If you see the good in the change, it can make all the difference. Acceptance takes longer for some than others. Logan Thackston wasn't dealing with the changes that were coming well. In fact, he was choosing to be involved only when absolutely necessary. In the middle of his worry and annoyance about what felt like turmoil in his family, he met a woman who turned out to be his lifeline. Frankie Mills has been sent to live with her grouchy uncle while her parents jaunt around the world. The small town of Sagebrush, Texas was vastly different for a young woman than it had been for a child. The adventures didn't live up to her pleasant memories. And Uncle Elmer seemed more crusty than she remembered. Frankie and Logan met by chance and made a date the very night they met. They both felt the sparks. Their first date was a rock climb up Logan's favorite spot that lasted hours longer than planned. By the time they made it to Frankie's house, trouble was brewing. And from there, trouble was always near the surface. Though there was an intense pull to each other, it couldn't be permanent. Frankie would go back to Richmond one day - probably sooner rather than later. So they kept things simple. Easy. But were either of them happy to settle for this tepid friendship? When an accident changes the balance between them something snaps. The balance they'd created to survive the unknown was shattered. There were more unknowns now than ever before. While Logan tries to heal, will he be able to figure out what he really wants with Frankie? And when he does, will his plan be one that would work for everyone - including his family and hers, too? ~ ~ ~ Meet the family of ranchers in this book 1 as they do all they can to make their ranch thrive while making life meaningful. Each story in the series has a happy ending and no cliffhangers. Each book will have one brother finding love and a happily ever after.

    What everyone seems to doubt, however, is my ability to have a life outside of work that includes a loving relationship. So when my brother bets that I can’t connect deeply enough with a woman to win her heart—and my mother makes winning that bet a condition of my promotion—I accept the challenge. Too bad I never considered what would happen if I was the one to fall in love when all is said and done. EVA The walls around my heart have always been impenetrable. But the gorgeous billionaire who suddenly seems so interested in me doesn’t seem to mind. I’d like to say I’m not flattered. Or tempted by him. But…I am. And for the first time in my life, I’m wondering what it would be like to let my guard down and truly take a shot at happily ever after. If only I could shake this feeling that he’s keeping something from me …The bet was simple. The aftermath? Well, that could be the best—or worst—thing that ever happened to them…

     But now the most vicious sociopath he ever brought to justice wants him dead. And the crossfire between good and evil threatens the intriguing woman Jack desires. If you love sexy romantic thrillers with explosive surprises and edge-of-your-seat suspense, grab a copy of DEADLY PURSUIT today! Ann Christopher’s DEADLY Series (IMPORTANT NOTE: these books are tightly plotted and should be read in order): Book 1: Deadly Pursuit Book 2: Deadly Desires Book 3: Deadly Secrets

    He wants an uncomplicated assignment. As a celebrity stalker targets Aurora Meridian, the Rider team--Mason and Maxine--are drawn into the sinister underworld of the Russian mafia. Aurora and Mason fight for their lives and each other while Maxine Rider discovers the lines she must cross and the sacrifices to be made to keep her client and her team safe.

    Or is rescued by one. Dexter O’Reilly, a cold and ruthless businessman, meets Laura Witherow, a loving and compassionate individual on Christmas Eve. Recently orphaned, Laura faces her first Christmas alone. After taking a wrong turn down a deserted snowy road, she finds herself stranded deep in the Pennsylvania backroads. Then, as miracles would have it, she is sent someone to share the holiday with that cold fateful Christmas Eve. True, he might not be old Saint Nick, but he was her very own Scrooge. After their brief and unusual encounter, Dexter hopes never to lay eyes on the woman again. However, eight months later she unexpectedly shows up on his business doorstep seeking financial aid for a homeless shelter she operates after a series of unfortunate events leads her to financial ruin. Dexter scoffs at any charitable organization, as well as his growing attraction toward the obstinate woman who refused to give up. Laura is determined to conquer the past, the present and even the future to show Dexter that there was more to life than money and that she was the way to true happiness.

    

     Roman Prescott has always lived his life in the shadows. Being invisible meant staying alive—during his troubled childhood and his years as a soldier. But when an injury sends him back to the small town of Fairhope, he can't hide from his past or the light brought forth by a beautiful pastry chef. Having lost her parents at a young age, Juliette Adams has had her share of tragedy, but now she fills her days making sweet desserts in her bakery and trying to recapture her happy childhood. Then she meets an attractive, brooding man, who is not only tearing down her old house but might just tear apart her fragile future. She's not interested in the tragic love story she was named after—she wants a love that will lift her up, that will last, and this sexy soldier has one foot out the door. They both know they should ignore the sparks between them, but Valentine's Day fever has lit up the town and old love letters and long-buried secrets keep bringing them together. Can these two wary souls get past their fear of loving and losing to finally win the greatest love of all? If so, what could be sweeter than that?  AUTHOR'S NOTE:  SWEET SOMETHINGS is a full-length standalone novel. But to add a cool twist, it's set in the world of a romantic movie called COFFEE SHOP that is being released on the same day! Both stories (the book and the movie) take place in the same small coastal town, and some of the characters cross over. You can read/watch each separately without missing a beat, as they each have their own independent storylines, but if you'd love to check out both, you'll have even more fun! PRAISE FOR BARBARA FREETHY NOVELS: "Freethy is an expert at creating unforgettable characters." Library Journal "A warm, moving story of the power of love." NYT Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber on Daniel's Gift "A warm and wonderful book about love, family and everything that’s important in life. Irresistible! I loved it!" NYT Bestselling Author Susan Elizabeth Phillips on Ask Mariah "A fabulous, page-turning combination of romance and intrigue. Fans of Nora Roberts and Elizabeth Lowell will love Golden Lies.” — Kristin Hannah "In the tradition of Lavyrle Spencer, gifted author Barbara Freethy creates an irresistible tale of family secrets, riveting adventure and heart-touching romance." NYT Bestselling Author Susan Wiggs on Summer Secrets “Hooked me from the start and kept me turning pages throughout all the twists and turns. Silent Run is powerful romantic intrigue at its best.” — NYT Bestselling Author JoAnn Ross on Silent Run “If you love nail-biting suspense and heartbreaking emotion, Silent Run belongs on the top of your to-be-bought list. I could not turn the pages fast enough.” — NYT Bestselling Author Mariah Stewart “Barbara Freethy writes with bright assurance, exploring the bonds of sisterhood and the excitement of blue water sailing. SUMMER SECRETS is a lovely novel.” — NYT Bestselling Author Luanne Rice

    A Marine sent to protect her.EnriqueFrom the moment I saw Maddie Weeks, I was smitten.We could've had a great love affair, except for three little things:1. It was my job to protect her.2. She was already married.3. I could never marry.Then her jerk of a husband blew up.Literally.And our low key surveillance was kicked up a notch.We needed an inside man.Naturally, I took one for the team and assigned myself that role.My cover?Obviously, we'll have to be married.Fake married.Too bad I really love her.

    . .reunited by duty… When Lieutenant Ambrosia “Sia” Soto returns from an investigation into a “pilot error” case aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. James McCloud, she comes face to face with NCIS Special Agent and former lover, Christophe Vargas, the man who was involved in an F-18 Fighter Jet accident that took her brother’s life six years ago. But when another incident aboard the carrier involves the death of a senator’s son whose plane crashed into the deck on a routine training mission, she’s now required to return to the carrier with Chris in tow to face a cunning and dangerous foe. Bombarded both personally and professionally, Sia must trust her instincts and suppress the feelings that surface for her enigmatic and sexy partner.

    Just ask Treflee Miller. If she'd only known that her husband Ty would be here in Hawaii; muscular, sun-bronzed, and infuriatingly gorgeous, she would have brought the divorce papers for him to sign. But life is full of surprises when you're married to a world-class spy.Ty Miller can understand why his wife is tired of playing Mrs. James Bond. He's never home, he's always on a mission, and he's usually surrounded by exotic informants. He has to admit that the perfect spy makes a pretty lousy husband. But for the sake of Ty's security and Treflee's safety, they can't blow his cover. Not here. Not now. Not when his longing is so strong, her lips so tempting, and his enemies so close.

    Dr. Charlie Yang has just had the strangest first date ever: Caroling, hot chocolate, and an abandoned baby in a manger. Plans with her sexy date must be put on hold as her first priority is caring for the infant. She takes on temporary guardianship, but the big surprise is that her date wants to see her again—baby and all.Dave Ricker is still finding his feet after life as a SEAL. Working in Jewell Cove puts him closer to his young daughter, and being a better dad is his first priority. But the local doc knows how to raise his temperature, too. One date—no matter how unusual—is not enough.Planner and perfectionist Charlie is learning how to “go with the flow,” and that includes falling for Dave. But she wants promises he can’t make, security he can’t offer. When the baby’s mother is located, Charlie’s world falls apart. Dave gives her comfort, but can he offer her forever, in time for a perfect Christmas?

    That is until she finds out their families are in an all-out war.His to MarryRafe needs a wife. Bailey's the perfect woman for the job ... except that she's in love with him. Faking a marriage with the man of her dreams isn't a bad idea, is it?His to ProtectEmma Heathcliff's life is in danger. Too bad the only person who can keep her safe is the one man she can't stand.Her Favorite RiskShe just needs a job. He needs her. But since they've both been burned by love is he a risk she's willing to take?

    So when she looks into the eyes of a last-minute shopper after closing on Christmas Eve, she’s sarcastic rather than sympathetic. But Brinn is ever the good girl and her conscience wins out. She offers the handsome stranger ten minutes to select a gift and ends up with a present of her own—a date. On Christmas Eve. Davis hates Christmas. Especially this year, since a neighborhood heist liberated him of his hard-earned belongings and the few gifts he’d purchased. But the robbery led him to a cute store manager with a sense of humor, smokin’ body and no plans for the evening. Mistletoe might be in order after all. Their Christmas Eve date is like gift-wrapped, sexy satisfaction. But the best gifts keep on giving, and one naughty night may not be enough—for either of them.

     Teo Parata, offensive tackle for the Texas Titans believes in miracles. He sees them every day when he looks into his son’s trusting eyes. Meeting Intern Oakley Bell at the Tiny Titan’s Football Camp was another miracle—at least he though so, until she chewed him out for being irresponsible and rude and demanding. She may have also mentioned something about an “egotistical diva football player” but he's trying to forget that part of the conversation. When he offers to take her to dinner to make up for his mistake, she accuses him of hitting on her and storms off. Wanting only the best for his son, Teo swallows his pride and begs Oakley to be his nanny. To his relief, she accepts the job on a temporary basis. Teo has two months to convince her to stick around. When he finds out there’s more to this woman than ocean blue eyes and a way with kids, his heart begins to truly beat for the first time since his wife passed away. Teo puts himself on the line in every football game, taking hit after hit and giving right back, but putting his heart on the line will take more than all his muscles and determination combined—it will take a miracle.

     Aspiring television writer Evan Walker has been in love with his best friend since high school, but Kyle doesn't do boyfriends. Never has. Never will. Evan knows it's a bad idea to give in to desire when he wants more than a friend with benefits. He has a new dream job. Now all he needs is the dream partner. Kyle Bennett is a mystery novelist with a severe case of writer's block. He needs a change. He has three days on their cross-country train trip home for the holidays to figure out how to tell Evan he's staying there for good. He also has to write the overdue pages for his editor. Only, he's a little too distracted by the close quarters in their sleeper compartment--and Evan's ass--to get much done. The sparks that fly between them are hotter than ever. Good thing they have a real-life mystery to focus on: why people all around them, including Evan's new boss, want to get their hands on a journal that once belonged to Kyle's grandfather. When a blizzard traps them in the mountains, Kyle and Evan steam up the train's windows and must finally face their true desires. This book contains explicit sexual content and graphic language.