First she got engaged, then she was jilted, and now she’s pregnant—via a sperm bank! She was so sure love had passed her by, she decided to have a baby on her own. Before Lily’s due date, Jake will have to woo her, win her, marry her, and convince her that he wants to be a dad to the baby she’s carrying…and maybe a few more. Originally published in 2004 in Mothers by Design.

    Five of these compassionate, dedicated women have been chosen from nominees across North America to become Harlequin's More Than Words award recipients. Now five bestselling romance authors celebrate these recipients in the More Than Words short story collection -- fiction inspired by the lives and efforts of these real-life heroines... Because of their dedication, handmade quilts wrap needy children in warmth and love. Hand-painted memory boxes comfort mothers grieving the loss of a newborn baby. Abused women can reach for help online, and families are brought closer through literacy. One woman even found a way to feed the needy when she was homeless herself. We hope More Than Words will touch your heart and inspire you to reach out in your community. You've already helped -- proceeds from the sale of this book will be reinvested into the Harlequin More Than Words program to support causes that are of concern to women.

    More Than Words: Stories Of Courage by Susan Wiggs\Sharon Sala\Emilie Richards released on Feb 19, 2008 is available now for purchase.

    Now, on the shores of a country lake, the stranger comes to her in the flesh -- and lures her into a timeless love."Blue Moon"Sheriff Jackson Brody knows folks get a little crazy under a full bayou moon. But on the trail of a scorching murder mystery, it's the lawman himself who succumbs to the spell of a beautiful, mysterious stranger."White Out"In the midst of an Idaho blizzard, Hope Bradshaw offers shelter to a stranger -- and an instant, hungry passion flares between them. When a radio bulletin warns of a dangerous escaped convict, her blood runs cold: has desire blinded her to the risks of trusting a man who is an expert at covering his tracks?

    But the shocking gossip surrounding her father's sudden demise has sent her over the edge… right into the arms of millionaire Sam Becket.Jolie and Sam once shared much more than a bed, till fame ended their escalating relationship. Now that very limelight is bringing them back together. With a murder to solve and a white-hot passion to quench, they're really about to give the paparazzi a field day.

    . . especially these three grandmothers, all soldiers' brides. Their generation lived through war and peace, good times and bad, love and loss. 5-B Poppy Lane by Debbie Macomber All her life, Ruth Shelton has loved visiting her grandmother in Cedar Cove, Washington. Now Ruth comes to ask advice about her own romance with a soldier -- and discovers a secret in her grandmother's past. The Apple Orchard by Katherine Stone Clara MacKenzie's granddaughter Elizabeth arrives at Clara's Oregon farm needing comfort. That's exactly what Clara offers -- and so does a childhood friend named Nick Lawton. But Nick wants to offer Elizabeth more than comfort. More than friendship . . . Liberty Hall by Lois Faye Dyer When Professor Chloe Abbot finds herself caught up in a troublesome mystery, she turns to her grandmother. She needs Winifred's expertise as a wartime code breaker. She doesn't need suggestions about her love life -- all of which involve an ex-marine Jake Morrissey!

    Claire!Linda Lael Miller delivers a holiday miracle in the bittersweet tale of a young woman who can't hide her broken heart -- or her past -- when she returns to her hometown. But a sexy widower may just help her discover the true meaning of home in "Christmas of the Red Chiefs." Catherine Mulvany spins a fairy tale come true in "Once Upon a Christmas." They flirted as teenagers, but it takes time -- and some divine intervention -- to bring two star-crossed lovers together at last. Julie Leto pairs fire and ice in "Meltdown," the sensual tale of a Cuban-American PR whiz whose job description includes thawing out her CEO boss's frosty image. Will their sparks torch into flames of passion? Roxanne St. Claire unwraps the thrills of Christmas in New York, where a female bodyguard toys with a dangerous desire for a mysterious hunk while protecting his young daughter. It's a risky game with passion as the prize in "You Can Count on Me."

    Who is this mystery woman? Harris hires a P.I. to trace her, never suspecting he's already found her…. TAILSPIN Lumberyard owner Buck Boswell prides himself on his way with women—but his prickly neighbor, Sadie Harte, seems immune to his charms. Is she really as aloof as she acts, or can Buck convince her to take a chance on the guy next door? AN HONORABLE MAN Lieutenant colonel Hamilton Wulf's career ambitions cost him the one woman he ever wanted—Liv Avery. Now he's determined to win back her love…even if it means risking his life.

    Penned by New York Times and award winning authors, some stories in this exclusive collection will make you laugh out loud while others will force you to sleep with the lights on.Dead Flowers by Lori Armstrong Cynical, bad girl PI Julie Collins isn’t the hearts and flowers type, especially not after she’s spent the last few weeks spying on cheating spouses. So when Julie suspects her man, Martinez, may be stepping out on her, she sees red and decides to take matters into her own hands. Let’s just hope Cupid’s Bow gets to Martinez before Julie does.Above Reproach by Allison BrennanSex crimes detective Selena Black knows high-powered government attorney Greg Keller is the River City Rapist; proving it is another matter. Keller enjoys the cat and mouse game with the blonde detective, and makes sure she knows she’s exactly his type. As every possible avenue of investigation is shut down by the courts or her boss, Selena realizes that if someone doesn’t do something to stop Keller, more women will suffer–and she may be next.The Housewife Assassin’s Bloody Valentine by Josie BrownWhat is CIA contract assassin Donna Stone’s idea of a Valentine’s Day getaway? Certainly not orchestrating a jailbreak out of a Mexican prison for a notorious drug lord. But because he has intel as to the whereabouts of an international terrorist organization planning a Valentine’s massacre, there will be no intimate dinner for two or couples massage for Donna and her ops leader, Jack Craig. Just plenty of sun, surf, submarines, sharks… oh yeah, and sex.Bobbie Faye’s Whacked Out, No Good, Really Sucky, Hot Mess of a Wedding by Toni McGee CauseyBobbie Faye Sumrall, Cajun Contraband Days Queen, gun expert, and ultimate professional in being in the wrong place at the wrong time, absolutely positively does not want to go through with the ridiculous wedding that Trevor’s forcing her to agree to, but she soon finds out she has more important things to worry about–like surviving the plot to make her disappear when she’s set up as a fall guy for the theft of a priceless religious icon. And that’s the good news.Blood and Roses by Sylvia DayWhen insurance investigator Anastasia Miller sets out to retrieve the rose-hued pink diamonds stolen in a recent heist, she finds herself working alongside former flame, deputy U.S. Marshal Jake Monroe — the man she loved enough to leave behind.Nightfall by Laura GriffinStranded on an icy road as darkness falls, Holly Henriksen knows she is in trouble. A charming stranger stops to help and Holly decides to trust him, but soon finds out he is harboring a deadly secret.King of Hearts (A Rough Rider Short Story) by Lorelei JamesDeputy Cam McKay is devastated after dealing with a Valentine’s Day murder/suicide in his small county. Will allowing his family to see the dark past that haunts him, help heal him?A Punishing Night by Sophie LittlefieldDetective Joe Bashir returns to his alma mater to investigate the stabbing death of a male college student. Rumors of date rape and fraternity hazing complicate a sensitive case as Joe tries to balance the demands of the investigation with caring for his elderly father. Help – and possibly romance – come from an unexpected source.Pick Your Poison (A Bullet Catchers Novella) by Roxanne St. ClaireBenjamin Youngblood’s only chance to prove he’s worthy of being a Bullet Catcher is to find and stop an assassin. On probation from the elite security force, Ben has to rely on instinct and brains…and one feisty flower farmer. When Callie Parrish discovers her entire crop of rare black roses has been stolen, she’d partner with the devil himself to recoup her loss. It doesn’t take her long to realize she’s done just that…and the road to hell is paved with poisonous petals and deadly kisses.Rebel Rose by Karin TabkeFor Detective Cash Cantrell, hunting down a University serial killer is as routine as strapping on his gun each morning. Until he comes face to face with meddlesome coed, Rebel Yell Culpepper. He doesn’t know if he should arrest her or kiss her, but one thing Cash knows for sure, Rebel is key to finding the murderer, and the killer knows it too…

    Love and danger... hand-in-hand. Boxed set of nine full-length novels by nine award winning, bestselling authors. Second chances, explosive chases, and payback, to mob bosses, telepaths, and private investigators, we've got a story for the beach, the doctor's office or a cozy evening at home.Nine shades of Romantic Suspense... Love and danger go hand-in-hand in this boxed set of nine full-length novels by nine award winning, bestselling authors. From second chances, explosive chases, and payback, to mob bosses, telepaths, and private investigators, we've got a story for the beach, the doctor's office or a cozy evening at home.EVER HOPEFUL by Lori RyanFate and second chances... a woman running for her life takes refuge on a ranch with a compassionate man but she will need more than his tender touch and understanding heart when her past resurfaces, ensnaring her in a deadly web of deception, betrayal, and murder.THE GOOD DAUGHTER by Diana LayneFBI meets Mafia Princess. She owes her father for everything. For chaining her to the family business, for killing her fiancé, destroying her mother, and taking away a lifelong friend. Payback's a bitch.THE LAST ENEMY by Pauline Baird JonesRomance, she wrote, not murder, but when she witnesses a murder and then her safe house is compromised, she has to craft a survival plot if she's going to survive long enough to testify. On the run from guys good and bad, there's no time for romance...or is there?HIDE'N GO SEEK by Dale MayerA twisted game of Hide'n Go Seek forces an unlikely alliance between a no-nonsense FBI agent and a search-and-rescue dog handler... with hidden psychic abilities.DANGEROUS FLAMES by Wendy ElySometimes the guy is taught to do very bad things... When a Mafia Don's daughter demands answers she ends up entangled with a trained assassin, and suddenly, she's running for her life.LOVE ME IF YOU CAN by Marie-Nicole RyanHe is all business when it comes to running his family's PI firm. But when a lovely detective comes to question him about his possible involvement in her cold case, he has everything but business on his mind. Like locking lips with the fiery redhead.ALL IN THE NAME OF LOVE by Margaret TaylorA prominent LA Lawyer and a hot Hollywood actor fight off the Mob, uncover secrets worth dying for and make the ultimate sacrifice to answer the question, how far would you go?MEANT FOR HER by Amy GametA code only she can break... A military man only she was made for... And hiding in plain sight. A coded message brings them together, but its secrets hold the power to tear them apart forever.DARING TO LOVE by Kathryn JaneA woman who reads hearts... A man who reads minds... And a voice from the darkness forcing them together... again.

    And when tough, sexy local sheriff Skye McPherson refuses to believe something supernatural is at work, Anthony realizes that to "Deliver Us From Evil" he must first win Skye's trust, then her heart. Roxanne St. Claire Popular TV psychic Arianna Killian's conversations with the dead have earned her the attention of a killer who fears her abilities, and Bullet Catcher Chase Ryker is the skeptical bodyguard assigned to protect her. æWhen the messages turn deadly, they are given a "Reason to Believe" in life after death...and love...after all. Karin Tabke After a fatal car crash, bad boy cop Zach Garret's descent into hell is interrupted by an unusual deal for "Redemption." All Zach has to do is return to earth as a warrior sworn to defend his ex-fiancŽe Danica Keller, the unknowing keeper of a power coveted by the forces of darkness. But even harder than keeping Danica alive that long is convincing her to give a second chance to the man who once betrayed her.

    But unexpected help soon arrives-in the form of her secret high-school crush. LAND'S END by Barbara Dunlop Tessa Ambroise is desperate to ditch the charming, infuriating hotelier circling her late aunt's century home like a vulture. But the snow piling up outside the mansion puts both their plans on hold. When a child goes missing, this perfect storm of cramped quarters and freezing temperatures brings old flames and new acquaintances closer together...but will they go separate ways once the sky clears?

    Around a campfire on a foggy June night, Coby, Rhiannon, Yvette and the others share their darkest secrets, before a tragic accident shatters the bond between them. . . And Hope Twelve years later Coby attends a birthday party reunion that ends in horror when Yvette's sister's lifeless body is discovered in a hot tub. Soon others in the original group of tale-tellers begin meeting similar fates-unfortunate "accidents" shrinking their numbers one by one. . . To Die Conflicted by her growing feelings for Danner Lockwood, the investigating detective, Coby races to unravel a mystery buried in the past. But someone is watching her every move-someone prepared to kill again and again to protect a shocking truth. . . Praise for Nancy Bush's Blind Spot "Engrossing. . .twists you won't see coming!" -Karen Rose, New York Times Bestselling Author "Atmospheric. . .sure to cause shivers." -Book Page "Bush keeps the story moving quickly and ends with an unexpected twist." -Publishers Weekly

    RothCrazy for You by Kennedy KovitSimmering Seductions by Mandy M. RothExecutive Decision by Mandy M. RothThe bright lights of the big city called to Liz Rogers. Her best friend and almost roommate, Dale, helped her make the transition from small town girl to big time ad executive. They work together and nearly live together. For eight years he's been her rock, her sounding board. As Liz starts breaking off one workplace relationship, another one--that has been brewing since the first day she arrived in New York, blossoms--leaving her confused and concerned. She'd been burned once by love and isn't willing to risk her heart again, especially not to a man who was raised with a silver spoon in his mouth.Dale Corbins has been in love with Liz from the moment he laid eyes on her. He knows time is running out, that one of these days she's going to come home and tell him she's fallen for someone else. When he finds out she's been sleeping with their boss, he decides it's time to take matters into his own hands. Unfortunately, winning Liz's heart isn't an easy game to play. It will take more than romantic gestures and sweet nothings to get the woman he loves. Thankfully, he's a very persistent man. But is this a game even he can't win?Crazy for You by Kennedy KovitMeredith is home again, ready to settle down in her small town and open the antique shop she's always dreamed of owning. She's had enough of powerful men trying to use her and wants to simply fade away from the dating scene and enjoy life. When she runs into the diner's new owner, she quickly realizes her master plan might have been premature.Landry left life in the fast lane for life on Main Street. He's sworn off women for a while. They're nothing but trouble. Meredith is no exception. In fact, he's pretty sure she's not quite right in the head, but for some reason he gets her offbeat, whimsical behavior and craves being around it, not to mention she's smokin' hot and oozes sex appeal. It's hard to fight nature's pull even while chanting, "I've sworn off women."Simmering Seductions by Mandy M. RothSometimes, it's possible to forgive but never forget. Can true love conquer all?Devan Seward is in the process of starting over--moving to the big city and doing her best to move on from an ugly past. When she waylays "Mr. Right" in the stairwell of her new apartment building, she feels an instant connection to him. There is something about the tall, dark and handsome man that leaves her feeling as if she's known him all her life. Devan no longer trusts blindly, a hard lesson learned but can't seem to stop herself from confessing things better left behind.Chef Kurt Holland is like a rock god in the culinary world. Cooking is his passion. His restaurant, E&E, caters only to the rich and famous. When a sexy blast from the past literally falls into his lap, he refuses to retreat like he did last time. No. Seizing the moment and Devan's heart becomes his ultimate passion.Sometimes, it's possible to forgive but never forget and the web of hurt reaches out further than most realize.

    The Christmas Stocking by Fern MichaelsPhiladelphia businesswoman Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors' center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has come home from California with his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in . 2. The Ghost of Christmas Past by Beverly BartonWounded Special Ops officer Mack MacKinnon doesn't have any reason to look forward to the holidays -- until he rescues pretty widow Katie Hadley from a raging blizzard. Now, in a season of miracles, he's falling as hard and fast as the Christmas Eve snow. 3. The Twelve Desserts of Christmas by Joanne FlukeTake two lovestruck teachers. Add a dollop of conspiring kids. Place in a boarding school over Christmas break. And add a little help -- and eight, great recipes -- from amateur sleuth Hannah Swenson, and you've got a romantic holiday tale that's sweet, delicious, and definitely served warm. 4. Twelve Days by Shirley JumpOf all the luck -- Natalie Harris can't believe she drew Jake Lyons as her Secret Santa pal! The dreamy hunk leaves her completely tongue-tied. But with twelve days of secret gifts, sweet notes, and steamy emails to go, she just may conquer her fear and discover something surprising under the tree.