It can also be an exchange, a betrayal, an assault, a promise, a hope...or it could be a goodbye. The intimacy of a kiss cannot be denied. Whether shared, stolen or simply dreamed of, its recipient will be affected. Thirty-one stories by authors from around the world will tease your imagination as you anticipate ‘The Kiss’ in each weird or wonderful tale. This cross-genre anthology contains stories by Kate Aaron, Saxon Andrew, Jacques Antoine, Alison Blake, E. B. Boggs, Shirley Bourget, Ben Cassidy, Jason Deas, Sharon Delarose, Meghan Ciana Doidge, Suzy Stewart Dubot, Corrie Fischer, Brandon Hale, Traci Tyne Hilton, Colleen Hoover, Mona Ingram, J. L. Jarvis, Elizabeth Jasper, Anna J. McIntyre, Jess Mountifield, C. A. Newsome, S. Patrick O'Connell, Suzie O'Connell, Jeanette Raleigh, J. R. C. Salter, Molly Snow, Holli Marie Spaulding, Cleve Sylcox, Robert Thomas, Chris Ward and George Wier. 130,000 words

    He isn’t even convinced he wants a mate and all that goes with it. Yes, he wants to claim her, but children, and marriage, he’s not sure that’s the kind of man he is.Although his bear disagrees.Kelly is juggling two jobs to support her mom and brothers. With debts to pay, she can only fantasize about what it would be like to be with a man like Jared. Until he offers her half a million dollars for one weekend. One weekend … easy, right?But they soon discover neither of them wants to walk away … and this is a bond they will both have to bear. Forever!

    And she isn’t the only woman at the pool drooling.Right about the time her gaze drops to check for a wedding ring—which, from bitter experience, she knows doesn’t mean squat—one of those kids plows into her from behind. Sending her in an ungraceful belly flop right into the deep end.When the sleekly tanned lifeguard literally falls into his arms, her mouth opening and closing like a landed fish, Ving Duncan’s special forces training kicks in. It’s clear she needs air, and she needs it now.The moment their lips collide, he wants her, all strings attached. By the time he finds out who she is—his comrade’s little sister—it’s too late. He’s hooked, and he’s already planning his next mission: to get her to say yes. To a date. Maybe to forever…Warning: A whirlwind romance so hot and breathless, it could leave you needing a little mouth-to-mouth…

    My best friend Jody dared me to take a pack of gum from the Handy-Mart. In retrospect, I'm surprised my bumbling effort didn't land me in jail. It was hardly a covert mission but I did it. I did it, I loved it and I've been stealing ever since. Usually it's something small, just enough to give me the rush. Over the years, I've graduated up to pickpocketing which requires a bit more daring and a lot more finesse. I've never gotten caught and I suppose that's part of the thrill. Every time I take something I have to wonder if this is the day my luck will run out. This is the story of the day I stole from the wrong man. READER ADVISORY:Story contains content some readers may find objectionable, including voyeurism, exhibitionism, anal play, sex with strangers and extended orgasms. If you have a problem with orgasms, do not purchase this book.Book length: 4k words, 15 pages

    The other wants her dead...Holding Out for a Hero, Book 1Eleanor Owen needs to get out of Chicago and quick. It's not that she doesn't want to obey the subpoena to testify against her drug-trafficking ex-boyfriend. It's making it to the witness stand alive, should a dirty cop make good on his threats.Tiny, remote Wyattville, Oregon, looks like the perfect place to disappear, but it's hard to blend into the woodwork when one of the town's infamous namesakes sends her heart racing. Worse, Mr. Tall, Hot and Packing is the town sheriff, which means she should stay as far away from him as possible.Tyson Wyatt is positive the sexy new girl in town is hiding something. Question is, what? He vows to feel out her secrets--including what she feels like beneath him. Preferably naked. Until then, he's not buying the story she's selling.Their chemistry is sheet-melting hot, and Ellie realizes much too late that the man with the badge is as dangerous to her heart as her ex is to her life...Warning:A city girl on the run, and a small-town sheriff set to seduce. Explicit sex. Dirty talk. A hint of danger. Oral sex with a cupcake.

    But the journey was not an easy one.Featuring narrow escapes, thrilling boat races and at least one deadly volcanic wasteland.

    But Davis’ family disowned him when he confessed that he was gay and all that remained of his former life was Cameron. Because of this, Davis never wanted the two men to be anything but friends. He didn’t want to gamble on forever with his pal. Lately though, Davis has come to see the error of his ways and decides that a chance is exactly what he wants to take. But is it too late to hope for a happy ending?

    FOR THE NEWEST EDITION (4TH ED.) PLEASE VISIT AMAZON KINDLE OR SMASHWORDS****Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B0057G5BQ0.When 18-year-old Josie agreed to sacrifice her last high school spring break babysitting for the new family in town she could have never foreseen the result. The Sharps are young, attractive, successful with a gorgeous home and a hidden secret. What's the most that could happen?

    But when he’s adopted by Belinda and wakes up no longer a cat, but as a man and in her bed, can his curse finally be at an end? For more about the characters of Grace and Donna from Black Cat, look for Just Desserts by Cat Johnson.Friends with BenefitsMeg thinks she’s getting the best of both worlds when she and her friend Jeff decide to start having sex with no strings attached, until Meg suddenly finds that, strings or not, she’s become attached to Jeff. The question is, does Jeff feel the same, or is there a new woman in his life?FireworksThe last thing Brad wants to do is attend leadership school over the 4th of July holiday. How could the Army think it was a good idea to schedule training in Georgia in July? When his roommate Joe suggests they go see the fireworks and they run into Mary Jo, Joe’s first love there, Brad soon realizes things are only going to get a whole lot hotter. Especially once he discovers that Joe likes to share.The Soldier and the SirenAfter having his heart torn out by a Dear John letter while deployed, David returns home without much hope of things getting better. Then he heard her voice and his whole world changed.The Rookie (a Studs in Spurs series deleted scene)This 2,500 word deleted scene from Bucked (Studs in Spurs, Book 2) features Mustang, Chase and one lucky woman who gets to know them better. It’s not a complete story, nor is it a happily-ever-after romance, but it is a smoking hot threesome scene fans of the series, and readers of Bucked will love.Eight Second Ride (a Studs in Spurs series short story)Young pro bull rider Chase Reese learns a lesson about women the hard way, but makes a friend in the process in this high energy, action packed 3,000 word single scene. Written as a "thank you" to the fans of the Studs in Spurs series who requested more of Chase. See more of Chase and his fellow bull riders Slade and Mustang in the Studs in Spurs series by Cat Johnson and don’t miss Chase’s book Ride (Studs in Spurs, Book 3).

    Until Annie Martin shows up on his doorstep, scared out of her mind, and all of a sudden, keeping her safe becomes the most important mission of his life.And this time, he’s on his own.Fall Out is a 30,000 word novella, first published as part of the SEALs of Summer boxed set, now available on its own.

    Who says you can't mix business with pleasure?PreHeat is the conclusion as well as the beginning story to Just Add Heat (Fire & Ice Book 1)and Baby, It's Cold Outside (Romance From a Male POV) (Fire & Ice Book 2)

    Being born a blond should not automatically designate her the office bimbo. So when she overhears the sexy new office wunderkind spouting untruths about her, she decides on some payback.Jared Hunter is a man on a mission, but his mission is proving to be a lot harder to complete than he’d expected. He couldn’t have anticipated that in the course of finding the truth, he’d wake up to find himself tied naked and spread-eagled on his bed, and that the person behind his restraint would be none other than the woman he’s been lusting after since he first saw her. A woman who’s got vengeance on the brain. What’s a guy to do when he’s fit to be tied?

    Addison Duval has a secret. A delicious, broad-shouldered, six-foot-three secret with hot eyes, rough hands and a rougher past. Charming, handsome, and off-limits, Chase Montgomery is the only man she’s wanted since her father lured him out of a back alley Louisville chop shop to take a job in their tiny town of Decadence Creek. After Chase finally takes her up on her old proposition that they spend a night together, will Addison let him risk everything so they can be together more than JUST ONE NIGHT? Caution: This 10,000-word short story contains explicit sex scenes and second chances.

    That s what makes her no-strings affair with her boss so perfect his power in bed matches his respect for her independence. Still, when he surprises her with a menage for her birthday, her secret thrill wars with a nagging thought: Why would he so casually share her with another man?Even though Mark Rodriguez holds Jodi at arm s length from his heart, her self-confidence is a turn-on he can t resist. Inviting old college buddy and future business partner Sam into their bed for one night was supposed to set free her wildest fantasy. Instead he finds the tables turned, forced to watch while Sam brings her to the height of ecstasy.Now, Mark s not so sure he wants to share his treasure "

    But when he lays eyes on his brother's new secretary, the Prince may have met his match, and he'll put all his talents to use to convince her to be his.Renee Erikson might well be the loneliest woman in D.C. She spends long days working for Ambrose and Associates, and long nights taking care of her family. Sexy, charming Marcus Ambrose is the boss's brother, and strictly off-limits. Renee can't afford to lose her job or her heart.The chase is on, and Marcus is pressing hard, will he get the girl, or give them both a world of heartache?Included in the Anthology "Mischief Under the Mistletoe: Holiday Hotties Just Waiting To Be Unwrapped"