But what of its opposite -- the moment when it becomes clear that things are indisputably over? Dumped is a survey of every type of romantic crack-up, a group of stories full of the hilarity, wisdom, insight, and sometimes, yes, fierce revenges of some of the most memorable broken hearts in recent literature. Dumped sheds light on what can be the toughest part of human relations -- whether newly elucidating the misery we've all endured, or merely reminding us that others have had it far worse -- from the mother in Elizabeth Berg's Open House absurdly attempting to tell her son his father has left, to the betrayed wife in Roald Dahl's "Lamb to Slaughter," who beats her husband to death with a leg of lamb, then cooks it for the police. With contributions from such notable authors as Will Self, Saul Bellow, Alice Munro, Raymond Carver, Lorrie Moore, Dorothy Parker, Andre Dubus, and Tobias Wolff, as well as rising stars like Lucinda Rosenfeld and Steve Almond, Dumped spans every variety of romantic catastrophe and every possible response to it; from the wise to the hilarious, the bitter to the bittersweet. This book is the panacea for problems of the heart.

    But some crabby bureaucrat is standing between him and the permits he needs. He's surprised to discover the culprit is actually beautiful, young Shannon Morgan, and even more shocked when fireworks ignite between them. Unmasking Love: Sparks fly when Julie Payne meets Trace Watkins at a costume party, and they end the night beneath the sheets while literally hiding behind their masks. When the holiday hook-up ends, their real identities present a serious snag: Trace manages the bank Julie happens to be suing. But will they turn this nasty trick of fate into a treat? Lights, Latkes, and Love: Non-profit CEO David Shay can't get enough of the December festivities. As manager of a large retail store, Hannah Jenkins, on the other hand, turns into a jaded Scrooge every year on Black Friday. Can a nice Jewish boy - with the help of some Christmas lights, a little girl, and a latke party - teach Hannah the true meaning of the season and guarantee them both a New Year's Eve kiss to remember? Ringing in Love: When entrepreneur and single mother Catherine Bennett leases office space in Dominic Russo's building, she can't keep her mind - or her eyes - off her new landlord. Only problem is, he happens to be a known womanizer . . . and her professional rival. Then he offers her an irresistible chance at winning a huge contract if she partners with his company. Catherine must decide whether mixing business with pleasure might not be such a bad idea this New Year's Eve. The Gift of Love: Isabella Rodriguez received the worst birthday gift ever - an eviction notice from her family home. Adrift, she accepts an unexpected promotion and transfers to Seattle where she meets Taylor Jordan at a business mixer. They're drawn to each other like candles to a cake. But when Taylor discovers Bella was behind one of the most humiliating experiences of his life, will they be able to find a future together? Thankful for Love: Rancher Jack Richardson needs someone to wrangle his two sons, and Quanna Morales needs a steady job to fund her education and help support her disabled brother. But despite a working relationship, the two can't fight their attraction, even though Quanna worries his family and friends won't accept her Indian heritage. When her worst fears come true and a feud erupts at the Thanksgiving table, will Jack be able to convince her that their love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle? Sensuality Level: Sensual

    Every day for three years, she’s mourned the loss of her parents, tried to find the people responsible for their murders. Holding tight to her only living family – her sister and her aunt - this brave young Witch searches for answers in the most unlikely of places.When assigned the murder case of two powerful Witches very close to his hometown, Agent Ranger Evans never expected to find his Mate in the process. Unfortunately, three years have passed, he’s recovering from a life-threatening fight with the people responsible, and he’s no closer to claiming the sweet Ellie MacLeish as his own.Why is it danger is always lurking in the most unlikely places? Who could be orchestrating the murder of innocent Witches? Why leave their bodies out in the open to be found so easily? Can the answers truly lie at the exclusive Crimson Moon Resort?Only Destiny knows the answers and She’s not talking. But, one thing’s for sure Fate Will Not Be Denied, and neither will the sexy Agent Evans.

    Warren I was doing a favor for my sister, but that led her into my club. This was no place for a woman like her, but I wasn't a man that would turn her away. No, I'd teach her and mold her for myself. Fatima One favor turned into another. One apology turned into Warren seeing how much I enjoyed things I knew not of. I told him I could handle it, but he knew better. His response to me only led me deeper down the rabbit hole. One that I did not want to come out from. Please note, Warren is a short novella and will only take up a percentage of this book. Never before chapters from three yet-to-be-released books, Always Right, Love at All Costs: Stetson Series and Dream Ride: Legion of Guardians are also included at the back of the short novella. Along with a preview of Take A Knee and Cole.

    Includes:BABY PROOFClaudia Parr has everything going for her. A successful editor at a publishing house in Manhattan, she's also a devoted sister, aunt, and friend. Yet she's never wanted to become a mother—which she discovers is a major hurdle to marriage, something she desperately wants. Then she meets her soul mate Ben who, miraculously, feels the same way about parenthood. The two fall in love and marry, committed to one another and their life of adventure and discovery. All's well until one of them has a change of heart. Someone wants a baby after all.This is the witty, heartfelt story about what happens to the perfect couple when they suddenly want different things and there is no compromise. It's about deciding what is most important in life and wagering everything to get it. And most of all, it's about the things we will—and won't—do for love.WHERE WE BELONGMarian Caldwell is a thirty-six-year-old television producer living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and picture-perfect relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door . . . only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had locked away forever. As Marian and Kirby embark on a quest to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves. A place that we may have willed ourselves to forget, but that the heart remembers forever.HEART OF THE MATTERTessa Russo is a stay-at-home mother of two young children and the wife of a renowned pediatric surgeon. Valerie Anderson is an attorney and single mother to six-year-old Charlie—a boy who has never known his father. Although both women live in the same Boston suburb, they are strangers to one another and have little in common, aside from a fierce love for their children. But one night, a tragic accident causes their lives to converge in ways no one could have imagined. This is the moving, luminous story of good people caught in untenable circumstances. Each being tested in ways they never thought possible. Each questioning everything they once believed. And each ultimately discovering what truly matters most.

     On the journey, he is presented with an opportunity to begin anew but there’s a catch, this new lease on life requires him to assume a new identity…that of a dead sheriff. Soon afterwards, he’ll discover his burdens aren’t so easily discarded or forgotten.

    Cara I am trying to make it on my own in the world. But I can't get Chase out of my head, and I’m not sure I want to. After Chase defends Cara from a sleazy customer at her waitress job, their mutual longing explodes into life, and the two of them can no longer ignore their feelings for each other. A romance with an alpha male, a virgin, and HEA. The Billionaire Biker’s Virgin Nicole My fiancé cheated on me with my best friend. I decide to take the honeymoon anyway, without the groom of course. When my reservation is given away, Kane steps in to save me. I never knew what passion or love felt like… until Kane. Kane I am a billionaire… and a biker. I live life on my terms. I collect businesses and women almost like trophies…. until Nicole. After Kane breaks through her defenses, they discover a love that survives hurdles and misunderstandings. A short story romance with an alpha tattooed biker, a virgin, and HEA. DON’T HIDE FROM ME Cassie I’m a simple woman. I have dated a few men; nothing to exciting. I am a twenty-four-year-old virgin. No, I’m not saving it for marriage. But I am saving it for someone that will make it good. Van I am a tattooed, biker that has been around the block. I love women and never settle for just one. Until I find the brown-eyed virgin that is mine for the taking. Van and Cassie fall in lust at first sight from across the room. One thinks it is a one-night stand, one isn’t so sure. Join Van and Cassie in their story of a first-time romance that becomes more. A short story romance with an alpha tattooed biker, a virgin, and HEA. This is a standalone novella. Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances. There is almost always an alpha male (because who doesn’t love an alpha male) and a woman he makes his queen. Sit back, grab a glass of wine, and get lost in this happily ever after story – that’s also a little naughty.

    Big secrets. Welcome to Sweet Ridge.The Cooper brothers receive the shock of their lives when their deceased father, owner of the lucrative Guac Ole company, wills away their inheritances to three random women, leaving them each only a mysterious object and a riddle to solve. You don't want to miss a sexy minute of their search for answers--and love.Sweet Texas Kiss: Gavin Cooper can't wrap his mind around why country music superstar Macy Young would end up inheriting his family home. Seeing his childhood memories handed over to his high school rival--the first woman to break his heart--stings, especially when Gavin is left only a pair of old reading glasses. Luckily, Macy can't sell the house for one year--plenty of time for him to find a way to get it back. Can a country star and a country veterinarian find a way to bury their animosity and rediscover their first love in the process?Sweet Texas Fire: Gage Cooper has always wanted the family cabin. Instead, his business nemesis, environmental analyst Charlotte Wilkinson, inherits this valuable property with its oil-rich land and its secrets, and Gage pockets a useless key. He'll do anything to reverse this fortune, including eloping to Vegas for a sham marriage. But as they discover common ground and a surprising chemistry together, suddenly Gage must decide what's worth more: the land he's always coveted or a future with Charlotte.Sweet Texas Charm: Becca Nash has no idea why kind, old Jack Cooper left her half of his company since she never had more than a few polite conversations with the guy. Neither does Grayson Cooper, Guac Ole's CEO, who is seething over the strawberry-shaped charm his dad willed him. He goes undercover boss to find out how he can steal back those shares, but surprisingly loses his heart to Becca instead. What he does discover is a secret that could blow apart not only Becca's world but his whole family. Now Grayson must determine whether it's better to follow his head or his heart.Sensuality Level: Sensual

    A haunted mansion. A haunted woman. Three unforgettable tales of terror. THE HARROWINGFive troubled college students left alone on their isolated campus over the long Thanksgiving break confront their own demons and a mysterious presence... that may or may not be real.Nominated for Bram Stoker and Anthony Awards for Best First Novel"Poltergeist meets The Breakfast Club as five college students tangle with an ancient evil presence." - Kirkus Reviews"Absolutely gripping... it is easy to imagine this as a film. Once started, you won't want to stop reading." - The London TimesTHE UNSEEN"A creepy haunted house, reports of a 40-year-old poltergeist investigation, and a young researcher trying to rebuild her life take the "publish or perish" initiative for college professors to a terrifying new level in this spine-tingling story that has every indication of becoming a horror classic. Based on the famous Rhine ESP experiments at the Duke University parapsychology department that collapsed in the 1960s, this is a chillingly dark look into the unknown." —Romantic Times Book ReviewBOOK OF SHADOWSA cynical Boston homicide detective and a mysterious witch from Salem must join forces in a race to solve a series of satanic killings."A wonderfully dark thriller with amazing 'Is-it-isn't-it?' suspense throughout." — Lee Child-----------------------------------------

     The Billionaire Dragon Shifter's Mate A BBW in search of adventure + a dragon shifter in search of a mate + a mishap on a mountainside = one sparkling and sexy story! Curvy Cara Linley left her boring life in Iowa in search of adventure, but she only found loneliness in new and different places. She thinks there's no fairy tales left for a girl like her-- until she gets stranded on a mountainside, and a gorgeous hero comes to her rescue. Billionaire dragon shifter Gus Gray has all the treasure a dragon could desire, but even his hoard of glittering gold has lost its shine, with no mate to share it with. Can an ordinary princess and a lonely dragon find their happily ever after? Beauty and the Billionaire Dragon Shifter A BBW who's new in town + a dragon shifter who's new to being human + a very confused dog named Mouse = one sexy fairy tale romance! Curvy science teacher Becca Stafford has just moved to Gray's Hollow for a new job. Over tea with the mayor's wife, she soon learns the town's biggest secret--it's the home of two dragon shifters, the mayor and his brother Ilie. As soon as she meets Ilie, without so much as a true love's kiss, he transforms into a gorgeous (and naked) man. Billionaire dragon shifter Ilie Gray has lived as a dragon since he was a child. His mother always told him that someday he would meet a woman worth turning human for, but he never thought it would happen when he recognized his mate in a single glance. He also never thought that changing into a human might cost him the friendship of his dog Mouse. Becca seems happy with his human form, but can she love a man who still sometimes wants to be a beast? The Billionaire Dragon Shifter's Christmas A curvy newlywed wife + a dragon shifter mayor + a small town Christmas celebration = one snowy, sexy holiday romance! Cara Gray, formerly Cara Linley, is settling into life as the wife of a small town mayor who also happens to be a dragon shifter. She has just one problem: her first Christmas with her new husband. What do you give the billionaire dragon who already has everything--including your heart? Gus Gray is the happiest of dragons: he has his mate, his hoard, and even a little dragonet on the way. But Christmas is coming, and he needs to give Cara a gift that a human will love. Can a dragon learn that there are things worth more than gold? Choosing the Billionaire Dragon Shifters A BBW in a small town + twin dragon shifters in need of a mate to share + the most hotly contested mayoral election Gray's Hollow has ever seen = one sexy story that's a win/win/win! Hannah Cole has been the Deputy Mayor of Gray's Hollow for four years, and with the current mayor stepping down, she's about to get a new boss. Twin dragon shifters Radu and Sorin Gray are coming back to town after years away. When Hannah finally meets the twins for the first time she's stunned to realize that she's destined for both of them, but it makes for an easy choice! Sorin Gray first recognized his mate four years ago, when he saw a spirited and full-figured redhead running for mayor against his brother. She lost the election, but Sorin knew Hannah was meant for him--but he thought that meant his twin brother Radu was out in the cold. When they find out Hannah is meant for them both, it seems like their happily ever after is a sure thing--until Hannah finds out Sorin and Radu have been holding back, and she wonders if destiny leaves her any room to choose.

    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.

    Jay J. Falconer, ML Banner, Lars Emmerich, A. R. Shaw, C. T. Knight, Eric Gardner, G. Michael Hopf, Jason Kasper, Jason Ross, Jeff Kirkham, Kyla Stone, M. L. Buchman, Ryan Schow, T S Paul & W. J. Lundy have come together in this one-of-a-kind collection to support the Oscar Mike Foundation.Hundreds of pages of action-packed fiction, all in one low-priced collection, featuring some of the most beloved characters ever created: Jack Bunker, Frank Cartwright, Miranda Chase, Gabe Conrad, Tommy Donovan, Sam Jameson, Graham Morgan, David Rivers, Treton Rusk, Ian Throne, Rowan Wolf, and more.For a warrior, it’s about honor, courage, and the will to never quit. Those are the hallmarks that lead to victory, despite impossible odds or the adversary faced.Each story in this set explores what makes a hero, elevating the common into the unstoppable. How does it arise? What does it reveal? Who will suffer the wrath?Whether it’s unleashing hellfire on an enemy or facing down a threat with only bare hands, these explosive stories are sure to keep you glued to your seat. So buckle up and strap yourself in for the ride of your life. Get your copy of ORIGINS OF HONOR now, while you still can! This is a limited-time release with all proceeds going to the Oscar Mike Foundation for disabled veterans.

    All of them.I have to choose...right? Or will I be the thing that tears this family apart.* * *MY IRISH KINGSIreland’s most ruthless gang leader is forcing me to marry him. I escape to the only place I can be safe—home of my captor’s biggest rival, the Irish Kings.There’s X, the living weapon with a haunted past. He won't touch anyone. Except me.Jace, the teddy bear with a warrior’s heart. His melodic Irish brogue is a balm to my soul.And Magnar King, their intimidating leader. Whose eyes flare with hunger when I’m near, yet backs away like I’ve burned him when we touch. He doesn’t remember me. But I remember him.They’re all so different. But they all make me feel safe.And when my ex comes hunting for me, they will protect me at all costs...* * *ROYALLY SCREWEDPrince Grayson.Heir to the British throne.Sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on.For some strange reason, he wants me.And I want him. I want him so bad it hurts.One week.No strings.Just unbridled, wild passion with a future king.I can keep my heart out of it. Right?There just one condition.One that has me thinking I might be in over my head…One that includes his bodyguards...* * *THE CASSIDY BROTHERSMy foster father is a very bad man. I’m carrying a secret of his that could get me killed. So I escape to the last place that ever felt like safety…The childhood home of the Cassidy brothers.Aogán, Tristan & Donncha were as much of my childhood as choc chip cookies and hopskotch. We used to roam like wildlings around their large country estate. I haven’t seen them since the accident that made me an orphan three years ago.Boy, have they grown up. Tall, dark haired and eyes like the Galway Sea, with shoulders broad enough to keep me safe. Just like when we were kids, they shelter me. Care for me… Love me.But how will they feel when they find out I'm in love with all of them? How will they deal with the terrible secret I’m carrying?

    Whether or not it was intentional, only they know. With the police and Katie’s family desperately demanding answers, Hannah’s world is torn apart as she has to decide what to do next and whether that involves doing the right thing. Hannah’s choice is made more difficult due to her new closeness with Katie’s older brother, Josh. Katie’s traumatic death unearths secrets best left untold, but to leave them untold would put another life at risk of abuse. Longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Writing Competition.Please note this book addresses sensitive content such as childhood abuse.

    Literally. He talks to animals to see clues other people would overlook. Like when the proud owner of a pair of Scotties goes missing, Griff knows foul play has to be involved, because the dogs tell him there’s no way she’d leave her pampered pooches alone in the winter. But when he shows too much interest in what the Scotties have to say, an attractive police detective takes the wrong kind of interest in him. Viewing him as a possible suspect, she digs up secrets about Griff he would have preferred left buried. And that’s not even his biggest problem—taking the dogs into his home has made him a target of the victim’s abductor. This makes him scurry to solve the case, because as an expert on animal behavior, there’s one thing Griff knows to be true: the most dangerous animal is the human animal.