving couple who fell in love at first sight, but they both have an agenda. Their reasons for the marriage contract were different, but what they never expected is what happens when two people start living under the same roof pretending to be a couple. Sparks fly and butterflies flutter between stolen kisses, but when they start to find out more about each other’s reason for the fake marriage, will they still honor the contract? Will love make its way into the contract as a clause? Note: This is a stand-alone romance with a passionate couple who finds their HEA. This book is recommended for mature readers.

    Now Celia would accompany him to beautiful Catalina for a family wedding. There he would wine, dine and seduce the stunning ad executive…for he knew she desired him. Yet how would she react when Evan told her she’d be playing the role of his fake fiancée? Money Man’s Fiancée Negotiation Finally, Ash Williams had found his runaway mistress. Melody Trent couldn’t even remember him, but Ash was determined to discover the truth. Had he fathered her child? And the only way to bring her to his home was to claim her as his fiancée – even if she had no memory of him whatsoever! KINGS OF THE BOARDROOM They need the right women to melt their steel-hard hearts!

    Each one guarantees no cliffhangers or cheating, so you can enjoy every word to its maximum pleasure. To top it off, a unique HEA to make your heart swell. Enjoy reading! ~ Natasha L. Black

    But their greatest wish is to bring holiday happiness to those around them. To you, our dear readers, we offer these gifts of joy at Christmas time. New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors have mingled Christmas dreams and composed beautiful love stories that range from sweet to spicy, with romance and suspense, to keep you entertained and dreaming in Unforgettable Christmas Dreams. Firelight Confession: .Rebecca York, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Mail order bride hiding a secret that can destroy her marriage before it has a chance to succeed. Christmas Delivery: .Patricia Rosemoor, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: He “returned from the dead” seeking revenge...only to reconnect with the girl he loved, and the daughter they conceived thirteen years ago. A Rancher in her Stocking: .Leanne Banks, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: When a holiday-happy school teacher gets stuck staying with a sexy, grumpy rancher at Christmas time, can she persuade him to embrace the season – and her? Please Keep Me: .Mimi Barbour, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: A homeless pup adores the child & his new master falls for her Mom. Christmas Miracle: .Patrice Wilton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Can these two wounded people, an ex-marine sniper and a broken heart nurse, open their hearts to the miracle of Christmas? Secret Santa By The Sea: .Traci Hall, USA Today bestselling author: Now back in her small town, Serenity faces the man who’d broken her heart. She finds out the truth behind why he’d once set her free. Christmas in the Sand: .Jen Talty, USA Today bestselling author: Not only could her dreams go up in smoke, but if she’s not careful, she’ll end up giving her heart away. Lost and Found Family: .Dani Haviland, USA Today bestselling author: Sometimes it takes decades to find your true family …but only a moment to lose them. A Complete Family: .Mona Risk, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Her hands full with a little daughter, a ferocious German Shepherd, a meddling sick neighbor, and a charming but nosey boss, Nurse Melody dreams of a happy family. Three French Hens: .Nancy Radke, USA Today bestselling author: When you find something precious —like love— you give everything you own to keep it. Sparkles of the Season: .Susan Jean Ricci, USA Today bestselling author: Two unlikely couples rediscover love and commitment, after a magical meeting with Saint Nick.

    

    It’s finally time to get up close and personal with this hot couple in their very own novella, Walkout. Get ready to discover what happens when Dallas chases Melissa all the way to Sydney to claim her back. From her one visit to Melbourne and the Hawks MC compound, Melissa Stevenson knows Dallas is who she wants. There’re just a few problems with that: he’s a douche, a pain in the arse, and a stubborn, sexist pig. Still, it’s a whole heap of fun to tease her Viking man. Relationship. Dallas Gan hates the word. As far as he’s concerned, women are nothing but a good time between the sheets. It’s only when the sassy Melissa shows up that he realises some women give as good as they get. Now she’s under his skin and he can’t seem to get her out. Even with the warning from Dallas that once he claims her, he will come for her wherever she is, Melissa leaves. It’s now just a matter of time before he makes good on his promise. Wading through lies and danger, Dallas has a decision to make. Is it easier to walkout on love and never look back, or will he give that dreaded “relationship” word a chance? Hear Me Out Fear keeps the truth away from his brothers. Fear and pain keeps him away from the man he loves. Hawks MC member Maddox “Beast” Lawson had a difficult time growing up. Tired of being ridiculed because of his effed-up brain-to-mouth connection, it was easier to say nothing at all. Living in silence worked out just fine until that b*tch called Fate took his hearing, not only that, but she also threw him into the arms of the man who refuses to acknowledge that one hot night they shared. Jay Conger, Knife to his brothers, loves pussy. Licking, fingering, screwing, he’ll take it any way it’s offered. After one surprising night with Beast, to say he’s freaked out is an understatement. Hell, even bananas have taken on a new meaning, and thinking about a certain someone’s body is too much. Unable to think straight, Knife is at an impasse, not only with his traitorous desire but with his heart. Both lives are going to change. Only will it be for the better? Break Out (novella) Pain. It was something Finn “Handle” Kaidion knew well after losing his wife. Pain was what kept him guarded against any further relationships. Pain was also something Mardella “Della” Kent felt after losing her sister and from being dragged into the pits of hell by a madman. Only he was no longer an issue. Instead, having her parents turn their back on her was a new reason pain kept beating at her door. Can two people learn to trust and live free from their past sorrows? Fallout Poppy Torian has been in love with Jerimiah since she moved to Caroline Springs. Only he didn’t know she existed until her dad joined his father’s MC club, the Venoms. Friends. It’s what she's been resigned to, but Poppy wants more. Biding her time, a few years to be exact, she goes to make her move. But when she overhears Jerimiah saying things that crack her heart, she runs. In an emotional state, she makes a grave mistake and heads directly into the path of trouble. Poppy has no choice but to leave town; it’s the only way to protect the people she loves. Jerimiah “Fang” Liang has dealt with a lot of crap in his life.

    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!

    ADDICTED TO YOU is for a mature audience, due to sexual situations and language.***Dangerous. Sexy. Damaged. These are the words used to describe Justin Brown.Intelligent. Capable. Responsible.These are the words used to describe Lindsay Cramer.Irresistible. Addicting. Passionate.These are the words used to describe their relationship.Good girl Lindsay Cramer has her life completely in order, and she keeps her goals on a checklist -- obtain scholarship to Ivy League University, finish undergrad, and move on to med school. She’s worked hard to get where she is, and she’s determined not to let anything – or anyone -- get in her way.Until she meets Justin Brown. JB is gorgeous, and the kind of guy who is all wrong for Lindsay -- the kind of guy who is all wrong for anyone . He drinks, he fights, and he has a secret past Lindsay’s not so sure she wants to know about.But when the two of them are together, Lindsay can’t help but lose herself in him. It’s the way his eyes burn when he looks at her. The way his smile makes her dizzy. The way his hands feel on her body.Soon, Lindsay and Justin are completely addicted to each other. But when their dangerous game culminates with Lindsay having to make a shocking choice, will she be able to keep JB in her life? And if so, will she lose everything in the process?EXCERPT:I hesitated. Should I really be doing this? A weird shiver of fear slid up my spine. I had no idea who this guy was, or what he was doing here. Last night he was acting like a complete thug, and tonight he was dressed like an investment banker. Every part of me was screaming that this guy was bad news.But I didn’t care. Something about him was captivating me, pushing me towardhim and whatever that entailed, even if it turned out to be bad.I headed out the door, and as I walked back across campus, I had to resist the urge to run. Justin was unpredictable – what if I got back there, and he was gone?But he wasn’t gone. He was sitting on a bench.“Ready?” he asked.I took a deep breath. “Ready.”

    Now he’s back in town to help with a memorial in honor of his fallen military buddy. This time it’s not just about what’s right. It’s about ensuring that a secret never comes to light. A secret that only he and his friend’s ex-girlfriend know…Clothing designer Shelby Monroe has always felt an illicit something for Eli. But when the two find themselves working together to ensure the media never discover the truth about the town’s fallen hero, temptation unfurls…hot, wicked and irresistible. How far can they bend the rules before they break?Uniformly Hot!The Few. The Proud. The Sexy as Hell.

    That didn't stop them from falling in love eight years ago...before Beau crushed her heart. Now Mandy is back in Texas and Beau is determined to show her just how much the two of them belong together, despite their different lives.Loves Me, Loves Me Not by Karen SandlerIt's ice meeting fire when straight-laced school principal Katherine meets her polar opposite Steve, the freewheeling, computer-game playing father of one of her students. Katherine wants everything between them to be aboveboard and proper, but sexy Steve just wants to have fun. Can they find a way to meet in the middle and find love?Bluebells on the Hill by Barbara McMahon When country-western singing star Amanda buys a remote cabin to use as a retreat between tours, the last thing she expects is a rancher bent on claiming that land for his own. Totally opposite in outlook and lifestyles, can these two reach a compromise that will suit them both?Each of these full length romance novel are available for sale separately. Get the Box Set at a deep discount.

    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.

    Then she met Denison Adams, a tall, handsome rancher from Oklahoma, who was trying to break into the song-writing world. Denison was attracted to the sassy Retta from the first, but he had no intentions of getting involved with any woman who didn’t accept him for what he was.