With every good deed done, and helping hand offered, we are making the world a better place. The dedicated women selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award have changed many lives for the better, through their compassionate hearts and unshakable commitment. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have written stories inspired by these real-life heroines.In this book, Jillian Hart honors the work of Mary Byberg, a committed volunteer for Nellie's Shelter for Women and Children in Toronto, Ontario.We hope More Than Words inspires you look inside your heart and to get in touch with the heroine inside of you.

    Instead of asking her to be his lover, he was asking her to be temporary nanny to his baby niece. Not an ounce of desire in sight. Or was there? Living together, spending time in intimate surroundings, created a sensual tension too powerful to ignore. How long before this strictly business relationship turned into a strictly passionate predicament?Taking Care of BusinessFrom the moment she met Tag Elliott, Renee Williams thought of nothing but how his lips would feel on hers. That and darkened bedrooms and whispered promises. But as a member of Manhattan's wealthiest family, Tag was way out of the social worker's league. Besides, no matter how much she craved him, there was another small matter: she was black and Tag was white. Renee had agreed to one night to live their fantasies, but in the light of day Tag decided once was not enough. He could ignore the scandal they would stir; why couldn't she? After all, Tag wanted her. And he always got what he wanted….

    Or so Kalera thought....to the boss's mistress?But Duncan is haunted by their one night of unbelievable passion, and secretly longs for their relationship to develop after office hours. As a rule, he can have any woman he wants -- so he's furious when Kalera announces her engagement to another man! Whatever it takes, Duncan intends to entice her into his bed once more -- and this time it will be forever.

    Conduct very private negotiations!Obstacle: Natalie Rowland, longtime star of his X-rated dreams...Levi McPherson's tour of duty has an unexpected benefit: anonymous red-hot love letters! Someone he knows is mailing the rugged soldier her very explicit fantasies. And he's loving every word.On an unexpected leave home, he discovers his sexy secret admirer--Natalie Rowland, the longtime star of his own X-rated dreams!But he's not letting Natalie know her cover's blown...yet. That way, the exquisite pleasure of fulfilling each and every one of her naughty ideas is all his--and hers....

    There she discovers country superstar Zane Williams still hunkering down after the devastating loss of his wife. These two wounded souls find their easy friendship healing. So Jess's sudden attraction to Zane comes as a complete shock. Even more shocking, Zane's acting like a jealous boyfriend, running interference with men who show interest. Is he just being overprotective? The answer becomes clear when Jess ends up in his bed…

    She wants it to work more than anything in the world, so walking away from Cole is the hardest thing she'll ever do. But one last night together is set to change her life and her marriage forever…. Needing time to think, Emily returns to the one place that always feels like home: the Gingerbread Inn. It is the perfect setting to work out what to do with her little secret. And when Cole finds her, and her growing bump, he realizes that this Christmas, some things are worth fighting for….

    And for two Marines, Lives--and love-- are on the line.Racing against time to save victims in a ravaged, burning city, golden boy Lieutenant Wes James discovered an angel in disguise: plain-Jane rescue worker Lieutenant Callie Evans, who defied death to dig survivors from the rubble. Amid the hellish wreckage, her blue eyes shone with inspiring hope. Her innocence and valor moved the unshakable Marine, and she blossomed into a beauty beneath his protective gaze. Still, past pain kept Wes from surrendering his closely guarded heart. But he ached to make Callie more than his comrade-in-arms. He ached to make her his...

    Gard was convinced that fate had brought them together, and that they shared more than just the same last name.His passionate kisses seemed to burn his promise of forever into her heart. But Rachel had loved and lost once before. Should she believe Gard's tender vows for the future -- or had she fallen desperately in love with a man who wanted nothing more than a shipboard affair?

    The discovery of her unplanned pregnancy guaranteed those dreams would never be rebuilt.A KNIGHT IN A BIKE HELMETTall, husky cyclist Tucker Sharpe promised his dying brother he'd look after Shelby. When he learned there was a baby on the way, a marriage of convenience seemed his only option. But would love for the unborn child be enough to bring them -- and keep them -- together?

    In this Colorado Grooms novelLuc Wilder's surprised when his ex-girlfriend Cate Malory arrives at his Colorado guest ranch. And he's downright stunned when she introduces him to his three-year-old daughter, Ruby. Bonding with the bubbly little girl is easy--Ruby loves ranch life, just like her daddy. But after all the secrets, can Luc and Cate find a way to trust in each other again?

    But she'll have to fight for her life to keep it out of the wrong person's hands. Cooper Stokes' brother is still the prime suspect, and as the cold case heats up, so do Ruby's forgotten feelings for Cooper. Ruby wants justice for her friend. Cooper wants to prove his brother's innocence. Despite being on opposite sides, they find themselves drawn to one another. But the deeper they dig into decades-old secrets, the closer they come to having to make a choice between family and love. Wings of Danger: The path to love is treacherous

    She's even doing it for a living - giving sex advice to female callers on her late-night radio show. The ratings, not to mention Callie's popularity as a shock jock, are off the chart, but she's still got places to go....When Callie's on-air sex tips result in a West Coast book tour, even threats against her "telling it like it is" aren't going to slow her down. Instead, she gets a bodyguard for protection. And not just a bodyguard. But the best bodyguard—Luke Cardasian. Heart-stopping to look at, he's tough as nails and strong like steel, with animal instincts...and appetites.A dangerous, sensual, sex-filled road trip.Who will survive?

    She'd cut her nursing instruction short in order to look after the elderly aunt who had so kindly opened her home to Franny and her brother. Financial difficulties led Franny to apply for a job as Lady Trumper's assistant, but Franny's outspoken manner clearly didn't please her. It was only through her godson, Marc, that Franny was able to get the job. Marc always seemed to be on hand after that.…

    He saves maiden Breanne î Callahan from slavery only with the intention of getting close enough to kill her foster father. Until their spark of passion ignites a desire to keep her close…and presents Alarr with a gut-wrenching choice—his revenge or his heart?

    But Marnie knows this favor is bound to be complicated because the owners need a confidential report immediately. Marnie's impressions could affect their decision to sell.From the outset, the inn is not what she expects…and neither is the manager, Luke Harrison. She quickly develops a rapport with this very attractive widower and his adorable little boy. He knows something is up, yet she can't tell him that the inn—which is home to Luke and his son—is in danger. Marnie's torn between her obligation to her brother and her growing love for Luke. Fortunately, things have a way of working out at Christmas!