In this collection of his stories (each of which has a story behind it), you'll read about two retired spiritual leaders who experience a miracle in their nursing home, a gay relationship that must end between an American man and a Thai student, the astonishing adventures of an early mid-life failure, the thrilling chase one gay man undertakes for another intriguing, confusing, mysterious man, and a mind-blowing time-travel misadventure involving a man and a dog, as well as a few other surprises. This genre bending collection will captivate you. You might even enjoy the stories. Adam Carpenter Welles works in media in a major city in the Southeastern United States.

    Fall enough times, you’ll learn how to walk. Bite your tongue enough times, you’ll learn to speak up. Lose enough times, you’ll learn how to win. Get burnt enough times, you'll learn how to avoid the flame. But what happens when two tormented souls suffer too many losses? Is it enough for fate to bring them together and let them to do the rest? Or will they find it impossible to learn how to love?

    When she finds an orphaned girl, Sam, hidden in some bushes along the Rogue River, in an instant, a bond is formed. AJ quickly learns that Sam's and her guardian's lives are in danger from a team of hired killers. But AJ commits to helping eight-year-old Sam. A competitive athlete, AJ Scott isn't one to quit, give up, or do anything halfway, not even when she and Sam end up in a road race with killers in pursuit.When Hunter Jones's cousin dies, he becomes eight-year-old Samantha Wilson's guardian and sets aside any pursuit of personal happiness. Sam becomes his lot in life, and he loves her dearly. But Hunter, a big data analyst, will soon release a research report proving that the largest Internet search engine in the world is being used by its owners to influence American political thought with the intent of controlling elections. He hints at his findings in a radio interview and the news goes viral. Within hours, a team of hired killers attacks Hunter and Sam, intending to eliminate them and steal his research findings. Hunter hides Sam and eludes the killers. But when he returns, Sam is gone. Enraged, Hunter Jones will storm the gates of Hades to get her back, and whoever took her will pay a steep price.Set in Southern Oregon, Seattle, Washington DC, and Eastern Oregon, near Paulina Lake, Slanted is a gritty, high-action, romantic suspense adventure about commitment, sacrifice, love and faith.

    Instead, she's blindsided by a man as infuriating as he is irresistible--a man who makes it clear he plays to win, especially where a beautiful woman is concerned.Marah is feisty and furious, but all John can think about is the feel of her soft skin and full, sensual lips. The line between business and pleasure is crossed the moment she storms into his office wearing skinny jeans and sultry perfume. Determined to get closer to this passionate woman who has invaded his life, he begins their negotiations with a kiss....

    Innocent women need to watch out for the ruthless alpha males in these novels. From forced marriages to embracing past battle scars, there are a lot of hurdles to be overcome in these stories. Find out what happens when you stalk a dangerous dragon shifter in exchange for free cookies. Worse yet, what happens when the only way to escape terrorists is to run into the arms of a terrifying giant? This box set includes three Onyx Dragons and an exclusive bonus short story. ONYX DRAGONS: MALACHITE Dragon shifter CEO, Malachite, has no choice but to marry a human. If not, then he’d have to return to his home planet. Could his mysterious intern, Cheryl, be the one to produce his dragonlets? Cheryl sets his soul on fire, and she needs to respond to his marriage proposal. Will she say yes? ONYX DRAGONS: PYROCHLORE Stalking the dangerous dragon shifter may not have been the smartest idea. Pyrochlore is a bad boy dragon VP and Amy has been studying him through binoculars. It was the only way for the starving student teacher to get free cookies. It’s hard for Amy to maintain her focus, especially when Pyrochlore whisks her away to Vegas for a very indecent proposal. ONYX DRAGONS: KYANITE Kyanite’s hardened scars make him a monster. Perhaps, that’s what nursing intern, Laura, likes about him. She has embraced the dragon shifter security chief. Her understanding of the hard and terrifying giant is deepening. No wonder she runs into his arms when terrorists target her, but can she really trust her instinct and let the warrior into her heart? The drama is never-ending, and the only way to escape it is to let it abduct you first. It also includes the happily ever after stories "Mal's First Birthday," "Pyro's Wedding Day," and "Kyan's Housewarming Party" as well as the bonus story "The Ultrasound" that's exclusive to this boxed set.

    Each book has a happy ending. There are no continuations. Each book features a different couple and can be read in any order.* “People die or leave when you need them most. Nothing is ever certain. Nothing is ever sure.” – Kailor Smith When Kailor Smith’s mother dies, her life crumbles. Completely. Still looking out for her in death, Asia sends Kailor on a journey of self-discovery. The journey, meant to be a six-month path of fun and finding purpose, leads Kailor to Finley Trails where she temporarily lives with her brother Kai… and his best friend and bandmate Zion Johnson. Zion Johnson is convinced that he has only two things to offer the world – his music and his manhood. Nothing more, like love, but definitely nothing less. After losing his parents at a young age, he’s convinced it’s his job to protect every damsel that comes his way. Even his best friend’s sister. No matter how much his best friend wants him to stay away. As Kailor and Zion’s paths collide, they find themselves on a journey of healing and love together. There’s just one problem; their union is forbidden. Not only could their relationship destroy Zion and Kai’s friendship, but it also has the potential to ruin their band and all of the success they’ve built. The odds are stacked against them, and for a while they are even at war with their own feelings, but Kailor and Zion must choose between love or the numbing pain they have both accepted as their truths.

    Agonizing nightmares terrorize her by night as painful memories of a love lost haunt her by day. Ava has vowed never to love again, but she will soon find out that sometimes vows are made to be broken. Attorney Langston Warrington III is the one man that can make Ava love again. The only problem is . . . he's her archenemy! And to make matters worse, Langston has a secret of his own-a secret that will change Ava's life forever.

    An unexpected event sends her reeling - even more so when a pregnant mistress steps forward. Marcel survives a divorce, but there’s no solace when he loses his only child. Love has caused Donna and Marcel nothing but pain, but it may be the only thing powerful enough to heal their broken hearts. ●●●●● EXCERPT ●●●●● She cried out in shock and reflexively wrapped her legs around his waist. Marcel backed her against the counter and set her on top of it. Now they were the same height. He looked into her eyes and smiled when he saw Donna’s expression of shock and wonderment. Her legs were spread wide to accommodate him. With the counter supporting her, he was able to release her ass and undo the buttons on his shirt. Donna watched, still somewhat in a daze. She barely felt him lift her off the tiles. And she wasn’t a small woman. She knew he was strong, but… Marcel got his shirt off, and everything became crystal clear. Of course he didn’t have any trouble lifting her. Under the bright lights in the kitchen, Donna saw that every muscle he’d been hiding under his tee-shirts was as beautifully sculpted as she imagined. His massive pectorals were the most impressive, but his arms and shoulders were equally enticing. Every bulge fought for her attention. Donna wasn’t aware that her mouth hung open. Marcel stepped closer, and she held both hands up – not to stop him, but to feel the goose bumps that were scattered across his chest. She sucked air between her teeth the moment her hands came in contact with his dark flesh. He was so hot. And hard! She felt his powerful muscles ripple beneath her fingertips. She felt his heart thumping strong against his sternum. Her bottom lip slipped into her own mouth as she fondled him at will. His nipples were big and dark. She couldn’t resist tasting them. Marcel’s hand moved to the back of her neck as she ducked down and suckled his nipple unexpectedly. He looked up to the ceiling and took a deep, slow breath. Donna licked one nipple, and then the other. She sucked them both and nibbled them softly. She stopped when the heaving of his chest became more pronounced. She looked up at him, her lips wet, her face flushed with heat. “I want you,” he said. “I need you. Now.” His eyes were low and drunk with passion. The yearning between Donna’s legs was white hot. She nodded and grabbed hold of his shoulders, so he could help her off the counter. ●●●●● © Keith Thomas Walker

    Great right? That was until she faced his greedy relative in a court battle over the estate, which opens a can of Secrets. Court exposure sets off a string of events that reach as high as the United States Senate Chambers and as low as State prison walls. Through everything, Chastity once again must face her past Secrets. Desperate measures won’t allow her to push her childhood friend, Lt. Cmdr. Kenton Stone to the side, she needs his help, even though she hides the biggest Secret of all from him. Excerpt:"Mr. Jamison, I see your client is here. The plaintiff is here as well, shall we begin?" The anorexic woman's deep voice startled Chastity out of her reverie."Yes, thank you,” Mr. Jamison answered.The woman nodded. "Good. My name is Ms. Jackson. I will serve as Mediator today. Due to the nature of this claim, I have asked Mr. John Abrams to assist since he has a lot of experience with these types of cases." She pointed to the man seated next to her before looking across the table at Maude Stone."As attorney for Ms. Stone, we appreciate any assistance in setting these matters straight as expeditiously as possible." Her attorney flipped through a stack of papers, before glancing across the table to Mr. Jamison.The mediator nodded. "A grievance was filed against the will of Mr. David Baxter by his sister, Mrs. Maude Stone— ““Why am I here wasting my time?” Chastity blurted, unable to hold it in any longer, her jaw tight. “Mr. Baxter had the right to leave his money and property to whoever he wanted to.” Brows raised and head tilted, she stared at the shellacked hair on Maude Baxter’s head and wished she had a match to send it sky-high in flames.“If he weren’t unduly influenced, which I believe he was,” Maude snapped, her eyes narrowed in challenge.The heifer wants to play. Bring it on. “So you’re rewriting the law now?” She shoved a tendril of hair behind her ear.“Just stating it so you can understand.” Her tone dripped acid.“Cut the crap, you’re fighting his will ‘cause I’m black. If I were white, your nose’d be so far up my ass, I’d be breathing for you.” He’d told her to come out fighting, throw down the gauntlet. Maude Stone's neck and shoulders tensed at the distasteful confrontation. “What’s up with you people?” She chuckled with an evil grin and pushed herself forward, her breast squashed against the table.Chastity’s teeth snapped together as her face blazed. “You people?” Eyes widening, she leaned forward, palms on the table, and stood. “Oh hell no, you didn’t.” This bitch doesn’t know me.Maude rolled her eyes. “Yeah, anytime something happens, you scream it’s because of your color. That’s getting so old. Somebody says something against the President, it's because he’s black. If the police make a mistake, take down the wrong person, it’s because he’s black; if the rent goes up, it because he’s black; if the sun don’t shine, it’s because of somebody black. Damn, the sun don’t just shine on black people. Listen, the only color that matters in the world today is green. And I’m fighting my brother’s will because you’re a gold-digging whore.”

    More than 1.5 million books sold worldwide!Description: After one hellish year, Jennifer and Alex decide to take a break from it all and spend the holidays back in Maine with their extended family, only this time they don’t choose their home on the Maine coast. Instead, they rent a mansion at the popular ski resort, Sugarloaf Mountain.And while they’re there, apparently everything that can go wrong does go wrong in ways that are designed to keep you horrified—as well as howling.After all, at Sugarloaf, a motherlode of surprises await Blackwell, Daniella, Alexa, Cutter, Brock and Madison (from “Ignite Me”), and naturally, also Jennifer and Alex.Could there be love in the air for Blackwell? And also for Daniella and Alexa? And if there is for any of them, what fresh hell does that mean for you—the reader?In “Annihilate Him: Holiday”—in which Lisa, Tank, Epifania and Rhoda also are onboard—romance, love, sexy times and hilarity ensue!Note: You must read volumes 1-3 of the “Annihilate Him” series before you read “Annihilate Him: Holiday.”

     Marcus Forde, Jr., is the heir apparent and CFO of his father’s multi-million dollar wealth management firm. He’s wealthy, strong-willed, lives in his father’s image, and gives him unyielding loyalty. For as long as he could remember, he’s modeled himself after this one man, to a fault. Until it all crumbles... Unfortunately, the faults of his father become a scandal that threatens to ruin the family name, which makes them call on Charlisse Lageaux, a no nonsense crisis management expert that can make all of this mess go away. Her first order of business is to protect what is left of the Forde’s diminished empire. To Charlisse, all of these wealthy men are the same, but while working with Marcus to clean up this mess, she notices that there’s more to the reckless, rude, and heavily guarded finance magnate than meets the eye.

    She's still looking for the perfect man: very tall, very educated and very cultured--all wrapped up inrich chocolate brown. So far, her insecurities about her generouscurves and her independent streak have kept her searching.Nick is a self-made mogul who works hard, plays hard and loveslife's finer things. He's not perfect, but he makes Dakota feelbeautiful, desirable--and maybe a little too vulnerable. Dakotacan't surrender to a take-charge man, and Nick has worked toohard for everything to give up control. Moving on would beeasy--except for a little complication called love.

    He doesn’t want to be hurt again. But their attraction to each other is undeniable. Caroline’s job as personal assistant to billionaire Evelyn Sutton takes her to the family beach house on Palmer Island. She’s looking forward to a few quiet days getting the house ready. She didn’t expect to find her boss’s youngest son swimming in the pool. Pete Sutton plays the spoiled rich guy well. It affords him the privacy to do the charity work that’s important to him. He likes his mother’s PA too much for a quick fling, but dating anyone is out of the question. He’s still licking his wounds from his one and only serious relationship. Neither one of them is looking for love, but can they ignore the chemistry between them when they are stuck together on beautiful Palmar Island? This is a 20,000 word sweet romance novella with no cliff hangers and a HEA. it's the first of the Clean Beach Billionaire series.

    They all vowed to never date a Mr. Wrong. And it is Winter’s bright idea to go find their Mr. Wrongs and date them by the time they all turn thirty. Simple. Right? It only takes two weeks after they all agree to the challenge for Winter to realize how very, very wrong she is for ever bringing up such a silly idea. It isn’t until Winter accidentally finds her Mr. Wrong teaching a summer class she signed up for at the local university that she begins to reconsider the challenge. Between imagining things she wants him to do to her on his desk to daydreaming about going back to college full-time, Winter is completely turned upside down. Once she learns more about her Mr. Wrong, she lets herself imagine him as Mr. Right...until he reveals a secret that could change everything about love as she knows it.

    The idea of falling in love is inconceivable. The Phoenix Aldridge walks into his fire station. Phoenix has always gone after what she wants, and from the moment she meets Noah, she knows he'll be hers. Can she tear down the walls he's built up and show him what real love can feel like?