See author's note, below Pulling Home (That Second Chance #1) It's taken nine years and a cross-country move, but Audra Valentine Wheyton has kept her secrets safe. She's created the perfect life: a husband who loves her, a daughter she adores, and a position as head writer for an award-winning daytime soap. When her husband dies suddenly, Audra returns to her hometown for the funeral and faces a community that has not forgotten her meager beginnings and the man who has never forgiven her for marrying his brother. Jack Wheyton is a successful pediatric neurosurgeon who is about to become engaged when Audra walks back into his life with her daughter. He forgave his brother long ago for taking something that had been his, something he hadn't even realized he wanted until it was gone. But forgiving Audra is another story...and forgetting her? Near impossible. When a shattering illness strikes Audra's daughter, she turns to Jack to save her child and risks exposing a secret that will change their lives forever. A Family Affair: The Promise (Truth in Lies #7) Grant Richot sprinted through life, a boy wonder with talent, intelligence, confidence, and charm. He never doubted the world awaited him, just as he never doubted the right woman would come into his life—but only when he was ready for her. Anyone before that was simply preparation for the one. How wrong he was. Years and a tragedy later, Grant arrives in Maggie Finnegan’s hometown of Magdalena, New York—broken, uncertain, and searching for that second chance with the woman he cast aside. But Maggie’s no longer naïve and impressionable; she’s a confident, competent widow with a child, who has more at risk than another broken heart… Note from Mary: I love secondary characters: writing them, reading about them, even watching them on the big screen. Secondary characters support the “stars”; make them more vibrant and compelling. But when the story ends, I’m often left wondering what they’d do if they were in the “spotlight”. That’s why I’ve created special boxed sets that were part of That Second Chance series and the Truth in Lies series. These boxed sets let the reader follow the before and after of select characters as they first appear in That Second Chance series and later in the fictional town of my bestselling Truth in Lies series. Boxed Set One contains Pulling Home and A Family Affair: The Promise. I invite you to follow their journey!

    Over 1300 pages of action-packed dark romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Reader discretion is advised. I was fifteen when I sent the love of my life to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Back then Rafe was my brother’s best friend and off-limits, but that didn’t stop me from drooling over him. I’ve never forgotten the guy whose green eyes made me weak in the knees. Rafe hasn’t forgotten me either. Eight years later, I find him on my doorstep with revenge on the mind. The twisted part of this story? I still want him, even though he’s holding me captive on an island. He says I’ve got eight years of misery to atone for, and every move he makes is designed to shame and punish. Instead, his touch lights us both on fire. But the lie I told years ago is ricocheting. Neither of us saw it coming. The violence, death, and betrayal that leave us in ruins. Redemption seems impossible because we can’t undo what’s been done. I belong to him as much as he belongs to me, and we’ll fight for each other or go down in flames trying. Includes all 6 books in the Condemned series: Torrent, Rampant, Fervent, Vagrant, Deviant, and Descent. NOTE TO READERS: Intended for mature readers who enjoy a dark contemporary romance with kidnapping and other disturbing themes. Not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned.

    Will she impress the up-tight billionaire with her business sense, or is she doomed to fall for him instead? Between Friends: Rae is tired of being alone every Valentine's Day, and the unrequited love she has for her best friend doesn't help matters... Especially when he decides to treat her to the most romantic Valentine's Date ever. Behind the Stick: In a funk after a recent break up, Lauren Logan wants to bury her nose in a book and forget about the world, but her match-making friends have other plans.

    That is until she finds out their families are in an all-out war.His to MarryRafe needs a wife. Bailey's the perfect woman for the job ... except that she's in love with him. Faking a marriage with the man of her dreams isn't a bad idea, is it?His to ProtectEmma Heathcliff's life is in danger. Too bad the only person who can keep her safe is the one man she can't stand.Her Favorite RiskShe just needs a job. He needs her. But since they've both been burned by love is he a risk she's willing to take?

    He's sworn off the fairer sex and instead spends his waking hours overseeing the expansion of his family's hugely successful winery in the magnificent hills of Chianti, where he is happy to never see a model again, let alone date one.American supermodel Taylor McFarland might be blond, but she sure isn't dumb. And she's smart enough to know to avoid the shallow men who seem to migrate toward her type, the ones who presume that models are the wild women of the fashion industry who happily discard men like used tissues.Only Taylor's not that type at all; instead, she's intent on using the influence her position affords her to help those less fortunate than she.But when her good deeds means clashing with the quintessential heartless Italian player who she'd heard left model Gia Sandretti at the altar, well, she will happily give him a piece of her mind, and certainly not a piece of her heart.Black Sheep RomeoOn cloud wine...Sometimes trouble seems to find Matteo Romeo whether he seeks it out or not. Long regarded as the black sheep of the famed Romeo winemaking family, he's hardly surprised when he finds himself in yet another predicament, this time harboring an unauthorized farmhand who he's discovered hiding in a tool shed just as the grape harvest gets underway.Freespirited Lizzie Moretti has long prized her independence. Lizzie's been wandering around the world, working odd jobs to earn just enough money to keep on the go. Forced to flee an aggressive host in the middle of a rainy night while working on a farm in Tuscany, she seeks the shelter of a tool shed until she can figure out a plan. Alas, it happens to be on the estate of the wealthy Romeo family on the eve of the coveted grape harvest, when strangers like Lizzie are most unwelcome.She's never put down roots. And he can't seem to escape the roots that sometimes feel like they're strangling him. They both walked away from family, but can they find salvation in the very family they've tried to run from?Red Carpet RomeoLook who's grown up now...Valentina Romeo loved a romantic wedding, and couldn't wait to serve as an attendant in her favorite cousin Prince Luca of Monaforte's upcoming nuptials. She and Luca had reveled in childhood summers at the family estate on the Ligurian Sea. Many of her fondest memories were made there, along with one of her most humiliating, when Luca's college roommate Parker shunned her brave declaration of love.Investment banker Parker Hornsby hadn't been back to Monaforte since he was in college. Back then he'd spent a glorious summer enjoying idyllic days at his best friend Luca's family beach home. The fun was marred only by Luca's obtrusive younger cousin Valentina, who could barely mask her crush on Parker, forcing him to flatly cut her off before she got her hopes up. The last thing Parker wanted was to be accused of going after his friend's jailbait cousin, even if she was about the sweetest fourteen-year old girl he'd ever met.But when Parker shows up in Monaforte, paired in Luca's wedding with Valentina, all bets are off on whether he can restrain himself from the beautiful--and fully grown-up--heiress to the world-famous Romeo wine label, or whether he remains the nemesis she thinks he is.

    One impromptu kiss leaves her wanting more. If he's willing... To Dare a Duchess An indiscretion tore Nina and Byron apart. Now back in London, free from restraint a love affair ensues. But for how long when secrets still remain. To Marry a Marchioness Newly appointed Marquess, Marcus Duncan is thrown into the path of his cousin’s widow. Henrietta instantly charms him, and now he wants her for himself.

    As she and Mark spend time together, and their friendship deepens she wonders if maybe, this man might be different. Wonders if she dare let go of her heart. Can she forgive her family and herself before Mark too becomes a man of her pastHer Heart’s PromiseNadine aims to use her job as editor of the town newspaper to probe into the her father’s mysterious death but her secret high school crush Clint just took over the paper, and he wants the story buried. The same way she would prefer to keep her changing feelings for him under wraps.When Clint reveals a hidden truth about the past, Nadine has to make a choice: continue the quest for justice or find room in her busy life for love…Close to His HeartJace Scholte is determined to rise above his poverty-stricken childhood. Now he’s back in Sweet Creek to win the residents' support for a high-rise condo. He volunteers in a local fundraiser to melt their resistance, but he never expected he'd work side-by-side with the one who got away…Tess Kruger remembers the plan she and Jace constructed all those years ago. But she can't forget the dark secret that caused her to run away from their potential future.Old flames reignite between Jace and Tess, though as they find themselves questioning a past they thought they knew. For a second chance at love, they'll have to face the harsh truth together…The Sweethearts of Sweet Creek Series brings you three heartwarming stories that will entertain, inspire and stir your heart and soul.

    This steamy contemporary romance collection will put your heart through the test with its explosion of incredibly sexy stories, heart racing thrills, and tear-jerking endings. A trope lover’s collection: Small-town Second Chance for High School Sweethearts, New Adult Billionaire Romance, Mafia Romantic Suspense with a forbidden love, and more all by Melissa Ellen! Included in this collection of first in series:Redeeming Lottie (Billingsley Series)A Reason To Stay (Blackwood Series)Honor (Made Series)"Redeeming Lottie was a true delight and was one of the sweetest stories that I've come across in quite a while. It was such a feel good read! I'm talking about the type that leaves you all mushy at the end thinking 'Oh my gosh, that was so sweet' and wanting to share with everyone. With fun and feisty characters and its story laced with small-town charm, I enjoyed everything about this incredibly sweet and passionate second-chance romance!" –DG Book Blog“A Reason To Stay by Melissa Ellen is the first book in the Blackwood Series featuring Ava, a college student who is disillusioned with love and has experienced loss, and Rhett, a billionaire player with a vindictive and manipulative ex. Ava and Rhett develop a relationship with many ups and downs. I recommend this novel which is a well written read with wonderful characters, heartfelt emotions, and a plot with secrets, unexpected twists, and a romance filled with the complexity of life.” –Amazon Reviewer"I absolutely devoured this mafia romance! With twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end and chemistry that had me fanning myself, Melissa Ellen kept me up way past my bedtime to finish this story. If you like suspenseful reads, couples that feel fated in the stars, and action that will keep your heart pounding, you don't want to miss Honor!" –Catherine Cowles, Author of the Sutter Lake Series

    Rowen and Sophie say they aren’t. INCLUDES: The Social Experiment, Bitter Exes and Chemical Attraction. Rowen Garret is a jackass of the highest order. I knew signing up for some experimental dating experience would not pan out to be a good thing, but after kissing a stranger in the dark for five solid savory minutes only to have the lights come on and expose him for the jerk he is, I have the sudden urge to strangle my new roommate who talked me into this nightmare. Sophie Meyer is a handful. I should know, I hung out in her living room for so long I became a fixture. But that was when her older brother, Braden, and I actually got along, before he snatched my longtime girlfriend out from underneath me and stopped speaking to me as if I were the one who hijacked his life. And now here I am with his feisty little sister in my arms, her face lit up in horror at the thought of what we’ve just done. I would never kiss Sophie Meyer under normal circumstances, never even entertain the thought. Nope, this was a bad idea through and through. This is one social experiment I never want to think about again. But one thing is for sure. I will never forget that kiss. From the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Addison Moore— Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"

     Rachel knew that. She was a good girl—sigh—she’d always been a good girl. Except when it came to him. She’d met the him in question in a bar of all places and his lean strength, gorgeous face, and way-too-charming personality had combined to shatter her defenses. All of a sudden she’d been doing all of those “dangerous, bad girl” things her grandmother had once warned her of. And just like her grandma had predicted, he’d vanished come morning. No note. No exchanged numbers. She hadn’t even known his name. Fine. Whatever. Rachel had chalked it up to a horrible—albeit, wholly pleasurable—mistake and moved on. She was the assistant to Heather O’Keith, a kick ass, take-no-prisoners CEO of a billion dollar corporation, she didn’t have time to sit around and worry over a man. But then Heather had gotten her happily ever after by marrying equally successful business entrepreneur, Clay Steele, and Rachel discovered that she had to work in close, day-to-day contact with him. Sebastian Henley. The man from the bar. The sexy, gorgeous, irresistible disappearing man from the bar. And he still made her want to do bad, bad things. Bad Divorce Bec Darden was a high-powered attorney who had spent her entire adult life building a fearsome reputation both in the courtroom and the boardroom. But once upon a time, she was also a naïve and romantic—aka idiotic—soul who’d married her college sweetheart on a whim just before graduating. She and Luke were young and in love and— No surprise, her marriage had been short-lived. Explosive. Miserable. And incredibly, incredibly short-lived. But now Luke Pearson was back in her life and with the worst possible news. Her marriage, the one she’d almost immediately regretted, and the subsequent divorce she’d paid through the teeth for by working insane hours and basically not sleeping for several years hadn’t happened. As in she was still freaking married. Luke had been sexy in high school, gorgeous in college, but he was even hotter as a grown man and his reappearance in her life hadn’t done anything to dampen the attraction she felt for him. But Bec had already learned that sex wasn’t everything. One broken heart was enough, and she wasn’t in the market to give Luke another chance at shattering her all over again. He needed to sign the divorce papers she drafted and leave her to her life. Except . . . what did they say about best laid plans? Because Luke wouldn’t sign. Bad Fiancé Sera used to believe in happily ever afters. Well, she still believed in them. Just not for her. For Seraphina Delgado, finding a man who loved her for who she was inside, rather than simply appreciating her outward appearance, had proved to be impossible. She wasn’t trying to be cocky—cock, ha¬—but she was beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that she’d spent her childhood and tween years modeling and shooting commercials and . . . well, only being appreciated for the way she looked. And that was more curse than advantage because looks faded. People aged, wrinkles formed, boobs sagged . . . Anyway, none of that mattered because no man ever saw who she truly was on the inside. Until Tate.

    Now the war is over. Can two determined women heal their hearts?DANIEL'S DESIREWhen Confederate soldier, Lt. Daniel McCoy makes his escape from a Union prison toward the end of the Civil War, his only thought is to get as far away from enemy territory as possible. But he doesn't count on saving young widow Rosemarie Wilson's life from an infected leg wound.Rosemarie has no use for Rebels soldiers, having lost everything, including her husband, the last time they came to her home. However, Daniel has not only saved her life, but is sticking around to help with the farm and her three children until she recovers.With Union soldiers searching for him, every day Daniel remains puts him in danger. Or is the beautiful widow who has captured his heart the greater risk?STEPHEN'S BRIDEWhen Stephen McCoy leaves the home he shares with his brother Daniel, Daniel's wife Rosemarie, and their four children to go into town to load up on supplies, he never expects to return with a bride.Calliope Bender steps off the stagecoach in a wedding gown, carrying a wilted bouquet. She is running from an unwanted marriage, but needs a husband who will meet her requirements.Stephen agrees to one of her conditions, but the "marriage in name only" doesn't sit quite well with him. Neither one of them are looking for love, but will it creep up on them when they aren't looking?

    One tabloid. Two lives changed forever.Finian Alexander is one scandalous tabloid photo away from catapulting his acting career onto the A-list. All his bad boy persona needs is an agreeable member of the paparazzi to give him a friendly boost. But vacationing out in the middle of nowhere, the only photographer he knows is way too scrupulous for her own good.Or is she?Hailey Summer is desperate for cash—so desperate that she's willing to do just about anything with her photography skills to save her family's cottage and keep her secrets hidden from her sisters. So when sexy and arrogant movie star Finian makes her an offer, Hailey can't resist. But does his proposition take things too far? And when their plans begin to unravel, will Finian and Hailey find the limelight too blinding?Next, move on to the second book where sparks fly between the determined second born sister and one burned out tycoon…Love and Dreams (Book 2)One sexy, burned out billionaire. One spitfire graduate. One small island.Tycoon Connor MacKenzie has it all from the penthouse to the world-dominating corporation. At least that's what everyone believes. Underneath it all, his life is disintegrating faster than a stock market crash.When Connor's doctor forces him to take it easy and go deep into cottage country for some much needed R&R he lands on an old cottage veranda in Muskoka which lacks the luxuries he’s accustomed to. Maya Summer, a recent business grad, has been waiting for opportunity to come a knockin’ and not only has it arrived on her doorstep, but it’s presented itself in a very sexy package. However, despite Maya's best advances and proposals, Connor's strict new "no-work diet" has them both starving for much more than than just business. Can Maya convince Connor to let her be his new right-hand business gal while gaining enough income to save her family's cottage? And will Connor, the workaholic, be able to resist her charms, both in and out of the boardroom? And finally, book 3 where the quietest Summer sister causes a stir when she steps up, finding her voice as well as a chance at love…Love and Trust (Book 3)One developer. One lawyer. One unexpected chance at love.Years ago, cut-throat developer Tristen Bell had everything that ever mattered to him ripped away. Now divorced and living in Muskoka, he's shunning all that reminds him of his past and the unstoppable man he used to be.Melanie Summer thought her law degree would help her find a place in this world. But when a big city developer threatens to destroy all that she loves—including her family—she finally sees her path. The only hiccup is that the man she needs—the sexy and stubborn Tristen Bell—refuses to do anything other than give her tender, knee-weakening kisses every time he sees her.When Tristen’s teenage daughter ends up in the ER due to the negligence of his former rival, everything changes. Tristen knows he can shut down the developer but it means resorting to his old, ruthless ways and showing sweet Melanie a side that may send her running.With time running out to stop the developer, and their attraction for one another increasing, will Tristen and Melanie learn to love and trust one another in order to reach their happily ever after?Find out in this light-hearted box set that will save you money and keep you flipping pages long into the night. Come get swept away!

    Start your binge read now!The men of tattoo shop Inked Hearts are brooding, bossy, and impossible to resist!Dive into this addicting series and see why readers say “Crystal Kaswell is the queen of broken bad boys.”This romance collection contains the first three books on the Inked Hearts series.TemptingHe's my best friend's brother. He's off limits. But when I find the brooding tattoo artist's sketchbook full of dirty drawings--drawings of me--I can't resist.Hooking UpSweet, booksmart grad student Iris and I have a friends with benefits arrangement with three simple rules. All fun. No strings. No falling in love. But then I've never been very good at following rules.Pretend You're MineI'm pretending I'm in love with my best friend. What could possibly go wrong?Leighton is my best friend. Pretending she's my girlfriend is a terrible idea, even if the entire world is expecting the breakdown of the year at my ex's wedding. Then she kisses me... and I forget we're pretending.

     The Skye Preston. The daughter of the wealthiest businessman in the world, and the most beautiful woman I've ever known. Her looks don't compare to her golden heart. And her heart doesn't compare to that big brain of hers. But I could never tell her. Because we've been best friends for twenty years. She has a jerk for a boyfriend, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. The rest of the gang can't stand him either. But I'm not the kind of guy to intervene. I respect her too much to pull a stunt like that. But then I spot her at a party, too drunk to even walk. The men are eyeing her like easy prey so I take her home. But when we get there Skye is different. She looks at me differently. She touches me differently. And she wants me differently.

     Meet the most powerful trio of knights in the turbulent times when the usurper, The Earl of March, assumes the rule of England and Edward III goes into hiding. These warriors, sworn to serve the crown of England, are determined to protect the young king and help him claim his birthright. So goes the saga of the Dragonblade Trilogy... Led by the bastard son of Edward I, the three knights who have fought battles and served kings together now find themselves entrenched in the fight for young Edward's throne. Along the way, they each experience their own adventures as well as their own loves. With ladies fair entering the picture, knights who breathe and sleep battle now find room in their hearts for something of a more passionate nature. This collection includes: Dragonblade - Tate de Lara, the man who should have been king, finds love in a farmer's daughter. Island of Glass - On the Welsh Marches, Kenneth St. Hever falls for an educated lady with a strange mission. The Savage Curtain - Stephen of Pembury becomes the commander of Berwick Castle and is forced into a marriage with a Scots captive. Three timeless tales of passion and adventure will have you falling in love with historical romance all over again. Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!