And certainly what Melville did for whaling Austen does for marriage--tracing the intricacies (not to mention the economics) of 19th-century British mating rituals with a sure hand and an unblinking eye. As usual, Austen trains her sights on a country village and a few families--in this case, the Bennets, the Philips, and the Lucases. Into their midst comes Mr. Bingley, a single man of good fortune, and his friend, Mr. Darcy, who is even richer. Mrs. Bennet, who married above her station, sees their arrival as an opportunity to marry off at least one of her five daughters. Bingley is complaisant and easily charmed by the eldest Bennet girl, Jane; Darcy, however, is harder to please. Put off by Mrs. Bennet's vulgarity and the untoward behavior of the three younger daughters, he is unable to see the true worth of the older girls, Jane and Elizabeth. His excessive pride offends Lizzy, who is more than willing to believe the worst that other people have to say of him; when George Wickham, a soldier stationed in the village, does indeed have a discreditable tale to tell, his words fall on fertile ground. Having set up the central misunderstanding of the novel, Austen then brings in her cast of fascinating secondary characters: Mr. Collins, the sycophantic clergyman who aspires to Lizzy's hand but settles for her best friend, Charlotte, instead; Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy's insufferably snobbish aunt; and the Gardiners, Jane and Elizabeth's low-born but noble-hearted aunt and uncle. Some of Austen's best comedy comes from mixing and matching these representatives of different classes and economic strata, demonstrating the hypocrisy at the heart of so many social interactions. And though the novel is rife with romantic misunderstandings, rejected proposals, disastrous elopements, and a requisite happy ending for those who deserve one, Austen never gets so carried away with the romance that she loses sight of the hard economic realities of 19th-century matrimonial maneuvering. Good marriages for penniless girls such as the Bennets are hard to come by, and even Lizzy, who comes to sincerely value Mr. Darcy, remarks when asked when she first began to love him: "It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley." She may be joking, but there's more than a little truth to her sentiment, as well. Jane Austen considered Elizabeth Bennet "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print". Readers of Pride and Prejudice would be hard-pressed to disagree. --Alix Wilber

    Here you’ll find everything from an unlucky-in-love super model to a prominent doctor who falls in love with his best friend’s girlfriend to a woman putting her life back together after the death of her mother to a young couple separated by tragedy but brought back together by love. Each title offers a sizzling love story and a guaranteed happy ending. So get comfortable and be prepared to fall in love—four times!

    With nothing but a hundred dollars, her tiny dog, and a car that should’ve died in the eighties, she heads to the family cabin to prove she’s more than just a pretty face with a trust fund. Local fisherman Jake Alton doesn’t know much about the woman who showed up at the rundown shack next door, other than the fact she’s putting a damper on his solitary and secluded lifestyle. Even though he tries to avoid this intruder to his sanctuary, the beautiful woman proves impossible to ignore. As Cassandra struggles to adapt to her new rustic lifestyle, Jake struggles to keep his wounded heart out of her hands. But even though they try to resist each other, these two opposites do more than attract… they collide. The Other Half is the first romantic comedy in the Door Peninsula Passions series. While each book can be read as a standalone, they will be most enjoyable read in order. Enjoy these light-hearted romances throughout the Door County Peninsula that are filled with laughter, romance, and passion!

    Or does it?I’ve been keeping a secret. One that could change a lot of lives, including my own. I came to Cross Creek to find my father. He’s the difference between life and death for me. During my search, I found love, only sexy builder Ethan Lockhart isn’t having any of it. I’ve done my best to make him mine, but he’s more slippery than a fish in a brook. I built my life here on a lie, but my feelings for this man are true. Will the secrets I keep destroy what Ethan and I creating?I’m not the guy anyone picks first, so when Angie Sutton started flirting with my brother, I wasn’t surprised—that is until I found out she was doing it to get my attention. But this time, I’m determined not to give my heart away—not until I know who she really is. Letting someone get too close too fast is a blueprint for disaster. No matter how deeply I’m drawn to her, I know she’s hiding something, and until she can be honest with me, we don’t have a future.Find out if the truth can really set you free in Guarded Hart, book three in the Cross Creek Series.

    Recently widowed, Darci Cunningham swims against popular current that she should take her time and heal after the sudden death of her husband. But in a bold turn, she decides to follow a dream set aside and moves to Mackinac Island to pursue her dream of writing.But as she prepares for her first winter on the island, she is unaware of the dangers that have washed ashore--one that may steal her heart, while the other may steal her life(*available in ebook and soon in paperback)

    It leaves you with chills while keeping you grounded with heart warming family warmth and sweet hot romance." Cyn's Reviews BROSLIN BRIDE ----------------------- "...what a delight!!... An extremely fun read with moments of great hilarity, some surprisingly steamy interludes and good suspense with unexpected twists and turns... A plucky, touching, slow-burning and vivid puzzle." Ripe For Reader Reviews DEATHWISH ------------------ "An absolutely awesome, utterly mind-blowing romantic suspense! I loved everything about it. Dana outdid herself with this one. I've inhaled every one of Dana's Broslin Creek books - but this is definitely my favorite so far!" Reading Between The Wines Book Club "Marton knows what makes a hero...her characters are sure to become reader favorites." RT Book Review Magazine

    Unfortunately, rumors spread of mysterious happenings haunting the property, and the only contractor willing to take on the project is Jackson Dean, the long lost nephew of her grandmother’s chief enemy. Jackson Dean moves to Georgia to reignite his family relations, but his work poses a threat to a peaceful transition. He accepts the job on Montgomery House to prove his skills as a contractor, but what he is not expecting are his feelings towards the granddaughter of Sissy Montgomery, and his personal quest to mend more than just the house. Elizabeth and Jackson must learn to work together on more than just construction, and their hearts must face more than just family prejudice. Can years of family rivalry truly be forgiven?

    Pour yourself a glass of wine and settle in to be romanced by these 10 hot alpha men. As they work to win the hearts of their strong and curvy women be prepared for:Ups and downSurprisesChallengeSexy heatMisunderstandingsAdventureChemistryConnectionMistakesTrust gainedTrust lostLove wonUnforgettable nights of passion and...10 HAPPILY-EVER-AFTERS!++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Heroes of Hope CountyOnce you take that first step across the county line into Hope, you'll find things are about to heat up!At first glance, Hope County appears a simple, sleepy place, but once you venture inside, you'll be welcomed into a place of thriving, hot excitement and luscious, heart-stopping drama with the perfect places for love and happily ever afters. A mansion with suspense and seduction; a dance club with all the right moves and curves; a record shop that will send you spinning. Drive around and see for yourself if fiery passion is enough to turn into instant love.Take a trip with our steamy, alpha-male cast in this five part, stand-alone romance series as Myles, Graham, Miguel, Josh and Andre fall hard in love for their curvy counterparts. They'll stop at nothing to win their hearts and make their own happy endings.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Swanford Coast SeriesGet your romantic fantasies revving with Jake, Robert, Lincoln, Ben and Kai!They’re heating it up on the shores of the small town of Swanford Coast!But, just because they turn all the female heads in town, doesn’t mean that love comes easy for these yummy alpha men.Grab your beach chair and pull up some sand & discover...♥ Will Jake be able to live down his false reputation and win Amanda's heart?♥ Robert finally broke through to Victoria but has he dropped the ball and lost her now for good?♥ Lincoln is able to be private about his colored past but Jenny's not so lucky. Can he and Jenny ride the tumultuous waves of her's and not have the town shame her into running away?♥ Ben, the ex-military alpha... turned baker. Will the secret he's hiding cause Wendy to lose respect for him and leave him broken-hearted?♥ Kai doesn't like the beach so why the hell is he in Swanford Coast? He even wonders himself, until he meets Alanna. What she does is about to changes everything.These 5 hot, steamy, insta-love stories will leave you, not only dreaming of your own seaside romance, but also believing in true love and happily ever afters.Love really CAN change everything.(And it certainly doesn't hurt when your hero is a drop dead alpha stud of sizzling hotness.OMG!)

    

     Celebrate the season of love with EIGHT BRAND-NEW, NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED STEAMY STORIES From Nine New York Times & USA Today Bestselling, Award-Winning Authors Ranging from fun and flirty to semi-sweet and suspenseful, this amorous collection of stories will not just hold you captive through Valentine’s Day; it’s romance you’ll find IRRESISTIBLE all year long. Two Hearts’ Reconnaissance: Tamara Ferguson, USA Today bestselling author: Drawn to each other from the moment they met, Eve Loughlin and Harry Giordano are teenage survivors who’ve overcome the odds. When their careers split them apart, can they find their way back to their hearts? Cupid’s Quest: Natalie Ann, USA Today bestselling author: Can Cupid’s arrow burst through the commitment wall that Ruby has built around her heart to let Josh sneak in? A Little Change of Plans: Suzanne Jenkins, USA Today bestselling author: Jake saw rookie firefighter Geri and it was love at first sight. All Night Long: Cynthia Cooke, USA Today bestselling author: A fake engagement, A Valentine’s Party, and a St. Bernard rescue on a snowy mountain, and suddenly dreams are coming true. Never Lovers: Alicia Street, USA Today bestselling author: Can a love that is torn in pieces ever be repaired? The Player: Jacquie Biggar, USA Today bestselling author: Sometimes, love happens when we least expect it… Unexpected Packages: Stacy Eaton, USA Today bestselling author: A birthday gift delivered to her home gives her more than she bargained for. First Class Flirtation: Susan Jean Ricci, USA Today bestselling author: A dispute between two strangers during a cross-country flight leads to a passionate infatuation - and the ultimate rescue. Serendipity Falls: Patrice Wilton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Something mysterious is happening in this small mountain town. A wedding a month--Is there a love bug in their spring water, or is Cupid playing tricks?

    But what really lights their hearts are the memories of a special romance. In these compelling tales shared with you by NYT & USA Today best-selling authors you’ll be thrilled to the core when reading their passionate love stories - SEVEN times over. Each story shares with you - A Christmas She'll Remember. Loveable Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour - Aloha! Sweet romance, lovable angel, and a prickly little boy’s Christmas wish! "a warm and touching story just right for the holiday season. Enjoy!"--Amazon Reviewer Crimson Holiday by Patricia Rosemoor - Will this be the Christmas of her daydreams or of her nightmares? "a great Christmas story that is laced with suspense and romance"--Amazon Reviewer Nobody's Cinderella by Joan Reeves - This Christmas Cinderella should be careful what she wishes for! "This was a fun story and I highly recommend it. I'm a real fan of Ms. Reeves writing."--Caroline Clemmons Two Hearts Find Christmas (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 5) by Tamara Ferguson - Will two lonely hearts find Christmas when love’s magic works its spell? "Wow. Just wow! How’s that for a review? Author Tamara Ferguson has done an absolutely wonderful job in creating characters that her readers will relate to, care about"—Tracy Slowiak for Readers’ Favorite The Christmas Sparkle Test by Alicia Street - Star-crossed sweethearts get a second chance, but will the magic of Christmas be enough to rekindle their love despite the secrets of the past? "“Warmed my heart and had me believing in the magic of Christmas again!”--Reader review One to Keep by Ev Bishop - Can love tempt them to commit? Maybe. If they’re brave enough . . . "This is the perfect cosy, fireside read for a winter's night--then you can enjoy it all over again next winter, because this book is 'one to keep'"--Amazon Reviewer Christmas Surprise - Santa's Boots Under Her Bed by Stephanie Queen - Sometimes a surprise can change your life. Margo & George are about to find out this Christmas how true that is... “A refreshing and fun romance story that swept my off my feet.”—I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read

     Amy has officially put dating on the back burner after a string of noncommittal relationships. But when she accidentally brushes her hand against a handsome stranger's one night at a movie theater, her heart decides it has other plans—until she realizes her handsome prince brings a new girl to the theater almost every weekend. This doesn’t stop her from admiring him from afar, while she and her twin brother make up outlandish stories about him every time he comes to the theater. But when their worlds collide, she needs to decide if she will open her heart and take another chance on a man, or push him away after she’s done with his services. Steven has waited months to ask out a girl he’s only had a few brief interactions with. But every time he tries, she runs away from him. His coworkers step in with a plan to put his bachelor days behind him. But the fun and games come with a price tag, as his Cinderella stands to lose something much more valuable than a glass slipper. Other titles by this author: The Billionaire Club Series The Billionaires Secret The Billionaires Conflict Excerpt from this book: “She moved to the edge where the prince was still standing. His eyes were bright as she stepped next to him then her mind went blank as panic set in. This man was on a date with another woman. She was crazy. She stood awkwardly trying to form a coherent sentence. He smiled down at her and her heart skipped at the satisfaction in his eyes. “I left your hot sauce at home,” he said, breaking her awkward silence. She gasped at his unexpected words, shifting uncomfortably. She needed to pull it together. She felt like an awkward teenager. “Didn’t I see you with someone?” she asked, grasping at anything her brain could find in her muddied state. “She’ll be back in a minute.” He glanced back to the restroom and Amy followed his gaze. “I’m sorry about that,” Amy said the next thing her scattered mind thought of. He lifted an eyebrow at her, a smile playing at the edge of his lips. “That my date will be back.” She laughed out loud before cupping her hand to her mouth. She dropped her hands in embarrassment. “No, sorry. I’m sorry for throwing popcorn at you.” “That was definitely unexpected.” She bit her bottom lip, unsure of what she should ask next. If she ever needed saving, now would be perfect timing. Too bad she didn’t have twin telepathy.”

    Gabriel is also caught up in his mysterious past, which seems likely to cause even more trouble. Yet the attraction between Amandine and her handsome lover is more intense than ever, and their encounters grow more and more sensual.

    Her small town romances center on family life, friendship, forgiveness, and of course, second chances, as they explore the issues of today’s contemporary women. And if you’re following Mary’s “A Family Affair” saga, (Truth in Lies series), the stories in this boxed set are prequels to the A Family Affair books! Sometimes we're lucky enough to get that second chance—in life and in love. That Second Chance Series are stand-alone stories of strong women who battle heartache and loss with courage and determination to find new paths and true love. What ties them together? A common theme: belief in the beauty of that second chance. PULLING HOME - She'll risk anything to save her child...even the truth. 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. THE WAY THEY WERE is Book Two of That Second Chance Series. They promised to love one another forever, but tragedy tore them apart. Now, destiny may just bring them back together. At eighteen, Rourke Flannigan and Kate Redmond thought they’d spend the rest of their lives together—until a family tragedy tore them apart. Fourteen years have passed, and they’ve both carved out separate lives hundreds of miles apart—hers as a wife and mother, his as a successful, driven businessman. But once a year, Kate pulls out a red velvet journal and writes a letter, which she’ll never send, to the man who still owns her heart. Once a year, on the anniversary of the first and only night they made love, Rourke permits himself to read the annual investigative report detailing an ordinary day in Kate’s life. When a subcontractor at one of Rourke’s holding companies is killed, Rourke decides to pay the widow a visit and offer condolences, never dreaming the widow will be Kate. As they embark on a cautious journey of rediscovery, one far greater than they could have imagined, secrets and lies threaten to destroy their newfound closeness—forever. SIMPLE RICHES is Book Three of That Second Chance Series. Alexandra “Alex” Chamberlain is a big city girl who knows nothing about close-knit families, sibling rivalry, or receiving an unsolicited opinion in the name of family. She’s been raised by an aunt and uncle who’ve provided her with a wealthy lifestyle and a fancy education, but have withheld what she craved most—love and acceptance. Her uncle has taught her to disregard everything but the bottom line on a balance sheet and she’ll do anything to earn his approval. She prides herself on excelling at her job which is selecting small towns to buy, flatten, and replace with luxury resorts.

    She was the chance encounter that changed my life. I was living a life of luxuryMy clubMy penthouseMy carsI was from a world where everyone knew my name.I had no plans to fall in loveNo plans to settle downI could have any girl in TokyoAnd that was just the way I liked it.But then I saw her on the dance floorDarkSensualStunningDana.I had to have her, if only for the night.But life had other plans.Pregnant, she said, her eyes locked with mine.Now this is about far more than one hot night.Now I’m feeling things I’ve never felt before.But coming from a powerful family isn’t easy.How can I learn to be a good dadWhen my own father is intent on destroying my life? Note: Asian Billionaire's Four Miracle Babies is a steamy romance between and Asian Billionaire and the strong, beautiful woman who becomes pregnant with his quadruplets.