But it’s the light that exposes the secrets.A young boy with nightmares faces up to his demons. A deathbed confession turns the world on its axis. A five-year-old watches his parents bury a body in the garden. A soldier returns from the war to find the horror isn’t yet over.Afraid Of The Light brings the imagination of fourteen bestselling crime writers together in a collection that will keep you up all night. From a deadly campfire game to a holiday gone wrong, to an AI assistant with a motive and a love affair that can only end in murder, this is a gripping, twisty set of stories to send a shiver down your spine.

    How he’ll possess you in every way possible. Every naughty, forbidden way…These heroes, created by ten of romance’s leading stars, are ready to step out of their shadows and confess all…to you. The wickedness of their world. The midnights of their fantasies. The forbidden fruit of their needs. Are you daring enough to accept? Once Upon An Alpha along with 4 Paws for Ability, and ten bestselling authors, bring you this page turning, limited edition, anthology that’s sure to keep you up well past your bed time and craving your own Forbidden Encounter. Seduce the Bride - Shayla Black In From The Cold - Lexi Blake Forbidden Redemption - Sidney Bristol Midnight Wild - Mari Carr Scandalous Billionaire - Sierra Cartwright The Professor - Katana Collins Innocence Uncaged - Jenna Jacob His Private Collection - Geneva Lee All Falling Down - Angel Payne Seductive - Willow Winters

    Lansdale, Caitlin Kiernan, Catherynne M. Valente, Kit Reed, Ekaterina Sedia, and thirteen other fine writers to create stories unlike any they've written before. Tales to make readers shiver with fear, jump at noises in the night, keep the lights on. These twenty nightmares, brought together by two renowned editors of the dark fantastic, are delightful visions sure to send shivers down the spines of horror readers.

    Friends seeing each other with new eyes. The hesitant touch of new lovers. A first glance. A first word. A first touch. A first kiss. Take a journey through thirteen erotic shorts, poems and art to relive that first-time feeling. Naughty Bedtime Stories: First Taste will stir the butterflies, curl the toes and send hearts racing. After all, nothing tastes as good as naughty feels…

    Megan Abbott’s “Policy” was nominated for the Anthony Award and became the basis for her novel Queenpin, which won the 2008 Edgar Award.

    This year?s award-winning authors include Michael Chabon, Karen Joy Fowler, Ted Chiang, and Nancy Kress, plus 2008 Grand Master Michael Moorcock.

    A stellar collection from Newbery medalists and bestselling authors written to benefit Darfuri refugeesWith contributions from some of the best talent writing for children today, What You Wish For is a compelling collection of affecting, inspiring, creepy, and oft-times funny short stories and poems all linked by the universal power of a wish - the abstract things we all wish for - home, family, safety and love.From the exchange of letters between two girls who have never met but are both struggling with the unexpected curves of life, to the stunning sacrifice one dying girl makes for another, to the mermaid who trades her tail for legs, to the boy who unwittingly steals an imp's house, and to the chilling retelling of Cinderella, What You Wish For brings together a potent international roster of authors of note to remember and celebrate the Darfuri refugees and their incredible story of survival and hope.

    Partners, best friends, and -- for a brief time -- lovers. But Rick thinks its too risky allowing yourself to fall in love with your partner, and Keir has had to accept that. Accept it and move on. In fact, he's traveling all the way to Ireland on his first solo vacation in years. Rick may just find out that green is the loneliest number.

    This all-star lineup of bestselling authors includes... Tijan, Alessandra Torre, Lauren Blakely, Skye Warren, CD Reiss, Anna Zaires & Dima Zales, Red Phoenix, Cherise Sinclair, Kendall Ryan, Chelle Bliss, TK Leigh, Toni Aleo, Sam Crescent, Jenika Snow, Julia Sykes, Nina Levine, Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, Ainsley Booth, Katy Regnery, Shari Slade & Amber Lin, Shoshanna Evers, Pam Godwin, Carolyn Crane, Molly Joseph, Ella Sheridan, Karla Doyle, and Brooke Cumberland Download TASTE ME now for a sneak peek of Hold Me, the highly anticipated third book in the dark romance Twist Me series from Anna Zaires. Push your boundaries with a twisty scene from Tight by Alessandre Torre, one of the blockbuster books of the year. Sink your teeth into an alpha rocker bad boy in the not-yet-released Second Chance with a Rock Star from Shari Slade and Amber Lin. Note: This compilation is intended as a FREE preview of this year’s hot releases to help readers find their next scorching read. May not be free in all countries due to price matching delays.

    While providing a fascinating look at the course of gay consciousness over the past fifty years, it also, most enthrallingly, offers the best sexually arousing fiction centering on gay men.Featuring two original tales by Anne Rice, this elegantly written collection also includes such literary luminaries as Edmund White and Alan Hollinghurst, and such legendary cult figures as Larry Townsend and Pat Califia. The stories here range from the nonphysical but highly charged "Brian's Bedroom" by Leigh Rutledge, to the famous, boundary pushing story "Blue Light" by Aaron Travis - a fantasic, haunting piece that explores reversal, compulsion, domination, and otherness in a Texas boarding house. But whether an understated gem or an unforgettable, flamboyant display of sexuality, each of these works has a power of its own, while editor John Preston's commentary places them all in context. This collection of short fiction and nonfiction is for both gay and straight readers who enjoy masterully written erotica. It is at once a cross-section of fine erotic writing, a chronical of gay male sexuality and its growing influence on the culture at large, and an imporatnt addiction to gay literature.Contents:Correspondence with George Platt Lynes by Samuel M. StewardThe sergeant with the rose tattoo by Samuel M. Steward writing as Phil AndrosFrom 'Cruising horny corners' by "Clay Caldwell" writing as Lance LesterWorkout by Roy F. WoodPeekers by T.R. Witomski writing as Ray WaldheimThey call me "Horsemeat" by D.V. Sadero writing as Rick LaneA cowboy Christmas by Lars EighnerThe shirt by Robin MetcalfeNegative image by Michael Lassell writing as Michael LewisBrian's bedroom by Leigh RutledgeBlue light by Steven Saylor writing as Aaron TravisGetting Timchenko by Steven Saylor writing as Aaron TravisBelonging by Pat CalifiaElliott : the garden and the bar by Anne RiceElliott : below stairs by Anne RiceFrom 'Run little leather boy' by Larry Townsend"Malory's big brother" from 'The green hotel stories by Gordon HobanFrom 'A boy's own story' by Edmund WhiteFrom 'The beautiful room is empty' by Edmund White"The Brutus cinema" from 'The swimming pool-library' by Alan Hollinghurst"Mmmmpfgh" by Andrew HolleranThinking off by Scott O'Hara writing as SpunkSafe sex without condoms by John WagenhauserSoggy Biscuit by Barry LoweThe reality of a dream by W. Delon StrodeThe group by John Wagenhauser writing as WolfgangGood with words by Stephen Greco

    But the matches from the online dating service he signs up with are even worse. In fact, the only thing that makes the endless dinner dates bearable is Craig, the cute waiter at his favorite restaurant. Luckily for Grant, Craig never misses one of his forecasts... Score Two For the Good Guys By Maria Albert Cat is convinced her physical therapy client, civilian hero Jeremy Masterson, would be the perfect match for her big brother, Detective Rick McFarlan. The trick is hooking the tough cop up with the gentle social worker without arousing her wary brother's suspicions that she's matchmaking again. With the help of some friends, the two men are introduced at a party, and sparks fly. Unfortunately, instead of lighting a fire, Rick manages to go down in flames. Will Jeremy give Rick a second chance to prove that Cat was right after all and Jeremy is the soul mate Rick never expected to find? Fragments of a Fiery Sun by M. Jules Aedin Exiled from his native land for his politics - and his preference for men - Kelan is looking for a new start in America. The last thing he wants is to get entangled with a gang of thieves the minute he steps foot on the New York City docks. But pickpocket Midge thinks the handsome Irishman is just what the gang - and especially their leader, Toby - needs. Some Delay Expected By Sean Kennedy Kyle hates when his best friend Missy tries to set him up - which doesn't stop her from doing it anyway. So maybe he was less than fair in dismissing Sam as a loser after a single cup of coffee. When a winter storm strands the two college students on the Amtrak train on their way home for the holidays, the least he can do is give the guy a second chance, right? Hot Property By S. Blaise Robbie's mother has her heart set on a match between her son and his childhood playmate Jamie - who Rob can't even remember! He's far more interested in his new real estate client, the delectable Jay Grant. Is it possible that mom really does know best? Waves of Love By John Simpson Ken is so happy with his lover, Jack, that he wants his friends to be happy too. Setting up Jerry and Dale on a vacation cruise, he can't resist tagging along himself to give love a little push. He never dreamed he'd enjoy matchmaking so much! Thirty By Zahra Owens In Mallick's world, life begins at thirty - the age when he's through working and ready to meet his life mate. But even though Varr is a Matchmaker himself, they seem to have little in common. Could the match be a mistake, or is Varr the man he's ready to Bond with for life?

    Fans and critics call their world cyberpunk. Here is the definitive "cyberpunk" short fiction collection.Contents:The Gernsback Continuum (1981) by William GibsonSnake-Eyes (1986) by Tom MaddoxRock On (1984) by Pat CadiganTales of Houdini (1981) by Rudy Rucker400 Boys (1983) by Marc LaidlawSolstice (1985) by James Patrick KellyPetra (1982) by Greg BearTill Human Voices Wake Us (1984) by Lewis ShinerFreezone (1985) by John ShirleyStone Lives (1985) by Paul Di FilippoRed Star, Winter Orbit (1983) by William Gibson and Bruce SterlingMozart in Mirrorshades (1984) by Bruce Sterling and Lewis Shiner

    Will a wicked night of passion on a winter's night lead to the greatest love? Or only to betrayal?Wicked Deeds on a Winter Night was previously published in the Seduced under the Mistletoe Anthology.MISCHIEF AND MISTLETOEGood intentions, a devilish viscount, and wicked misdeeds pave the road to matchmaking!Miss Callisto Middleton desires to see her mother happy, and that means using the right amount of mischief to encourage two lovers to see what is right before them!Unfortunately, Graham, Viscount Sherbrooke is just as determined to rescue his father from supposed scheming ladies who wants to marry into his wealthy family!First it started with a kiss, dancing under the stars....and then more kisses! Even knowing the charming rake has no serious intentions Callie finds herself unable to stop thinking about him, or his kisses.Heartbreak is certain if she follows her desires. If only he weren't so irresistible . . .Mischief and Mistletoe was previously published in the 'Once upon a Christmas wedding Anthology'.LETTERS TO EMILYTwo years have passed since Lady Emily’s beloved Maxwell went to fight in the war. With only letters and one hot night of loving to keep her warm on the coldest of nights, she tries to embrace the future after learning of his death at the Third battle of Picardy. One way to forge forward is to marry his twin brother, Marcellus Alexander Wynwood, The Marquis of Blackthorn, a man she does not love, but one who rouses dark needs in her.Marcellus wanted Emily from the first moment he saw her two years ago, but had watched from a distance as his brother Max charmed her into falling hopelessly in love with him. In her state of grief over Max, Marcellus ensures her needs are met, breaking down her barriers, tormenting her with wicked erotic loving as he slowly binds her to him.Despite this, he fears he will lose her once it is revealed that her beloved Maxwell lives. Marcellus prays Emily can surrender to his needs and soul deep desires.

    Their pact is to make their naughtiest fantasies come true before their thirtieth birthdays. They have one year to make it happen-and no position is too compromising. All it's going to take is finding the right man, capturing the perfect moment, and stirring up enough courage to issue the most provocative invitation of the year. The race is on. Who's going to cross the line first?

    Each story is accompanied by a ghastly illustration from the mind of Andy Sciazko... the kind of illustrations that will disturb you in the best way possible.