As the head of a highly regarded child welfare agency, Veronica Overton is one of the most respected women in Baltimore. But when a child placed in foster care is harmed, Veronica is criticized in the media by fiery children's advocate Schyler Henderson. With her reputation in ruins and her confidence shattered, Veronica sets out to rebuild her life. Yet her search leads to family secrets she never knew—and ignites a smoldering attraction to Schyler that she is determined to resist.Ever since his own traumatic childhood, Schyler has been driven to help children caught in an uncaring system. When he learns that Veronica is actually a kind, capable woman, he's determined to help her uncover the truth about her family and reclaim her good name. Not even the conflict between them can cool their fire and dampen their passion as they battle distrust and pain to save a love they never dared dream of….

After a bitter divorce, all cookbook author Allison Sawyer needs is some peace—and to lose herself in a kitchen, whipping up delectable meals. But the rustic retreat in the mountains offers more than seclusion. It offers one friendly and very fine neighbor.Torn between her attraction to Brock Lightner and her reluctance to get close to another man—especially one she suspects might be working for her powerful ex—Allison keeps her distance. But the remote, idyllic setting and Brock's rugged sensuality are an enticing combination.A private investigator looking to make a fresh start, Brock is intrigued by Allison. Who or what is she running from? And how can he convince her that he'll do anything to protect her…and to have the chance to love her?

Haley Feldon's work with the United Nations means everything to her. She cares more about social progress than filling her social calendar. But that doesn't stop media mogul Jon Ecklund from pursuing the elegant beauty.Jon's used to getting what—and who—he wants. And he's not going to let anything get in his way of knowing Haley. But pain from her past—and a surprise from her future—threaten to destroy everything they've started to build. Now Jon's on a mission to open Haley's heart...if only she'll let him.

Children's advocate Tyra Cunningham hasn't had time to think about men. After devoting her life to raising her younger brother and sister, it's now her turn to shine. But when her matchmaking siblings fix her up with hunky Byron Wright, doubts begin to surface. Is the single father and sweet, sexy powerhouse attorney too good to be true?Byron never dreamed he'd hit it off with Tyra! But being on opposite sides of an issue could derail their relationship before it gets off the ground. Now, as the controversy heats up, tempers--and passions--flare. The jury may still be out on Byron's future with Tyra, unless he can convince her that winning means nothing without having someone to share it with....

"Pure satisfaction." –RT Book Reviews"You'll eagerly keep reading to learn how the characters' lives intersect and will sigh with pure satisfaction when it ends." –RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 Stars TOP PICKAfter sixteen years, Susan Pettiford has come home to North Carolina for good. Thanks to an inheritance, she can start her own interior design business. It's not quite the life Susan hoped for, but she's determined to chart a new course...and shake things up.When architect Lucas Hamilton accepts Susan's dinner invitation, the result is a night of seduction neither can forget—yet neither intends to repeat. While Susan focuses on her new life, Lucas focuses on becoming wealthier than the absent father he resents. But when his father resurfaces, Lucas finds himself turning to Susan for counsel. And as their paths cross repeatedly, their feelings for each other strengthen. Yet the secret Susan is hiding may destroy any future they share...

In the much anticipated follow-up to Once in a Lifetime, full-figured caterer Velma Brighton is constantly comparing herself to her thin, beautiful sister, Alexis, who seems to have everything. On Alexis's wedding day, Velma's insecurity kicks into overdrive when she puts on a formfitting maid-of-honor gown that reveals all of her curves. Worse still, the man who makes her heart race will be escorting her down the aisle. How will he react to her very shapely physique?Rugged, tough and a loner, Russ Harrington is every woman's dream. And Velma is his type of woman. He fell for her—beautiful curves and all. But he has little patience with her lack of self-esteem. Setting aside his concerns, Russ pursues Velma...until she tries to undergo a complete makeover. Ironically, Velma's attempt to attract Russ could cause her to lose the very thing she wants the most—his love.

FELICIA PARKER is a successful newspaper columnist with a Rolodex full of celebrity connections—and zero social contacts. When a glitzy society event requires bringing a date, she hires an escort, and the tall, stunningly handsome man who arrives makes even romance-shy Felicia want to get up close and very personal. JOHN ASHTON UNDERWOOD is a high-powered CEO looking for a stable, traditional partner, not a jet setting reporter known to half of New York. Their worlds, not a jet-clash, but the scorching attraction between them could burn up the pages….

Love Me or Leave MeEngineer Drake Harrington has spent years living in the shadow of his older brothers. His extraordinary good looks have earned him a reputation as a ladies' man, but Drake's real goal is to make his mark in the family business. When he meets television news anchor Pamela Langford, Drake gives in to his attraction. And although he's reluctant to settle down until he realizes his career ambitions, Pamela is not interested in playing the waiting game. A business trip to Accra, Ghana, could confirm Pamela's fears about Drake's inability to commit--or help him to recognize a once--in--a--lifetime love...

For months, Leslie Collins has been trying to outrun the man who is trying to kill her. Determined to establish some semblance of a normal life while she finishes her masters degree, Leslie arrives at the home of Jordan Saber, looking for a job.Jordan takes pity on her and hires her to help out in the kitchen. He also falls in love with her.Jordan tries to protect Leslie from the pain of her past and the disapproving stares of those in her present. It seems lots of people don't like the fact that Jordan, a white man, has fallen in love with an African-American woman, even though they make a great team and really love each other. Although Jordan is dealing well with the race issue, Leslie must come to understand that regardless of the color of the wrapping, love is a precious gift.

The past could destroy their love... Struggling to keep her corporate-recruiting firm afloat, Manhattan executive Melissa Grant has no time for love. Then Adam Roundtree walks into her life. But the charismatic businessman is no ordinary client. He’s the man who can bring Melissa’s career—and her heart—to life...until a shocking discovery jeopardizes their blossoming relationship. ...Or fuel an unquenchable passion... For Melissa and Adam, fate couldn’t have played a crueler trick: their families have been embroiled in a stormy feud for generations, turning former business partners into lifelong enemies and leaving a bitter legacy that casts a long shadow. Then someone starts sabotaging Adam’s work, and everything points to Melissa. Now they could lose everything...unless their love is strong enough to close the door on the past and open their hearts to the promise of the future.

She has to choose between her secret and a chance at love...Teacher Jeannetta Rollins is about to lose something infinitely precious...her eyesight. Only surgeon Mason Fenwick has the skills to perform the delicate operation to remove the tumor that threatens her with permanent blindness. But the brilliant doctor left medicine after a tragedy he could not prevent, and now he is refusing to take her case. But Jeannetta is nothing if not persistent....They meet on an unusual journey--a trip around the world. Mason admires Jeannetta, a woman who would risk everything to save her ability to see. But now Mason's emotions are on the line. The closer he gets to the proud, breathtaking beauty, the more he wants her...and he wants her to be whole again. Now her happiness--and their future--are in his hands. All he has to do is trust himself...and trust his heart.

At thirty-six, Petra Fields gets a shock that causes her to take a look at her life, and she's not proud of what she sees. Her past is a catalog of secrets and lies that she's never had the courage to own up to, and Petra knows she won't find peace of mind until she's made amends. But the task is far more difficult than she expected. The first and hardest step is admitting to Krista, her teenage daughter, that the father Krista believed was dead is very much alive--a revelation that will change their relationship forever. Then there's the neighbor whose husband Petra had an affair with, the former coworker that she got fired, and a list of other acquaintances who are understandably angry at her sudden desire for forgiveness. Far from setting her free, the truth seems to bring more complications and heartache, but also opens up her life in surprising ways. And when Petra is granted a new chance at love, she'll face the biggest challenge of all--finding the...

FLYING HIGH U.S. marine Colonel Nelson Wainwright was lucky to make it back from Afghanistan alive after his helicopter went down in a blaze of machine gunfire. Now he's bent on denying the excruciating pain he still feels months after the crash, fearing it will keep him from attaining the only thing he wants - a promotion to four-star general. But when he meets the distractingly beautiful Audrey Powers, his world is rocked. Could there be something Nelson desires more than four stars? As a physician, Audrey knows the pain in Nelson's neck could mean trouble - and when her interest in him becomes more than medical, she's got some trouble herself. Scarred by an early heartbreak, she wants nothing to do with a romantic involvement. Now, as their lives intertwine, the two find it's time to face old wounds, and discover whether new love has the power to heal their hearts[unknown-8230]forever.

Three love stories by Gwynne Forster--one new and two classic--that end with the eternal words...Yes, I DoNow and ForeverWhen Deanna Lawford meets Justin McCall, she never suspects that the helpful salesman actually owns the store. But working for the competition has its perks when the wealthy bachelor makes Deanna an offer she can't refuse.Love for a LifetimeA romantic interlude in a foreign country between attorneys Ginger Hinds and Jason Calhoun leaves them wanting more. But when they meet again as adversaries in the courtroom, they soon realize they're guilty of falling in love.A Perfect MatchSusan Andrews can't believe her eccentric, astrology-obsessed aunt has found Susan her soul mate. Will she and her ideal match discover a love written in the stars?