. . ? We often speak those words when we finish a novel and the characters remain with us, tempting us to complete the story in our own view. The historical romance Dearest Friends retells Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as a sensual adventure that will delight a modern audience. Fitzwilliam Darcy left Hertfordshire following a friend’s betrayal, but his heart remained with Elizabeth Bennet, the impertinent beauty who captured his attention in ways no woman ever had before. When he encounters her unexpectedly in London, he realizes he can no longer live without her and begins his pursuit for her hand. When he finds that Elizabeth is not free to marry, will he again walk away or will he fight for the lady he loves?While Darcy and Elizabeth pursue their own happiness, around them friendships progress to love and infatuation leads to disappointment. Join a group of unlikely friends as they support our dear couple on their journey, each treading unique paths along the way.**Contains Mature Content

    Darcy is a sexy, bold, and oftentimes hilarious story with a fresh and vibrant cast of characters.

    Hindered by duty and obligation, even reluctantly agreeing to an untenable marriage, she cannot silence her conscience from crying out for her to flee- run - escape before it's too late.Prompted by a cataclysmic event and the arrival of the enigmatic, attractive Fitzwilliam Darcy, Liz is thrust into a dangerous adventure where her spirit is released amidst international intrigue. However, Darcy carries his own deep stash of secrets as a premier government-sanctioned assassin working with an elite clandestine group named Obsidian. He's spent a long, dark decade justifying his career choice while smothering his own conscience that beckons him back home to his ancestral Pemberley, its demons, and the man he was meant to be. He is steel, rock-n-roll, and Tennessee whiskey. She is orchids, opera, and peaches with cream. Thrown together they are physically and emotionally charged TNT, ready to explode!"Don't be afraid. Get on... let's ride." ~Fitzwilliam Darcy, the "Iceman"PLEASE READ Authors Note before purchasing: Jane Austen wrote such wonderful characters, I borrowed their names and a few of their characteristics to tell my own tale of hard-won, contemporary love.BE ADVISED: This novel contains explicit sexual scenes.

    commitment? Marley Mason is dreading the arrival of the new business consultant. After all, this man will most likely outsource her job to China. The last thing she would expect is a case of mistaken identity, leading to false accusations of kidnapping when she attempts to pick up the wrong man at the airport, or worse... that she would have such a visceral reaction to the right man.Rick Randy is super sexy, scandalously flirty and perfect masturbation material, but a relationship is out of the question. Rick is contracted on a temporary basis to fix Marley’s ailing company, then pull out, although as he expresses to Marley, pulling out is difficult for him, in more ways than one! Marley’s feelings range from utter confusion to intense contemplation as Rick charms his way into her life. All of those C-words Marley can control, but it’s the other C-word she fears—commitment.

    He’s late nights and pizza for breakfast. I’m early mornings and deadlines. I’ve never met him. I’ve never even seen him. But his dog has delivered the ultimate blow, and I’m forced to confront him.My neighbor is a buttoned-up priss.She shows up on my doorstep angry as hell and making demands. Our dogs may have forced us together, but the more I learn, the more I like. As if things weren’t complicated enough, now I find myself falling hard for the girl next door.

    In a country dominated by twists of fate and misfortune, a community collects around the family to change fate into fortune, the blindness of ignorance into enlightenment.

    She promised him that even in the afterlife if there was a way, she would help guide him to find the perfect woman to marry. "I want you to know, my son, that I will always be with you, watching over you. If it is in my power, even in the afterlife, I will guide you toward the happiness you deserve." Years later, after tiring of the search for a woman of substance among the vapid and mercenary women of society, Darcy began experiencing mysterious events, ultimately taking him on an unexpected journey to an unlikely country estate outside of London. There, he is strangely drawn to a woman far beneath society's expectations for him. Though from totally different worlds, they are attracted to each other, but due to misunderstandings and interference from those who would stand in their way, their path to happily ever after is thwarted at every turn. Will Darcy and Elizabeth find what they both desire on their own, or will they need a little help from the afterlife?

    Darcy has always considered himself a controlled, rational man – until he meets Elizabeth Bennet.Suddenly, against his better judgment, he is falling madly, foolishly, passionately in love with a woman who is completely unsuitable.At the Netherfield Ball, Darcy learns that Mr. Collins is planning to propose marriage to Elizabeth in the morning. This cannot be. Darcy must act first to win Elizabeth’s hand or risk losing her forever.

    He was controlled, driven, ruthless—in and out of the courtroom.Then, six irresistible orphans and their heartbreakingly beautiful aunt crashed into his perfectly ordered life. They changed everything. They changed him. Now he’s a husband, an upstanding member of society, a father figure—a family man. And he’s pretty damn good at it.Sure, he has to referee sibling smackdowns, re-learn algebra, ensure his clients stay out of jail, and keep his wife happy—but it finally feels like he’s got it together again....So, of course something has to screw it all up. It’s huge. Life-changing. Kind of terrifying.And it will be the most amazing, perfect thing he’ll ever do.

    The militia arrive in Meryton earlier than in Miss Austin’s work with the seducer Wickham already a member of the unit. Jane Bennet is invited to Netherfield and does get ill, but not as severely ill as in canon.Wickham spins his pack of lies and after being slighted by the man she now detests; Elizabeth believes them without question. That is the point that this story leaves canon behind.What happens when Elizabeth refuses to dance with Darcy at Lucas Lodge, as she cannot abide to be around the proud man, he kisses her? What do her family and the neighbours say? How do Miss Bingley, Lady Catherine, and the Matlocks react? How does Elizabeth react, as she disdains the man greatly?Will Darcy ever be able to redeem himself in Elizabeth’s eyes?

    Especially when he’s facing a thousand guests and one hundred reporters. His company’s future depends on marrying a Holt, so when his bride’s sister steps up to the altar… can he say no? Leah Holt has grown up watching her beautiful socialite sister hang on Ajax’s arm. Now she has the chance to stand in the spotlight and save her family’s fortune.But saying ‘I do’ is only the beginning, and Leah soon realises that the man she has married is far more complex and distracting than the boy of her childhood fantasies…

    They've been through a lot together over the years, but nothing like what they're about to experience.As the only man in Joe's life it's Eric's job to be there for her and take care of her even while he drives her crazy, especially if he's driving her crazy. There's nothing he wouldn't do for her and when things go south he decides that maybe it's time that Joe moved on, but could he?

    Elizabeth Bennet and her family have seen dramatic changes in the past few months—none of them welcome. Her sister Jane needs a fresh start, and Elizabeth is no less eager to leave behind the pain and confusion of not accepting Mr. Darcy’s proposal.Fitzwilliam Darcy has not seen Elizabeth since he offered for her—and she adamantly refused him. When she appears in London, he is determined to gain her friendship and make amends. When a carriage mishap throws them together, Darcy does all he can to demonstrate his changed behavior.Though their renewed acquaintance seems to be growing into a genuine friendship, a family secret constrains Elizabeth. As she falls deeper in love with the man she rejected, does she dare tell him the truth?

    Austin and his twin Jax are the hottest guys in school. And the richest. It's quick wits and sass versus suave intelligence and abs, and they refuse to fall for each other. The rest of the school ignores Austin's behaviour for his pretty face and fat wallet. But, Lily can't get past his cold character even while her insults are enough to bring a smile to Austin's usually dour face. As Lily's roommate Anne is getting closer to Jax, Austin and Lily are always at each other's throats despite the sizzling chemistry that both of them deny simmering below the surface. Between an ardent proposal from her step-mother's simpering nephew, a dashing young fellow-Aussie from the Military College, the twins' scheming bitch of a cousin, Lily's embarrassing family, Austin's intended fiancée, the antics of the twins' best friend, the overbearing Lady Celia, and a whole lot of stubbornness, love seems off the dance card for everyone. Will pride and prejudice ruin them all? Or will love win the day? Get ready to spot all your favourite characters in this Young Adult modern reimagining of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, told in dual POV.Please be aware that this story uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

    Gertrude Tooley Buckingham, The Four Seasons If you long for a toasty snuggle on a cold winter's night, this compilation of original short stories inspired by the magic of the season—and more than a nod to Jane Austen—is fancied as a sublime wintertime treat.On the heels of the summer anthology, Sun-kissed: Effusions of Summer, and in concert with some of Meryton Press's most popular authors, this romantic anthology introduces several promising writers. With a robust mix of contemporary and Regency musings, Then Comes Winter rekindles passionate fires with equal wonder, wit, and admiration.Stories by: Lory Lilian, Linda Gonschior, Suzan Lauder, Beau North & Brooke West, Sophia Rose, Natalie Richards, Anngela Schroeder, Melanie Stanford, Denise Stout, Erin Lopez, and Maureen Lee.