In the three novellas collected here, bestselling romancer Deveraux explores some of the limits of the genre she knows so well, indicating she may be as spunky as her heroines. The first story, The Invitation, is set in 1934. Jackie O'Neill returns to her hometown of Chandler, Colo., an accomplished pilot and a lonely widow. Developing her air transport business can keep her happy as a pilot, and her new partner, William Montgomery, promises to make very cozy company--until Jackie realizes he is the same little Billy she babysat for many years ago. In the second story, Matchmakers, Kane Taggert, who reluctantly agrees to guide four New York City women on a Colorado trail ride, may be enchanted by Ruth Edwards, a calculatingly charming widow, if only he can make it through the two-week trip without throttling Ruth's friend, bestselling author Cale Anderson. The last story, A Perfect Arrangement, finds Dorie Latham enlisting Cole Hunter, "an aging gunslinger with no visible means of support and the beginnings of a paunch," to play husband and help her elude her sister's matchmaking scheme.

When Arabella and Mariana Gray are presented with an invitation to assume residence in their landlord's grand country estate, a decision must be made. It isn't as simple a matter as it seems.The Invitation is bonus material—the first five chapters of the original version of Cry of the Peacock—reworked to be told as a short story.Arabella and Mariana Gray are presented with an invitation to assume residence in their landlord's grand country estate. Mariana considers it the opportunity of a lifetime, while Abbie fears being beholden to her landlords, toward whom her parents had long held resentment.When the invitations is refused, and the sisters go instead to live with an aunt in London, will they regret their decision or find purpose to their lives they had never expected to know? The question is the same for both sisters. The answer, however, is vastly different.The Invitation is bonus material—the first five chapters of the original version of Cry of the Peacock—reworked to be told as a short story.

"Trust me, this is an invitation you want to accept." ~Katrina Kittle, author of The Kindness of StrangersGarnet, a poet, resides in the fictional western New York village of Haven. Retired bookstore manager, she is a loving sister, bitter ex-wife, devoted aunt, failure as a mother, and doting owner of an imperious Great Pyrenees, Vera. Her increasingly confused ex, the philandering Bowie, lives down the street where he is having second thoughts about their split. Garnet will turn seventy in a few months and she wants no fuss made. Her family is determined to ignore her wishes and throw a big surprise party. Things do not go well.

When his life takes a dark turn, billionaire Theodosius Vardalos purchases a deserted island in the Bermuda triangle- the better, he thinks, to hide his scars from the rest of the world. What Theo doesn’t know is that the island can give him hope… hope of future happiness, despite the horrible scars that make him a recluse. Hope to be had in the arms of a mysterious blonde he hasn’t yet met…When his life takes a dark turn, billionaire Theodosius Vardalos purchases a deserted island in the Bermuda triangle. It’s accessible only by plane- the better, he thinks, to hide his scars from the rest of the world. What Theo doesn’t know is that the island has an incredible secret, one that gives him hope… hope of future happiness, despite the horrible scars that make him a recluse. Hope to be had in the arms of a mysterious blonde he hasn’t yet met…

The sumptuous new novel set in the Gilded Age, from Belinda Alexandra, author of Tuscan Rose and White Gardenia Sometimes the ties that bind are the most dangerous of all ...Paris, 1899. Emma Lacasse has been estranged from her older sister for nearly twenty years, since Caroline married a wealthy American and left France. So when Emma receives a request from Caroline to meet her, she is intrigued. Caroline invites Emma to visit her in New York, on one condition: Emma must tutor her shy, young niece, Isadora, and help her prepare for her society debut.Caroline lives a life of unimaginable excess and opulence as one of New York's Gilded Age millionaires and Emma is soon immersed in a world of luxury beyond her wildest dreams - a far cry from her bohemian lifestyle as a harpist and writer with her lover, Claude, in Montmartre.Emma hopes for an emotional reunion with her only family, but instead she finds herself in the vice-like grip of her...

In the final story of The Kinley Legacy trilogy, a friendship that began online results in red-hot chemistry. Escape to Italy in this whirlwind romance by Ellie Darkins.From on-screen friendship......to in-person chemistry! Lone-wolf tech millionaire Caleb Kinley is waiting to meet his online best friend, Ally, in person for the first time. Inviting her to Italy was impulsive, but pretending they are dating will stop his family interfering in his love life. Only, taking their relationship offline means he can no longer keep a comfortable distance. And his instant red-hot reaction to Ally has him wondering if he even wants to...From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.The Kinley LegacyBook 1: Reunion with the Brooding MillionaireBook 2: Rules of Their Parisian FlingBook 3: The Millionaire's Italian Invitation

A moving story that redefines the meaning of family, friendship, and success among a group of first-generation Indian immigrants.When Vikram invites three of his college friends to his son's graduation from MIT, they accept out of obligation and curiosity, viewing the party as a twenty-fifth reunion of sorts. Village genius Vikram, now the founder of a lucrative computer company, is having the party against his son's wishes. Frances and Jay regret accepting: Frances, a real estate agent, hasn't sold a house in a year; Jay's middle management job isn't brag worthy; and their daughter is failing the eleventh grade. Lali plans to hide the fact that her once-happy marriage is crumbling because her American husband is discovering his Jewish roots. Each had left UCLA expecting to be successful and have even more successful children. At Vikram's Newport Beach mansion, the showmanship they anticipate dissolves as each is forced to deal with his or her own problems. The follow-up to...

How long will she be stranded in his palazzo before their connection becomes irresistible? Find out in this forced proximity romance from Lucy King.Once they trust each other... There's no going back These days, PR expert Carla Blake knows how to handle herself around powerful men. Never let them too close. But to persuade the formidable Rico Rossi to reunite with his long-lost brother, she must accept his invitation to visit Venice... Rico grew up relying only on himself and has no intention of playing happy families. He's much more intrigued by Carla's determination to ignore their all-consuming attraction. But as they find themselves at the limits of resistance, Rico must decide how much he'll give up to protect his lone-wolf lifestyle...From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds. Read all the Lost Sons of Argentina...

In this captivating fake relationship romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Cathy Williams, escape to Italy with Cinderella and the billionaire. Will Cinderella say yes......to a flight on the Italian's private jet? Housekeeper Sophie Court has seen plenty about Alessio Rossi-White and his sinful good looks in the headlines. Now she must face him in person, honor bound to reveal the shocking secrets that her boss, Alessio's father, has hidden from him. Still, Sophie didn't expect Alessio to make her the solution to his family's problems...by inviting her to Lake Garda as his pretend girlfriend! For love-weary Sophie, such a deal should be easy. But accepting feels riskier by the minute...because a connection this powerful can't possibly be fake!From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

Cara has spent her entire life as the good girl – the straight-A, straight-laced, good girl – and she’s tired of it.When her roommate Meredith invites her to a private party, one that will earn her fifteen hundred dollars just to attend, she discovers a hidden world where society’s rules hold no sway, where sex is readily available under the privilege of anonymity and safety, and a mysterious man wants to bring her dark side out to play.Will Cara run and ignore the thrill the party brings her, or will she dive in head first to discover what she’s really capable of?Warning: This story includes a nice dose of tall, dark, dominant, and handsome, several scenes of hot sex with multiple partners, and a heaping dash of BDSM to top it all off. Knowing all of that, will you accept The Invitation?EXTRAS: This edition includes the exclusive short 'Ben's Day' and a sneak peak at Jennifer Bene's upcoming novel 'Security Binds Her'! Enjoy!

After trading his tranquil Staten Island existence for a flat in the city and an editorial position at the New York Herald, William Nesmith anticipates as easy and uneventful a transition from bachelorhood to marriage—as soon as he's prepared to ask the vivacious Violet Chapin for her hand. Though Violet longs to climb the social ladder Will scorns, she seems willing to wait for him—and wait she must, for Will intends to make his way without the assistance of Violet's well-to-do connections.Whether that's a vow he can keep comes into question when he runs afoul of Charlie Kohlbeck, a capricious reporter with a keen eye for a story and the flexible ethics to dig up any secret, whether hidden in Manhattan's darkest corners or the grand marble halls of its social elite. When Will is ordered to work with him so they'll come to better appreciate each other's talents, Charlie takes him along on the hunt for an interview with the...

Should a gal ever accept a date with a man how admits he will try to seduce her? That's all I'll tell you. Click the blue below to see why. Here it suffices to say that the story is short and free. Why read a summary when with little more effort you can read the whole thing? If you can't spare a moment more, you shouldn't be wasting time reading fiction anyway. Go back to work!"One can not judge a book by its cover." So we are told. But a cover is usually the only thing a reader has to base a judgment on. Smashwords tries to aid readers by providing summaries, one short, one long, for each book it distributes. For non-fiction this works well. But this, it seems to me, defeats the whole purpose of fiction. After all, one reads a story to find out what will happen. It’s the uncommon twists and turns that make a story interesting. But if a summary has told all this beforehand, what fun is to be had in the reading? Therefore, no summary of the present short story is given. It's short and it’s free! So read the whole thing and see if you like it. I ask you to do this because I think it is the best book judging method. To find fiction you like you must first read around enough to learn something of the style and stories of different authors. Then you can judge books, not by their cover, but by the your opinion of the writer. I'd like to help you do this. The present short story is one of several which I will make available free at Smashwords. Read a few (or all of them) and decide if you like them. It won't cost you a dime. If you like them, you can then purchase some of my not free (but still inexpensive) longer stories. All these stories are of one particular kind. To reflect this similarity all have the same cover picture, the Kitty & Rose shown above. So after you’ve read a few, you can, in fact, judge them by their cover. The common theme of the Kitty & Rose stories is human sexuality. This is not unusual. Most fiction concerns sex in one way or another; ranging from romances so sedate and demure an extraterrestrial could never know sex is at the root of everything described, to erotica so unrestricted even an extraterrestrial might blush. Kitty & Rose stories are in the middle of this range. All deal with human sexuality, but none do so explicitly. Rather, they are seemly. The dictionary gives three meanings for seemly: Attractive or agreeably fashioned; Decorous or conventionally proper; and Appropriate or suited to its purpose. With respect to appropriateness, seemly sex stories range from the humorous to the inspirational, but all concern human sexuality. So they are clearly appropriate. These stories are also seemly in the decorous and conventionally proper sense. For, while they treat sex candidly, they do not do so graphically. There is nothing pornographic nor erotic in any seemly sex story. Of course, different persons’ opinions about this may differ. A few consider frank pornography decorous. At the opposite extreme are those like the abbot of the monastery where the great biologist Gregor Mendel did his epochal research. This abbot thought Mendel’s studies were decidedly indecorous because they involved the sex of pea plants! Finally, there is the principal sense of seemly, attractive and agreeably fashioned. Like every author I exert my every effort and ability trying to make these stories seemly in this regard. But like every author, I must await your determination of the degree of my success. Since both of us will be pleased if you find them attractively seemly, I very much hope you do.Happy reading!BobbyBP:.S. This is Kitty & Rose free short story 14, uploaded 3-8-17.

Book three in the series. Book three in the series. Book three in the series. Book three in the series. Book three in the series. Book three in the series. Book three in the series. Book three in the series. Book three in the series. 

Darby Kane, the author of the critically acclaimed and #1 International Bestseller Pretty Little Wife, has crafted another gripping and twisty suspense about an invitation to an exclusive club that comes with deadly consequences.They meet the second Tuesday of every month and vote...and then someone dies.Over the last few years, prominent people—a retired diplomat, beloved basketball coach, the CEO of an empire—have died in a series of fluke accidents and shocking suicides. There's no apparent connection, no signs of foul play. Behind it all is a powerful group of women, the Sophie Foundation, who meet over wine and cheese to review files of men who behave very, very badly, and then mete out justice.Jessa Hall jumped at the mysterious, exclusive invitation to this secret club. The invite comes when she's at her lowest, aching for a way to take back control. After years of fighting and scratching to get ahead,...

The Golden Rule: He who has the gold rules.In a post-gold world, he who controls the currency rules.Jack discovers a conspiracy that affects everyone he loves.Has Jack uncovered the successor to the Illuminati?

Did you love the Invitation to Eden series and have been waiting for the Master's story? Have you wanted to dive into the series but have been uncertain of where to start? Then The Island of Eden is for you. It features the series' free prequel, Master of the Island, and an EXTENDED version of Master of Pleasure.If you want to take a visit to Eden, this is your invitation.MASTER OF THE ISLAND by Lauren HawkeyeWhen his life takes a dark turn, billionaire Theodosius Vardalos purchases a deserted island in the Bermuda triangle. It’s accessible only by plane- the better, he thinks, to hide his scars from the rest of the world. What Theo doesn’t know is that the island has an incredible secret, one that gives him hope… hope of future happiness, despite the horrible scars that make him a recluse. Hope to be had in the arms of a mysterious blonde he hasn’t yet met… MASTER OF PLEASURE by Lauren Hawkeye and Tawny StokesBillionaire Theodosius Vardalos has lived on the island of Eden for over ten years. Though his horrific scars have made him a recluse, he has turned Eden into a resort where the lines between fantasy and reality blur... A place where he sees noone face to face, not even his staff, who have dubbed him "Master of the Island". Even as Theo helps fulfill the fantasies of his guests, he waits... Waits for the mysterious woman who was shown to him when he first arrived on Eden. He recognizes Noelle Davis the second the nosy reporter steps foot in his castle... But the dream woman is nothing like he anticipated.He yearns for her submission. But he wonders... can a woman as beautiful as Noelle truly be happy with a beast?

Thirteen guests. One killer. No escape. On an island on the coast of Cornwall, cut off from the mainland by the tides for most of the day, thirteen old friends meet at Tregowan Castle for a weekend of revelry. By the next evening only twelve are still alive. Amongst them is a killer – but who? As a storm traps them on the island and past betrayals and grievances are revealed, nerves fray and friendships begin to fracture. But with no escape and no way of calling for help it's only a matter of time before the killer strikes again. And when everyone is keeping secrets, anybody could be the next victim... Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley's The Guest List and Agatha Christie. Readers LOVE A.M. Castle! 'Unbelievably great!!!! I loved this book.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars 'LOVED this book! Fantastic read! I couldn't put it down.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars 'Drew me in from the start and just got better and better.' NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars 'Excellent twists... A gripping novel with...

Mel Watson's just a normal girl until a cab ride turns into an invitation to a whole new life. It's not until she hears her cab driver being addressed as "Your Highness" that she realizes she's stumbled into a fairy tale....Prince Rikardo can't believe he's collected the wrong wannabe princess. Mel's far from the cynical social climber he planned for--the tempting softness in her eyes makes him wary. For Rikardo's long given up on love: he wants a temporary wife...and proposing to this sweet, ordinary girl feels all too real.

Welcome to your wildest fantasy... The invitation arrives out of nowhere. No name. No address. Just one simple challenge. Play with me. The games are intoxicating, each one more thrilling than the last. And pleasure is the ultimate prize. He knows my secrets. He sees my darkest desires. He can drive me to ecstasy, and I don't even know his name. This is your invitation. Now it's your turn to decide. Are you ready?

When Jennifer Shane opens her own custom greeting card shop, she soon realizes that it's not going to be easy. Business is sparse, and to make matters worse, on her first day the only call she gets is a wrong number that drags her right into the middle of a local murder investigation.

The second epic, escapist novel from a fresh new talent - perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Victoria Hislop. The world's darkest hour had made her a ghost. Only he can see the light... Rome, 1953: Hal and Stella meet by chance, two outcasts in a city far from home. Or perhaps it was the hand of the gods that night as the Eternal City welcomed the beautiful elite to its rooftops. It's a bright awakening for Hal, he believes he's found the love of his life – his Stella, his star. To his dismay, the mysterious girl disappears as quickly as she swept in, and Hal's life as a journalist falls back into its familiar routine. But when he's asked by an Italian Contessa to assist on a trip of a lifetime – acting as the reporter on a tremendous yacht, skimming its way along the Italian Riviera towards Cannes film festival, the most famous movie stars and directors of the day as its cargo – Hal can't believe his good fortune. Especially when a familiar beauty becomes passenger. Yet not all...

Do you believe in magic?Timothy Hunter is just like any other thirteen-year-old boy in London . . . except for the tiny fact that he might be the most powerful magician of his time.When four strangers offer to show Tim the realms of magic, he begins a journey beyond imagination. Wizards pursue him, danger threatens at every turn, and he discovers powerful forces that want him on their side—or dead.

The married couples in this book have two things in common: a skill in the duplicity that flourishes even in happy marriages, and an invitation to the Farthingoes' ball.In the months preceding the party, we learn something of their double lives: the faces that each one exposes to their spouses and to the world give little hint of their complex and secret tribulations. By the time they arrive at the ball, each clutching his or her different hopes and fears, we have become familiar with their unsmooth paths, and shared many a humorous escapade or private tragedy with Rachel and Thomas, Mary and Bill, Ursula and Martin, Frances and Toby, as well as the alluring R. Cotterman and the only questing bachelor, Ralph.Sophisticated, sympathetic, witty and razor-sharp in its observations of the sub-text of married life, this is a wonderfully accomplished and enjoyable novel which develops totally out of the characters it creates.

When Franny and her older sister, Valentine, are summoned by their aunt Theodora from foggy San Francisco to sunny New York City for one summer, they are taken to timeless locales like Bemelmans Bar and the Sherry-Netherland and instructed on how to be a lady by their chaperone, Clover, Aunt Theodora's protégé. Franny is thrilled by all of the sophisticated outings, but Valentine has more pressing concerns. Boys! As they wander around New York City going lingerie shopping and learning about the simple elegance of a cucumber sandwich, they unearth secrets about Aunt Theo's romantic past and even have a few romantic adventures of their own.

Hot, English businessman Ashton made a pact not to screw up his friendship with Justine ‘JJ’ Jenkins over a cheap one-night stand. Now, two years later, he’s going out of his mind with wanting her -- but she’s still off-limits. Now school is over, and his control is wearing thin. They've got one last night together, and he’s determined to make it an experience she’ll never forget.

The Invitation Scarlett Sanderson   Every Christmas, Evie dreams of attending the glamorous masquerade ball at Longthorn, home of the reclusive Gabriel. She watches from afar, wishing she could be near him. Gabriel, the man in her most erotic fantasies. Then the invitation arrives, along with a beautiful mask and dress. Her presence is requested. Gabriel needs Evie. As king of the Shadow world, he knows only one woman can complete him, can sate both his infinite carnal lust and the ache in his lonely heart. He’s spent years waiting for Evie, and he plans to claim her, body and soul. A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave Publisher’s Note: The Invitation was published elsewhere in 2006 but has been substantially rewritten and revised for Ellora’s Cave.

One sleepy morning, an exotic stranger roars into Shelthorpe-on-Sea on her motorbike. She is powerful and striking, drawing glances and promising local women a course that will give them ‘A Garden of Earthly Delights.’ Four very different women respond to her invitation. But do they know what they're getting into? A prequel to the novel The Goddess Worshop.

Hot Historicals Bundle An Invitation to SinForbidden Affections by Jo BeverleyThe doors to romance can be found in the most unexpected places, especially when the notorious Earl of Carne moves into the mansion neighboring Anna Featherstone's London townhouse. Who knocks first remains the only question. . .The Pleasure Of A Younger Lover by Vanessa KellyClarissa Middleton cannot resist the ardent kisses of Captain Christian Archer, though they must meet in secret or risk the censure of London society. In each other's arms, desire and love melt two hearts into one. . .The Naked Prince by Sally MacKenzieJosephine Atworthy is shocked by the goings-on at her rich neighbor's house party. Quite shocked. But her demure charm beguiles a mysterious nobleman, who begs a kiss—then another. And in a twinkling they fall head over heels in love. . .A Summer Love Affair by Kaitlin O'RileyUnmarried. Unconventional....

In the first cycle of the Harbinger series, four strangers discover they have extraordinary gifts and are brought together to fight a growing darkness. Meet the members of the Harbingers team—each written by an acclaimed author—in four linked episodes! Fast-paced and ongoing, this thrilling suspense collection reads like your favorite TV series.