Little did she know money had changed hands for her and the man she was going to work for was the sadistic self-appointed crime boss, Nick Orphanides. Worse still, was when Maria realised the very people she loved and trusted had known the nightmare she was entering? After living with, deprivation and sadism at Nick’s hands for three years; she believed her prayers have finally been answered when Jimmy Dixon wins her in a poker game. Despite Jimmy being one of Nick’s crew, it soon becomes apparent that Nick wants her back and a feud soon develops between the two men. She knows too much, including Nick’s secret links with the Russian Mafia. If Nick can’t buy her back he’ll silence her permanently, along with Jimmy and anyone who stands in his way. Maria finds herself falling for the charms of bad boy Jimmy. However, it isn't long before she realises that he too has a darker side. A deep rooted sadistic uncontrollable anger connected to his childhood Jimmy's Game is the first book in the RUTHLESS Series 1.

    And don’t look back.My best friend told me to run, and I listened.My name is no longer Emily.I changed it to Emma and ran as fast I could.I found paradise with a little dash of family.I began rebuilding my life from the ashes.Then Liam walked into my new life.He was kind, smart and downright sexy, but trust wouldn’t come easy to me anymore.He said we could just be friends, but I know he wanted more.I wanted so much to lose myself in him.I wanted so much to forget.But some things can’t be forgotten.Some people can’t be banished.All I could hope is that by the time my past caught up with me, those I loved would be safe and sound.I had the worst luck in love.Women only saw my bank account when they dated me.I had a long sad history with gold diggers, and I was done.But then I saw Emma laugh.Her beauty struck deep within my tired soul and I knew I had to possess her.But I could tell she had a secret.I just never knew how dangerous that secret was.Now it is up to me to save her.If she will let me….When pain and misery litter the pages of our past, can we afford the price of love?Book 2: Lucky EncounterFive years ago, he broke my heart.I was a struggling waitress, down on her luck.He was rich, successful, hot, and charming. How could I keep saying no?But I was a fool to think he cared.When I got pregnant with his child, and he abandoned his responsibilities with a callous note, I vowed to remake myself and never be stupid enough to trust somebody like Noah Pryce again.Now our daughter is four, and I’ve worked my through grad school to build us a better life.When I get a job working at a high end security company for more money than I’ve ever seen, I think Bella and I have it made.But they didn’t tell me it’s Noah’s company.They didn’t tell me the man who abandoned us would be my boss.Somehow I’ve got to keep things professional and work for the bastard who almost ruined my life.Noah’s still gorgeous, still charming, and sometimes I think he might have changed.But for my daughter, I’ve got to keep my head on straight.Noah Pryce may have may have fooled me once, but I’m a different woman now.Book 3: Unexpected AdventureDeep in the Amazon Rainforest is the answer to all of her questions...Megan James has hated wealthy bad boy Andy Saxon ever since an accident that happened years ago.But, when Megan’s sister goes missing in the Amazon, Andy is the key to getting her back.Together, the unlikely duo concoct a plan to save the day.A fake wedding, a private jet, and a hidden heart of gold...Will Megan be able to overcome the past and learn to trust Andy?Will Andy ever find someone who loves him for more than his money?Can they rescue Megan’s sister from the jungle in time?What happens in the Amazon, certainly doesn’t stay in the Amazon...Book 4: Baking for the BillionaireA baking competition show isn’t exactly my thing. But when I find myself strapped for cash, that grand prize proves too hard to resist.Derek is charming, rich, and for some reason, interested in me.I know I should keep my distance, a contestant dating the show’s producer could be the ultimate scandal. Too bad I find the guy irresistible.As the competition heats up, so does our relationship, and I find myself falling head over heels for the man. But he’s got baggage in the form of a selfish ex-wife and I’m facing sabotage on the set.Can we move past our obstacles and find the recipe for love?Book 5: Keeping Her SafeI have a knack for finding trouble.This time, it’s landed me in the witness protection program.Now, I have a new name and a new life in Biloxi, Mississippi.I’ve barely settled in when a hurricane comes along to stir things up.I find myself stranded in the storm, desperate for shelter.Enter Ethan Kincaid.Sexy, rich, kind. He’s the total package.Suddenly, being stuck in the path of a tropical storm while hiding from a deranged killer doesn’t seem so bad.But I can’t forget about the danger that brought me here in the first place.And I can’t tell Ethan who I really am.Between the rain, the secrets, and the ever-lurking danger, I have a lot on my plate.Can I make room for love as well?It looks like I’ll have to, because I lost my heart to a billionaire while the storm raged.Book 6: My Perfect MatchMy trust in men had been destroyed by my previous employer.I wanted never to be a nanny again.But the story of a broken little girl caught at my heart.I accepted the job and made one unbreakable rule for myself -don’t ever let the boss get too close.Too bad this boss lived to break rules.I didn't want him. I didn't trust him.But he really didn't care.Loving him would mean risking the child who needed me.But how could I hate him when he made me feel so special?How could I resist the passion he was offering?If I throw caution to the wind, can we all come out the other side happier than we’ve ever been? Or will the flames burn everything to the ground? Book 7: Loving PursuitMy Hawaiian vacation turned into the perfect getaway when I met Marie.It only took one hot night for her to get under my skin.But I woke up alone the next morning.All I know is her name and the town she’s from.It’s enough to track her down, but should I bother?I can’t seem to help myself.I want her in my bed again. And again. And again.Before I know it, I’ve developed real feelings for her.But we come from different worlds.I’m a Beverly Hills billionaire. She’s a small-town princess.My father would never approve.Then, we get a shocking surprise that could change everything.Will we embrace change and come stronger on the other side?Is love enough to conquer all?Book 8: Return to MeOlivia Jacobs is the one that got away.It’s been ten years since life pulled us in different directions.In that time, I’ve become a billionaire with women falling at my feet.But none of them measure up.When an accident lands me in the hospital, I’m shocked to see Olivia there in scrubs.Sparks fly between us, but is it enough to reignite an old flame?Between my crazy ex and an opportunity that threatens to tear us apart again, there’s plenty to get in the way of happiness.Can we push through the obstacles and find a love that was always meant to be?

     Sleepless, I studied my surroundings—the aged family photos, the antique dresser, the stenciled ladder-back rocking chair—and found the sense of permanence they offered somewhat comforting. Knowing one of the matriarch’s of his family had sewn each green and blue patch by hand made the quilt feel like an embrace, and I held it tight like a security blanket. I didn’t know Josh. We’d barely spoken since I’d opened my eyes. He didn’t know me either. I didn’t even know me. Still, the faint sound of his breathing in the next room reminded me I wasn’t alone, that my protector was nearby. I guess when you desperately need a hero, you’ll attach that title to anyone who’ll wear it. He hadn’t turned me away or betrayed me when I begged him not to call the sheriff even though I couldn’t give him a reason why. In my desperate state, that made him my champion. Even so, I was panicked and fighting to remain still while every part of me wanted to run. It’s okay. You’re okay. He’s right in the next room. He’ll hear you if you scream. He won’t let anyone hurt you. I repeated those words in my head over and over, but while they kept me from bolting out the door, they did nothing to bring me peace. The night seemed endless. If not for the sound of his breathing and the tick-tick-tick of the clock, I would have thought time itself stood still... Grab your copy and read *FREE* in Kindle Unlimited today!

    

    She’s inherited her aunt’s B&B and is determined to carry on her legacy. Upon preparing for guests, she learns of a century-old tale of treasure within the inn. Many have searched for the illusive gems but to no avail. She discovers a man working on the inn’s grounds, but is he the gardener Gina Price hired? Perhaps he’s searching for the hidden treasure.James Atwood, corporate executive, works in the Atwood’s thriving cranberry business. Tragedy strikes, and he’s numb and riddled with guilt. Befriended by Gina Price, he finds solace working evening and weekends in the fresh earth, fescue grass, and aromatic blossoms of the inn’s gardens, helping to divert his mind from his dishonest cousin Robert, bent on destroying the Atwood business. He continues tending the grounds after Gina passes, and the new owner believes he’s a gardener. After she calls late one night upon hearing a prowler, James races to her rescue and discovers his feelings are more than protective.Ashton’s first guests, the Claxton’s, appear out of nowhere saying they’ve had reservations for a year though she finds no record of a deposit. She chalks the failure up to faulty accounting before she arrived. When an elusive intruder continues to make frightening midnight visits, Ashton fears for her own safety and that of the Claxtons. But then, their odd comings and goings cause Ashton to wonder. Are they really vacationing visitors from California, or do they have other motives for staying at the inn?Can two people allow the majestic northwest and fragrant coastal air heal their wounded hearts? Will they discover the secret of The Inn at Cranberry Cove?

    So, when she finds herself leaving her lovely, comfortable existence in London with nothing much more than a car and her gorgeous little dog a new start in Pretty Beach seems like the best thing that’s going to happen to her anytime soon.As she sets to work on a dilapidated old house on Seafolly Passage, starts a new job and begins to turn her life around things in Pretty Beach are definitely looking on the rosier side of what she had just left. Even though she had thought that going back to Pretty Beach was very much a backward step in her life.We follow along with Lulu, as not only the old house she has inherited, but also Lulu herself comes back to life, and just when she is least expecting it, boom, along comes Ollie Cavendish and knocks her for six.Will Lulu Drinkwater find love least when she was expecting it or will she decide that, actually, life on her own, really isn’t quite so bad after all?Sit back and delve into the utterly gorgeous little town of Pretty Beach where cinnamon buns, sparkly sea, golden beaches and beautiful old houses wrap you up in their warmth and transport you to a place you’ll sometimes wish you could live forever.♥ ‘Polly Babbington creates oh-so-magical books.’ ♥‘Absolutely loved this book as I did all the others in the series sheer feel good and escapism as were the others. Please please write the next one.’ LynnFyson, Amazon Reviewer♥ All the Pretty Beach books are set in Pretty Beach with each little trilogy focusing on new central characters.♥ It's preferable to start with book one but all books end with a conclusion and can be read as standalones.Book 1 (Trilogy 1) The Boat House Pretty Beach (Sallie & Ben)Book 2 (Trilogy 1) Summer Weddings at Pretty Beach (Sallie & Ben)Book 3 (Trilogy 1) Winter at Pretty Beach (Sallie & Ben)Book 4 (Trilogy 2) A Pretty Beach Christmas (Juliette & Luke)Book 5 (Trilogy 2) A Pretty Beach Dream (Juliette & Luke)Book 6 (Trilogy 2) A Pretty Beach Wish (Juliette & Luke)Book 7 (Trilogy 3 ) Secret Evenings in Pretty Beach (Lottie & Connor)Book 8 (Trilogy 3) Secret Places in Pretty Beach (Lottie & Connor)Book 9 (Trilogy 3) Secret Days in Pretty Beach (Lottie & Connor)Book 10 (Trilogy 4) Lovely Little Things in Pretty Beach (Lulu & Ollie)Book 11 (Trilogy 4) Beautiful Little Things in Pretty Beach (Lulu & Ollie)Book 12 (Trilogy 4) Darling Little Things in Pretty Beach (Lulu & Ollie)Book 13 (Trilogy 5) The Old Sugar Wharf Pretty Beach♥'Another brilliant book that keeps you excited to keep turning the page. Can't wait for the next one and see how it develops. Well done Polly on another great book.' Debra, Amazon Reviewer'Polly just keeps giving such fantastic stories with amazing characters. I just can’t wait for the next book.' G. Harry, Amazon ReviewerThis is what romance readers are saying about Polly Babbington’s books:‘What a lovely piece of escapism. I totally fell in love with the descriptions of the decor of Sallie's place. Is she real? I want to go there......really!’ Julie41, Amazon Reviewer‘5 stars all the way yet again for another wonderful read.’ JudeP Amazon Reviewer‘One of my fave romantic comedy novels.’‘I honestly loved all of this romantic beach read - strong female characters & romance on the beach.’

    Now her groom’s missing and a new man’s helping her search for him.Summer realized she’d made a big mistake. Why did she say yes to him? When her groom never arrives at the church, she uses her one clue to find him. She gets a big surprise. And she meets her Watson to help her search.Cameron agrees to help Summer because a family member’s caught in her mystery. She’s glad to have someone working with her, especially when he’s handsome and has a great smile, but a new romance is out of the question. But she sometimes (maybe too often) gets in trouble when she leaps before she looks, so he could come in handy.Cameron and Summer are immediately pulled into a mystery bigger than a missing groom (with no dead bodies!) and fighting their attraction to each other. If they can find the groom—and solve this mystery—they’ll part ways and never need to see each other again.They’re caught in a situation they didn’t create. Can a woman who almost got married find love on the run?

    

    Her only care in the world is fast money, partying and designer labels. She doesn’t have real responsibilities or plans for the future. As far as she was concerned, only today was important. She will worry about tomorrow when it comes. No one is going to stop her from enjoying her life to the fullest. She refused to live the life she watched her mother endure by the hands of her father. Her and her brother, Tone struggled together after their parent’s death. Jiera is determined to make up for all the years she struggled as a young girl. No one else's opinions about her life mattered to her. King Owens is a twenty-five-year-old, handsome rich man. He was taken from his unfit mother and raised by his father and stepmom. King wants out of the life his father was determined he inherit. He doesn’t want the throne to his father’s drug empire. For now, he is living the life that he's determined to get away from. He has a beautiful, career-oriented woman in his life. A successful career, wealth, and a beautiful family was his goals in life. He is determined to have everything he wants, even if it means going against his father’s wishes. King and Jiera have totally different plans for their future. Upon laying eyes on Jiera, King couldn’t deny himself from having her for just one night. What happens when one night of passion binds the two together for the rest of their lives? The ones that supposed to love them the most are the ones trying to hurt them the most. Will lies, betrayal and deceit take the two on a journey together? Or will it tear them apart?

    

    He never had good intentions with my heart from the beginning. Novah, Billie and Normani navigate through life with their heads held high despite their tumultuous relationships with the men they fathered kids with. Novah fell into love quickly with Carter. They were young. He was a rising NFL star and she was a popular video vixen. Years skate by and Novah realizes he isn’t the man she thought he was. After ending their love affair, she learns of their twin sons. Novah does the best she can to keep the peace. While the media makes her out to be the bitter, gold digging baby momma she takes it to the chin. For her sons, she will eat up any negative accusation the world has to say about her. Her only aspiration in life is to give her sons a good one. When Novah begins to stand up to Carter and his demanding ways things go left. He shows her a side of him that she’s never seen before and Novah is left with two choices. Turn another blind eye to his foul ways or finally expose him for the hateful person that he really is. Billie was born to model. It flowed through her being effortlessly. Billie only wanted two things in life. That was to model and be with Dreux. Dreux, however. wanted out of Detroit. He watched his brother fall victim to the streets and vowed to be different. Despite Billie’s love for him he left Detroit and attended college out of state. While being apart from Dreux, Billie found comfort with his cousin Malachi. Malachi was Billie’s yes man. Whatever she needed he was there to make it happen. Billie wasn’t attracted to him but was grateful for his presence. One lonely night Billie found herself in bed with Malachi. From that encounter, a child was created. Billie immediately regretted her decision to be with him and because she wanted nothing else from him Malachi turned bitter. Billie allowed for her broken heart over Dreux to lead her down a dangerous path. She partied more and ended up losing her son to Malachi. It was a mistake that he refused to let her live down. Now that Billie is better than ever and ready to get her son back Malachi is fighting her at every turn. Billie wants peace in her life but with Malachi constantly bringing her chaos she’s fearful that the old Billie might resurface and that’s the last thing she needs. Normani is young and full of life. While in her first year of college she met the popular DJ to the stars Tru. Tru was like a dream come true for her. The unattainable man that somehow wanted her and immediately she became engrossed by him. Without having to think about it she gave up school and allowed for her life to revolve around Tru. She became his biggest fan and after being together for a few years their daughter was born. Suddenly Normani began to see things in Tru that she hadn’t seen before. He was controlling, distant and selfish. Normani had only known two parents. She had an amazing childhood and wanted her daughter to have the same but Tru was making it hard for her to do so. When Normani’s childhood friend Azariah comes home for good and starts to garner her attention Tru takes notice. He makes big strides to show Normani that he is a changed man but for Normani it may be too late. This is a two-part series.

    His life runs on a neat, orderly schedule until he re-unites with Allison Worthy. She was just a kid when Thurman left for life on the high seas. Now, she’s a vivacious and beautiful woman who threatens to turn his world upside-down. And the worst thing is…he has to work with her. Allison, cruise director on the ship’s maiden voyage, takes one look at grown up Thurman Swain and swoons. He’s become exactly what she’s looking for in a man, except he might be a little too concerned about what others think. The intimate confines of a ship at sea soon brew a romance between the captain and the cruise director. They conduct a clandestine love affair until Allison wants to bring their love out into the bright southern sun. When former lovers meet again on a holiday cruise, are they ready to face their past and their future... Murphy Gilbert has few regrets. His family owns a luxurious small cruise ship line, and he’s on the maiden voyage of the newest ship doing what he loves. As the company photographer and digital media specialist, the Christmas cruise on the Grand Islander should be just the right combination of work and play. However, as the ship leaves Charleston, he discovers a woman from his past on board. Losing her is one of his few regrets, but resisting her on a two-week cruise may be wonderfully impossible. After graduating from college with an art degree, Cecelia took off to Europe to study with the masters. She left behind her best friend Murphy, but not before a passionate but unwise fling with him the week before graduation. Now four years later, her work takes her aboard the Grand Islander and into the path of the dark-eyed man she hasn’t been able to forget. Letting herself fall for him means revealing a secret that will hurt them both, and Cecelia must risk everything before New Year’s Eve.

    Now the couple must see if they can overcome one big obstacle in their way. Savanna thinks they’re able to make it down the aisle until she finds out that Ray has been keeping some secrets from her, now she isn’t sure if marrying him is what’s best for her. Makai walks back into Savanna’s life after three years. What she thought was just a childhood crush quickly turns into more then she bargained for. Not only does Makai come back with a girlfriend but he also comes back with an eye-opener that Savanna wasn’t prepared for. Now she must battle her feelings and decide if she can forgive Ray and get married or if she should act on her feelings for Makai. Jazlynn was content in her life the only problem she had was her deadbeat baby daddy that was until Kordell, her previous boyfriend, comes back to shake up her life. Still dealing with the heartbreak he caused her, she fights her feelings not truly ready to open up to him again. Kordell knows he messed up and will do anything to have Jazlynn back. Will, she finally forgive his past mistakes, or will she fully close their chapter all together? Ma’Loni just wants to strip and stack her money, falling for the boss was never a part of the equation. Kolby sees something in Ma’Loni that he refuses to let go. What started off as just a physical relationship quickly turns into more. When Ma’Loni learns Kolby has been holding something back from her she quickly leaves their situation where it’s at. Now Kolby must show Ma’Loni he’s ready to give up the games and focus on her, the only issue is will Ma’Loni believe him? Join the crew in the crazy journey of heartbreaks, love, drama, and secrets and find out what it really means when they say, This Heart Plays No Games.

    

    Let alone his country, Kuwa. Now, with his brother and father deceased -- only one man can rule as Sheik of Kuwa.Razeen.What Razeen doesn’t expect is his past coming back to haunt him. In that of a child . . . His child.***Alexandra Tasis grew up in foster care only dreaming about having one thing in her future. A family.Given the chance to have a child, Alexandra jumps at the opportunity -- not knowing that her child shares royal genes with an exotic and seductive man . . . Sheik Razeen el-Qazi.Can these two distrusting souls learn to trust the love they have for one another? Or will outside forces tear them apart at the seams?