This is a brief "glimpse" into the lives of Prototype singer/guitarist Zay Broussard and bassist Jersey Kincaid following the events in their book, 'Happiness In Jersey' —Book 1 of The Prototype Series. *This short story is best read only after you've completed The Prototype Series in its entirety. (The Prototype Series reading order: Happiness In Jersey, Finding Kennedy, Keeping Willow, and Loving Cassie).

    They had been together for a few months, but it wasn’t working out. They got along good, had fun together, but the sex left something to be desired. She dealt with it because he was such a nice guy. But then she got an anonymous note from a neighbor. One that heard their antics and offered to help her. Kate was in need of some good lovings and the note promised just that. She wasn’t sure who it was that offered such things, but she was intrigued. When she found out who it was, Kate was ready to take on his offer and once she got a taste, she was never going to look back.

    

    But her plans for a new life in New York don'tinclude being a virgin at age thirty! She never had the chanceto dream beyond her small Mississippi town--but with a littlehelp from Riley Martin, that's about to change....This bad boy done good left for the big city but returned tohis roots. Now divorced, he is just the man Nell should seeabout her...uh, problem. Riley can't believe the offer ofseduction coming from the sweet, shy woman of his secretfantasies, but he's going to do his very best to convince her, in the most intimate ways, that her place always was, is andwill be--with him.

    He returns to the Asylum adrift, unsure how to process the situation. But one thing is a constant: he's the Foul Mouth, he won't be grieving, he'll be GRIEFING, and it will be up to Ultra Class '09 to bear the brunt of the onslaught.

    She gave it all up to gamble on her talent, and found success she'd never imagined as one of New York's hottest painters. But when she returns to her South Carolina hometown to care for her ailing father, she gets an even bigger surprise. That "bow-legged" neighbor's boy she used to play with has grown up into Darius McRae, a lawyer who gave up the D.C. fast-lane to get back to his roots. Now, Darius' dark-chocolate build and slow, easy smile are proving to be just as tempting as any city lights...The last thing Darius was looking for was a relationship. He'd been burned by too many women who put finance over romance--including his conniving ex-girlfriend Cortina. But Celina's sense of humor and unpretentious ways are igniting more than his passions. And when Cortina starts stirring up a mess of trouble, Darius will do whatever it takes to show Celina a home-grown love is a dream worth everything...

    Jacoby Knight just wants to find a woman, who wants to join themselves with his body and not his massive bank account. These two strangers meet and find they can meet each other needs, yet one night won't do when passion this hot meets.

    Three of Arabesque's most popular authors pen tales about three different celebrations during this magical time of year, when dreams of desire really do come true.

    The hood raised her, but she's determined to let her humbled spirit take her out of it. Living a normal life is only a choice that she's made, however. Unlike Gianni, her mother, Tommy, is a bigger queen pin than any king pin in Tallahassee Florida and in the down south area. She takes care of Gianni and her two kids with no problems. Tommy could easily give Gianni the salon and big house that Gianni has always dreamed of, but Gianni wants to accomplish her goals on her own. Due to her mother being in and out of Federal Prison, Gianni reminds herself that she has two kids to think about, and she can not and will never leave her kids behind, like Tommy did her. Instead, Gianni allows her baby's father, Lamont, to take care of her and her kids. She feels he owes her that much, due to all the pain he's caused her. However, dealing with him has caused nothing but heartache, distraction and drama. After finding out about the third child that he could possibly have on her, she finally decides to stray away from him and focus on she and her kids. She meets a handsome and wealthy man by the name of Kreed at her mother's house during Tommy's known 'gambling day'. Kreed is a different breed, and though Gianni only wants friends so that she can do a little living, Kreed is hard to shake. He has that smart, hood, and smooth demeanor that Gianni admires. Being surrounded by drugs and a lot of money didn't mean a thing to Kreed. He loves his legal businesses and he enjoys living his life the right way. He's feeling Gianni just as much as she's feeling him, but he when Lamont finds out that there's a new man in town who's stole Gianni's heart, he makes she and her kids life a living hell. Which causes Kreed to bring out his old vicious ways! Tumultuous drama starts to unfold, and it will be up to Gianni to get everything in line to save what she has with Kreed.

    It is also a wonderful escape from small-town life and small-town thinking. What she didn’t expect was a chance encounter with Professor Chance Walker. There is something about this man that draws Remington like a bee to precious honey. Yet, the demons of her past keep Remington from seeing Chance for the man he is and the man he wants to be in her life. Chance Walker doesn’t see their initial encounter as accidental or happenstance. It feels destined, fated, despite Remington’s reservations. Chance isn’t one to give up easily, not when its something he wants. And he wants Remington, unapologetically. This is a standalone story with a happily ever after.

    The life-changing decision leads her away from the security of her family and the footprint of larger-than-life brothers and sisters. Jade makes the decision to follow her passion to dance. The odds of success are against her, but hey, she is a Lassiter, damn it. Lassiter’s can make anything happen… right?The Momma’s BoyBlake Thornton. voted the sexiest man alive for three years in a row, is living the life of fame, and fortune, with women from coast to coast at his beck and call. Then he realizes that fame and fortune do not equal happiness. A child star turned adult heartthrob brings its own set of problems. His overbearing mother is willing to take out anyone—anyone who threatens to intervene in her control of her son, especially if their last name happens to be Lassiter.The ConundrumThe past is threatening to interfere with the future when a dance between Blake and Jade exposes an attraction, they were fighting for ten years. The two open their hearts, their bodies, and their souls to each other. When Blake’s mother finds the two together all hell breaks loose. Several attempts made on Jade’s life cause Blake to think his mother has gone too far.Can the chemistry between Blake and Jade turn into something more…something that is strong enough to save both of their lives?

    She’s fell for veterinarian Cameron McKenzie’s good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. For months Cameron’s pushed away all thoughts of taking Rina in his arms and kissing her, unwilling to risk their friendship. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all...YOURS FOR CHRISTMASFamous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot…he’s also generous, funny, nice. And as festive spirit spreads, Kenny gets wrapped up in Bailey’s kisses — and decides to make this the first of many Christmases together…Previously published.

    Of course he wasn’t an established author back then, just the only man that has ever truly owned Jade’s heart. During the height of their passionate engagement, Jade made a decision that changed their lives forever. A decision she has regretted ever since. Unfinished business and a past seared with regret is what leads Jade to pay an unexpected visit to Ellis’s Brooklyn book signing event with a glimmer of hope that all isn’t lost. For Ellis, Jade was undoubtedly the love of his life. Seeing her again not only brings back memories of the love they used to share, it reminds him of the painful way things ended. Although it was so long ago, Ellis can’t help but wonder if he could allow himself to fall again. They’ve lived a life a part, both becoming successful in their own rights. And yet there’s always been that one missing piece to each of their happiness. Jade and Ellis, along with their charming and funny cast of friends travel through a roller coaster romance that proves love will always find its way back home.

    Just when she thinks the nightmare can’t get any worse, her father is charged with the crime. Rachel will do anything to prove his innocence, but her loyalty is tested to the limits when she crosses paths with Nicholas Hunter, the ruthless prosecutor bent on sending her father to prison… Nick Hunter is thirsty for justice, a man made cynical by the horrors he experienced in childhood. He shows mercy to no one…until he encounters Rachel Calloway, the first woman ever to make him question his convictions. From the moment they meet, a forbidden attraction sizzles between them that neither can ignore.As danger lurks in the shadows, Rachel soon finds herself in the biggest fight for her heart…and her life.Ghosts of Fire is a 97,000 word romantic suspense novel that was originally published in 2002.Praise for the Romantic Suspense Novels of Maureen Smith“…a haunting, suspenseful story that documents Maureen Smith as a writer of considerable promise and ability” — Midwest Book Review on Ghosts of Fire “Few authors pen work that is so thoroughly engrossing the characters leave a lasting impression” — Romantic Times on With Every Breath“…keeps you guessing and hoping that these two will get together and find the perpetrators responsible…one of the best romantic suspense stories I’ve read in a long time” — The Romance Readers Connection on A Heartbeat Away“With a deft touch and solid cast of characters, Smith gives equal credence to spicy romance and nail-biting suspense on her way to an explosive conclusion” — Publishers Weekly on Whisper My Name“Smith weaves a captivating tale of mayhem and murder…a romantic suspense thriller that will stay with you long after you turn the final page” — San Antonio Express-News on Whisper My Name“…a tense page-turner that will further enhance Smith’s reputation in the romantic suspense genre—a reputation that is well deserved” — Romantic Times on Like No One Else

    Original.