Then Lady Luck throws a wild card into the deck—Sydney Hart. Time and distance haven’t dulled the sharp edge of their attraction, but thanks to a long-ago promise, she will always be the forbidden fruit dangling just out of reach.Sydney wants to believe in fairy tales and happily ever after, but her past relationships leave her doubting such things exist. She’s ready to give up on love . . . until Levi walks into her bar. The man who’s always held the missing piece of her heart. Love may not be in the cards, but that doesn’t mean a girl can’t flirt.Neither expected passion this hot, this fast. Yet once the cards are dealt, the only thing left to do is play them out—and see if they have a winning hand.STRONG, SILENT TYPE by Lorelei JamesWyoming rancher Quinn McKay thought he'd only have to bide time until his levelheaded wife came to her senses and called a halt to this "trial separation." He never believed the marital rough patch would drag on for a coon's age.Libby McKay knew when she married the gruff, laid-back cowboy that he wasn't prone to blathering about his feelings. But three months have passed and her stubborn-as-a-mule husband is still living by himself in the horse trailer. It seems he'd rather hold onto his pride than hold onto her.Quinn realizes Libby is determined to move on if he doesn't loosen his tongue and he'll lose the only woman he's ever loved. In a last-ditch effort to keep her in his life, he offers her one weekend of uninterrupted sexual decadence.Re-igniting the passion is easy. The hard part comes after the sheets have cooled and they find out if what remains is strong enough to survive past mistakes.THE REAL DEAL by Niki GreenWilla Tate left Millbrook, Texas, years ago along with her future, her fiancee and her heart. Now, as one of the headlining acts at a hot burlesque club, she looks into the crowd, sees a familiar face staring up at her and her past comes crashing back.Chase Kiel has some hard questions for the former love of his life. He spent forever looking for her, and now he wants answers?even if he has to throw her over his shoulder and drag her back to Millbrook to get them.He'd find it a hell of a lot easier if the chemistry weren't still there. If they didn't still fit together like keg of dynamite and fuse. If he didn't want not only his answers?but her heart.Chase is still certain he and Willa belong together and convincing Willa of it will be his pleasure.

    Its editor, Vin Sullivan, also drew the debut issue's cover. It features the character "Fui Onyui" who served as the "yellow peril" villain (battled by Slam Bradley and his humourous sidekick Shorty Morgan).No Batman until issue #27.

    Some of these alpha males are sweet, some are sexy, and some are furry or bitey. All will fight for their women and protect them in these 14 brilliant stories.Cora Seton - The Navy SEAL's E-Mail Order Bride - Mason, Navy SEAL, has a mission that is one for the record books. V. M. Black - Life Blood - Cora is dying...until a mysterious man offers a cure at a deadly price. Skye Warren - Beauty Touched the Beast - Ex-soldier Blake Morris is no good for the young woman who cleans his house. Blair Babylon - Rae Falling - Rae shoves The Blond Hottie up against a wall. How can one affair change everything so fast?Lacey Silks - Dazzled by Silver - He's not ready to commit. She's looking for a fling. Sarah M. Cradit - Flourish - Anne’s entire life has been a lie, even the terrifying, inexplicable ability she was born with.JJ Knight - Fight for Her - An MMA fighter must win back the heart of his first love and become a father to their daughter. Clarissa Wild - Seek - Lillith remembers Sebastian, her savior, but all she knows about him is his name. Liv Morris - Adam’s Apple - Adam Kingsley can possess anything or anyone he desires, except Kathryn.JC Andrijeski - New York - A gritty, unique world and star-crossed telekinetic lovers. Alica Knight - Tigress - Libby the Loser is a were-tiger and in love with a man she’s never met. Jacqueline Sweet - The Ghostwriter - Curvy, sassy Jessica is a ghostwriter and must destroy sexy billionaire Logan. Pavarti K. Tyler - Sugar and Salt - After working at The Sugar House, Janice retains no illusions but longs for a connection. Alisa Woods - Desired - Hot Wolves, High Finance—Lucas is a broken alpha, but can he keep his paws off Mia?

    Years ago, they witnessed an unthinkable crime that would haunt them forever. Throughout their lives, they have longed for salvation. Now, they live in fear…For Amelia Sorenson, it is just a harmless game. A tantalizing peek inside her father's case files. Just to see what he knows about her secret lover. But for Crowe, the man she adores, it is something far more dangerous—something that could destroy them all…

    Book 7: BISHOP’S QUEEN A reality star with an obsessive stalker finds herself under the protection of an ex-boyfriend from a tragic past who is her opposite in every way.Book 8: LOCKE AND KEY A military operative must rescue a journalist whom he blames for the murder of his teammates years ago.Book 9: JAX A former Navy SEAL and the daughter of a notorious motorcycle gangster partner to dismantle a drug cartel's partnership with the CIA.Each love story can be read as an action-packed, steamy standalone romance novel. No cliffhangers!

    It wouldn’t be a problem for an ordinary person, but being a Navy Consultant working on the Amphibious Base as well as being engaged to a SWCC man make the situation very sticky. Night with a SEAL by New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Cat Johnson — When navigating military red tape begins to present more challenges than the enemy, it makes SEAL Jon Rudnick question his future. So does Alison Cressly, the one woman he can’t get out of his head. HOT BAYOU SEAL by Award-winning author Cindy Dees — SEAL Ford Alambeaux is a busted up SEAL on his way out of the teams. Trina Zarkos is being tossed out of SEAL training like every other female candidate…until they’re thrown together on a way off-book mission to see if she can play with the big boys or not. Retribution by USA Today bestselling author Cristin Harber — Fallen Navy SEAL and Titan Group’s Delta recruit Trace Reeves wants nothing more than a one-night stand to forget that his twin brother was killed-in-action. But when his one-time fling becomes his high value target, the lines blur between her rescue mission and saving himself. Watch Over Me: A Military Romance (An Uncharted SEAL story) by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Delilah Devlin — Deke Warrick’s unsanctioned detail is to keep tabs on a congressman’s niece while she vacations in the Caribbean. He’s determined to keep his distance, from the beautiful Nicky Martir—until she’s snatched from their hotel room. SEAL's Obsession (A Take No Prisoners story) by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Elle James — Mission: Halt pirate activities off the coast of Honduras. SEAL TEAM 10's Jack Fischer goes undercover as a deck hand on a medical boat where he finds himself falling for the dedicated Dr. Natalie Rhoades. The SEAL, Part 1 (a Sex, Lies & Spies novella) by USA Today bestselling author Gennita Low — Mari Lords is tasked by her father to steal the seal that is an important clue in a round-the-world treasure hunt called The Game. When her opportunity comes during a party, she finds another kind of SEAL, Angel Marcello. Unbreakable SEAL by USA Today bestselling author J.M. Madden — Maxwell Tate fights against a psychotic dream world, until he no longer knows what’s real. Lacey Adams knows she can’t save all of her cases, but can she salvage the unbreakable SEAL? Mister Black: A Billionaire SEAL Story, Part 1 by Award-winning author P.T. Michelle — He is Black: a deadly enforcer and masterful seducer. I am Red: a justice bleeder and willing participant. When our secrets converge in a passionate encounter, stepping out of the shadows just might be worth the risk. Stone Hard SEALs by Award-winning author Sabrina York — When Ryder “Stone” Maddox’s meets Lily Wilson—a senator’s daughter who is definitely off-limits—he’s determined to keep his distance, despite her irresistible allure. But Lily has plans of her own…to put his heart of stone to the test. SEAL's Promise: Bad Boys of Team 3 by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Hamilton — Navy SEAL T.J. Talbot, SEAL Team 3's bad boy, makes a deathbed promise to protect and care for his fallen buddy's wife and child. The only problem is, she hates him. Breaking Ties (a SEAL Team Heartbreakers story) by bestselling author Teresa Reasor — Navy SEAL Oliver Shaker is blindsided when he learns that not only does his wife, Selena, have a life-threatening illness, but she’s also pregnant, stretching their marriage to the breaking point.

    Enjoy the season with the first half, books 1 to 6, of this omnibus of festive romantic (and hot!) tales ...Book 1: Angel In Moonlight by Ashleigh RaineBeing a Polgaran Pleasure goddess isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sex isn't exactly boring, but it is just sex, limited emotion involved. Lita craves the intrigue of strong human emotions. Her wish is granted, to spend a year among humans, learning and experiencing their emotions. Then destiny throws her for quite a loop when she's pulled into Ben's arms and discovers just how wonderful love is. But the clock is ticking. If she stays, she'll lose everything, but if she leaves Ben, she'll lose even more.Book 2: August Heat (Men of August) by Lora LeighJoin the August Family for Christmas. It's been a little more than a year since Cade, Brock and Sam wrestled their lives back from the woman determined to destroy them. Join them in this first August family Christmas celebration and see if their wives have been naughty or nice, or if the brothers must show them once again how proper August wives should act.Book 3: Make Me Believe by Shiloh WalkerChelly is going nuts - she thinks. And she's fighting for the right to keep her little boy. Right before Christmas, her ex announces he is going to sue for custody of their child. Because she is losing her mind. She is talking to a man who doesn't exist. A tall, sexy creature with wicked blue eyes and magic in his hands. And he can't possibly exist. After all, elves aren't real.Book 4: Just A Little Magic by Kate DouglasBeth Adams expected a proposal of marriage on Christmas Eve. What she gets is a wanna-be Santa Claus who's just gotten pink-slipped. Dominic Claus isn't merely good looking, he's perfect - he's just not Santa material. Beth could care less, especially once she discovers that Dom is a lot more than a good looking guy in a Santa suit - he's the lover of her dreams, toys included.Unfortunately, he actually thinks he's an elf. Differences aside, Beth discovers that all it takes is Just a Little Magic to find true love. Book 5: Ringing In The Season by Rachel BoChristmas is only two days away, and Traci Campbell has never felt more miserable. Her seventeen-year marriage seems on the verge of failure. Rick makes no time for the kids, for her - they haven't made love in four months. She can't stand the thought of losing Rick, but her heartfelt appeal a month ago appears to have meant nothing to him. But a determined husband can make a lot happen in a few short weeks, and a very unusual treasure hunt leads Traci on an erotic journey down memory lane. Can love, determination, and five tiny golden rings save a marriage?Book 6: The Toymaker by R. CasteelSamantha, widowed with two small children on the Missouri frontier, struggles to survive through the harsh winter. When she gives the small toymaker named, Claudius, shelter from a storm, little miracles begin to happen. But, are they enough to restore love, and her belief in the Magic of Christmas.If these stories lighten up your season, look for 12 Quickies of Christmas series, Volume 2 - available now!

    After the vacation ends, she decides to take a chance and share her secret, but little does she know he has a secret of his own. His Secret by International and UK Sunday Times bestseller Portia Da CostaQuiet storm…Ben Chambers is the perfect handsome boyfriend. Sarah adores him, yet despite their delicious lovemaking and the fun they share, she senses he has a secret. But then, during a luxury weekend away, one casual pat to her bottom transforms everything, revealing Ben’s thrilling hidden dominance, and a world of decadent pleasure and deeper love. Remastered by Multi-Award-Winner Madelynne EllisA bad experience with a former girlfriend caused Spook Mortensen to repress his sexual urges, but when sound engineer Allegra Hutton is called upon to remaster Black Halo's first album, there's only so much attitude and stubborn refusal to listen to the bands' wishes he can take before he's forced to break his self-imposed vow and take her in hand. Working Out by USA Today bestseller Marie HarteWhen lust turns to love, who’s really on top? An ex-Marine with a kink for dominance, Mac is Maggie’s boss. But Maggie doesn’t seem to realize he’s in charge…until he shows her that Sir is more than a title. It’s a lifestyle that could suit them both. That’s if Maggie sticks around long enough to wear his collar.The Scientific Method by bestseller Joey W. Hill Mastering her body was easy. Mastering her heart and soul will be an erotic science… In the vampire-servant relationship, the vampire holds all the power. Being Lord Brian’s research assistant as well as his servant, Debra accepts that, but she craves her Master’s heart. When Brian notices his servant’s unhappiness, he uses methods they both understand to prove just what belonging to him fully means. Juicy by bestseller T.J. MichaelsTwilight Teahouse ~ Choose something decadent from our menu… Solie Shaw is a brilliant self-made woman. After managing a corporation by day, at night, all she wants is to not be in charge. The last man she’d gifted her heart to had smashed it to smithereens and then did the mambo on top of the pieces. Now, along comes the chance to get exactly what she needs. All Solie has to do…is choose.No Limits by USA Today bestseller Kate Pearce All bets are off when there are no limits… Dr. Julia Reed deals with life or death situations at a California ER. When British businessman Alex Logan offers her a sexual bargain, she gets to share her darkest fantasies; he gets the power to carry them out. But who is the real winner in this high stakes game, and is Alex even playing fair? Ink Reunited by USA Today bestseller Carrie Ann RyanOnly two men can give Sassy the happily ever after she craves.Rafe, Ian and Sassy loved each other…until it all blew apart. Now both men are back for the woman they love. It will take more than apologies for these three to overcome their history. But once they take that step, the streets of New Orleans will never be the same.Unfettered:An Overwatch Story by Sasha WhiteYou never forget your first loveMechanic Ronnie Lang is tired of being "one of the guys". Chasing the fantasy of finding a dominant male to help her explore her sexuality she applies to Overwatch, a private BDSM club where her eyes are opened to a world that’s more than she ever imagined.Bondage on 34th Street by Emily Ryan-Davis & Jennifer LeelandIn knots over loveAfter years of searching, Tasha Sears finally finds the Master of her heart ...on his knees in front of intimidatingly sexy bondage enthusiast Noah Dreyfuss. As sparks flare between the three, Noah's ropes will either bind them together or pull them apart.

    Also published as "The Ship Who Returned" in Federations edited by John Joseph Adams.

    This story has been revised. A bite of a story… Claret isn't just a bar for the paranormal, but a portal to another dimension. It plays tricks on the mind, and whoever enters will experience agony or ecstasy. Once Nena steps insides Claret she realizes that the price to leave may be more than she is willing to pay. But once she is in Master Erach's hold, she realizes that the life she has experienced thus far doesn't compare to what the dominant and alpha vampire has in store for her. *This short story is told in the first person from the heroine’s point of view. This is also a quick read with an ending that doesn’t fit in the HEA or HFN category. It’s purely for enjoyment purposes and has some darker content. Please be advised.

    The curvy, plus-sized waitress is his mate, yet he still hasn’t figured out how to tell her about his bear. When Kate is put in danger, all bets are off, and nothing can stop the grizzly from claiming and protecting his mate. BROTHER BEAR (Book 2) Ana Smith has been on the run for nearly two months when she stops in Bear Mountain looking for work and meets sexy, muscle bound Seth. Too bad gorgeous, tall, perfect guys don’t go for curvy women like her. Seth knows Ana is hiding something, but he won’t push her for answers no matter how long it takes. He’s chosen her and he’s not letting go. When Ana’s past rolls into town, she finds out nothing will stop a grizzly determined to protect his mate. DOUBLE BEAR (Book 3) Samantha Hastings has lived in Bear Mountain her entire life and doesn’t want to leave, but she longs for a man to call her own and accept her, curves included. When she falls for both Cade and Collin, she vows to stay away from the gorgeous twins. After years of searching for the perfect woman to share for eternity, the two men have other ideas for their curvy mate. Sam’s about to find out that loving two men might seem wrong, but her mates will never let her go. IDLE BEAR (Book 4) Sara Henley has resigned herself to a life alone. Though she wants nothing more than a husband and a family, she knows she won’t find him in Bear Mountain, and she’s not willing to leave the small town. Aaron Williams hasn’t shifted into his bear form in almost a hundred years, and considers his shifter side a curse, but he can’t resist the pull to Bear Mountain. When he meets Sara, Aaron is forced to reconsider his past choices, but he still can’t reconcile with his bear—until Sara is put in danger. Now all he has to do is convince his mate to give him another chance. LOST BEAR (Book 5) Dave Yeager is the deputy in Bear Mountain, and the only human in town who knows about the shifting abilities of the sheriff and his friends. After watching yet another couple mate, he’s reminded of his loneliness. Emma has been living in her bear form for the past ten years, but she can’t ignore the call to Bear Mountain. Sparks fly when she meets Dave, but she’s unwilling to be cheated on again, and creates a plan to satisfy them both. It’s perfect until she realizes an alpha always gets what he wants. (Each book is also sold separately!)

    Lacey was the golden girl with the bright future. And Sherra always looked like the princess in a fairy tale. The three girls each seemed charmed-until one tragic night shattered their hopes for normalcy. Now, fifteen years later, the women are returning to their hometown of Madison, Ohio, where three men await them-each dangerous in his own way. And when each of the women succumb to desire, they may also find the safety they've been searching for.

    With their engagement now broken off, Regan decides that a no strings attached, hot affair is what she wants now. Regan was raised as a good, dutiful, Southern girl and now she wants to be naughty. When she meets Sam Daniels she knows he is her man.Sam has no intention of settling down. He loves traveling the world as a pilot working for a computer company. The occasional affair is all he wants. When he meets Regan he is instantly and intensely attracted to her, so Regan's offer for a weekend of hot sex is irresistible.Throughout the weekend, Sam and Regan find themselves wanting more than sex from each other, but Sam can't give up flying and Regan's family would disown her for being with a man like him that will not meet their expectations, so it looks like a quick affair is all they have, or is it?Her Secret Thrill - Donna KauffmanNatalie Holcomb is a corporate lawyer. She is visiting her very good friend Liza at a huge party she is throwing when she meets cattle rancher Jake Lannister. Jake's friend Con and Liza are going at it pretty heavily in the bedroom leaving Jake locked out without his wallet. Natalie, feeling the need to escape the raucous lovers herself, takes Jake out to get coffee.Good Time Girl - Candace Schuler(Rodeo Cowboys, #1)Roxanne Archer is tired of being a good girl so she gets a make over and heads off in search of a cowboy to fulfill her fantasies. Roxy goes to a bar where she meets Tom Steele. The chemistry between them is instant and they head straight to her motel room for a night of unbridled passion. Roxy and Tom decide to continue their affair throughout the summer. At the end they will go their separate waysRoxy travels the rodeo circuit with Tom. They learn a lot about each other and as time goes by they start thinking more along the lines of forever instead of for now. Neither think that they have a future with the other though so they keep their feelings to themselves. What will happen when the summer is over? Will they be able to walk away?

    Claudia Dain heats up this collection with the story of two voyeuristic young courtesans who might just take part in a very public seduction at the theatre. Allyson James has a card-playing, cunning widower and a desperate young widow learn that passion is the ultimate wild card. And finally, Shiloh Walker introduces a short story of a woman saved by a shapeshifter. Now, if only she could think of a way to repay him?Rarely does such blush-worthy, heated erotica exist-and almost never all in one book.

    Surrender to the passion and follow your desires into unexplored realms of sensuous delights. Awaken the fantasy! Tempting Grace by Sasha WhiteA man harbors impure thoughts about a voluptuous stripper - and sets out to make his erotic dreams come true...Out of the Shadows by Myla JacksonA big-city cop discovers that once bitten is not twice shy after spending a tantalizing night with a beautiful vampire...Lover’s Locket by Cathryn FoxA sheltered young woman opens a mysterious locket--and is plunged into a legendary battle of good versus evil to set her imprisoned lover free...A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia DayA seductive warlock will not rest until the powerful temptress he lusts for is begging to be dominatedKili’s Ice Man by Delilah DevlinA television executive lets loose when her favorite heartthrob strides into her office--and gives her the ride of her life. The Hottest One-Night Stand by Lisa Renee JonesThis one-night stand may be too hot to handle for a newly single woman, but that won't stop her from enjoying every delicious second...Quick Silver by Vivi AnnaWhen a mysterious package opens to reveal an oh-so-sexy, nearly naked man, these two have no choice but to hide out . . . for a good, long time.