First she got engaged, then she was jilted, and now she’s pregnant—via a sperm bank! She was so sure love had passed her by, she decided to have a baby on her own. Before Lily’s due date, Jake will have to woo her, win her, marry her, and convince her that he wants to be a dad to the baby she’s carrying…and maybe a few more. Originally published in 2004 in Mothers by Design.

    Until one day the deputy catches a petty thief attempting to steal a bottle of baby medicine. The imploring eyes of desperate single mother Patsy Longhorn—not to mention those of her feverish little boy—just might make him reconsider.After breaking off relations with her husband, Patsy Longhorn is wary of men in general, and facing police deputy Justin Adams should have had her running for cover. But somehow this man makes her wonder if maybe the time has come to stop running—if maybe Justin is what she’s been waiting her whole life to find. The Unclaimed Baby Sharon Adams once thought she had her whole future planned—until her dreams were snatched away and she was left running her family’s convenience store. Then on a fateful snowy night she finds two strangers at her door. The first is Cody Branson, an intriguing and irresistible man from another town. And the second is a baby, the one she’s always dreamed, and long despaired, of finding…Loner cowboy Cord couldn’t say exactly what had brought him to Sharon’s door on that cold and snowy night. But when he sees Sharon Adams with a beautiful baby in her arms, for one wild and improbable second he dreams of having a family again. And he knows that, whatever it takes, he has to find a way to make it happen…

    This special boxed set offers the first three full-length novels in the series. Each book is filled with Barbara Freethy's unique blend of page-turning romance, family and mystery—unforgettable stories that will touch your heart. ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS: The second oldest of the Callaway clan, Aiden Callaway veered from the family tradition of urban firefighting and became a smokejumper, never questioning his choice until the job took the life of his friend, Kyle, and left Aiden with injuries and fractured memories. Everyone blames Aiden for what happened, but he doesn't remember, nor is he sure he wants to remember. The truth may clear Aiden of blame but destroy Kyle's reputation and hurt the people he left behind. 
 Aiden seeks help from an unlikely ally. Sara had always been untouchable, sweet, innocent, his sister's best friend, and the girl next door. But one reckless night in their youth took their relationship to a new level. Sara has never forgiven or forgotten the way Aiden brought it crashing down, but she's no longer that girl with the crazy crush. She's a woman in search of her own truth. The sparks between Aiden and Sara have been smoldering for a very long time. Sara is afraid to take another chance on a man who broke her heart, and Aiden knows better than anyone how dangerous an intense fire can be. As teenagers they weren't ready for each other. Are they ready now? SO THIS IS LOVE: Emma Callaway, a hot fire investigator clashes with Max Harrison, a cool homicide detective in SO THIS IS LOVE, the second book in the Callaway Series. For Max Harrison, love seduces and then destroys. His brother went to prison for love. His father left his family for love. And Max is determined not to follow in their footsteps, until he meets Emma… Emma runs into burning buildings without an ounce of fear and embraces life as if every day is a new adventure. But while she's fearless on the job, Emma is a coward when it comes to love. Betrayed by an ex-boyfriend, Emma has no intention of putting her heart on the line again, until she meets Max… As the fires around the city rage, the heat between them ignites in a blaze of passion that's far more dangerous. Will it destroy them or will they finally get everything they ever wanted… FALLING FOR A STRANGER Ria is as sexy and sultry as a warm tropical night and as beautifully dangerous as the island drinks she serves at the beachside bar on Isla de los Suenos -- The Island of Dreams. But Ria is not as carefree as she appears, and the pretense is wearing her down. One night she risks everything to escape from reality. Drew Callaway is a former Navy pilot looking for his own escape from a life that has seen too much tragedy. Meeting Ria is like embracing the sun, and their single night together is life-changing. But the dream quickly fades when Ria is killed in a tragic accident at sea. Months later, thousands of miles away from where they first met, Drew sees a woman who looks just like Ria. She claims her name is Tory, and that they've never met before, but he can see that she's in trouble, and he can't walk away. He's going to save her whether she wants it or not. Drew isn't afraid of a little danger, but can he risk losing his heart to a beautiful stranger? Also Available in the Callaway Series: Between Now and Forever (#4) Nobody But You (A Callaway Wedding Novella) All A Heart Needs (#5) That Summer Night (#6) W

    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

     THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY Private nurse and protected witness Claire Turner never gets attached, but her heart starts to soften when she begins caring for the elderly George Bellamy—and meets his grandson, Ross. In the face of wrenching loss, amid the enchantment of Willow Lake, Ross and Claire dare to risk everything for love. MARRYING DAISY BELLAMY Daisy Bellamy struggled for years to choose between two men—one honorable and steady, one wild and untethered. And then, one fateful day, the decision is made for her…until the man once lost to her reappears. Now the choice Daisy thought was behind her is the hardest one she'll ever face… The pressure is on for Sam to find Sinclair's killer, but a new lead in her father's unsolved shooting puts her in unexpected danger. When long-buried secrets threaten to derail her relationship with Nick, Sam realizes that while justice is blind, mixing romance with politics has the potential to be fatal… RETURN TO WILLOW LAKE Lieutenant Sam Holland is back on the job. A woman has been found brutally murdered and evidence points to Henry Lightfeather, a senator and close friend of Nick's. While Sam investigates, Nick stands by his friend—complicating his own bid for reelection, and causing tension between the couple. As Sam's investigation reveals a scandal that rocks the capital, Nick and Sam discover that the biggest threat to their future might be someone from her past…

    And he's just gotten an offer he can't refuse: a starring role on TV's newest hit drama. But the show's sultry makeup and wardrobe director has his pulse racing—and is making him think twice about staying single.Getting the gig on Paging the Doctor has thrust Rachel Wellesley into the unwelcome glare of the spotlight. So when Rachel starts falling for the show's sinfully sexy star, she knows it's time to get her own heart checked. As the cameras roll and her creative visions come to life, will Rachel finally be ready for her close-up—with the man of her dreams?SING YOUR PLEASURE by A.C. ARTHURCharlene Quinn has just landed a major contract with L.A.'s hottest record label. Even more thrilling, she'll be laying down tracks with none other than Akil Hutton. Despite Akil's gruff attitude, Charlene finds herself powerfully attracted to the driven music producer….His shy, innocent new client isn't Akil's usual type. But with her celestial voice and voluptuous body, Charlene is headed straight for Akil's heart. But the powerhouse producer's holding tight to secrets that may drive his new protégée away. What will it take to keep the angelic singer in his arms forever, long after the last sweet, sensual note fades away?

    Ever since she took over her ex-husband's political term, she's worked tirelessly for the people she has grown to care about. Now the town's main employer, Corbin Manufacturing, is on the chopping block, and Annie must convince Jack Corbin to keep the company in business.It's clear to Annie that Jack is just here to wrap things up and move on. After years of making concessions to her ex, Annie is not about to let another man walk all over her - especially with the future of Macon's Point at stake. But Jack is not the heartless, hard-nosed businessman she expected. He makes her laugh. He cares about her small son the way her ex never did. Can Annie make Jack see the true value of his hometown…and its mayor?

    Now, they are about to come face to face… The Cinderella Bride by Barbara Wallace Secretary Emma O'Rourke keeps her head down and works hard. But to bring back the heir of Kent Hotels, jaded Gideon Kent, she has to step out of the shadows… Secret History Of A Good Girl by Aimee Carson Miami hotel tycoon Paulo Domingues suspects that beneath his new events planner Alyssa Hunt's southern prissiness, she's all passion! He's determined to seduce the fire out from behind her good-girl exterior… Secrets And Speed Dating by Leah Ashton Sophie Morgan's dealt with life's curveballs by being logical. Her latest project is to reclaim her life now that her fiance's left her. Task one: speed dating. But Sophie takes a rather unconventional approach!

    and romance. All burned-out film star Mathias Carter wants for Christmas is peace and a quiet place to brood on the disaster of his love-life. But when that disaster in the shape of Eve Langan arrives on his doorstep, Matt finds one kiss rocks his world... and now he has a fight on his hands to convince Eve he's the man of her dreams.As Christmas approaches all Bronte Ferranti wants is to spend it with Nico and her twins, while she awaits the birth of her third child... everything is going to plan... until her baby decides to be born too soon... is Bronte and Nico's Christmas going to be filled with heartbreak? Or will the magic of the festive season create a miracle?Meanwhile Rosie is having fun preparing for her first Christmas as Mrs. Alexander Ludlow... she's got everything organised and ready for the festivities... except she's forgotten something crucial... Rosie's going to give Alexander a Christmas he'll never forget.

    Taking the job as lighthouse keeper on Gansett Island was the best thing she could’ve done for herself. She’s recently asked her new friends to fix her up with some of the island’s more eligible men. While her friends are busy arranging dates for her, Alex Martinez comes to cut the grass at the lighthouse. During a scorching summer heat wave on Gansett, Jenny and Alex take comfort in each other, and what begins as a hot summer fling quickly becomes something much more lasting. But will it hold up beyond the heat wave when real life intrudes on their sexy interlude? Chance for Love, Book 10.5, Gansett Island Series Billionaire Jared James has everything a man could ever want except for the one thing money can’t buy… Still reeling from his true love turning down his proposal, Jared James takes refuge in his Gansett Island home. Little does he know that his beloved Lizzie didn't mean to say no… Gansett After Dark, Book 11, Gansett Island Series Owen Lawry is days away from leaving Gansett Island to attend the trial of his father, who is charged with assaulting his mother almost a year ago. His biggest challenge is convincing his pregnant fiancée, Laura McCarthy, to sit out the trip. The last thing he wants is to expose the woman he loves to the pain of his past. Laura is determined to stand by Owen’s side throughout the trial and into the life they have planned together. Can she convince Owen to let her in and allow her to help him through this difficult time? And what will become of the man she loves if his father walks free? Kisses After Dark, Book 12, Gansett Island Series She’s avoided men all her life… Growing up with an abusive father, Katie Lawry learned a thing or two about men and has made a conscious choice to stay far away from them. Until the day of her brother Owen’s wedding when she’s rescued from nearly drowning by Shane McCarthy. More than two years after a painful divorce, Shane has a life on Gansett Island that makes sense to him. Spending time with sweet, sensitive, sexy Katie Lawry makes him feel hopeful again, and he might be ready to risk his heart again.Gansett Island Reading OrderMaid for Love (Mac & Maddie)Fool for Love (Joe & Janey)Ready for Love (Luke & Sydney)Falling for Love (Grant & Stephanie)Hoping for Love (Evan & Grace)Season for Love (Owen & Laura)Longing for Love (Blaine & Tiffany)Waiting for Love (Adam & Abby)Time for Love (Daisy & David)Meant for Love (Jenny & Alex)Chance for Love, A Gansett Island Novella (Jared & Lizzie)Gansett After Dark (Owen & Laura)Kisses After Dark (Shane & Katie)Love After Dark (Paul & Hope)Celebration After Dark (Big Mac & Linda)Desire After Dark (Slim & Erin)Light After Dark (Mallory & Quinn)Victoria & Shannon (Episode 1)Kevin & Chelsea (Episode 2)A Gansett Island Christmas NovellaMine After Dark (Riley & Nikki)Yours After Dark (Finn & Chloe)Trouble After Dark (Deacon & Julia)Rescue After Dark (Mason & Jordan)

     Within minutes of landing on his doorstep, Lanie Weatherford had succeeded in turning Reece Masardi's peaceful, well-ordered world topsy-turvy. Never had he met anyone like her! From her pet miniature horse to her pet causes, this outrageous, unpredictable community do-gooder was all heart -- and all woman... Lanie knew Reece's life had been bumpy lately, and he couldn't seem to bounce back on his own. It was up to lighthearted Lanie to teach him how to laugh again -- whether he was willing or not! But to her surprise, Reece had a thing or two to teach her...about romance. And soon they were sharing more than laughter -- they were sharing love.

    After such a traumatic childhood, all Izzy wants is a normal, happy, settled life, but love is never simple. In the week leading up to her wedding day, Izzy is forced to ask herself who she loves the most. And, given the choice, who would she want to spend her life with?

    Heaven's Price is the story of Blair Simpson, a professional dancer who thought she knew her destiny, until an injury shows her that fate -- and her heart-- have something else in store.In Breakfast in Bed, when Sloan Fairchild opens the door to her bed-and-breakfast inn to her best friend's fiance, she ends up opening her heart to an unexpected and forbidden love that turns her world upside down.Send No Flowers is the sensual tale of a young widow and mother of two who is rescued by a handsome and mysterious stranger, a man whose secret could shatter her life.

    But after her father suddenly passed away, leaving none of his fortune behind, Eden forced herself to grow up and become practical. Step one was accepting a job at Camp Liberty, a summer camp for girls. Even a year after her world fell apart, Eden is still grappling with her new responsibilities—especially keeping the campers out of their neighbor’s apple orchard. Chase Elliot is overbearing, and very strict about trespassers. Eden is more than happy to stay out of his way, but soon she finds Chase bumping into her every chance he gets. Eden’s past relationship proved to be a sham, so she constantly brushes Chase off, but sometimes temptation is too hard to resist!The Best MistakeEx-model Zoe Fleming is now a hardworking single mom—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She does need a tenant to help with the household expenses, and when she enlists for one, comfirmed bachelor J. Cooper McKinnon signs the lease. Handsome as he is, Zoe is too busy for romance, and even if she wasn’t, Coop is not the type of man she had in mind: a sports reporter who admits he doesn’t understand kids. Coop wasn’t planning on settling down anyway, and he certainly didn’t sign up to be a father, but the more time he spends getting to know Zoe and her son, Keenan, the more he can picture their future as a family. If only he can convince Zoe he’s finally ready to commit…

    Includes:SUMMER RENTALEllis, Julia, and Dorie. Friends since Catholic grade school, they now find themselves, in their mid-thirties, at the crossroads of life and love. A month in North Carolina's Outer Banks is just what each of them needs. Ty Bazemore is their landlord. After an inauspicious first meeting with Ellis, the two find themselves disturbingly attracted to one another, even as Ty is about to lose everything he's ever cared about. Maryn Shackleford is a stranger on the run who needs just a few things: no questions, a good hiding place, and a new identity. Ellis, Julia, and Dorie can provide what Maryn wants; can they also provide what she needs?SPRING FEVERAnnajane Hudgens truly believes she is over her ex-husband, Mason Bayless. They've been divorced for four years, she's engaged to a new, terrific guy, and she's ready to leave the small town where she and Mason had so much history. She is so over Mason that she has absolutely no problem attending his wedding to the beautiful, intelligent, delightful Celia. But when fate intervenes and the wedding is called to a halt as the bride is literally walking down the aisle, Annajane begins to realize that maybe she's been given a second chance. Maybe everything happens for a reason. And maybe, just maybe, she wants Mason back. But there are secrets afoot in this small Southern town and Annajane discovers that change can bring out the worst in people and uncover family scandals. And even though there are people determined to keep Annajane from getting what she wants, happiness could be hers for the taking, and the life she once had with Mason in this sleepy little lake town could be in her future. That is, if she can find out what she's really made of and what really matters most to her.LADIES' NIGHTGrace Stanton's life as a rising media star and beloved lifestyle blogger takes a surprising turn when she catches her husband cheating and torpedoes his pricey sports car straight into the family swimming pool. Grace suddenly finds herself locked out of her palatial home, checking account, and even the blog she has worked so hard to develop in her signature style. Moving in with her widowed mother, who owns and lives above a rundown beach bar called The Sandbox, is less than ideal. So is attending court-mandated weekly "divorce recovery" therapy sessions with three other women and one man for whom betrayal seems to be the only commonality. When their "divorce coach" starts to act suspiciously, they decide to start having their own Wednesday "Ladies' Night" sessions at The Sandbox, and the unanticipated bonds that develop lead the members of the group to try and find closure in ways they never imagined. Can Grace figure out a new way home and discover how strong she needs to be to get there?