A lonely girl plots revenge in the shadow of a mountain. A stolen princess fumbles a century backward. A dwarfish man crafts brilliant automatons. A Polish Jew strikes matches against the Nazis. A dead girl haunts a crystal lake. A terrified princess searches a labyrinth. A rich collection of six historically inspired retellings, Once is a new generation of fairytales for those who thought they'd heard the tales in all their forms. Featuring the novellas of Elisabeth Grace Foley, Rachel Heffington, J Grace Pennington, Emily Ann Putzke, Suzannah Rowntree, and Hayden Wand.Titles in this book set:The Mountain of the Wolf by Elisabeth Grace FoleyShe But Sleepeth by Rachel HeffingtonRumpled by J. Grace PenningtonSweet Remembrance by Emily Ann PutzkeDeath Be Not Proud by Suzannah RowntreeWith Blossoms Gold by Hayden Wand

    Naples awaited her, and Ferdinand, and a throne. Instead she finds herself in Milan, in her father’s castle, surrounded by hostile servants who treat her like a ghost. Whispers cling to her like spiderwebs, whispers that carry her dead mother’s name. And though he promised to give away his power, Milan is once again contorting around Prospero’s dark arts.With only Dorothea, her sole companion and confidant to aid her, Miranda must cut through the mystery and find the truth about her father, her mother, and herself.“Love and lust, mothers and monsters, magicians and masked balls, all delivered with Shakespearean panache.” —Nicola Griffith, author of Hild“Miranda in Milan is somehow both utterly charming and perfectly sinister, and altogether delightful. A pleasure for any lover of romance, myth, and magic—whether or not they're fans of the Bard.” —Cherie Priest, author of Boneshaker and I Am Princess XAt the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

    Roderick knows he’s losing himself to his bear, and he wants to see his brother one last time and say goodbye before that happens.What he’s not prepared for is an engrossing blonde who won’t stay out of his business—or his heart.When Morgan D’Marco sees trouble coming for the abandoned castle on the edge of town, she thinks her gift might be wrong for once. Nobody has lived in that place for years. Some say it’s haunted. Cursed might be more accurate. Either way, no one lives there.Book 2 – Teasing FateWade Santana’s idiot bear thinks it’s found their fated mate—but Carolina’s into women.Dumb beast. It’s been nothing but trouble since Wade woke up with the thing inside him after a feral bear attack. The only upside is the chance of finding forever love, but it doesn’t look like that’s in the cards for him, either. His bear might be excited about chasing down and taking Carolina, but Wade’s mother taught him to be a gentleman, and he’s certainly not going to force himself on a woman who doesn’t want him.Carolina Short is used to depending on herself. Her dad abandoned her early, and her mom’s a bit of a flake, but she’s proud of the life she’s made for herself. The only bright spot in her life at the moment is a handsome stranger who restores antiques for the new owners up at Bearclaw Castle.But rebound relationships never last. It’s too bad because being around Wade feels like coming home.Book 3 – Toying with FateAll Ana wants is an explanation.She thought Brandon was her forever love right up until he didn’t show up for their wedding. He left without a word. No justification. The year since has been grueling, and Ana wants to move on. But she can’t do that while she’s holding onto Brandon’s engagement ring—and his memory.Brandon hasn’t been fit for human society since a bear attacked him at his bachelor party and left him with his own internal beast. He’s certainly not fit to be around Ana. Seeing her makes him realize how much he has missed her, though.Maybe he can control himself and his beast around her, but she’ll never forgive him for leaving her at the altar.Will she?Book 4 – Twisting FateVaughn Carson vowed never to step foot in Bearclaw Castle again.The cursed place has brought his family nothing but pain for generations, so he doesn’t understand why his brother would want to restore it.Mimi Fisher knows better than anyone what’s wrong with Bearclaw Castle. After all, it was her ancestor who cursed the Carsons, bringing misery on both their families. Mimi is determined to find the remaining two stones whose destruction will break the curse, setting both the Carsons and her own family free.When she meets Vaughn, his gentle attention only increases her resolve. If anyone deserves the freedom to love and prosper, it’s Vaughn Carson.She’ll liberate him from the curse, even if it means she’s paving the way for someone else to love him.Book 5 – Triumph Over FateKai wants to see Bearclaw Castle razed, but he can’t destroy the place with his sister inside.Not that Kai is ready to forgive Mimi for leaving him alone to deal with their father, but he does still love her. He figures he should at least tell her the old man has died. While he’s still off balance from his sister’s betrayal, she comes in.Since her husband left her, Stormi Blackford has sworn off men, but Kai Fisher is tempting. She can’t remember the last time anyone looked at her with that kind of desire. Kai is just the right mix of protective and supportive. She’s beginning to wonder why Mimi thinks her brother is such a beast.Maybe it’s the influence of the ghost up at the castle?

    Get Down & Dirty with the second three books in the series… DIESEL: She calls him “The Beast.” Diesel, the MC’s Sergeant at Arms and enforcer, is tasked with not only keeping the club’s property and its members safe, but also taking care of “business” when needed. His motto, “live free, die free,” means he sees most women as nags and clingers and he wants none of that. The last thing he needs is to have one sitting on the back of his bike and trying to dictate his life. Unlike the other DAMC women, Jewel wants to be an ol’ lady. Being born and raised within the club, her goal is to earn her place on back of a brother’s bike. But not just anyone’s. No, she had to pick the biggest, most pig-headed and quick-tempered of the bunch. The one she nicknamed “The Beast,” because that’s how he acts both in and out of bed. She’s wanted Diesel for so long she’s not about to give up the fight to become his. She’s bound and determined to win this battle one way or another. Diesel fights his desire for Jewel until a rival MC threatens what he realizes is his, and no one gets away with that. No one. AXEL: When you’re a cop, life can be complicated when the woman you love is MC born and raised... Though the club blood runs thick in Axel’s veins, he’s despised by them for being a cop. They also hate him because his family turned their back years ago not only on the club but his brother, the president of the Dirty Angels MC. However, he's loved Bella forever, watched her marry the wrong man, one who broke her in almost every imaginable way, and yet she's still the strongest person he knows. Despite their rivaling families, he won't let anything stand in the way of making her his this time. Bella hasn’t known anything other than alpha bikers her whole life. Her marriage to one turned into a tragedy, one that changed the rest of her life. She was never the same after that one fateful night that Axel came to save her. Though he remains on the outskirts of her life, he’s always there: watching, waiting, worrying about her. Especially when a rival MC continues to wreak havoc on all of their lives. Like Romeo and Juliet, his family may never accept her, and hers him, but they’re both determined to tear down the wall that divides them. SLADE: He thought he liked easy. Until she showed him easy was boring. Right out of the Marines, Slade’s first mistake was patching into a club that was headed down a destructive path. His second was rolling into Shadow Valley on a search for answers. He had no plans to patch into another club, even one like the DAMC, and he certainly wasn’t looking for an ol’ lady. Especially a ball-buster like Diamond, who could singe the hair off a brother’s nuts with just a look. DAMC born and bred, Diamond was ready to give up on becoming an ol’ lady until the heavily tattooed biker rolled into town on his Harley. Problem is, months later Slade’s still a mystery. He never talks about himself or his past, and Diamond wants answers. But she's not quite ready for what’s uncovered: secrets that could very well implode the club. It doesn’t just bring Slade’s loyalty into question, but forces Diamond to make a choice she doesn’t want to make. A choice that affects not only Slade, but the whole MC.

    But one student can't stand to witness this budding relationship: Ian decides to destroy the friendship between the black boy and the golden girl. By the end of the day, the school and its key players - teachers and pupils alike - will never be the same again. The tragedy of Othello is transposed to a 1970's suburban Washington schoolyard, where kids fall in and out of love with each other before lunchtime, and practice a casual racism picked up from their parents and teachers. Peeking over the shoulders of four 11 year olds Osei, Dee, Ian, and his reluctant girlfriend Mimi, Tracy Chevalier's powerful drama of friends torn apart by jealousy, bullying and betrayal will leave you reeling.

    Behind the Sassy Boyz's seductive smiles and sinful dance moves are desires that will leave readers breathless.Fitch Donovan never thought a lap dance could change his life, but from the moment the gorgeous dancer's lips touch his, his world comes screeching to a halt. No matter how hard he tries, he can't shake the desire that rocks him to his core. He's longed for this passion all his life—he just never dreamed he'd find it with another man.Sharing a soul-shaking kiss with a straight boy is the kind of drama Ansel Becke just doesn't need. Spotlights aren't made for two and Ansel prefers to keep things on a one-night-only basis. So when Fitch shows up asking for an encore, Ansel knows he should send his gorgeous ass packing.Though Ansel tries to pretend that what's between him and Fitch is far from fabulous, there's something about the big, burly contractor that makes Ansel's world sparkle in a way no amount of glitter ever could. And Fitch will do whatever it takes to convince Ansel that when the thing you need most in the world falls right into your lap, you'd be a fool to let it go.

     I've always been a businessman. It's in my blood. It defines me. Well, that and being a single dad. My daughter is the only thing I prize above money. And I want to be the role model she deserves. But when I'm suddenly on the verge of bankruptcy, the s#!t hits the fan. And in more ways than one. Maybe that's why I turned to my new secretary - to fuck away my troubled thoughts. Elena Hayes. Twenty-four, fresh out of college, green eyes, tall, curvy, smart… No man in my position could resist all that. I knew she was off-limits. She knew I was bad for her. But that didn't stop us… Until the test with the two pink little lines. I want to support Elena. I want this baby. But I have a dark past that isn't done toying with me yet…

    The dancing and giggling, the shrieking and frolicking. His name tumbling from their lips in ecstasy loud and clear through the thin wall that separates us.I’ve tried knocking, politely, asking him to keep it down.“Quit it, little princess, unless you want me to go over there and paddle you,” he thundered in response.I’m an innocent country gal, I’ve never been touched.He’s an infamous big city beast. Respected by men. Desired by women.I hate him for corrupting me. For igniting these wild flames within me.I grab my bedsheets, clench my fists and bite my lower lip. I punch my pillow to keep from screaming.I hate him.I crave him.

    Brimming with love, passion, and angst, this anthology will satisfy your sweet tooth, set your heart on fire, and leave you yearning for more.So tear into your favorite box of Valentine’s Day chocolates, pour a glass of wine, and start reading for some decadent, melt-in-your-mouth Valentine-themed romances.

    Supported by his friends, Sam is keen to help make beautiful Mill Grange a safe retreat for injured army personnel... but his crippling claustrophobia means Sam is living in a tent on the grounds! Enlisting the help of charming village stalwarts Bert and Mabel Hastings, Tina Martins is determined to find a way to help him conquer his fears. But why does she feel like he is keeping a secret?After discovering evidence of a Roman fortlet on the manor's grounds, Thea Thomas is thrilled at the chance to return to her archaeological roots and lead the excavation. She spent the summer with handsome celebrity archaeologist Shaun Cowlson – but now he's off filming his Landscape Treasures show in Cornwall, and Thea can't help but miss his company. Especially as someone else is vying for his attention...Welcome back to Mill Grange and the beautiful village of Upwich, full of larger-than-life characters you can't help but adore.

    And now… He's back! My brain says 'no.' But my heart screams 'yes.' Who wins amongst the two is a different story altogether! Well, let's just say, Conner McGee is a HARD man to forget. I had no idea that a one night stand would lead to this. Our lives are full of lies, secrets, and seduction. He stole my heart long before I found the truth. Maybe I did not see it coming. Maybe that's why it hurts so bad. Maybe that's why they say timing and love never go together.

    Alex:I just want to be left alone!After what I’ve been through, what I’ve lost…I don’t care to deal with people.After the Army, I realized mixing drinks behind the bar was my zen.That is until she walked through the door!I usually wouldn’t give a crap about some girl and her drama,But there was something about Brandy that reminded me of what I lost.I guess that’s why my instinct told me to protect her, even though it screwed with my mind.But is she really worth it?Or Is she just a distraction, especially at a time when my MC brothers are getting hounded by the Sheriff?Brandy:I’m terrified of my ex!The things he’s done to me and the trauma he’s caused me,have me fearing for my life.But, I can’t even report him because of the people he’s connected to.When Alex sees what my ex did to me, he immediately wants to protect me.He helps me get away from my ex, and I’m grateful.While showing him my gratitude, I realize I feel something more for him.But he’s a lone wolf and aloof, will he even let me in?1-CLICK NOW to read this MC Romance Abuse story!

    I have it all. But that doesn’t force me to hang out with a bunch of boring & wealthy narcissists.I just want to blow off some steam and mingle with a crowd more to my liking. But when I see her on the dance floor, I’m reminded of what I really want—what I really need. A girl like her. Beautiful, strong-willed and offbeat. Nicky tries to fend me off with her sassy attitude, but her attempts are futile. I can see the twisted little thing she really is. I can't wait to tame her, break her and show her how much she needs this.But can she really commit the way I need her to? No one ever challenged me on this like she does.No one ever made me question everything I am.No one ever made me… reconsider.

    Twenty-four years later, Morgan is whisked back again. Mistaken for her twin, Amanda, Morgan is forced to marry King Henry's favored knight, the Lord of Braddock Hall. Abandoned by his mother and unloved by his father, Derek Vanguard has a heart so cold only one woman can melt it -- if she can accept that this is the time where she belongs.______________EVERYTHING IN ITS TIME (Time After Time Series) - Dee DavisEight years ago while vacationing in Scotland, Katherine St. Claire shared a glorious night of passion with a stranger, who promptly disappeared come morning. In the 15th century, Iain Mackintosh remains haunted by the memory of his greatest love who vanished, leaving behind only a cairngorm earring as proof she was ever there. Iain's family pressures him to forge a sensible marriage. Then Katherine suddenly returns to him and reveals where -- and when -- she's from...______________HOUR OF THE ROSE (A Draycott Abbey Novel) - Christina SkyeArcheologist Kelly Hamilton follows a trail of secrets to the hauntingly beautiful Draycott Abbey, tracking a priceless sword. Ex-Royal Marine Michael Burke only wants Kelly gone. But in the nights that follow, Kelly's gift of second sight tells her this man is no stranger. She has known him long before: as his ardent lover... Soon the two are caught in a sensuous spell of white-hot desire. And all the while an old and dangerous enemy waits to strike.______________FALLEN (A Draycott Abbey Novella) - Christina SkyeIn a night of dreams and danger, a Crusader knight is torn from the past on a mission of honor -- and deadly revenge. Only through magic can he protect the innocence of a stubborn woman who has learned to trust no one. While the deadly fog of a London graveyard closes around them, they will fight an eternal desire and test the strength of their trust -- even as their oldest enemy plots their demise.______________OUT OF TIME (Out of Time Series) - Monique MartinWhen an accident transports Professor Simon Cross and his assistant, Elizabeth, to 1920s Manhattan, he runs straight into proof of the supernatural he's been searching for and a romantic entanglement he's been avoiding. Simon and Elizabeth's relationship is tested by demons real and imagined, for more than mobsters are vying for power in the city's speakeasies. Then a local kingpin with a dark secret sets his sights on Elizabeth, putting them in a fight for their lives.______________BESIEGED HEART (No Ordinary Lovers Novella Collection) - Jennifer BlakeIf the castle falls to the siege of vicious Baron Ewloe, so will Princess Mara. Her trusted adviser and wizard offers to meet the baron in ritual combat, but she cannot send him to certain death. Rayne knows he can defeat the baron if Mara will make him her champion instead of sacrificing herself to save her people. If she must surrender to someone, Rayne vows it will be to him -- and transports her to the future to achieve it. But will she forgive him afterward?

    However, most of the individual stories will be released separately. **Twelve bestselling and award-winning authors each bring you a sexy night of romance, fun and a little magic. ‘Tis the season for falling for the right guy!Two people stuck in an elevator, snowed in, on an all-night bus trip, locked in a store... Can a magical fruitcake be the special ingredient they're all looking for? **‘Tis the season for giving, too!**20% of the proceeds will be donated to the hunger relief organization Feeding America December 25: “Scrooge You” by MK SchillerChristmas is the worse time of the year for Eva. It’s nothing but a reminder of her tragic past. To make matters worse, her boyfriend invites his entire family over…so she goes into total Scrooge mode.When three ghosts visit her, will she be able to remember the joy in her heart and the true meaning of Christmas?December 26: “Unexpected Daddy” by Gemma BrocatoShe let him go to pursue his dreams without telling him she was pregnant. Five years later, he’s back in town and her secret’s out. Can they get over past hurts to seize a future for their small family?December 27: “The Meant to Be Girl” by Tawdra KandleWhen Ashley Webbar meets Zane Fletcher, the new lawyer in Burton, it's insta-lust . . . but she soon realizes he's already smitten with someone else, even if Zane himself doesn't seem to know it.Ashley is so busy matchmaking that she might miss out on her own happily-ever-after . . . if something or someone doesn't intervene first. This just might call for a Christmas miracle.December 28: “For One Night Only” by Carrie ElksWhen two strangers are stranded at a rest stop in the middle of Nowheresville—thank you, Mr. Bus Driver—they’re forced to spend the night together. Not that it’s exactly a hardship, thanks to the sizzling chemistry between them. But when morning, and rescue, comes, they both find themselves asking one question. Will they see each other again, or was their connection for one night only?December 29: “Best Friends for a Night” by Alice GainesEvery year, Steve has been cheering up his army buddy’s widow with popcorn and zany movies on the anniversary of her husband’s death. Will a little holiday magic make Steve and Hannah more than friends?December 30: “Entwined” by Kristi RoseDonovan survived combat, but can he survive being stranded over Christmas with the girl of his dreams? He swore he’d stay away from his best friend’s kid sister years ago, but after a near-death helicopter crash, this sailor knows second chances don't come around often. Loving Bailey would mean risking not only his friendship but his heart. And that would be one wound that would never heal.December 31: “Rekindled” by Stacy FinzThe last place Branna and Drex want to spend New Year’s Eve is stuck on a broken-down elevator, together. They’ve finally put their divorce behind them and don’t want to open old wounds. But fate and a fruitcake step in, making them question whether love could be better the second time around. January 1: “New Year’s Negotiation” by Kate AllentonWhen Detective Elizabeth Cross’s high school crush and star of all of her what-ifs shows up at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve ready to take her on a trip down memory lane, she’ll have to decide if this is a second chance at having her happily ever after or the start of another broken heart.January 2: “Playing House” by Kim GoldenCassie Delk isn’t having the best holiday season. With her ex-husband about to get remarried, she’s not very excited about still being single. The last thing she expects is for a second chance at love to turn up on her doorstep.January 3: “Book of Love” by Cd BrennanHey, wait a minute, Mr. Postman! Where's your Christmas spirit?Nothing infuriates Melanie more than the one-armed, ex-army hunk who chucks her mail at her book shop door. When Nick delivers a special package at the end of the day, she's ready to give him what for. Except a blizzard strands them together, and the fruitcake delivery sparks magic between them instead. Now, Melanie isn't sure what she wants to give him—a piece of her mind or all of her heart.January 4: “A Winter Wonderland” by Rebecca HunterComing face-to-face with her first love after ten years is a reminder of everything Selena left behind when she moved from Delilah’s Cove. And an evening with Jace is even more dangerous when mixed with a little magic… January 5: “Wild Honey” by Sarah HeggerTwo people who couldn’t be more different. One elevator, a dark and stormy night, and a magical, bourbon-laced fruitcake. What could go right?