The Christmas Eve Bride by Lynne GrahamRocco thought he was done with Amber after her betrayal two years earlier. But when he unexpectedly runs into her, the attraction is still strong—so he asks her to become his mistress! Amber only accepts so her baby boy can have a better Christmas. But Rocco's plan for revenge changes as he begins picturing a future with Amber…and their son.A Marriage Proposal for Christmas by Carole MortimerCally Turner thinks Noel Carlton is an egotistical playboy! The only reason she's agreed to work for him is so she can give her daughter a Christmas to remember. But as she spends more time with Noel, she begins to wonder what's more irritating—his infuriating arrogance or unexpected tenderness?A Bride for Christmas by Marion LennoxWealthy businessman—and contented bachelor—Guy Carver is in Australia to take ownership of Jenny Westmere's wedding salon. It's strictly business. So no one is more surprised than Guy himself when he realizes that the deal he really wants to ink is making Jenny and her little boy his family by Christmas!About the AuthorLynne Graham lives in Northern Ireland and has been a keen romance reader since her teens. Happily married, Lynne has five children. Her eldest is her only natural child. Her other children, who are every bit as dear to her heart, are adopted. The family has a variety of pets, and Lynne loves gardening, cooking, collecting allsorts and is crazy about every aspect of Christmas.Carole Mortimer was born in England, the youngest of three children. She began writing in 1978, and has now written over one hundred and seventy books for Harlequin Mills and Boon®. Carole has six sons, Matthew, Joshua, Timothy, Michael, David and Peter. She says, ‘I’m happily married to Peter senior; we’re best friends as well as lovers, which is probably the best recipe for a successful relationship. We live in a lovely part of England.’Marion Lennox is a country girl, born on an Australian dairy farm. She moved on, because the cows just weren't interested in her stories! Married to a very special doctor', she has also written under the name Trisha David. She’s now stepped back from herother’ career teaching statistics. Finally, she’s figured what's important and discovered the joys of baths, romance and chocolate. Preferably all at the same time! Marion is an international award winning author. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.Rocco Volpe was bored and, as it was not a sensation he was accustomed to feeling, he was much inclined to blame his hosts for that reality.When the banker, Harris Winton, had invited him to his country home for the weekend, Rocco had expected stimulating company. People invariably went to a great deal of trouble to entertain Rocco. But then he could hardly have foreseen that Winton would miss his flight home from Brussels, leaving his unfortunate guests at the mercy of his wife, Kaye.Kaye, the youthful trophy wife, who looked at Rocco with a hunger she couldn't hide. His startlingly handsome features were expressionless as his hostess irritated him with simpering flattery and far too much attention. He had never liked small women with big eyes, he reflected. Memory stirred, reminding him why that was so. Swiftly, he crushed that unwelcome recollection out.'So tell me…what's it like being one of the most eligible single men in the world?' Kaye asked fatuously.'Pretty boring.' Watching her redden without remorse, Rocco strolled over to the window like a tiger sheathing his claws with extreme reluctance.'I suppose it must be,' the beautiful brunette then agreed in a cloying tone. 'How many men have your power, looks and fabulous wealth?'Striving not to wince while telling himself that if he ever married his wife would have a brain, Rocco surveyed the well-kept gardens. Fading winter sunlight gleamed over the downbent head of a gardener raking up leaves on the extensive front lawn. There was something familiar about that unusual honey shade of blonde that was the colour of toffee in certain lights. He stiffened as the figure turned and he realised it was a woman and…?'Your gardener is a woman?' Not a shade of the outraged incredulity and anger consuming Rocco was audible in his deep, dark drawl. But someone ought to warn Winton that he had a potential tabloid spy working for him, he thought grimly. Harris would never recover from the humiliation of the media exposing one of his wife's affairs.His keen hostess drew level with him and wrinkled her nose. 'We have trouble getting outside staff. Harris says people don't want that kind of work these days.''I imagine he's right. Has she been with you long?''only a few weeks.' The brunette studied him with a perplexed frown.'Will you excuse me? I have an urgent call to make.'Amber's back was sore.It was icy cold but the amount of energy she had expended had heated her up to the extent that she was working in a light T-shirt. She could hardly believe that within ten days it would be Christmas. Her honey-blonde hair caught back in a clip from which strands continually drifted loose, she straightened and stretched to ease her complaining spine. About five feet three in height, she was slim, but at breast and hip she was lush and feminine in shape.It would be another hour before she finished work and she couldn't wait. Only a few months back, she would have said she loved the great outdoors, but working for the Win-tons had disenchanted her fast. Nothing but endless back-breaking labour and abysmally low pay. Her rich employers did not believe in spending money on labour-saving devices like leaf blowers. On the other hand, Harris Winton was a perfectionist, who demanded the highest standards against impossible odds.'Brush up the leaves as they fall,' he had told her with a straight face, seeming not to grasp that, with several acres of wooded and lawned grounds, that was like asking her to daily stem an unstoppable tide.You're turning into a right self-pitying moan, her conscience warned her as she emptied the wheelbarrow. So once she had had nice clothes, pretty, polished fingernails and a career with a future. She might no longer have any of those things but she did have Freddy, she reminded herself in consolation.Freddy, the pure joy in her life, who could squeeze her heart with one smile. Freddy, who had filled her with so much instant love that she could still barely accept the intensity of her own feelings. Freddy, who might not be the best conversationalist yet and who loved to wake her up to play in the middle of the night, but who still made any sacrifice worthwhile.'Buon giorno, Amber…what an unexpected pleasure!'At the sound of that dark, well-modulated voice coming out of nowhere at her, Amber jerked rigid with fright. Blinking rapidly, disbelief engulfing her, she spun round, refusing to accept her instinctive recognition of that rich-accented drawl.'Strange but somehow extraordinarily apt that you should be grubbing round a compost heap,' Rocco remarked with sardonic amusement.A wave of stark dizziness assailed Amber. As she focused in paralysed incredulity on the formidably tall, well-built male standing beneath the towering beech trees a few yards away, her heart was beating at such an accelerated rate that she could hardly get breath into her lungs. She turned white as milk, every ounce of natural colour evaporating from her fine features, her clear green eyes huge.Rocco Volpe, the powerful Italian financier, once christened the Silver Wolf by the gossip columns for his breathtaking good looks and fast reputation with her sex. And there was no denying that he was spectacular, with his bronzed skin and dark, dark deepset eyes contrasted with hair so naturally, unexpectedly fair it shone like polished silver. Rocco Volpe, the very worst mistake she had made in her twenty-three years of life. Her tummy felt hollow, her every tiny muscle bracing in self-defence. But her brain just refused to snap back into action. She could only wonder in amazement what on earth Rocco Volpe could possibly be doing wandering round the grounds of the Wintons' country house.'Where did you come from?' she whispered jaggedly.'The house. I'm staying there this weekend.''Oh…' Amber was silenced and appalled by that admission. Yet it was not a remarkable coincidence that Rocco should be acquainted with her employer, for both men wielded power in the same cut-throat world of international finance.Tilting his arrogant head back, Rocco treated her to a leisurely, all-male appraisal that was as bold as he was. 'Not good news for you, I'm afraid.'Amber was as stung by that insolent visual assessment as if he had slapped her in the face. Grubbing round the compost heap? The instant he bent the full effect of those brilliant dark eyes on her, she recalled that sarcastic comment. But a split second later thought was overpowered by the slowburn effect of Rocco skimming his intense gaze over the swell of her full breasts. Within her bra, the tender peaks of her sensitive flesh pinched tight with stark awareness. As his stirring scrutiny slid lazily down to the all-female curve of her hips, an almost forgotten ache clenched her belly.'And what's that supposed to mean?' Amber folded her arms with a jerk, holding her treacherous body rigid as if by so doing she might drive out those mortifying responses. Only now she was horribly conscious of her wind-tossed hair, her lack of make-up and her workworn T-shirt and jeans. Once, she recalled, she had taken time to groom herself for Roc-co's benefit. Suddenly she wanted to dive into the wretched compost heap and hide! Rocco, so smooth, sophisticated and exclusive in his superb charcoal-grey business suit and black cashmere coat. He had to be wondering now what he had ever seen in her and her already battered pride writhed under that humiliating suspicion.'Why are you working for Harris Winton as a gardener?' Rocco asked drily.'That's none of your business.' Pale and fighting a craven desire to cringe, Amber flung her head high, determined not to be intimidated.'But I am making it my business,' Rocco countered levelly.Amber could not credit his nerve. Her temper was rising. 'Being one of the Wintons' guests doesn't give you the right to give me the third degree. Now, why don't you go away and leave me alone?''You really have changed your tune, cara,' Rocco murmured in a tone as smooth as black velvet. 'As I recall, I found persuading you to leave me alone quite a challenge eighteen months ago.'That cruel reminder stabbed Amber like a knife in the heart. Indeed, she felt quite sick inside. She had not expected that level of retaliation and dully questioned why. Rocco was a ruthless wheeler-dealer in the money markets and as feared as he was famed for his brilliance. In automatic self-protection from that cutting tongue, she began walking away. Eighteen months ago, Rocco had dumped her. Indeed, Rocco had dumped her without hesitation. Rocco had then refused her phone calls and when she had persisted in daring to try and speak to him, he had finally called her back and asked her with icy contempt if she was now 'stalking' him!'Where are you going?' Rocco demanded.Amber ignored him. She had been working near the house. Obviously he had seen and recognised her and curiosity had got to him. But it struck her as strange that he should have acted on that curiosity and come outside to speak to her. A guy who had suggested that she might have stalking tendencies ought to have looked the other way. But then that had only been Rocco's brutally effective method of finally shaking her off.'Amber…'Bitterness surged up inside her, the destructive bitterness she had believed she had put behind her. But, faced with Rocco again, those feelings erupted back out of her subconscious mind like a volcano. She spun back with knotted fists, her small, shapely figure taut, angry colour warming her complexion. 'I hate you…I can't bear to be anywhere near you!'Rocco elevated a cool, slanting dark brow. He looked hugely unimpressed by that outburst.'And that... Views: 68
School librarian Ms. Tremt sends Jada and her friends back to 1977 to learn a valuable lesson in this second zany novel, part of the all-new In Due Time series.Now that librarian Valerie Tremt has given her students access to a time travel portal, they are all abuzz thinking about where they should go. But Jada doesn't want to go anywhere special. All she wants to do is go back to last week and study for the spelling test she failed to make her parents happy. Why does she need to know how to spell? She's going to be a famous fashion designer when she grows up. With a twinkle in her eye, Ms. Tremt says Jada can use The Book of Memories to go back and pass her test, but instead of going back in time one week, Jada ends up in 1977! Lava lamps! Disco music! Huge bell-bottom jeans! And everyone is talking about a cool new movie called Star Wars. Jada finds herself in the designer's studio where her Aunt Katie is an intern. She watches as Katie learns just how... Views: 68
Now in paperback, this potent mystery draws readers into a tangle of lost loves, vengeance, and murder. Set in the dark world of a European winter, and illuminated with Barbara Hodgson's haunting illustrations, The Sensualist is a visual and literary exploration of the limitations of looking and the boundless power of seeing. Views: 68
Escape was impossible until it was cleared; a game over would mean an actual «death»―.Without knowing the «truth» of the mysterious next generation MMO, «Sword Art Online» (SAO), approximately ten thousand users logged in together, opening the curtains to this cruel death battle.Participating alone in SAO, protagonist Kirito had promptly accepted the «truth» of this MMO.And in the game world, a gigantic floating castle named «Aincrad», he distinguished himself as a solo player.Aiming to clear the game by reaching the highest floor, Kirito riskily continued alone.Because of a pushy invitation from a female warrior and rapier expert, Asuna, he teamed up with her.That encounter brought about an opportunity to call out to the fated Kirito―.The legendary novel made an appearance with browsing numbers exceeding 6.5 million page views recorded at the personal website. Views: 68
At first Curtis isn't that worried when his mother doesn't come home from her all-night job at the local gas bar. She'll be back, he's ten out of ten positive. After all, she promised she would never leave him again.Besides, Curtis is used to looking after himself and his five-year-old brother, Artie, and for a time he manages things on his own, keeping their mother's absence a secret. He knows exactly what will happen if any of the teachers find out the truth. He remembers his last horrible foster home all too clearly.Curtis gets pretty good at forging his mother's signature, but when the credit card maxes out and the landlord starts pressuring for the rent, it's more than a twelve-year-old can handle. Just in time, Curtis and Artie make friends with Mrs. Burt, the cranky, lonely old lady who lives across the street. And when the authorities start to investigate, the boys agree to go with Mrs. Burt to her remote cabin by the lake... Views: 68
An original ebook short story from Bestselling thriller author Michael Palmer featuring Dr. Lou Welcome in his first crime-solving role: a murder at his medical school for which he is a person of interest. Working with a classmate—and fellow suspect—Dr. Welcome soon discovers that the circumstances behind this tragedy aren’t exactly like they seem. This story includes the prologue and first chapter of the new Dr. Lou Welcome book POLITICAL SUICIDE, on sale January 8th, 2013. [Word Count: 9,303, Approximate Pages: 40] Views: 68
Wanted: Old-fashioned wife. No others need apply. York Wylinski, a hard-core homicide detective with old-fashioned values, yearns for a woman with the same sensibilities. A billboard ad seems like the perfect way to find her. But what he gets is a beautiful, conniving reporter on the trail of story. Jen Lyman is a thoroughly modern reporter. When she sees the billboard ad, she wants the scoop, and pretending to be an old-fashioned girl seems like the perfect way to get it. But what she gets is a gorgeous cop who just happens to be the detective in charge of the murder case she's pursuing. By the time York discovers Jen's deception, he's already falling for her. His first thought is to run like hell. That is, until he learns she's involved in his copycat Boston Strangler case. And what she knows could kill her... Views: 68
"For the first time man and soldier are at odds as desire wars with duty…" Sworn to serve the royal family of Pasadonia, dedicated soldier Xavier LeDuc has never had any trouble putting duty before desire—until he encounters redheaded beauty Amanda Carn. She's sweet, seductive and all too familiar looking. Could she be the King of Pasadonia's long-lost daughter? Surely things like that only happen in fairy tales…. If she's proved to be royalty then Xavier will have to keep his distance, but he's been bound by royal command to protect Amanda until the truth is discovered. Keeping Amanda safe is his new mission—and where could be safer than in his own arms? About the AuthorA fifth generation California, Teresa Carpenter lives in San Diego within miles of her extensive family and knows with their help she can accomplish anything. She takes particular joy and pride in her nieces and nephews who are all bright, fit, shining stars of the future. If she’s not at a family event, you’ll usually find her at home reading or writing her next grand romance. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.Xavier Marcel LeDuc, Commandant of the Royal Pasadonian Republican Guard was ready to go home. For six months he'd been away, traveling with the crown jewels on an extended American tour that started in New York and would end here in San Francisco.He ran his gaze over the well-dressed crowd. Tonight was a pre-event viewing, for the social elite and members of the museum, and privileged donors. Hardly a high risk crowd. All the more reason to be on guard, in his opinion. And as the senior officer in charge of the crown jewels' security, his opinion counted.He saw her the moment she walked into the room, a breath of fresh air in a throng of perfumed elegance. She wore a black ruffled skirt that ended a few inches above her knees topped by a black sweater with beaded trim. Young and chic, her only adornment was her creamy white skin and the vibrant fall of red gold hair that reached the top of her lovely derriere.An attractive blond accompanied her through the exhibit, but it was the redhead who held his attention. Not only was she lovely, something about her was familiar.When the women reached the portrait of Princess Vivienne, he went totally still, the hair on the back of his neck standing on end.Signaling one of his men to take command of his post, Xavier approached the woman and her companion."Oh, oh, oh. Look how the tiara sparkles. That's it. I just decided I'm having a tiara for my wedding. Do you think you could borrow this one for me?""Shh!" Amanda hooked her arm around Michelle's and drew her away from the delicate diamond display. "These are royal jewels on loan from Pasadonia. I do not work for this museum, so no, I can't borrow it for you. Now behave yourself.""I guess I could just snatch it.""Oh my God.""Relax. I'm just teasing. Trying to get you to relax. You're bound tighter than your grandmother's knickers.""Stop. And no more talk of borrowing or snatching any of the Crown Jewels. That's not going to relax me. Security is all over the place. It would not look good to the museum I do work for if I was kicked out of this one.""Is it the security that has you twitching?""No. I mean it shouldn't be. We're not doing anything to draw their attention. But I feel like I'm being watched. It probably is the extra vigilant security.""Maybe not. Let's take a gander, shall we?" Michelle led the way to one of the three foot by three foot glass displays that stood six feet high in the middle of the room. This one held a beautiful ballgown from the late 1800s topped by a stunning ruby necklace, earrings, and tiara.Being women, the jewels got first consideration but the elaborate dress also drew Amanda's attention. "Can you imagine wearing something that heavy to dance in?""I couldn't do it." Michelle shook her head, her blond hair shimmering with the motion. "I would have had to be a strumpet.""Ha." Amanda closed her lips over a burst of laughter, the old habit hard to break even though she'd been out from under Grandmother's iron rule for nearly six months. "I'm telling Nate you said that."Her friend slanted sly green eyes her way. "Nate loves my inner strumpet.""I bet he does." Amanda bumped shoulders with her best buddy. "I'm so happy for you. It's obvious you two are in love. He's been good for you.""Dude, he's the best. And he comes with the little munchkin."She glowed. The biggest cynic Amanda knew actually glowed talking about her fiance and his infant ward. It made Amanda ache with delight for her friend, but also with loneliness.Both her BFFs had found their very own Prince Charmings. And Amanda truly wished them a fairy tale happily ever after. But it made her long for a man of her own, someone she could be herself with, who would believe in her without limits, who loved her despite her faults.Despite her faults? Wow, she had to stop channeling her grandmother. She wanted what she'd never had, a relationship of comfort, warmth and affection. She longed for a man she could trust, a man who above all else would be honest with her.And yes, a man who embraced her inner strumpet."There he is," Michelle whispered in her ear."Your stalker.""Where?" Amanda looked up and into the brown eyes of a black-haired man. He stood militarily straight, on the edge of the room, arms crossed over his chest, eyes trained on her.She smiled. And he quirked an eyebrow.She blinked and looked away, pulling Michelle with her towards the display of royal portraits."Mmm, sexy," Michelle observed. "And he definitely has his eye on you.""You were right, he's security. Head of security for Pasadonia.""How do you know?""I saw him on the morning news. They were doing a piece on the opening. He's part of the Pasadonian Royal Guard traveling with the crown jewels.""He sure is pretty, but intense. It looks like a smile might break those cheekbones.""Don't stare."Amanda pulled Michelle around so they faced the painting of a woman wearing a three-point crown and a jewel encrusted crest around her neck. The plaque read Princess Vivienne, 1760-1822."He's working." For some reason Amanda felt compelled to defend him. "And some people like to kid around about stealing the tiaras."Michelle grinned. "Bet that would land his ass in a wringer.""Yes, actually, that is indeed the truth."The deep male voice with a slight accent sounded from behind them causing Amanda to jump guiltily.Michelle was unfazed. Smiling easily she turned to confront the man. "You can't put all these sparkles on display and not expect a girl to want.""You are welcome to admire all you wish." He bowed his head slightly. "That is, of course, the point of the tour. However, I must insist you do nothing to place my ass in a wringer."Amanda smiled appreciating his humor, the gentle mocking."Oh, he's funny." Michelle took no offense. She elbowed Amanda. "Sexy and funny, you should say hello.""Hello." Well used to her friend's bluntness, Amanda just went with it. Besides, he was sexy, and funny. She held out her hand. "I'm Amanda Carn.""Miss Carn." He bowed low over her hand, almost but not quite kissing her fingers. "It is my pleasure."Michelle shifted so he wouldn't be able to see her, and wiggled her eyebrows. Amanda just stopped herself from rolling her eyes. But she couldn't help but be charmed."Xavier Marcel LeDuc at your service.""You must forgive my friend, monsieur. She has a warped sense of humor but means no harm."The Commandant nodded to the portrait behind her. "Your resemblance to Princess Vivienne is what drew me over. Do you, perhaps, have family in Pasadonia?""Oh my gosh," Michelle exclaimed. "Amanda, you totally look like the princess in the picture.""What?" Amanda automatically turned to view the painting.The woman in the picture appeared to be in her forties. She wore her bright red hair up, the weight of it, and the crown making her long neck look fragile. A creamy complexion and somber blue eyes gave her an elegant air. She possessed a delicate beauty beyond anything Amanda aspired to. Yes, their coloring was similar, but that was all, and even then Amanda's strawberry blond hair and silver gray eyes resembled the woman's but were a toned down version of the princess."Oh no." Amanda automatically made the denial. Because really, the closest she got to royalty was playing princess at Princess Camp all those years ago. But then she had to qualify, because she didn't really know her full ancestral makeup. "Not that I'm aware of.""The likeness is quite remarkable.""Oh please," she gave a dismissive wave, "she's beautiful.""Yes." He nodded, a shallow, regal gesture, his amber gaze never leaving her face. "Very beautiful.""Oh." She blushed. Those compelling light brown eyes held her captive, seemed to delve into her soul, seeking all her secrets. And she was keen to share. Michelle's elbow dug into her ribs, reminding her to speak. "Um. Thank you.""What she meant to say," Michelle corrected, "is would you like to join her for a cup of coffee?""Oh I cou—" Again the denial came without thought, but she stopped. Why couldn't she? She wouldn't find her prince charming by being timid. "Yes, I meant what she said."He smiled, not with his mouth but with those incredible eyes. "This would be my wish, however, duty requires I remain here.""Of course." Heat rushed to Amanda's cheeks as his rejection registered. "You're working.""May I have a rain coat? Perhaps tomorrow morning?""Rain check," she gently corrected him. "I'd be delighted to meet you in the morning. There's a decent coffee house two blocks from here."He inclined his head and they agreed on a time."Ladies, may I take your picture with Vivienne's portrait? A memento of our meeting.""Of course." Michelle gave Amanda no chance to answer. Hooking her arm through Amanda's, she smiled as Xavier held up his phone and took the shot. After which he bowed and excused himself to return to work."You have a date with a foreign hottie," Michelle chortled as soon as he stepped out of ear shot. "I'm so proud of you.""It's only coffee." Amanda down played the date, because she didn't want to get too excited, even though her heartbeat drummed wildly and her palms were sweaty."It's a date with a sexy, sophisticated man. And you don't fool me. Inside you're dancing on ti... Views: 68
