As sea levels rise and livable landmasses shrink, the Reorganized United States of America has instituted population control measures to ensure there are sufficient resources and food to sustain the growing population. Birth authorization must be paid for and obtained prior to having a child. Someone must die before another can be born, keeping the country in a population neutral position at what experts consider to be the optimal population. The new laws are enforced by a ruthless government organization known as Pop Con, responsible for terminating any children resulting from unauthorized births, and any illegals who manage to survive past their second birthday, at which point they are designated a national security threat and given the name Slip. But what if one child slipped through the cracks? What if someone knew all the loopholes and how to exploit them? Would it change anything? Would the delicate resource balance be thrown into a tailspin, threatening the lives of everyone? And how far would the government go to find and terminate the Slip? In a gripping story of a family torn apart by a single choice, Slip is a reminder of the sanctity of a single life and the value of the lives we so often take for granted.

    Each book is the start of its own series, and they have several things in common: 2 strong heroines, 2 sexy heroes, dogs and cats, and stories that make you care deeply. STARDUST MIRACLE (Miracle Interrupted) A miracle is going to happen Becky Diedrich is the cheesemaker’s daughter. The minister’s wife. The good sister. What she’s not is her own woman. What she can’t be is a mother. And then she catches her husband with another woman. And she moves in with her sister. And she starts to see sparkles. And this is just the beginning… * * * HEARTS IN MOTION – (Rescued Hearts, book 1) Take two cats, a dog, and a determined woman... Animal lover Abby Pimm isn’t looking for love. With two rescue cats, one rescue dog, a struggling business, and her fourteen-year-old sister to raise, she’s got her hands full. What she needs is an angel – though she’ll settle for the devil if he’ll invest in her fledgling company and keep it afloat. Add a six-year-old girl... Wealthy businessman Holden Ramsay is no devil. He’s doing all the right things, and when he’s forced to care for his ex’s six-year-old daughter, he ends up hiring Abby as a temporary sitter – a woman who lights up his damaged heart, and perks up other organs as well. A woman who might be his redemption...or his downfall. Who’s rescuing who? The animals that Abby rescued think maybe it’s time they do a little rescue work of their own—because sometimes humans in love can be so dense...

    Now she has another responsibility to take just as seriously: she’s her sister’s maid of honour!Wickedly charming best man Jake Carmody is intrigued by Emma, and can’t resist the challenge of unbuttoning her and freeing her of her inhibitions…starting in the honeymoon suite! But after one sinfully wicked night Emma realises that this letting-your-hair-down thing could be incredibly addictive…

    After receiving guardianship of Stacy, the biracial daughter of an old friend, Deanna comes to terms with her own goals and identity as an African-American woman as she and Patterson Temple join forces to protect the frightened child.

    You've got free rein to do whatever is necessary.Saw you hired your old business school friend Samantha Edwards. She's a great choice. Not to mention the intense sparks flying between you. Take some advice from your uncle -- loosen your tie and let go of your past. True, she's had her own share of heartache, but Samantha may be just the woman to show you how to live again....

    (See individual title listings for descriptions of each book.) Harlequin Presents: Seduction and Passion Guaranteed!

    But their greatest wish is to bring holiday happiness to those around them. To you, our dear readers, we offer these gifts of joy at Christmas time. New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors have mingled Christmas dreams and composed beautiful love stories that range from sweet to spicy, with romance and suspense, to keep you entertained and dreaming in Unforgettable Christmas Dreams. Firelight Confession: .Rebecca York, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Mail order bride hiding a secret that can destroy her marriage before it has a chance to succeed. Christmas Delivery: .Patricia Rosemoor, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: He “returned from the dead” seeking revenge...only to reconnect with the girl he loved, and the daughter they conceived thirteen years ago. A Rancher in her Stocking: .Leanne Banks, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: When a holiday-happy school teacher gets stuck staying with a sexy, grumpy rancher at Christmas time, can she persuade him to embrace the season – and her? Please Keep Me: .Mimi Barbour, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: A homeless pup adores the child & his new master falls for her Mom. Christmas Miracle: .Patrice Wilton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Can these two wounded people, an ex-marine sniper and a broken heart nurse, open their hearts to the miracle of Christmas? Secret Santa By The Sea: .Traci Hall, USA Today bestselling author: Now back in her small town, Serenity faces the man who’d broken her heart. She finds out the truth behind why he’d once set her free. Christmas in the Sand: .Jen Talty, USA Today bestselling author: Not only could her dreams go up in smoke, but if she’s not careful, she’ll end up giving her heart away. Lost and Found Family: .Dani Haviland, USA Today bestselling author: Sometimes it takes decades to find your true family …but only a moment to lose them. A Complete Family: .Mona Risk, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Her hands full with a little daughter, a ferocious German Shepherd, a meddling sick neighbor, and a charming but nosey boss, Nurse Melody dreams of a happy family. Three French Hens: .Nancy Radke, USA Today bestselling author: When you find something precious —like love— you give everything you own to keep it. Sparkles of the Season: .Susan Jean Ricci, USA Today bestselling author: Two unlikely couples rediscover love and commitment, after a magical meeting with Saint Nick.

    These passionate tales feature young women who learn that there’s nothing textbook about love…NEVER SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL The ballrooms of Mayfair have become much more appealing to Lady Amelia Plume since the arrival of Major Lucas Winter, an American with a dark past and a dangerous air. Lucas is brash, arrogant--and scandalously tempting. Yet Amelia suspects that Lucas has a hidden motive in wooing her. And she intends to discover it, by any means necessary. ONLY A DUKE WILL DO Louisa North likes her independence very much. So when Simon Tremaine, the dashing Duke of Foxwood, whom she once loved, returns bent on marrying her, she's skeptical. The fire between them burns as hot as ever, but when Simon's ulterior motive for marriage is exposed, along with the deeply buried secrets of her past, Louisa vows to make him pay...and the price will be his heart. BEWARE A SCOT'S REVENGE When Lady Venetia Campbell is kidnapped at pistol point by her father's sworn enemy, Sir Lachlan Ross, she discovers the wickedly sexy Scot is even more intoxicating than she remembers...and much more dangerous. Lachlan plans to use her as a weapon against her father, but Venetia is determined that his lust for revenge will be trumped by an even more powerful desire.

    She's grown up now, divorced with twin daughters and a new job as a college professor, and she needs to make good decisions. No matter how irresistible Baron is when he reenters her life, she won't be a fool over him again.Baron James has been a bad boy all his life, chasing women and seeking thrills, but he's forced to take on leadership in his family's company after his father dies. His new role takes everything he has, and he doesn't have room in his heart to start a relationship with Leila and her daughters.But his heart doesn't seem to know this...Autumn Wish by Stacey Joy Netzel:Nikki Rowen desires a family of her own--but first comes love, then comes marriage. She thought she had the former, until the moment she mentioned the latter and her boyfriend left her with nothing but a broken heart. Just as she's beginning to doubt she'll ever have a 'til death do us part Happily Ever After, she meets her new neighbor in the most unexpected way.In Sam Mallin's experience, the word family is synonymous with abandonment; he's more than content on his own. Yet, in less than a week, he finds himself caring for an infant dropped on his doorstep, and playing house with his beautiful next-door-neighbor. When his feelings for Nikki deepen, he fears he's nothing more than the ready-made family she so desperately wishes for. How can a self-proclaimed loner hold onto the two females most important to him without history repeating itself in a world of heartbreak?

    Her designer lingerie career was moving forward, but her heart stayed in the same place it had for years...hopelessly in love with the single father across the street. Former wild boy turned responsible adoring father, Eddie Thomas always made sure that his little girl Emily was his top priority. Being a single father meant sacrificing his wants and needs for that of his little girl, and that meant sacrificing his want and need for Haley...no matter how tempting. Will the oldest of the Sloan girls finally be able to break through to the heart of the man who has had hers prisoner for years? Will this single father finally realize that accepting his love for Haley may be just what his little girl needs? One choice. Three lives. All tempting. Crazy Love – Krista & Chase Krista Sloan is a feisty redhead with a heart of gold. As a physical therapist she gives 110%. But behind closed doors she still hasn't been able to heal her own heart since it was shattered ten years ago, by the only man she's ever loved. Chase Malone always had a love for music, and it showed in the way the sexy Adonis commanded the stage at all of his sold out concerts. But his rock star status is hollow without his first true love. Every night he sings to packed arenas, he sings to her, remembering the love they shared and the night he had to leave her and his tortured past. When an emergency calls Chase back to Harper's Crossing, will he be able to find his place again in the heart of the woman that sheltered him all those years ago? Will Krista be able to open her heart again to the one man who owned her mind, body, and soul? They'll have to risk it all for their Crazy Love. Actually Love – Jessie & Zach Real or fake. As VP of public relations for SPC, the beautiful and talented Jessie Sloan knew the difference. The order and control she had in her life was real. Love was fake and she didn't have time for fake. Sexy, sculpted boxing champ Zach Courtland had his share of losses in life, but inside the ring, he knew nothing but wins. He was used to taking and landing punches, but little did he know he was about to get the knockout of his life. After circumstances force these two strangers to live together, they must become a fake couple and real roommates. Will Jessie and Zach still know the difference between real and fake, winning and losing? Or will they surrender to the idea that this may be Actually Love. Fairytale Love – Becca & Brian We're just friends... Fair and beautiful Becca Sloan was used to saying this...and it was true. The youngest of Harper's Crossing's Quad Squad, she knew she could always rely on her best friend, the sexy and charming Brian Scott When both Becca and Brian are cast in a dating reality show to find love elsewhere, it becomes clear that they may have already found it. With cameras rolling, they'll have to decide if they should protect their friendship and live un-happily ever after with someone else--or trust in their bond and live happily ever after with each other in a Fairytale Love. My Love – Bobby & Sophie As the youngest of the Sloan boys, Bobby never said much. But when it came to wife Sophie, he was always quick to express his love and devotion. Sophie's lovable, animated soul complemented his strong, silent demeanor perfectly. Together, Sophie and Bobby were a match made in heaven. Their uncomplicated marriage was full love, trust, and unconditional support.

    So when she learns her father is dying, her first inclination is to leave the old curmudgeon on his own. Only adding to her stress are the unexplainable feelings of attraction she's suddenly having for her best friend, actor Dixon Nash. Can a Christmas kitten named Star point the way to the Answer she so desperately needs?Finding Christmas and You, by Jan ClineNot only is Jolene Miller struggling to regain her memory after an injury, she's drawn to two men with opposite personalities. As the mystery of her past unfolds in the weeks before Christmas, Jolene discovers the truth about one of them just in time to give her a Christmas miracle.Once upon a Christmas Star, by Kathleen FreemanWhen Misty discovers Papa wanted to be an astronomy professor and gave it up to raise her, she signs him up for grad school and donates her savings to the cause. Unbeknownst to her, Papa has sold his telescope equipment so Misty can quit her ferry job and go to medical school. A handsome med student only confuses the situation. This Gift of the Magi retelling could lead to disaster, unless wishes and prayers really do come true.A Christmas Hallelujah, by Dori HarrellRomance is the last thing on their minds--who'd take on their drama anyway? Piper is dealing with her troubled teen sister. Alex's young son is glued to his side 24/7. And each thinks the other lives on the wrong side of the Cascade Mountains. But as a surprising and heartwarming friendship unfolds before their eyes, will Piper and Alex orchestrate a Christmas hallelujah out of the beautiful messes that are their lives?The Second Noel, by Chautona HavigWhen Breanne Homstad learns that a local family got scammed out of thousands for a Diabetic Alert Dog for their little boy and must find the money for another one ASAP, she embarks on the seemingly impossible task of raising $25,000 dollars...now!Breanne, friends, and a local fireman she still hasn't forgiven for a "date and dash," work to fulfill one little boy's Christmas wish--and maybe a second chance at romance.Home for the Holidays, by Lesley Ann McDanielWhen a handsome stranger fails to respond to Victoria's flirting the way men usually do, she's perplexed. She discovers that he runs an organization that builds affordable housing, and decides to volunteer. So what if it's a faith-based ministry. She can pretend to be a "church person," right?Montana Skye, by Sylvia StewartSkye hadn't envisioned serving the supper crowd in plans for her future. So when Shell, a handsome, flirty cowboy, comes into the Starlight Café, she puts him in his place along with his supper, coffee, and pie. She doesn't need him reminding her of all she's lost back home. But will Shell prove more than she bargained for?

    This limited edition collection features sweet and sexy holiday stories from bestselling and award-winning authors. You’ll find eight romantic heroes to fall in love with in A Montana Born Christmas boxed set. And all for less than a dollar! Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter Life has been tough at Copper Mountain Ranch and widower Brock Sheenan's kids have never had a proper Christmas. His new housekeeper, Harley Diekerhoff, is determined to change that--but she doesn't count on falling in love with her taciturn boss. Come Home for Christmas, Cowboy by Megan Crane Christina Grey Cooper has finally given up on her marriage and returned home to Marietta to lick her wounds. But Dare can’t let the love of his life go, even if what’s standing in the way of a true holiday miracle is himself… Can the magic of a White Christmas in Montana help him save what he’s nearly lost forever? A Cowgirl's Christmas by CJ Carmichael Betrayed by her father, Callan Carrigan has to decide what matters most to her. Fighting Court McAllister to get back the family ranch, or giving Court what he really wants—her heart. A Cowboy for Christmas by Katherine Garbera Back in Marietta, disgraced, the last person Annie Pruhomme wants to see is hunky Carson Scott. Does he hold a grudge, and why does he still look so hot? Mistletoe Wedding by Melissa McClone An instant family isn't on ranch foreman Tyler Murphy's Christmas list, but event planner Meg Redstone's kisses are. Getting her under the mistletoe, however, is going to take a miracle...or help from Santa. A Sweet Montana Christmas by Roxanne Snopek A marriage in jeopardy, a decrepit honey farm and an unexpected birth on a dark, snowy night. All they need to rediscover their love is a Christmas miracle. Blame the Mistletoe by Dani Collins Commiseration over being alone for the holidays turns to a holiday fling, making Liz Flowers think Blake Canon is giving her the Best Christmas Ever. But when family secrets are revealed and their children arrive home early, will they be able to keep the season bright? Her Mistletoe Cowboy by Alissa Callen Ivy Bishop plans to spend Christmas holed up on an isolated Montana ranch far from the city and her ex-fiancé. But the more time she spends with the workaholic cowboy next door the more she realizes her heart isn’t actually broken – yet.

    But she will have none of that. Shivalika has her life mapped out. She does not believe in love at all and is only focused on her career the reason for which is a secret she has nursed since she was a teenager.But when billionaire Vikramarya Kumar aka VK aka “the most eligible bachelor in the country” enters her company as the new boss, sparks fly and she finds all her beliefs getting shattered, one by one.Shivalika’s secret has already created havoc once in her life. Will she be able to overcome it to find her happily-ever-after with VK or will the pain of it destroy every chance of finding true love and healing?If You Let Me Go is a standalone sweet romance novel in the First Love Billionaire Romance series.

    Seven of London's most eligible bachelors band together to form The Bastion Club, an elite society of gentlemen dedicated to determining their own futures when it comes to that most important step of all—marriage.Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham, never expected he'd need to wed within a year or forfeit his inheritance. But he is not one to bow to the matchmaking mamas of the ton—the lady he chooses is his enchanting next–door neighbor. Miss Leonora Carling has beauty, spirit and passion; unfortunately, matrimony is the last thing on her mind . . .Tristan's kisses might be oh-so-tempting, but once bitten, forever shy, Leonora has turned her back on marriage. But Tristan is a seasoned campaigner who will not accept defeat. And when a mysterious man attempts to scare Leonora and her family from their home, Tristan realizes he's been given the perfect excuse to offer his services—as protector, seducer and, ultimately, husband.A Gentleman's HonorThe Season has yet to begin, and the second member of the Bastion Club, tall, handsome Anthony Blake, Viscount Torrington, is already a target for every matchmaking mama in London. But there is only one lady who sparks his interest…Desperate, penniless, but determined, Alicia intends making a spectacular match for her ravishing younger sister. Masquerading as the widowed "Mrs. Carrington," Alicia boldly launches her sibling into the ton. But a moonlit stroll proves Alicia's undoing when it leads to an accusation of murder.Every instinct Tony Blake possesses tells him that Alicia—the exquisite, distraught beauty he discovers standing over a dead body in his godmother's garden—is innocent. His connections allow him to take control of the investigation, while his social prominence provides public support. But it is more than honor that compels him to protect this imperiled beauty—and he will do everything in his seductive power to make Alicia his.A Lady of His OwnDeep in the country, the third of the seven members of the Bastion Club meets his long-fated match.Appalled by the damsels of the ton, Charles St. Austell seeks refuge in his castle—and discovers Lady Penelope Selborne walking the deserted corridors at midnight. Years ago, they'd consummated their youthful passion on one unforgettable afternoon, but while the ardent interlude haunts Charles still, Penny wants nothing more to do with him.Yet although Penny has vowed she won't settle for anything less than true love, resisting a stronger, battle-hardened Charles proves difficult. And when a traitorous intrigue threatens them both, she discovers that her first love—a man who will not rest until he has made her his own—is her fated champion and protector.

    The two grew up together on her parents’ Montana ranch. No matter how many miles separated them, their bond never died, even though he broke her heart years ago. So when Kyle returns home, he’s determined to let Christmas work its magic and kindle long-awaited love.