The rumors of male courtesans operating secretly in London have piqued her interest, so she hires one for an illicit rendezvous during a Christmas house party.Roger Thornton’s desperation to provide a dowry for his sister pushes him to moonlight as a secret courtesan. What begins as a convenient affair blossoms into more as Roger and Miranda find in one another the things they have been missing. But will a scandalous discovery ruin their chances for a happy future?Previously published in the anthology, Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal This standalone version has been republished with a bonus epilogue!

     *****FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED***** Alexander Fortescue, the Duke of Southolton, is trapped – before he reached his majority, whilst he was on the continent, his father signed a contract, binding him to marry Lady Phyllida, who was then a child. Now she is grown, and Alex is Duke – but despite his disinterest in her, the contract seems unbreakable. Lady Selina Brancourt has yet to meet a man she finds truly appealing – although she has been keen to look. Her father, unhappy that she is yet unwed, pushes her towards a match with an older man, for business reasons. A man she finds utterly distasteful. When they meet at a houseparty arranged by the Duke’s mother, their common plight draws them together – but soon their attraction leads to stolen kisses, and more. When faced with a future apart, there seems only one solution – the gift of a Christmas scandal. Can the Duke bring himself to take the dishonourable path, to free himself? Will Selina cast all propriety to the winds, and do what is necessary to wed the only man she has ever wanted? Or will the demands of duty steal their chance at love?

    A newly minted earl looking for a fresh start. A love gone wrong gains a second chance.A shunned lady determined to keep her secrets.Lady Leventon had been shunned to the Scottish wilds of Badenoch for a reason. But she never thought it would be the death of her. That is until her maid and only friend in the world falls deathly ill just days before Christmastide and Karta is determined to make it through a snowstorm for help. She didn’t think it would cost her her life, but as her feet slow in the heavy snow, hope gives out.A newly minted earl looking for a fresh start.When Domnall Greyford, Earl of Kirkmere, discovers the woman that left him years ago frozen in a snowbank, barely breathing, he does the only thing he can—he carries her to his new home. Never mind that she shattered his heart long ago when she left him without a word, without a note, without a thought. And the last thing he wants is her in his new home, in his new life.A love gone wrong gains a second chance.Karta awakens to find the last man in the world she expected holding onto her frozen bare toes—Domnall. The only man she’d ever dared to love. The same man that had abandoned her years ago. Yet the all-consuming heat between them is unmistakable.She knows full well she needs to deny him, deny the insistent rumbles of lost love fighting for life. For if she doesn’t, he’ll discover the truth of her past and his scorn would be irrevocable. That will not do—she isn’t willing to risk her heart again to the only man able to destroy her—or can she?The Christmas Countess is a revised and expanded version of the story that was previously published in the October 2019 multi-author anthology, Once Upon a Christmas Wedding.

    The festive season is looking bleak—until he loses a wager and must spend an evening at London’s most hedonistic pleasure club.Delilah Forbes has long reigned as the city’s Mistress of Sin, and when the infamous duke visits her club, she’s soon eager to introduce him to sizzling passion. But even as lust becomes more for two lonely souls, they know a duke and a madam can’t have forever after. Or can they?This story was previously published in the historical Christmas anthology, Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal. Please note it contains explicit language and sexual content.

    Follow each rogue as they learn how enticing love can be and that sometimes even the wickedest rogues can find their happy-ever-after."Jewel of Winter" by Kirsten S. BlacketerWhen a trio of thieves arrive at her inn during a snowstorm, Jessamine must submit to their leader, Edmund. She never expected to spend Christmas as a captive. "Christmas Seduction" by Samantha HoltAfter a rocky start to their arranged nuptials, the Duke of Fenhurst must make a success of his marriage somehow. Alex returns to his wife for Christmas to celebrate...and seduce. "How to Kiss a Rogue" by Amanda MarielLady Natalie's betrothal is ended and frees her to pursue the man of her dreams. During a holiday party she discovers the lord she desires in attendance. So hatches a plan to snare him. "A Wallflower's Christmas Kiss" by Dawn BrowerAn arranged betrothal has Lady Juliette Brooks seeking out her former childhood friend, the Duke of Kissinger to beg him to honor his long ago promise. Grayson Abbot has no desire to marry, but he always keeps his word. As they race to Scotland they rediscover the joy of friendship and a passion neither planned on. "The Rogue's Seduction" by Lauren SmithWhen a darling of the ton is targeted by a man who wishes to marry her and break her spirit, she seeks the help of London's most notorious devil in pretending that she's already engaged. What begins as a dangerous game soon turns to seduction over a Christmas neither of them will forget. "Tamed for Christmas" by Sandra SookooWhen a confirmed bachelor and a headmistress literally crash into each other at a boarding school for young ladies, an unexpected Christmas romance begins, proving love isn't just a game for young people. "The St Nicholas Day Wager" by Em TaylorWhen her childhood friend wins a wager against her brother for her hand in marriage, Gabriella is horrified. She knows he finds her looks hideous. Her marriage is surely doomed?

    Lord James Whitman is well aware of what others say about him. He has heard his name whispered behind closed doors and learned of his character being maligned without cause. But after his unearned reputation causes Iris to decline his marriage proposal, he is determined to show her the truth and win her love! Without her grandfather's guidance, Iris must decide whether to trust the London gossips or the tune of her own heart. Could she possibly love a man who is as horrid as some say he is? Or should she trust her instincts and what the duke tells her to be true? All Iris knows for sure is that Christmas day grows closer with each passing minute!

    Ten New York Times, USA Today or Internationally bestselling authors bring you their twist on the holidays using some of your favorite characters in STARS ARE BRIGHTLY SHINING . This collection includes: "Heart of Thanks" by Paula Quinn -  ‘Tis the season of miracles, and when Elysande MacPherson begins falling in love with the son of her father's worst enemy, she's going to need one. A very big one. "The Hope of Love" by Meara Platt - Felicity Billings, raised as an orphan, has always hoped for a family of her own. Will her wish come true when she takes a tumble and Wellesford's handsome doctor comes to the rescue? "A Christmas Kiss for the Highlander" by Collette Cameron - A prisoner of his past, Quinn Catherwood scorns heritage and kin. Skye Hendron cherishes family and traditions, and she offers him freedom and a future…but can he pay the price? "Christmas Heart" by Mary Lancaster - A quarrel with her husband sees the Duchess of Alvan travelling to her parents’ home for Christmas. But the road is blocked by snow and there is no room at the Hart Inn… "Starlight Night" by Alexa Aston - A child from the streets. A couple with love in their heart. A warm, wonderful Christmas. "One Beastly Christmas" by Sydney Jane Baily - A frigid Christmas Eve, an infuriated husband, and beloved family members gone missing. Forlorn Lady Lindsey needs a holiday miracle, or maybe three! "Warming Winter's Heart" by Elizabeth Ellen Carter - Julian Winter has had his heart broken a time of two. And he's tired of his well-meaning family trying to set him up with yet another vapid debutante. His attitude to attending a winter house party is frosty indeed until he meets fellow guest Caroline, a widow with a young son. As Christmas draws near Julian finds there is warmth in Winter's heart, after all. "A Bunch of Mistletoe" by Lynne Connolly - When Matilda, chaperone and aunt to the most scandalous family in London, takes a tumble from a tree, she's rescued by the most unlikely saviour. Toplofty stickler Harold, the Duke of Trensom, is more than annoyed to find Matilda on his property. Worse when he finds himself falling for her. "A Solitary Candle" by Avril Borthiry - Lost in a winter storm, a cold-hearted man is drawn to a flicker of light in the darkness. Will he find the warmth he seeks? "A Merry MacNaughton Mishap" by Aubrey Wynne - When Calum MacNaughton rescues a rival clan member from an icy drowning, he is unexpectedly rewarded with the clansman’s most precious possession. Now Calum has until Twelfth Night to convince her to stay. From Dragonblade to you, we wish you a very happy holiday season! (Note: This collection will be approx. 500 pages)

     Alice has never felt so lonely. Having lived both a life of poverty and then of riches due to her father making his fortune later in life, Alice finds herself sent from America to England, in order to marry the Charles, the Earl of Allerton. Charles is much too generous. Over the years, he has given his brother too much money to free him from debts and is now forced to find a rich bride. Knowing that Miss Jones has a large fortune, Charles prepares to meet his betrothed. He is horrified by her lack of manners. Mortified by his beautiful yet embarrassing bride to be, Charles tries to keep his distance, whilst still preparing for their Christmas wedding. Alice finds him distant and unfriendly, whilst his aunt, Lady Fossett, is nothing short of cruel. When offensive notes begin to arrive, Alice struggles against the urge to return home, leaving her new life in England behind. With their Christmas wedding only a few weeks away, Charles and Alice must find a way to come together. Will Alice be able to confront Charles about the notes? Or will Charles continue to push her away, right when she needs him the most?

    When Jem is killed in a carriage accident, Lucy and Boy run from their brutish owner. Separated from Boy as they flee, Lucy must now learn how to survive on her own.Luke and Caroline St. Clair, Earl and Countess of Mayfield, are still madly in love after several years of marriage and have a growing brood of three children whom they adore. They also own the popular Evie’s Bookstore and Tearoom. It is here Luke first encounters a small child all alone, peering into the store’s windows, hungrily eying the books on display. Though young and seemingly innocent on first glance, he quickly realizes that she is an old soul and a street urchin who must live by her wits and learns she is an orphan who belongs to no one. In the midst of celebrating the Christmas season with their family—and with love in their hearts for a child who needs them—can Luke and his countess convince a young, untrusting girl to become a part of their family? (Note: This story was first published as part of the Bestselling Boxed set Stars are Brightly Shining, November 2019)

    And it could be all his if he only married a woman he had never met. Jack Tanner had drifted from job to job. A natural loner, the last thing he ever expected was to end up married to a stranger and owning a beautiful valley. And now, just as he was beginning to put down roots for the first time in his life, someone wanted to take it all away from him. He’d die before he let that happen. Mail-order bride, Jenny O’Neil was coming west to marry Nathanial Parker only to find out he had been murdered. And here was this tall cowboy telling her that Nathanial had left his valley to them. But only if they married. A business arrangement, Mr. Tanner called it. Not a true marriage. But what choice did she have? Penniless, no home to go back to, alone in a different world. She had already committed herself to marry a stranger. Although, she had never imagined marrying a man like this. Tall, rough around the edges, with eyes that touched her soul. Someone has killed and would try to kill again to get their valley. Struggling together, the two of them will fight for what is theirs. All the while, growing closer. Both of them wanting more than a cold business arrangement. Both of them coming to want a true marriage.

    When she learns the man she hasn’t met in years has been avoiding her in order to pass his time in pursuit of pleasure, she becomes determined to break all ties. Lionel Harrington has shirked his responsibilities as Duke of Ware since inheriting the title in his school days. Now a grown man, he would prefer to put off the inevitable and simply enjoy life for as long as he can, not caring about the consequences that may come. Until one night in the drawing room at a ball, Lionel is captivated by the woman he has avoided for so long. Suddenly the man who cares for nothing finds himself searching out an invitation to the St. James house party. Christmastide takes on a whole new meaning as he sets out to win over his future wife. For readers 18+ due to some steamy scenes.

    Determined to have one last night of freedom before marrying a man she detests; Jemma attends a Christmas Masquerade Ball. When a handsome highwayman awakens something inside her, with stolen kisses and whispered promises, she flees, vowing to forget about the man who touched her soul. From the moment the Marquess of Harrington sees the Grecian Goddess enter the ball, he wants her. Harry is not usually one for irrational impulses - indeed his life does not allow for that - but this woman makes him lose all reason. Her touch ignites a fire inside him, and her kisses sear his soul. When she runs from him he is determined to find her and finally unmask the woman who has captured his heart.

    Taming my Christmas Rogue by Tammy Andresen Miss Danielle Frazier is far too virtuous for his tastes… so why can’t he stop thinking about her? He must take drastic measures. His plan? Steal one kiss. Except for from the moment their lips touch, nothing goes the way it’s supposed to and kisses under the mistletoe rarely end romantic fantasy. Now Drew has a new problem entirely… for the first time in his life, he might be falling in love. His Lady Smuggler by Tamara Gill May Stanford, lady smuggler is forced to go up against the Earl of Grandison, her father’s guest for Christmas and a man who’s determined to see her and her merry bandits brought to justice. Christmas Seduction by Samantha Holt In a time when arranged marriages had little to do with love, Alexander never expected a love match. Neither did Emma--but she had hoped for more than being abandoned instantly! However, Alexander is back and if there is ever a time for romance and second chances, it's Christmas. Winter Wishes by Scarlett Scott A duke in need of a bride meets his match in a lady who has no intention of becoming his duchess. Will their hearts find love before Christmas? Devil at the Gates by Lauren Smith A duke with a dark past rescues a the daughter of a fencing master. What begins as a battle of wills becomes a battle of heart as Christmas works its magic. An Unwelcome Proposal by Bree Wolf A chance encounter. An unexpected proposal. And an undeniable love. All his life, WESLEY EVERETT has watched other men fall in love. Now, when he finally does find a woman who brings a flutter to his heart, she could not be less interested. Will Wesley take 'no' for an answer? Or will he be able to convince Christine that marriage is far from boring?

    This set includes:Her Perfect Rogue by Amanda Mariel When Julia Honeyfield is sent away to a brothel, she runs away…only to find herself in the Duke of Selkirk's arms. Dare she trust him to protect her?Christmastide with my Captain by Tammy Andresen Lady Emilia McDougal has watched love find each of her beloved sisters. When will it be her turn? Captain Jack Andrews lost his love of the sea long ago and he doesn't deserve to find the love of his life.Secluded with My Hellion by Dawn Brower In the midst of the blizzard, Gavin Barrington, the Earl of Havenwood, and Lady Odessa Lynwood must overcome the earl's worst fears and figure out if their love can conquer the challenges they must face.The Rogue's Seduction by Lauren Smith Can the Devil of London, Viscount Darlington, save London's favorite lady, Perdita, from a dangerous marriage by claiming her as his own?How To Marry a Rake in Ten Days by Samantha Holt Miss Manners knows all there is about etiquette. Unfortunately, she does not know much about love. Challenged by one of her readers to become engaged by Christmas, she sets out to find herself the perfect match. She does not wager on meeting a rakish lord who promises to get in the way of her plans.Wagering on Christmas by Sandra Sookoo Rakish Colin Rowley, Viscount Hartsford is going home for Christmas to win a wager. Widowed Lucy Ashbrook, facing reduced circumstances, is forced to travel with him. During the four-day journey, mysterious events throw them together, compelling them to remember their emotional-ridden past. Only the magic of Christmastide can rekindle a love they couldn't forget.Prince of Christmas Past by Angelique Armae A second chance at love forces Prince Victor of Countavia to choose between the woman of his heart and his father's kingdom.Marchioness' Second Chance by Arietta Richmond Olivia Asterwood, Marchioness of Hemsbridge, is two years widowed, and focusing all of her energies on finding a wife for her son. Until, that is, she meets a scholar with as much of an obsession for the history of the great families as she has. Edward Greenidge, third son of a Viscount, has spent his life as a scholar of genealogy. Burying himself in his research has seemed the safest path, after his one venture into marriage failed disastrously. A widower, he expects to spend the rest of his life in libraries, in the company of books. But fate has other plans. When they meet, common interest paves the path to intense and unexpected attraction -and together they discover secrets long held, which will change both of their lives.Can Olivia see past her longstanding beliefs about love? Can Edward overcome his doubts, and admit his feelings? Or will the past steal the future from them?A Marquis For Marianne by Catherine Bilson Relieved widow Marianne has vowed never to let a man have power over her again, but Alexander Rotherhithe, Marquis of Glenkellie, never stopped loving her despite their tragic shared past. Can Marianne look past her fear and dare to love again? And an exclusive new title from Kelly Ann Bruce

    With a reputation that makes nice young ladies swoon, he is just not the marrying kind. A friend to the rescue... Unwitting wallflower Felicity Bunting is only trying to protect a friend when she finds herself in a compromising situation with this lusty lord. An unlikely pairing... She might not have meant to do it, but Bunty just accidentally trapped Lord Courtney into marriage.Neither of them is what the other ever expected to have, but perhaps they might be all they ever wanted.Previously published in the Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal anthology