Alicia Hunter Pace

Chocolatier Lanie Heaven has good friends, a booming business, and the adoration of the citizens of Merritt, Alabama. But she also has a secret. After the devastating breakup with her long time college boyfriend, she lost a baby and the hope of ever having a child - the thing she desires above all else. Though still grief-stricken eighteen months after the accident that killed his wife and best friend, Judge Luke Avery is lonely for the company of someone other than his three-year-old daughter, Emma. When Luke moves into the apartment above Lanie’s candy shop, Lanie and Emma fall in love at first sight and Luke finds himself along for the ride. It’s so easy for the three of them to slip into a life as sweet as the candy in Lanie’s shop. But when Emma calls Lanie “Mommy,” Luke realizes things have gone too far; he has to propose to Lanie or walk away. He isn’t ready for marriage, but engaged isn’t married. Lanie eagerly accepts but as the evidence stacks up, she must accept that Luke’s love is not equal to her own. Can Luke find a way to slay his demons before the sweet life they have created goes completely south? Sensuality Level: Sensual

Sweet Gone South

USA TODAY bestselling author Alicia Hunter Pace launches a brand-new sports romance series, Nashville Sound, featuring some fan favorites finding true love. Emile Giroux has vowed he will be everything his stepfather is not: cultured, charming, sophisticated, and—above all else—a rich, successful NHL star. One of the top goalies in the league, the French Canadian strives for more, still haunted by his troubled childhood. Amy Callahan was a freelance professional organizer until an ambitious, domineering boyfriend took over her life and cleaned out her bank account. Once indispensable to the stars, Amy now finds herself with no money, no house, no phone, and nowhere to go. When Emile finds Amy literally kicked to the curb, he seizes his latest chance to rescue a damsel in distress—only Amy doesn’t want to play that game. In fact, she’s determined to put men on ice in her life permanently. Can they find a way to let love win? Sensuality Level: Sensual

Emile

Face Off

From USA Today best-selling author Alicia Hunter Pace comes this emotional gem in the Beauford Bend series. Heath Beckett would have never moved his renowned stained glass business to the artisan boutique town of Beauford, Tennessee, if he'd thought there was any chance Hope MacKenzie would return there. Ambitious and career-minded Hope left him with a bleeding heart years ago when she couldn't fathom that his art would ever turn out to be more than a hobby. Now she's back because her family's bank needs her desperately. Although she reluctantly settles into a quiet life in her hometown, she's soon embraced by the knitting circle at a local shop, and Hope finally begins to understand the charms of small-town living: the neighbors who truly care for you and the slower pace that affords an appreciation of more simple joys. She steers clear of Heath, knowing she foolishly lost her chance with him long ago. But when she gives a personal loan to the women who own the local knitting shop without consulting Heath, who has helped them with their finances for years, the two must work together to ensure the ladies' business plan is in tip-top shape. Surely a man capable of creating such pure beauty has a heart that can forgive. But can he still love? Free knitting pattern inside! Sensuality Level: Sensual

A Beauford Bend Novella

Heath's Hope

Two deeply scarred souls struggle with forbidden feelings in this heartfelt second novel in the Nashville Sound series. Life has taught defenseman Bryant Taylor never to look back and never to get serious about a woman. His ill, pregnant wife died while he was off playing an away game, leaving him—and both their families—heartbroken. Jokes and puck bunnies are his style now, and he’s sticking to it. Gabriella Charbonnet has idolized her brother Emile since he rescued her from their violently abusive father when she was eleven—and he’s supported her ever since. He even agreed to play for the Sound so that she could apprentice as a pastry chef in nearby Beauford, Tennessee. When Bryant and Gabriella find themselves thrown together at a society fundraiser, sparks fly. But Gabriella wants nothing to do with hockey players, aside from her brother, who just so happens to be Bryant’s best friend. The first rule of the bro code? Don’t mess with sisters. There are plenty of reasons why starting a relationship would be all kinds of wrong, yet walking away from each other doesn’t prove to be as easy as they thought. Sensuality Level: Sensual

Bryant

Slap Shot

Lynn Cahoon

Jennifer Lawler

Tami Lund

Casey Dawes

Peggy Bird

Ellen Butler

Jasmine Nightshade

A picture paints a thousand emotions in these eight tales of colorful romance. Don’t miss a stroke of these wonderful stories of inspiration and passion. Heath’s Hope: Ambitious Hope MacKenzie left Heath Beckett with a bleeding heart, but now she’s back in town to aid her family’s struggling bank. When she gives a personal loan to the women who own the local knitting shop without consulting Heath, who has helped them with their finances for years, the two must work together to ensure the ladies’ business plan is in tip-top shape. But will sharing their time reawaken deeper feelings? Sweet Tooth: Artist Micah Taylor has returned home to Fiesta, Florida, after the death of the father who disowned him. When he decides to buy his father’s favorite candy to lay on his grave, it leads to a scorching-hot reunion with Sweet Tooth store owner Cash Callahan. Micah wants to publicly celebrate their rekindled feelings, but Cash fears the backlash from small-town minds intolerant of both gay and interracial romance. It’s up to Micah to convince him that life is sweeter when you’re true to yourself. Sparked by Love: If artist Leo Wilson can get the okay to install his glass fireworks at Fort Vancouver on the Fourth of July, it could be his big career break. But some crabby bureaucrat stands 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. Delicious Deception: Artist Emily Kate Boudreaux spends her days running a restaurant on a Texas bayou because it’s what her family expects. Then sexy chef Connor Rikeland walks into her life and turns her business—and her bed—into one hot adventure. But his story is a sham, and Cajun cooking isn’t his ticket to fame after all. Emily Kate must decide what’s real, what’s a lie, and what’s worth risking her heart over. The Bull Rider’s Keeper: Rodeo star Jesse Sullivan isn’t afraid of anything…except maybe following his secret dream of being an artist. When he decides to take a chance and make an offer on an art gallery, owner Taylor DeMarco teaches him what it means to be truly fearless. Ruby’s Reward: When Ruby Rendell’s vindictive ex accuses her of illegally trading stolen artwork, she makes just one mistake in her defense: she lets her body outwit her brain. Her affair with her ex’s sidekick, Raphael Gianetti, is definitely a bad idea…but it feels so good. Art of Affection: Holly Hartland has spent the last year in Los Angeles finalizing her divorce and getting her career as an art gallery curator back on track. The platonic co-parenting role she shares with LAPD detective Gary Sumner is perfect for two people who’ve sworn off romance, but the burgeoning sexual chemistry they share proves hard to ignore. Montana Christmas Magic: Former tennis pro Logan Collins inherits a cabin in rural Phillipsburg, Montana, that he’s not allowed to sell for six months. It’s just enough time to start a sweet relationship with artist and temporary chocolatier Julie Thompson. But despite the trappings of permanence—a dog, a horse, and a woman who brings light into his dark days—his life is still in New York. Can he persuade Julie that Christmas in Manhattan is just as inspiring? Or will the holidays put the final wrap on their relationship? Sensuality Level: Sensual

8 Artistic Romances

Works of Passion

Ruby Lang

Synithia Williams

Elley Arden

Holley Trent

Ashlinn Craven

A real man knows when to let his partner take the lead. Forget those pushy, possessive alphas, and let sexy confidence and respectful consideration rule the day in this romantic digital collection as eight couples discover that nice guys definitely don’t have to finish last. Heath’s Hope: Ambitious and career-minded Hope MacKenzie left Heath Beckett with a bleeding heart years ago. Now she’s back in town because her family’s bank needs her desperately. When she gives a personal loan to the women who own the local knitting shop without consulting Heath, who has helped them with their finances for years, the two must work together to ensure the ladies’ business plan is in tip-top shape. But will sharing their time awaken deeper feelings? An Angel Fallen: Mark Mayer gives up being an angel to chase after his would-be beloved, a werewolf who’s gone feral because she won’t settle with a mate. He’s certain that trading his halo and wings for a mortal life with Sweetie is worth it—but convincing this stubborn werewolf that together they can find heaven on earth just might take a Christmas miracle. Acute Reactions: The man with allergies never gets the girl, but that may change for restaurateur Ian Zamora when he makes an appointment with Dr. Petra Lale. When sparks fly, a little romance just might be chicken soup for their hearts. High Octane: Unleashed: Formula One fans call Adam Fontaine “Mr. Spock,” as this stoic engineer is the circuit’s most reclusive driver. TV journalist Vivienne McCloud’s first big assignment is to draw out Adam’s secrets. When their hearts start racing, she finds far more than she bargained for—including a story that will threaten both of their careers. Marriage by Design: When a new highway project will destroy the homes Angie Corcarelli’s family construction business built, she vows to protect their legacy—even if it means battling her best friend’s stuffy ex. Stuart Perrault needs the highway plans to restore his father’s faith in him and get him back on the CEO track. Falling for each other would mean disloyalty with a capital D. Are their feelings strong enough to warrant challenging their family ties? Sweet Tooth: Artist Micah Taylor has returned home to tiny Fiesta, Florida, to pick up the pieces after the death of the father who disowned him. Cash Callahan, a born entrepreneur, bought a town icon and turned it into the Sweet Tooth. When Micah decides to buy his father’s favorite candy to lay on his grave, it leads to a scorching-hot relationship. Micah wants to publicly celebrate their rekindled feelings, but Cash fears the backlash from small-town minds intolerant of both gay and interracial romance. It’s up to Micah to convince him that life is sweeter when you’re true to yourself. The Professor’s Secret: English professor Claudia Manchester secretly writes spicy romances under a pen name to keep her side job under wraps till she’s secured tenure. But when she meets historical romance writer Bradley Davis while dressed as her sexier alter ego at a conference, can they build love on lies? Just My Type: Janiyah Henderson enjoys her stress-free post-college life, but when her dad insists she can’t handle a “real job,” she’s determined to prove him wrong. Her high-spirited ways clash with the conservative instincts of her new boss, accountant Fredrick Jenkins, yet attraction brews between them. When Fredrick shows Janiyah the man behind the numbers, she realizes she could be just the type of woman he needs. Sensuality Level: Sensual

8 Beta to the Max Heroes

Sweet & Sexy

No matter how many critics call him an artisan or how much money people are willing to pay for his handcrafted furniture, Will Garrett will always be the son of a drunk from Mill Town. Though he has admired Dr. Arabelle Avery ever since his teenage busboy days at the Merritt County Club, he has no aspirations where she is concerned. A boy from across the tracks doesn’t go calling on a state senator’s daughter. But he is stoic about all that. He has his work and the home he built with his own hands in the woods where he draws his strength and serenity. At one time, life was easy for Arabelle Avery. She was smart and pretty, with her sister-in-law and cousin as best friends. When her sister-in-law wrapped her car around a tree, Arabelle was devastated. The day her brother remarried was a hard day, and going to Will Garrett’s arms for the comfort was unexpected but easy. When she finds herself pregnant and hears, incorrectly, that Will is engaged, she flees to Switzerland to lick her wounds and have her baby. Desperate to do the best thing for her child, she allows her cousin to adopt him - a decision she immediately regrets. When a twist of fate reunites Arabelle with her child, she moves home to Merritt, where she is determined to keep her secret and raise her child in peace. But once Will gets a look at his son and guesses the truth, Arabelle’s life spins out of control. Can they find the path to what’s best for their son - and each other? Sensuality Level: Sensual

Secrets Gone South

The last time Brantley Kincaid had an argument with someone, he was eighteen years old - and he regrets it like he will never regret anything again. If only he had not balked at going to pick up his grandfather that day, his mother would not have driven into the path of a truck and there would be two fewer graves in Merritt Cemetery. Though a frequent visitor, he hasn't lived in Merritt since burying his mother and grandfather. But now he's coming back and it might not be so easy to hide behind his wit and charisma. Outwardly, interior designer Lucy Mead is a beautiful, confident professional. Inside, she's the friendless, overweight girl who spent her life following her archeologist parents all over the globe. And who could forget those teenage years of turmoil and unrequited love? It would have been kinder if Brantley had not known she was alive rather than treating her like Robin to his Batman. She carries the humiliation to this day. Their friends and Brantley's family are delighted when he sets his sights on Lucy, though Lucy isn't so sure. She cannot deny the attraction, but something is wrong. Does he really love her, or does he see her as a refuge and another way to run from his grief? If she can’t find answers, what could be a simple, sweet life might go completely south. Sensuality Level: Sensual

Simple Gone South

Tolly Lee is pearls, debutant balls, and old silver on the breakfast table. She is ashamed of something she did thirteen years ago, but she was only sixteen and she didn't set out to do it. Still, she should not have led college senior Nathan Scott to think she was his age. She never imagined a football star like him would keep calling her, but it was mostly a long distance relationship and it's not like they had sex. In the end, she paid for her sins with her heart and she might not be done paying. When she moved to Merritt, Alabama, Nathan had been gone for over a decade. Now that he's back, and if the good citizens of her adopted hometown learn of her part in costing their hometown hero his chance at an NFL career, she might as well pack up her law practice and move to Siberia. A sports commentator christened Nathan Scott "The Angel" because of his flawless face and his ability to leap to catch a football, as if he had wings. He still has the face but his leaping days ended when he was injured after going on the football field distracted, only hours after catching the girl of his dreams in a terrible lie. He would never have accepted the job as head football coach of Merritt High if he'd known Tolly had set up shop on Main Street. Not that he still has feelings for her. But a small town has a way of reviving the past and when common interest in an orphaned teenager forces Tolly and Nathan to agree to an uneasy truce, guilt and old resentments resurface. With no end zone in sight, their mutual attraction leads to a Scrimmage Gone South. Sensuality Level: Sensual

Scrimmage Gone South

Meet the four sexy brothers of Beauford Bend in this enchanting new Southern series by USA Today best-selling author Alicia Hunter Pace! Nearly thirty miles from Nashville sits the boutique town of Beauford, known for its artisan craft shops and colorful personalities--especially the renowned Beauford brothers. Haunted by the tragic fire that orphaned them years ago, the boys left town to find fame and success. Now they're coming home. But surprising revelations about that fateful night--and the love of a few good Southern women--will heal their hearts and change their lives forever. Forgiving Jackson: When a devastating fire at one of his concerts reopens old wounds for country superstar Jackson Beauford, he heads home for some peace and quiet--only to discover that stubborn Southern magnolia Emory Lowell has planted herself at his family estate, bringing chaos in her wake. Nickolai's Noel: An ice storm traps hockey pro Nickolai Glazov with quilt shop owner Noel Verden one fateful Christmas. As these two strong-willed folks fall in love then fall apart, they'll learn that home is the place you hang your heart (not just your quilt or your hockey stick). Reforming Gabe: Once the NFL's best wide receiver, Gabe Beauford's been dropping the ball this season--literally. After his team loses the Super Bowl, he heads back to Beauford to hide and brood, but crossing paths with independent and talented jewelry maker Neyland MacKenzie puts a new gleam in his eye. She needs saving, and he needs a project... But will his not-so-deft touch ruin her dreams and their chance at real love? Redeeming Rafe: Bull riding, cliff diving, plane jumping--if it makes most men quake in their boots, Rafe Beauford does it eagerly. But his wild lifestyle comes to a halt when he discovers he's the father of toddlers. Taking his twin girls back to Beauford, he plans to leave them there to grow up with a nanny, but the woman he hires, widowed mom Abigail Whitman, is determined to show him the importance of family--and love. Heath's Hope: Ambitious and career-minded Hope MacKenzie left Heath Beckett with a bleeding heart years ago. Now she's back in town because her family's bank needs her desperately. When she gives a personal loan to the women who own the local knitting shop without consulting Heath, who has helped them with their finances for years, the two must work together to ensure the ladies' business plan is in tip-top shape. But will sharing their time lead to deeper feelings being re-awakened? Healing Beau: Sick of being babied his whole life, youngest brother Beau joined the army as soon as he could. He thought he'd be a lifer, but an injury sends him back to Beauford without peace or a purpose. Knowing he can't heal until some truths come to light, his old friend Christian Hambrick, who always held a torch for him, wages a full-scale war on the past--and emerges with the secrets about what really happened the night of the fire. Sensuality Level: Sensual

The Complete Series

Beauford Bend

“A decadent read packed with lovable characters, witty dialogue and a sigh-worthy happily-ever-after that leaves me craving more.” —New York Times bestselling author Rhonda Russell on Sweet as Pie Hyacinth Dawson’s life runs like clockwork—and she likes it that way. Spreadsheets, lists and plans have never failed her, and now they’re going to help her get her bridal shop on the popular reality TV show All Dressed in White. But it won’t happen unless she can land a celebrity client…maybe one of those new NHL players in town. Enter Robbie McTavish, a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants Scottish defenseman who can’t help but meddle when he spies a bride in Hyacinth’s shop wearing a completely wrong dress for her figure. Robbie’s family just happens to own the Scottish Highlands’ premier wedding venue, and he knows his way around bustled trains and buttercream frosting—even if his help seems to be less than welcome. When a video of his infuriating interference goes viral, the TV producers decide to film at Hyacinth’s shop—as long as her “associate” Robbie is part of the package. Opposites might attract, but as far as Hyacinth’s concerned, no amount of chemistry is worth the way this particular plus-one threatens to blow up her carefully laid plans… Good Southern Women Book 1: Sweet as Pie Book 2: Smooth as Silk

Smooth as Silk

Handsome and accomplished Ranger SGT Beau Beauford knows that deep down he's never been anything but a screw-up. He caused the deaths of his parents and sister, deceived his adoring brothers, and recklessly destroyed his career. With nothing left to lose, he retreats home to Beauford Bend...only to promptly impregnate his best and oldest friend. Christian Hambrick, owner of Firefly Hall Plantation B&B, is made of guts, steel, and plain good sense, except for that lifelong torch she's held for Beau. When he reached out to her, clearly in need, she gave him everything. Now Beau insists on marriage, but he's withholding his heart, insisting it's not worth much anyway. However, Christian isn't settling for second best--not for herself or Beau. If she has to take on the whole Beauford family and wage full-scale war on Beaus past to prove him wrong, so be it. Don't miss this satisfying and emotional conclusion to the Beauford Bend series! Sensuality Level: Sensual

Healing Beau

To the world, professional rodeo cowboy Rafe Beauford is the fearless rider with an easy smile who never backs down from a challenge. But when a buckle bunny he knew back in Odessa dies in a motorcycle accident and Rafe learns he's the father of twin baby girls, he finally gets a taste of real fear. There's not much call for a Shakespeare scholar in Beauford, Tennessee, so widowed single mother Abigail Whitman is coming up short on earning options. Then blond, sexy Rafe rides into town needing a nanny. He's willing to pay generously--not to mention Abby and her son can live at the family plantation, Beauford Bend. Abby agrees to take the job, on the condition that he stays home for a month to bond with his daughters. There aren't any bulls at Beauford Bend to distract Rafe, but there is Abby with her classy ways and heart-stealing eyes. When she manages to cut through his defenses to his vulnerable heart, Rafe's new biggest fear is that he'll fall hard and end up hurt all over again. What's a cowboy to do? Sensuality Level: Sensual

Redeeming Rafe

Dana Volney

T.F. Walsh

Grab your eggnog and curl up by the fireplace with these magical holiday romances sure to warm your heart and your spirits! Mistletoed in Merritt: Rich boy Bennett Pontellier Watkins and blue collar Hélène-Louise Soileau had a secret, youthful love affair—until their mothers found out and set them on separate paths. Eight years later, their lives cross again when Hélène-Louise agrees to teach a series of workshops at the Cultural Arts Center in Merritt, where Bennett is the director. The spark is still there, but old patterns begin to re-emerge, and it’s clear that Bennett still wants to hide their relationship from his family. Is Hélène-Louise willing to give up everything she’s built for herself for a man who may never see beyond her social status? Cloaked in Christmas: Wulfkin Cacey Varg’s new pack is suddenly no place to be this December. Her ex has discovered her location and is on his way to take their daughter back. But a massive snowstorm prevents her from packing up and leaving town—and instead delivers a sexy stranger, Vincent Lyall, to her doorstep. Can she trust that he isn’t one of her ex’s henchmen? Or will this be a merry Christmas after all? A Heart for the Holidays: Thanks to an injury, Silver Morgenstern’s career as a surgeon came to an abrupt and final halt. Now she’s searching for meaning—and failing—in her administration job at the local hospital. That is, until she receives Fisher Tibbs’s application to be removed from the heart transplant list. As the founder of Casper, Wyoming’s successful social program Combat Children’s Hunger, Fisher seems to have everything to live for. But nothing can mend the very real fissure his young daughter’s death tore in his heart—unless Silver’s new mission to rescue his heart succeeds, in which case it might just save her own. Montana Christmas Magic: Tennis pro Logan Collins inherits a ranch in rural Phillipsburg, Montana, that he’s not allowed to sell for six months. It’s just enough time to start a sweet relationship with artist and chocolatier Julie Thompson. But despite the trappings of permanence—a dog, a horse, and a woman who brings light into his dark days—his life is still in New York. He’ll have to persuade Julie that Christmas in Manhattan is just as inspiring, before the holidays put a final wrap on their relationship. Sensuality Level: Sensual

4 Holiday Romances

Christmas Kisses

A pro hockey player learns that home is where the heart is in the first novel of a delightful new series from USA TODAY bestselling author Alicia Hunter Pace Evans Pemberton has always had a problem saying no. To her overbearing Mississippi Delta family, to her business mentor’s push to expand her thriving pie shop and to her lifelong crush, Jake Champagne. But Jake chose her beauty queen cousin three years ago and ghosted on their close friendship. When he comes to her small town in Alabama with a new pro hockey franchise, Evie fears she’ll lose her heart all over again. Of course, she'll forgive him like the good Southern woman she is, but anything more than that is off the table. So why can’t she stop baking for him? Jake is looking forward to a new team, a new town and a clean slate in Laurel Springs. After a disastrous year, the hockey hotshot is leaving his past behind—even betting his best friend that he can stay away from women. But he’s happy to reconnect with a piece of home when he visits Evie. Between slices of Mississippi mud pie and chicken potpie, he’s starting to remember all the good times they had and the man he always intended to be. Not to mention what a fool he was to let Evie get away… How will they find a future together when she can’t say no and he can’t say yes? The path to true love isn’t quite easy as pie, but it sure is sweet in the end. Good Southern Women Book 1: Sweet as Pie

Sweet as Pie

Clarissa Ross

Robyn Neeley

Kathryn Brocato

Evan Purcell

Nancy C Weeks

You're seeing double and enjoying trouble as these six sets of twins try to win your heart. It's twice the fun of ordinary romances! Holiday Wedding: After being dumped by his fiancee a year ago, Drew Cannon retreated to Tokyo to throw himself into the family toy-making business. Now he's returned home for the holidays and is forced to team up with his ex to plan last-minute nuptials for his twin brother. Will working together mend and reunite their broken hearts? Waking Up to Love: When Scott McInney's mom gets a slight case of amnesia, he convinces Ramona, the identical twin sister of his runaway wife, to step into her heels. Ramona reluctantly agrees to help out, but when the pretending gets too real, will Scott figure out that he might have married the wrong twin? The Look-Alike Bride: Leonie Daniel leads a double life, often standing in for her glamorous older sister who works as a government agent. All Leonie has to do this time is spend a few weeks in Zara's lakeside cabin, behave like Zara, and avoid Adam Silverthorne, the man her sister is interested in. But now Adam is falling for Leonie...or is he? Redeeming Rafe: Bull riding, cliff diving, plane jumping--Rafe Beauford is the twin brother who embraces the adrenaline rush. But his wild lifestyle comes to a halt when he discovers he's the father of toddlers. Taking his twin girls back to Beauford, he plans to leave them there with a nanny, but the woman he hires, widowed mom Abigail Whitman, is determined to show him the importance of family--and love. Reforming Gabe: After NFL wide receiver Gabe Beauford's team loses the Super Bowl, he heads back to Beauford to hide and brood, but crossing paths with independent jewelry maker Neyland MacKenzie puts a new gleam in his eye. She needs saving, and this twin needs a project. But will his not-so-deft touch ruin her dreams and their chance at real love? Eternal Desire: Heiress Della Standish had been summoned to Rome to be reunited with her long-lost twin sister, Irma, and to share the great family fortune with her. But from the moment Della enters the opulent halls of the Sanzio Palace, she is encircled by mystery and dark suspicion, her life endangered by the satanic power of an Italian noble and her new-found love threatened in a gilt-edged world that hides evil in its secret heart. In the Shadow of Evil: After ten years with Maryland's Special Crime Unit, very little rattles Jared McNeil. He and his twin, Noah, have always handled their law enforcement jobs with skill. Then Jared's nemesis resurfaces, with his sights set on the woman Jared is honor bound to protect. Will doing his duty cost Jared his love and his family? In the Shadow of Vengeance: Elizabeth Merlot can't afford to let handsome Detective Noah McNeil discover her secret past. But when trouble finds her son, Noah may be the only one who can save their lives. Sensuality Level: Sensual

8 Twin Romances

Double Trouble

Nicole Flockton

Jennifer DeCuir

M.O. Kenyan

Get ready for some football! Put your backfield in motion with these five heartthrob jocks as they get (first) down and dirty to win the game of love. Scrimmage Gone South: High school football coach Nathan Scott holds lawyer Tolly Lee responsible for his aborted NFL career. Can these two ex-lovers find a way to co-exist in the same small town—without becoming fodder for every gossip in Merritt, Alabama? Sweet Texas Fire: Quarterback-turned-businessman 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 just gets a useless key. To reverse this fortune, he proposes a sham marriage, and Aussie Charlotte accepts so she can stay in Texas. But as they discover common ground and a surprising chemistry, Gage must decide what’s worth more: the land he’s coveted or a future with Charlotte. The Rebel’s Own: In high school, a cruel prank left shy Kennedy Bailey pregnant and alone. Now grown and gorgeous, she won’t let anything stop her from saving her five-year-old son’s life when he’s diagnosed with leukemia. Even if it means confronting his father, Boston Rebels quarterback Ryan Carville, who just wants a second chance to show he’s a man worth loving. Always My Hero: Ryan Pettridge left Scallop Shores with a full scholarship to UCLA and an NFL destiny. But a freak accident cost him both, and now he’s home to take over the family hardware store. Shy librarian Bree Adams, his high school crush, might help him turn over a new page. Can she prove to Ryan once and for all that he has always been a hero in her eyes? Running Interference: Offensive linewoman Tanya Martin is determined to save her father’s gym, even if it means calling in a favor from her former friend, Super Bowl MVP Cam Simmons. Their easy camaraderie returns with some undeniable chemistry as they work side by side, but can she open up enough to trust him with her heart a second time around? Sensuality Level: Sensual

5 Football Romances

Gridiron Love

Monica Tillery

Liv Rancourt

Rachel Cross

Susan Blexrud

Leslie P. Garcia

Susann Oriel

Size doesn't always matter! USA Today best-selling author Alicia Hunter Pace and nine more Crimson Romance stars prove that good things come in small packages with this collection of ten sexy short stories. Whether you're on the subway, in line at the market, or counting the minutes till the kids' soccer practice ends--anywhere and anytime you're in the mood, these Mr. Rights are waiting to sweep you away: Slugger Gone South: When New York Yankee Marc MacNeal comes to Merritt, Alabama, for a charity golf tournament, he's shocked to be reunited with his ex-fiancee, Bailey Watkins. It could be the perfect chance to get some long-awaited closure--or the start of a whole new ball game... The Real Thing: Mac Buchanan and Gemma Gilmore can't keep their hands off each other--until his undercover assignment reveals she's behind an art forgery. But is she faking her responses to him, too? Between the Sheets: An annual retreat is the perfect setting for music teacher Maggie Schafer to turn over a new leaf in her love life, but unfortunately, she's only pretending Randy Devers is her boyfriend this week. Or is she? Trade Off: Traded and jaded, catcher Ben Border is considering stepping out from behind the plate...until he runs into former flame Scarlett Dare. The sexy marketing executive still sends him into a fever pitch, but is she willing to trade Fortune 500 success for a happily ever after? Bloom: When L.A.'s charity fundraising maven Ava Bennett heads out to the middle of nowhere to check on a friend for her rock star client, she never expected to tangle with infamous music producer Nate Robinson, who traded his fast-paced lifestyle for sanity. Can a career woman find love with a virtual hermit? Valentine Vote: Courtney Larson is a lobbyist for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Eric Morrison is a U.S senator from a North Carolina tobacco family. They're entrenched on opposing sides of a new tobacco tax, but their sexual tension can't be denied. Can they find common ground on the Senate floor and in the bedroom? Safe at Home: Amanda Warner hates baseball but knows it'll take a swing for the fences to save her dad's hardware store. Hoping his star power will bring the crowds, she sets her sights on Scorpions' all-star Josh "Hotstuff" Arrevalos. But is her heart ready to play ball again? Trapped by Cupid: Cupid's arrow has missed nurse Lisa Wheeler, who is stuck working the late shift with arrogant Dr. Noah Collins. But when this couple gets stuck in a stalled elevator, it turns out the ER's golden boy might just have a secret soft side--and Cupid might have better aim than she thought. The Rebel's Own: Back in high school, a cruel prank left shy Kennedy Bailey pregnant and alone. But now she's gorgeous and grown-up and she won't let anything stop her from saving her five-year-old son's life when he's diagnosed with leukemia. Even if it means confronting his father, NFL quarterback Ryan Carville, who wants a second chance to show he's no longer a spineless boy but a man worth loving. Trouble Brewing: Richard Whitman and Joe Sanders co-founded the WhitSand farm in bucolic Emerald Springs, Washington. But when the duo disagrees on a future direction for their thriving business, a feud brews that will span decades. It's the prequel to Crimson's wildly successful Emerald Springs Legacy series you don't want to miss! Sensuality Level: Sensual

10 Short Love Stories

Whirlwind Romance

Diana Jean

Visions of sugarplums are so overdone--this year, invite love to dance in your head. These eight couples know just how to put the merry in mistletoe antics: Tangled Vines: Kyle Davis's tragic past has put the brakes on Christmas celebrations at his Australian ranch...until he arrives for some peace and quiet only to find caretaker Jordan Hastings in his shower. Jordan is trying to get her career as a winemaker back on track by bringing the neglected grapes on the property to life. Kyle is hard to resist, but falling for a man who controls her employment is not in her plans. Yet the more time they spend together, the more open they become to taking another risk on living and loving. Sweet Montana Christmas: Leaving behind her stifling Texas roots, Sue Anne Devereaux is busy getting a chocolate shop in Montana off the ground. The one big distraction: security guard Zach Crippen, who can't wait to finish his penance at Missoula's tiny airport, where he was banished after he made a huge career mistake. A casual fling--no strings attached--would be fine with him. Will their dreams cost them a chance at a future together, or will the holiday spirit help foster a lasting love? 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? Christmas Dinner: Amanda dreads returning home single for Christmas, but the only available man to play escort is Tate Ryan, her co-anchor and professional rival. When he agrees, much to her surprise, they both see a different side of each other under the mistletoe. His Hawaiian Christmas: Humbug in Hawaii? When Clara O'Fallen gets a promotion to paradise, she can't help feeling homesick for her Wisconsin winters, complete with real snow, family traditions, and Christmas festivities. But smiling surfer Kai Schmitt might just show this Scrooge how to hang loose and catch the spirit of the season--the aloha spirit! Nickolai's Noel: A chance meeting and a snowy ice storm bring together an unlikely pair--Russian hockey player Nickolai Glaznov and artisan quilt maker Noel Verden--on the most enchanting day of the year. A special connection flares between them despite his lack of roots and her overly involved family. But when the ice melts, will the magic disappear too? Christmas Clash: Candace Ellison is determined to stop the city council's convention center project from demolishing her new flower shop. Unfortunately, that means she'll have to cooperate with annoying Luke Carrigan, whose family pub is also on the chopping block. Will this Christmas bring miracles or the destruction of everything these old rivals love? Her Secret Santa: Neighbors and co-workers at Morgan Confectioners, Rebecca Sinclair and Ben Redding have been best friends since grad school. When their feelings turn more than friendly, will they be able to get past their fear of ruining their friendship? A holiday gift exchange might just bring the best present of all--Christmas love. Sensuality Level: Sensual

Alicia Hunter Pace

Books

Your next favorite book is out there