But a tragic mistake he made three years ago shattered his confidence and turned his world upside down. Since then, Shane has become a shell of the person he once was.Until the day he met Heidi...Heidi Griffin is a single mother struggling to make a life for herself and her troubled young son. Still grieving her husband's untimely death, Heidi is adamant that she won't open herself up to love - and loss - again.The sparks that fly between these two are undeniable, but as they hurtle closer and closer to each other, a devastating secret may force them apart...forever.Full-length novel: ~ 72,000 words

    I’m no longer the four-eyed geeky girl he rejected, and he’s no longer just a no-name football player. He’s an NFL star now, a household name. Some things stayed the same though. He’s still an arrogant prick, and I still don’t want anything to do with him ever again. Which would be a lot easier if he didn’t look so good, or chase me quite so well. But I refuse to be hurt by him again, so he will not be getting a second chance from me this Christmas.LoganI’m only in town because my mom practically begged me to come. As soon as dawn breaks on Christmas Day I’m gone. There’s nothing left for me in this snowy, sleepy mountain town. Unless it’s that curvy brunette with eyes that remind me of home…the home I didn’t even know I missed. She keeps running, but the chase is always half the fun. Especially since the ladies just come to me now that I’m so famous everyone knows my name. I’ve made my play now, and I intend to finish it. Jo will be mine.Intended for 18+ audiences.

    The town was settled 1820 by the original Winter Texan, Santa Claus. He kissed the snowy North Pole goodbye and moved his whole operation to the sunny Texas Hill Country where there are never blizzard warnings and the only thing icy is his iced tea. When Lana Green crashes her car into the Welcome-to-Christmas-Texas-you’re-not-lost-you’re-exactly-where-you’re-supposed-to-be, sign she doesn’t necessarily agree with the town slogan. She was on her way to Fredericksburg for a business meeting when she got lost in a thunderstorm. Since she has no intention of sleeping in her car during a thunderstorm and she has zero cell reception, she pulls her suitcase out of the trunk and marches toward town. When it comes to hating Christmas, she could give Ebenezer Scrooge a run for his money so visiting Christmas, Texas the week before Christmas is bound to be a lesson in torture. Sheriff Nick Van De Berg is out on patrol when he runs across a Lexus wrapped around the Welcome sign. But the car’s empty. Surely the driver didn’t walk to town through the thunderstorm. As the storm gathers in intensity, so does his fear that something bad has happened to the driver. After checking the fast-swelling river, lower water crossings, and every single road in town, he stops by the Christmas Tree Inn where he finds Lana Green, his college sweetheart and the one that got away, sipping a mug of hot chocolate. His Christmas wish every year since they broke up has been a second chance with Lana. Now his wish has finally come true. Can he convince Lana to take a chance on him and on Christmas, Texas?

    But those delivered to North Pole are actually answered by a group of dedicated volunteers who call themselves "the Elves." JD Baxter’s letter to St. Nick asks for just one thing: His father didn’t make it back from Afghanistan, and JD wants Daddy home again. Saints can do miracles, right? But since last year’s letter went astray, JD decides to stow away to North Pole and ask for his miracle in person. In North Pole, he encounters a postmistress who looks exactly like Mrs. Claus, a man named Rudolph with a red nose and a herd of reindeer, as well as enough toys, candy and Christmas cheer to make anyone feel good. He just can't find St. Nick. Abby Baxter has spent the year since her husband's death trying to hold on. When she discovers her son is missing, her entire world trembles— until her husband's best friend appears at her door, offering a steadying hand.Frank Machado couldn’t save David Baxter’s life in combat. Worse, for years he's been secretly in love with David’s wife. Now that their son is missing, Frank is determined to see the child back in Abby’s arms. But during their unpredictable, impulsive trip into the wilds to search for JD, the problem becomes staying out of those arms himself. Sparks fly, hearts warm, love—and Christmas—are in the air. Should they Blame it on Mistletoe?

    He admires Jessica for her courageous art and for how she has dealt with her life. As far as Will can tell, the only part of Jessica damaged by her past is her heart. Jessica assures Will she is incapable of lasting love, but Will refuses to believe it's true. Yes, it is a problem that the baggage from Jessica's past makes her see dating as merely recreational and men as interchangeable, but when she offers him temporary sexual fidelity, Will decides to take what he can get until he can find a way to convince Jessica she is still capable of love.Jessica Daniels is mostly happy with her life. Her daughter is graduating college. She is a few years away from retirement. Life is good even though lately she has stopped being interested in both her art and men. Since Jessica has never been the kind of woman looking for that one special man to settle down with, she normally dates and enjoys all the men she wants. What's the harm with doing so suits her? Will is certainly good-looking and charming, but she's not sure he's worth the trouble of an exclusive relationship. She likes riding his motorcycle, seriously admires his art, and thinks he's mostly a great guy. But after thirty years of being single, Jessica knows that most relationships just don't work out for a woman with a past like hers. When Will keeps insisting on sleeping with her, she finally gives in, but Jessica knows in her heart it will never last.

    Not sure why she was included, she’s out to prove herself worthy of the honor of the inheritance. Loving her new life in the small Texas town of Mule Hollow, she’s determined that, for the first time in her life, she’s going to finally belong somewhere… Professional Bull Rider Cliff Masterson has been chasing his dreams for years—or has he been running from his past? He’s searching for more in life and ready to dig in his spurs and put down roots deep in the heart of Texas. Rescuing a beautiful cowgirl from being trampled by a bull has him dreaming of romance, home and hearth. But Maddie’s had enough people in her life leave and she’s not willing to risk her heart on him—Sparks fly as he’s determined to prove to the feisty cowgirl that the only think he’s chasing now is wedding bells with her… Can the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow help this couple find their happily ever after?

    But to Eliana's distress, there is only one way to ensure that she can spend her first holiday season as a divorced woman near her daughter. She has to go home not only in time for Christmas but also for Drake's wedding ... to Eliana's stepsister.NFL quarterback Drake Charming is about to marry his girlfriend of a decade, but returning home for the wedding at Christmas reminds him of the girl who stole his heart, Eliana. But Eliana made her choice fifteen years ago and it wasn't Drake.Can a little Christmas cheer and a meddling "Fairy Godmother" spin together enough romance to give this second chance fairy tale a happily ever after? A Modern-Day Cinderella inspired Sweet Romance. Each book is a stand-alone romance with a promised happily ever after.Read all of the Second Chance Fairy Tale romances by Julia Keanini:1. Merrily Ever After2. Snow and the Seven Teenagers3. A Royal (Fake) EngagementRead all of Julia Keanini's Sweet Romances!Second Chance Fairy Tale:1. Merrily Ever After2. Snow and the Seven Teenagers3. A Royal (Fake) EngagementPrinces of Valdoria:1. The Noble Heir2. The Captivating Prince

    So much so, that if she has to survive another guy standing her up she might just do something crazy ... like accept the first proposal she gets. So when she finds herself alone in the bar, again, Florence can hardly believe her eyes-or ears-when Hugh Humphreys swoops in and presents her with a proposal so adventurous she can't believe she's actually considering saying yes.Because, after all, twenty five days to plan a wedding is some feat and that’s while getting to know your fiancé, their disapproving Mother and dealing with a jealous ex. Throw in the small matter of where they should live and you have Florence wondering what the hell she's gotten herself into.Can you really countdown to a wedding like an advent calendar? Fall in love with a stranger and make them your husband? Because if she's going to make it down the aisle Christmas morning, Florence has to find out and fast.

    Her nights are filled with the glitz and glamour of upscale parties. Until her grandmother dies and leaves Lily property in wretched Vermont. The woods mean only one thing to Lily—nightmares. When Utopia wants the land for development, Lily is forced to travel to a place she’d rather forget. Rick Stannard makes maple syrup and builds barns in the peace and quiet of picturesque Vermont. Noisy New York City nearly killed him a few years back, and now he lives a calm, simple life with his coyote, Poe, and his beloved book collection. It’s the only way he’s guaranteed to wake up each morning. When Lily marches her expensive boots onto Rick’s land and proposes turning it into a mega resort, the serenity of the woods is shattered. Lily always closes a deal. Rick never intends to sell. They’ll need to compromise, or someone else will do it for them. Someone who is not afraid of the woods or the city. Or spilling a little blood.

    Dating one of the hottest guys in the biggest fraternity? Done. Failing out of College? Oops... When Libby Gentry's parents receive the letter that she's failed out of school, Libby is forced to pack her Prada bag and head to work for her great aunt in rural Louisiana. Nothing about tiny Elsbury, Louisiana, entices her until she locks eyes with the southern charmer, Blaine Crabtree. Libby is used to getting what she wants and Blaine is no exception, but as the two grow closer, bigger problems arise. Libby doesn't know how much more pain her already paper-thin heart can take and when new opportunities in Chicago pop up she is presented with a difficult situation: wait for her redneck Romeo, or move on.

    Her bubbling personality and fresh beauty capture her audience each week, but they don't know the truth-she's just faking it. Beneath the surface of light-hearted smiles is a simmering darkness threatening to pull Kyra under. When Kyra moves to Canaan Island and buys her deceased mother's childhood home, she hopes to confront the lurking shadows haunting her every step. But when she meets her grumpy contractor, even her best-laid plans start to unravel. Hale Cooper is as brutally honest as he is intriguing. He hates fakers, and isn't afraid to call Kyra on her false personality. Yet, she is drawn to him, and the unexpected attraction to a man who challenges her to be her true self lands her in unchartered waters. But if she lowers her guard and allows herself to be honest with Hale, will the darkness creep in too?*This book is recommended for mature readers due to some sexual content and language. Cutting is represented in this book, and scenes may be considered triggering to some.*

    Escaping the rat-race of London for Peakton seems like the perfect way to avoid the Christmas celebrations for Sophie, especially when the tiny Derbyshire village holds so many fond childhood memories for her. The last thing she expects is to be faced with her teenage crush, Andy Martin, who stirs up feelings in her she never thought possible. But just when Sophie is considering a future with Andy, something comes between them which could destroy their new found happiness.

    Something’s fishy in Denver!December isn't filled with the magic of Christmas for Noelle Holiday. Only the looming dread she's about to lose something or someone else dear to her. Will she ever be rid of her Christmas curse?When good things start happening, alarms go off in her head. It’s too good to be true.That’s why Noelle is worried when she adopts an adorable Golden Retriever and meets a guy who seems to really care for her. For the first time in a long time, she doesn’t feel alone. But she knows it can’t possibly last.Sure enough, disaster strikes. Noelle loses the dog and the guy, just like she feared.Or does she?This faith-filled romance tells the story of a believer struggling to reclaim her faith and discover real love for the first time. If you love Hallmark movies, you’ll love this sweet happily-ever-after story by USA Today bestselling author, Tamie Dearen.Grab your copy now!FROM THE AUTHOR: Each book in the Holiday Family Christian Romance Series includes a song, written and recorded for the story. Enjoy the series and the music!Note: Previously published as Noelle's Golden Christmas

    It must be puppy love! It's doubly embarrassing since she's a professional dog trainer. Of course, the neighbor would have to be hot, hot nightclub owner bad boy Owen McKay, just the kind of man Callie is determined to avoid.Owen’s comfortable with his playboy status and the hype in the media. But the ground moves beneath his feet when he gets an eyeful of the girl next door. The Dog Whisperer never looked this good! How can he convince this wholesome honey that his player days are behind him? Maybe Jill, his Great Dane can help him with this dilemma now that she’s pregnant and Callie’s dog is to blame.Is this bad boy a bad bet?Beware of dogs, romance and deep belly laughs!Going to the Dogs is a romp through the urban jungle of New York City to find true love, the perfect cocktail, and expensive heels. Dog is a man’s best friend, but sometimes a woman just needs a hot man in the city. This series will appeal to a mature crowd, especially fans of Sex in The City.

    Slow and Steady collides with Ms. Full-Speed-Ahead they're both in for the wildest ride of their lives.The forecast is smooth sailing for Oliver Chancellor, scion of Galveston's premier financier. Destined to take his place in the hallowed marble corridors of his family's bank, Chance is content with the future that's been mapped out for him, right down to his upcoming engagement to a prim debutante enthusiastically approved by his socialite mother.But when beautiful Rory St. Claire crosses his path, Chance recklessly plunges into uncharted territory with nothing but his heart to guide him-and a beautiful woman to tempt him.Propelled by a lifelong goal to buy the island home reportedly haunted by her colorful ancestors, Rory desperately needs Chance's help in securing a business loan, and she won't take no for an answer. In the midst of convincing the hesitant blue blood to take a chance on her dream, Rory unexpectedly lands in Chance's arms, stunned by his red-blooded passion-and her own awakened desire. Now, the mismatched pair can't keep their hands off one another, and something tells Rory she's headed for trouble-trouble in the name of love."I had a blast reading Falling for You... As long as Julie Ortolon is writing books like this, romantic comedy is in good hands." --All About Romance"A thoroughly delightful, fast-paced romance about what happens when opposites attract. And the setting is so vividly drawn, you feel part of the surroundings. A lovely story!" --Old Barn Gazette"Full of humor... Very entertaining and well worth your time!" --Huntress Book Reviews