8 scorching tales from The Minxes of Romance.Romance is in the air for Coombethwaite’s retained firefighters, and none of them will escape its heat unscorched! MEMORY’S FLAME by Maya BlakeA fiery reunion – when Ellie returns after twelve long years to bury her grandfather, the last person she expects to see is her first love, Jake Spencer. One look, one touch and they know memory's flame is as sizzling as ever!THE FIRE INSIDE by Romy SommerFire fighter Sam Redfern is used to being seen as just one of the boys. Until TV talent scout and celebrity Ryan Morgan shows up in Coombethwaite and starts to make her feel very much like a woman. A woman with needs.A SMOULDERING ATTRACTION by Suzanna RossShelley Fox is finished with all things romantic. So is Harrison Reid - until he meets Shelley and realises he might easily be persuaded otherwise.LOCKED INTO LOVE by Catherine ColesJournalist Cassie Parker returns to Coombethwaite with her dream in tatters—the last thing she needs is to rely on her ex for anything but on her second day back she needs hunky fireman Ben Spencer to release her from handcuffs!HOT, BOTHERED AND BEWITCHED by Kat FrenchAll alone on her birthday, Wiccan vet Seraphine conjures up more than she bargained for when she casts a Halloween love spell. Five minutes later a knock on the door heralds the arrival of handsome fireman Isaac Quinn, complete with a stray black cat. Is it just coincidence, or has Mother Nature answered Seraphine's request with lightning speed?LIGHTING LOVE’S SPARK by Sally ClementsPrimary school teacher Annabel Jackson knows flirting with the parents is a no-no, but when single father Daniel Walker arrives at Coombethwaite Primary in full fire fighter garb clutching an axe, how can she resist?WORTH THE RISK by Tara PammiBaker Annie Bennett has always stood on the sidelines while life passed her by. And it has brought Annie nothing but loneliness. With the New Year coming in, Annie decides it's time to come back home, risk her heart with the man she's always loved. Will her risk pay off or will Marcus never see her as anything but his best friend?A KINDLING ROMANCE by Lorraine WilsonStressed out lawyer Polly Minton felt trapped in her city job and now she's trapped again, this time in a Lake District chimney; hunky fire fighter and local landowner Drew Reynolds has problems of his own but will he be the one to set her free in more ways than one?

     Do you like puppets? Well, we have a marvelous one. This poor little thing was left all alone to die, only to wake up with a taste for revenge. If smiling, red-nosed clowns bore you, you’ve come to the right place. Just follow the bloody path of mutilated clowns, and it will lead you to a room filled with gruesome revelations. But that’s not all. Ready for a mind-bending experience? Wonderful! Our contortionist won’t just showcase her extreme flexibility, she’ll also shock you with her insatiable appetite. Want to know her secret? She’s cursed—but shhhhhh, don’t tell. So grab your friends and join us as we create the most bone-chilling atmosphere. Because we’re coming to your town… …and we’re bringing the Carnival of Fear.

    What's better than one deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday story? Four of them, from some of today's bestselling authors.From KASIE WEST, a snowy road trip takes an unexpected detour when secrets and crushes are revealed.From AIMEE FRIEDMAN, a Hanukkah miracle may just happen when a Jewish girl working as a department store elf finds love.From MELISSA DE LA CRUZ, Christmas Eve gets a plot twist when a high school couple exchange surprising presents.From NIC STONE, a scavenger hunt amid the holiday crowds at an airport turns totally romantic.So grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle up, and get ready to fall in love...

    When Office Steve Coleman pulls him over and gives him a speeding ticket, he doesn’t react well. He’s even less happy when he discovers the cop lives next door to his parents’ house. No matter where they turn this holiday season, Steve and Mason keep running into each other, and whenever they talk for more than a minute, they piss each other off. But from wayward dogs to Christmas tree hunts to maple syrup festivals, it proves impossible to avoid each other in the small town. If Mason can see the good man behind the badge, he might just get a cop for Christmas.

    Taming my Christmas Rogue by Tammy Andresen Miss Danielle Frazier is far too virtuous for his tastes… so why can’t he stop thinking about her? He must take drastic measures. His plan? Steal one kiss. Except for from the moment their lips touch, nothing goes the way it’s supposed to and kisses under the mistletoe rarely end romantic fantasy. Now Drew has a new problem entirely… for the first time in his life, he might be falling in love. His Lady Smuggler by Tamara Gill May Stanford, lady smuggler is forced to go up against the Earl of Grandison, her father’s guest for Christmas and a man who’s determined to see her and her merry bandits brought to justice. Christmas Seduction by Samantha Holt In a time when arranged marriages had little to do with love, Alexander never expected a love match. Neither did Emma--but she had hoped for more than being abandoned instantly! However, Alexander is back and if there is ever a time for romance and second chances, it's Christmas. Winter Wishes by Scarlett Scott A duke in need of a bride meets his match in a lady who has no intention of becoming his duchess. Will their hearts find love before Christmas? Devil at the Gates by Lauren Smith A duke with a dark past rescues a the daughter of a fencing master. What begins as a battle of wills becomes a battle of heart as Christmas works its magic. An Unwelcome Proposal by Bree Wolf A chance encounter. An unexpected proposal. And an undeniable love. All his life, WESLEY EVERETT has watched other men fall in love. Now, when he finally does find a woman who brings a flutter to his heart, she could not be less interested. Will Wesley take 'no' for an answer? Or will he be able to convince Christine that marriage is far from boring?

    Leland isn’t just his boss, though. He’s the son of the company’s CEO. And Brian has fallen in love. Hurt by too many stolen kisses and nooners at seedy hotels, Brian finally broke off their secret affair two weeks ago. Leland isn’t ready to let Brian go and he isn’t above seducing Brian — again — to give them both what they really want for Christmas: each other.This free short story was originally written for the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's 2010 holiday event and appears in the event's Stuff My Stocking: M/M Romance Stories that are Nice and… Naughty anthology.

    She’s followed all the rules. Her star is rising at work, her boyfriend is amazing and she lives in a perfectly decorated apartment. A delayed flight throws her life and plans off schedule. What she learns, stuck overnight in the airport, has her questioning everything and puts her face to face with her own missed connection.

    But there's a catch: Rachel's family is falling apart. Rachel and her husband, Sam, have dreamed of a house filled with children -- a dream that has led them to repeated heartbreak. Sam McRae has finally decided the only thing left to do is leave his wife. Reluctantly, Rachel and Sam take the children in, but just until after Christmas. They will do their best not to fall in love with them, not to get their hopes up that this time a miracle will happen. That these children will stay, and that their marriage can still be saved. AWARDS: RITA Finalist

    And it was the worst mistake of my life.So when she shows up to play Santa for my daughter’s preschool Christmas party, you’re damn right I’m going to try to get her back.Except Kaitlyn Holly’s lost all of her Christmas cheer. Which means it’s my job to help her get it back. No matter what it takes.Exes and Ho Ho Hos is a short, sexy, standalone Christmas romance told in alternating first person, complete with reindeer, a Santa brawl, and a little mishap on the most iconic skating rink in New York City. It stands alone and has a merrily ever after.

    From Halloween to Kwanzaa, Valentines Day, Norooz, and the Fourth of July, these stories will give your holiday season extra spark and will be the best romantic holiday bundle to hit your ereader this year!Get ready to heat up your holidays when you treat yourself to Holidays Ever After!Including stories from…Colleen CharlesMonica Corwin Amy L. Gale Becca Fanning Victoria Pinder Alexa Padgett Tuesday Embers Khardine Gray Holly Dodd Liz Gavin Jillian Quinn Courtney Hunt Vivi Holt Kristen Luciani Astrid Arditi Rebekah R. Ganiere Jessica Gray Ja’Nese Dixon Teresa Roman Angela Corbett

    Light a fire, grab a cup of tea, and curl up beneath a warm quilt as you immerse yourself in a different era; one of romance, love and the spirit of Christmas.Then in a Twinkling: A Regency Christmas Caper by Anna BradleyOliver Angel has twelve days to win Dinah Bishop’s heart, but a wild journey from London to Essex threatens to doom Oliver’s courtship. Will this mismatched pair spend Twelfth Night buried in a snowbank, or will they find their happily-ever-after? It Happened at Christmas by Jenna JaxonExiled to Bath, Miss Portia Willingham writes to her uncle to cheer her up. However, the letter lands in the lap of Lord Benberry, who is intrigued by the spirited young woman. Against social protocol, they continue the illicit correspondence until Benberry insists on a meeting. Can they find a way to turn their forbidden correspondence into a Christmas romance? The Gift by Angelina JamesonSir Thomas blames himself for his sister’s disability and nothing her friend Lady Rose can say will change his mind. Lady Rose has been in love with so many men her flighty ways convince the town she could never be serious about one man. Can a Christmas gift open Thomas to love and forgiveness and show Rose the man she needs was right in front of her all along?A Promise Beneath the Kissing Bough by Tabetha WaiteCornell Reed is the bastard son of an earl. After living a raucous past, he’s content with a simple life. Or so he thought. Pleasant Hill has always yearned for something more, rather than toiling her days away. But as they each face their own challenges, is a Christmas miracle even possible?Her Accidental Groom by Nadine MillardLady Natalia’s father wants her home and married to a man of his choosing. Lord Benjamin Trafford needs a faux fiancée to inherit his aunt’s fortune and save his ailing estates. He thinks Natalia is a spoilt, pampered princess. She thinks Ben is an irresponsible, irritating pauper. But they need to pretend they’re getting married. What could possibly go wrong?The Perfect Christmas by Annabelle AndersShe’s a vicar’s sister with a past. He’s the rogue from her past. Will the magic of the Holidays be enough that these star crossed lovers can come together and celebrate the Perfect Christmas?

    The Earl of Mapleton is failing miserably at wooing Eliza's mistress. Perhaps they can fail together... aided by the magic of the season and some harmless mistletoe.A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss by Dawn BrowerFin and Lulia have a history. One that neither one has forgotten. When they meet again they are drawn together. After that chance meeting they share a magical kiss. Along the way they discover that sometimes the one thing a person needs isn’t what they would expect.Mistletoe, Whisky, and a Rogue by Jane CharlesOne gossiping parrot, a few sips of whisky, and mistletoe could seal one’s fate.If Ethan Copeland had it his way, he’d be back in New Orleans and not stuck in England. However, one encounter with Miss Fanella Grant, a lass with a taste for whiskey and adventure, could change everything—especially when a parrot not only repeats what he hears, but also what he sees. Silver Bells and Mistletoe by Anna St. ClairLady Susan Winslow wants love and a Christmastide wedding. But when her father betroths her to a stranger—she rebels.Lord Grayson Harding signs a secret betrothal to his childhood love, before realizing first, he must woo her.Lady Susan’s brother is being murdered. Will they save her brother but lose a chance at happiness?Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss by Amanda MarielDetermined not to grow old alone, Daphne takes fate into her own hands. Marcus made her a promise years ago, and she's ready for him to make good on it. One passionate kiss. How could either of them have guessed where one stolen moment would lead?Bedded under the Christmastide Moon by Christina McKnightWhen two best friends agree to a marriage of convenience, neither admits they've always harbored a secret desire for the other--until one night under the Christmastide moon, when passion consumes them.A Winter Wish by Nadine MillardMariah and Brandon are forced to endure each other’s company when a snowstorm traps them in the same house. They argue, they bang heads and they drive each other insane. But something precious is blooming beneath the surface of all that ice. Something neither looks for but both need. On a Midnight Clear by Sandra SooKooChristmastide 1814 takes a fateful turn when Major Cecil Stapleton returns from hospital and finds his cottage in the country already occupied by the lover he left behind six years before. As shared memories collide with budding romance, he and Olivia will need to work through painful truths and personal expectations in order to grasp the love they both desperately need.Miss Pageant’s Christmas Proposal by Tabetha WaiteMiss Emary Pageant can have any man in London, but the one she wants thinks she’s nothing but a simpering debutante. She has to gain his attention, so she approaches him with a wager...Donovan Wainwright, Duke of Windwood, is a physically and emotionally battle-scared war hero. He knows his duty to his title like he knew his duty to his country, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to marry some vain, empty-headed woman.It isn’t until Emary approaches him with a rather shocking proposal that he takes a closer look.

    BurkeThe Holiday Inside Job by Mary Jo BurkeHard to Catch a Christmas Thief (Hard Targets) by Wendy ByrneA Christmas Ghost & Zero Regrets (Dead by the Numbers Mysteries) by Jennifer FischettoChristmas Canapés & Sabotage (Culinary Competition Mysteries) by Janel GradowskiChristmas in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma HallidayChristmas Al Dente (Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries) by Jennifer L. HartSanta Claus, Lies, and Murder (Amber Fox Mysteries) by Sibel HodgeA (Gingerbread) Diorama of Death (Helen Binney Mysteries) by Gin JonesMini Pie the Christmas Spy! (Mini Pie Mysteries) by Libby LaMannaHave Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas (Greatest Hits Mysteries) by Leslie LangtryOrnamental Danger (Working Stiff Mysteries) by Kerri NelsonMotion for Mistletoe (Jamie Winters Mysteries) by Kelly ReyChristmas in Venice by Maria Grazia SwanBaby, It's Cold Outside (Tahoe Tessie Mysteries) by T. Sue VerSteegSanta's Little Mistake by Stacey Wiedower

    When Caleb unexpectedly asked Holly to help him pick out a Christmas gift for his girlfriend, neither of them anticipated where it would lead. A young adult romantic comedy, from Stella Wilkinson, acclaimed author of The Flirting Games Series. A Christmas Gift is a "clean" romance, suitable for ALL ages "Oh what it is to be young! A funny, light and frothy read." Janie Oakes, Teen Reader Today Please note that this is a short story of approx 7000+ words Available from Stella Wilkinson: The Flirting Games (Book One, Free!) More Flirting Games (Book Two) Further Flirting Games (Book Three) The Flirting Games Trilogy, (Books 1 - 3) Good @ Games (Book Four) Flirting with Friends (Book Five) Halloween Magic & Mayhem (Book One, Free!) Werewolf Magic & Mayhem (Book Two) Solstice Magic & Mayhem (Book Three) Notice Me A Christmas Gift Romancing the Stove Bend it like a Bookworm

     What begins as a run of the mill, albeit tasty, assignment turns into something much more dangerous when one of the Cookie Jar’s employees is poisoned. Now Kat is chasing the biggest story of her life, while trying to catch the eye of her handsome editor and avoid becoming the killer’s next victim. A cozy novella: approximately 44,000 words