THE ITALIANS INEXPERIENCED MISTRESS Angelo Riccardi didn't fo love. Because he'd been denied it a long time ago...

When Angelo sought revenge Gwenna Hamilton added another, delicious dimension. Innocent and pretty, she had no chance when the Italian tycoon offered her the devil's bargain: pay for her father's freedom with her body. In her naivete, Gwenna thought that Angelo would tire of her and her innocence very quickly. But he had more in mind than just one night... NAUGHTY BUT NICE She's taking the law into her own hands...literally! Cassie Tremaine Montgomery: The stunning lingerie model with a tough-as-nails attitude and a sheriff in her sights. Sean "Tag" Taggart: The sexy-as-sin sheriff who is more than willing to play Cassie's game...his way. Cassie intends to use all the seductive powers she has to entice Tag as part of her revenge on her hometown. Tag, however, isn't cooperating. He's more than willing to set the sheets on fire with her, but he's asking for more than just sizzling sex.... He knows she's not as tough as she pretends. And he knows she cares about him -- even if she won't admit it. That's fine. He'll just turn up the heat until she concedes there's more between them than this red-hot passion. ROOM BUT NOT BORED Roommates are off-limits...aren't they? Ariel Adams hates everything about the beach. So when circumstances force her to move into a small beach house, she's convinced life can't get worse. It can. The house isn't empty. Inside, sports gear, dirty towels, a giant dog...and Jake Renner -- the sexy handyman fixing up the cottage --

fill the rooms to overflowing. So much for privacy! How is she supposed to share the cramped space with too-tempting Jake...and only a sheet dividing their bedrooms? Used to leading the life of a carefree bachelor, Jake knows Ariel thinks he's just another beach bum. To complicate matters, the more time he spends with Ariel, the more Jake finds himself unable to resist her. After a few wild encounters with her, Jake is hooked...and ready to prove to Ariel that they make better roommates when they're sharing the same bed! PLEASURED IN THE BILLIONAIRES BED His mistress for a night...his child's mother for a lifetime? When Jack Cassidy first set eyes on Lisa, he had to have her. He knew it would take time, careful planning and execution--Lisa was the ultimate ice princess, perfectly groomed, controlled and cautious. She never dated rich, renowned playboys like Jack! But one long, hot night unleashed the kind of passion Lisa had never dared dream of...and the realization that she might have conceived Jack's baby.... WOMAN TO WED? Marriage is out of the question... Claire Marshall: Stepmother to the bride. Wary of love, she has no intention of marrying again. Brad Stevenson: Finally free of family responsibility, has no desire for further ties and emotional commitment. Persuaded to take on one last family task, Brad is brought into Claire's well-ordered life. She provokes him, intrigues him, angers and excites him because he is sure that passion hides just below her calm surface. But what would happen to them both if that passion were revealed?

THE GUARDIANS FORBIDDEN MISTRESS He couldn't resist her innocence... Nick Coleman was one of Sydney's most eligible billionaires. Love 'em and leave 'em--that was Nick's mantra. But he couldn't do that to Sarah; he had promised he would act as her guardian and protect her. Yet he wanted her, badly.... Sarah was soon to claim her inheritance. She'd be a sitting duck to predators looking for a rich, innocent girl. Perhaps it was Nick's responsibility to personally teach her how wicked and seductive a man could be.... THE BILLIONAIRE BOSS'S FORBIDDEN MISTRESS Marriage wasn't on his agenda -- but his mistress was! When Jason Pollack bought out Beville Holdings, he had plans for its beautiful blond receptionist. But the infamously ruthless tycoon soon discovered that his wealth and power didn't impress Leah Johanssen. She was the first woman in a long time who didn't want to chase him down the aisle! Leah's refusal of Jason's advances made him desire her all the more. He'd make her want him -- he wouldn't rest until he had Leah in his bed and at his command! DAUGHTER OF HASSAN She would not be told to marry anyone! Much as she loved and respected her Arab stepfather and wanted to please him, Danielle was horrified to learn he was arranging a marriage for her, Arab fashion, to his nephew, Jourdan. Danielle refused outright. confirmed her decision. And meeting Jourdan only

He was dashing and bold and handsome, and she soon fell in love with him, but he was a man of the East, brought up to

think of a woman's place as within palace walls. Marriage to such a man could only eventually destroy her.... OUT OF CONTROL Lust in the fast lane... Legendary detective Black Jack Riley likes fast cars and faster women. But he's a man on a mission: going undercover at the Dahlia Speedway to avenge a friend. Enter sexy, unpredictable young mechanic Alexandra Morgan. She's delicious trouble, with a capital T! She's also key to his success... ...if Jack can keep her from blowing his cover. Their thrilling rides between the sheets are a sweet bonus. Yet no matter how hard and hot Alex revs his motor, vengeance drives Jack. If he loses control, he loses the case. And even the raciest sex of his life isn't worth that.... FOR PLEASURE...OR MARRIAGE? A mistress is for pleasure, not for marriage... Tycoon Markos Makarios thinks he has the perfect woman in Vanessa: she's beautiful, adoring, living only to please him. In fact, she's the best mistress he's ever had. Until he has to warn her not to think of marriage; a mistress is only for pleasure, after all. But Vanessa had believed she was his partner -- not merely a plaything. Now Markos is about to learn the true price of the woman he's obsessed with...and to discover there's something even his billions can't buy! AT THE GREEK TYCOONS BIDDING He likes her plainness -- but what about her feistiness?

Theo Miquel doesn't have time for love -- his work is his life. He dates slim, beautiful women, but once they start talking about commitment it's over! Heather is different from this tycoon's usual prey: frumpy, talkative and his office cleaner. Although she lacks polish, there's something feisty and passionate about her. Theo thinks she'd be perfect for an affair, at his beck and call until he gets tired of her. But he doesn't know Heather.... THE ITALIANS PREGNANT MISTRESS She rejected him once... Italian millionaire Angelo Falcone always got his way. But when he suggested to stunning model Francesca Hayley that they make their affair permanent, she turned him down--for reasons she couldn't tell Angelo.... Now he'll make her pay! Three years later, the anger still rankles. Now Francesca is in Angelo's power--and in his bed. And this time Angelo won't let her go... especially when he discovers she's pregnant with his child! BODY CHECK This guy know how to score! Hard body? Check. Awesome-night-in-the-sack potential? Check! Hayden Houston is breaking out of her good-girl mode. It's time for a one-night stand--and she's found just the man for the job! She spent her childhood being dragged from rink to rink by her hockey-coach father. Now Hayden craves stability. And she's determined to get it--after this one night.... When hockey star Brody Croft sees the sexy brunette at the bar, he's riveted. He's ready to shed his bad-boy ways and

settle down. And after a mind-blowing night in bed with Hayden, he knows she's the one. Now all he has to do is convince her.... A SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT Had he been cruel only to be kind? Kirsty's promising stage career had nearly been destroyed by a scathing review written by Britain's foremost drama critic, Drew Chalmers. So when Kirsty saw a chance to avenge herself, she took it, unmindful of the consequences. Her vengeance seemed to provoke no retribution, especially when she was offered a place in an important Shakespearean company--until she suddenly found herself engaged to Drewand learned it was his influence that had won her the job. Now, while learning her new role, Kirsty must learn to play the part of Drew's lover... to perfection! A LONG, HARD RIDE Fast cars. Sizzling sex. This is her kind of race! Cardin Worth is ready to tune up her engine--with Trey, her former crush! However, he's a Davis--one of her car-racing family's bitter rivals. But she might be able to create peace, and also get some sizzling sex on the side... ...if Trey pretends to be her fiance, that is! Having a little fun on those steamy Southern nights seems like a great idea. Just to patch up the feud, of course. Then Trey'll be leaving town again--this time for good. But Cardin's not sure she can relinquish the superheated sex...because Trey's the most talented, uh, mechanic to ever look under her hood!

HOT FOR HIM Working in Hollywood is always about getting to the top. Or on top, as feisty producer Claudia Dostis prefers. But when she contends with her outrageously sexy adversary, Leandro Mandalor, the stakes change. Her charming opponent is definitely up to Claudia's challenge. He convinces her they must come together--in the office and in the bedroom. Suddenly getting on top has a whole new meaning...and leads to a new level of sensual satisfaction. But can Claudia let go of her need to succeed long enough to allow someone else to win? LONG SUMMER NIGHTS Get away from it all...and have it all! Journalist Jennifer Dale is on assignment, pretending that miserable isolation in upstate New York is the greatest thing ever. The only bright spot? The wickedly sexy recluse across the lake, who swims in the buff. Now, there's some wildlife a gal can enjoy watching over and over and over.... When Jennifer suffers a slight boating mishap, Hot Swimming Guy comes to her rescue. Turns out Aaron Barksdale is hot enough to switch her damsel's distress into a damsel undressed! But Aaron is more than a hot summer night between the sheets -- he's also an award-winning author who disappeared from the public eye years ago. Revealing all could be the scoop of the century, but only if Jennifer's willing to risk it all. THE DISOBEDIENT MISTRESS To be, or not to be... his mistress! When Leone Andracchi offers to help Misty Carlton out of financial difficulty, she knows there must be a catch. There is -- the ruthless and sexy Sicilian tycoon needs her to pose temporarily as his mistress!

Misty takes the job -- how hard can it be? Very. Because soon Leone's demanding she play the role for real! MILLIONAIRES SECRET SEDUCTION Golden Handcuffs A multimillion-dollar family dynasty was hard to walk away from. And that's what Dominic Hardcastle intended to do. Until he met his father's employee Bella Andrews. She was intriguing and sexy beyond reason... and out to ruin his estranged, ruthless father. So Dominic offered to keep her secret if she'd keep him company...after hours. Everything about Dominic set off alarms in Bella's head. For he had the power to destroy her plans. Maybe some intense overtime with Mr. Tall, Dark and Dangerous was needed. Suddenly her scheme didn't seem so simple...or her heart so safe.... SEDUCED BY THE ENEMY Between desire and deception... The ruthless Texas multimillionaire was her most bitter business rival, and Abby Taylor knew she should hate everything about him. But no matter how hard she tried to forget him, Nick Colton still haunted her most intimate dreams. She suspected there was a dark side to his slow, sensuous seduction. Yet she was powerless to control her desires when he was near. And she feared that Nick's betrayal, when it came, would shatter her forever.... THE PLAYBOYS PLAIN JANE The playboy Good-looking and confident, sports hero Dylan McKinnon simply has that indefinable thing that makes him irresistible to the opposite sex.

His plain Jane Florist Katie Pritchard knows all about Dylan's effect on women--he's her best customer! And the wary divorcee is captivated by his charm, in spite of herself. A perfect partnership? They seem an unlikely couple. They are. But Katie realizes there's more to this playboy than meets the eye.... EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES He came with the best possible recommendations Even so, if Kate Oakley hadn't desperately needed a nanny, she'd never have employed a man to look after a ninemonth-old baby. Rick Evans, however, gave her the opportunity to make a stable home life for her best friend's orphaned baby. No way could she earn a living and stay home with little Michael. So, concerned about not giving anyone the chance to say she couldn't give the child a good home, she allowed Rick to move into her house. Then, too late, she realized exactly what she'd done .... MARRIAGE AT A PRICE What did an independent, spirited woman do when her stud farm was deep in debt? Marry for money? Never! Courtney set off for Sydney in search of a silent business partner. Handsome investment broker Jack Falconer said he knew the right man for her. Courtney jumped at the chance -- only to find that Jack was that man and he had a deal to offer. He'd clear her debts if she would do something for him in return -- have his baby! THE DISOBEDIENT BRIDE

Twelve months ago their marriage was perfect.... Then billionaire Tyler Benedict returns home to find his bed empty and Lianne Marshall, his wife, gone! Now Tyler will do anything to get his bride back! Tyler hires Lianne to be his personal lawyer -- it's a deal she can't refuse. But this time Lianne is wise to Tyler's ways: he's after more than just a business arrangement; he wants her back where he feels she belongs... at his bidding! PREGNANT AT THE WEDDING HIS EXPECTANT BRIDE Pregnant after their one unforgettable night together, Ashley Smith knew she must tell Ryan Warner she was carrying his child. And when he insisted upon marriage, she reluctantly agreed. But it was for the baby's sake...she could care less about his wealth, his power, his position. Ryan was used to being pursued for his money...yet his new bride claimed to have no ulterior motives. With the passion so intense between them, dare Ryan take a chance on the woman about to give him his billion-dollar heir? ACTING ON IMPULSE Small-town girl Trudy Baxter is ready to take on New York City. She's looking for excitement, adventure...and incredible sex! She wants to experience every little thing -and every type of man -- the city has to offer. Her first target -- sexy Wall Street hunk Linc Faulkner. Only, once she gets Linc into her bed, she's reluctant to let him go.... Linc Faulkner has never met anybody like Trudy. She's so spirited, so sexy, so damn uninhibited! She's his every fantasy in the flesh. Only, Linc knows he's just the first man on Trudy's sexual wish list. So what else can he do but convince her that he can be any man she'll ever want -- and the only man she'll ever need....

HEATED RUSH You know you're hard up when you have to buy a date... But Annie Davis's big family reunion is looming, and she needs a stand--in man fast or she'll never hear the end of it. Any gorgeous guy will do. Her solution? The drop--dead-sexy man at the charity bachelor auction. His good looks and blue--collar background make him perfect for her! Or is he? Sean Murphy has a bit of a surprise for Annie. Not only is he not blue--collar, he's actually a sophisticated European entrepreneur, one who's made pleasuring women an art form. And he wants to permanently pleasure Annie! But Sean knows that if she discovers his secret, their wickedly delicious liaison will be over. Lucky for both of them, he's learned enough tricks to keep Annie distracted for a long, long time.... THE GREEKS ROYAL MISTRESS The disobedient princess... The royal plane is about to crash! Princess Chantal Thibaudet is rescued from the wreckage by Demetrius Mantheakis, a renowned international security expert, with wealth and a reputation to match. He insists that Chantal go with him to his private Greek island, where he can protect her. But even princesses can become pregnant when they allow themselves to be swept away by a commoner -- especially one as arrogant and sexy as Demetrius.... And a right royal scandal is about to break loose! THE COZAKIS BRIDE Marriage-on his terms! Olympia's mother needs expensive medical treatment now. What can she do? Olympia has no choice. Approach Nik

Cozakis and ask him to reconsider the marriage they abandoned ten years ago, in return for financial help? Nik agrees, but on his terms: he wants a son. Yes, Nik has seized his chance for vengeance! THE PLAYBOYS PROPOSITION An offer she couldn't refuse ...? Michele willingly accepted Tyler Garrison's offer to help her out by pretending to be her lover-a role he'd play to perfection! Then Tyler made an even more provocative proposal: they should make love for real! Michele couldn't believe it-Tyler, her long-time pal, and Sydney's most eligible playboy, wanted her? THE MILLIONAIRES VIRGIN The tycoon's trap... With her financial situation so precarious, Paige Tennant has walked right into Nikolas Petronides' hands. It's obvious that he's not forgiven her for waling out on him years ago. But what else could she have done after he's shockingly-and unfairly-accused her of using her youthful beauty and innocence to extract money from him! Once a welcome guest in his Greek island home, how Paige is to return as a lowly paid employee. What, exactly is Nikolas expecting for his money? A SUSPICIOUS PROPOSAL Essie Russell met millionaire businessman Xavier Grey at a wedding: she was the chief bridesmaid; he was a distant relative of the bridegroom. They were strangers, yet for some reason Xavier clearly disapproved of Essie. She was determined not to care. She'd simply flirt with him and then leave the wedding! Only Xavier was intent on pursuing her. Rich and handsome, he was used to getting what he wanted -- and he

wanted Essie! But when Xavier proposed, was it an affair or marriage he had in mind... and could Essie trust him? THE UNEXPECTED HUSBAND An outback marriage? Lydia had been thrilled by her temporary assignment on an Australian cattle station-- until she came face-to-face with Joe Jordan on her first day! Tough, sexy Joe: the man Lydia's impulsive sister had planned to seduce.... Only, Joe made it clear that it was Lydia, not her sister, who intrigued him. And he wanted to do more than work with her -- he wanted to marry her! Joe's passion overwhelmed and excited Lydia, but did he just want a convenient wife? TO MEND A MARRIAGE Could a tiny baby help mend a marriage? Gemini's marriage of convenience to Nick Drummond had gone terribly wrong the moment she'd fallen in love with her husband. She desired Nick so much -- but as theirs was a marriage in name only, she could only look, not touch. However, when Gemini found herself looking after her tiny baby niece -- dumped on her by her irresponsible twin sister - a way to mend her marriage became clear.... THE PLAYBOY KINGS WIFE The marriage game Samantha Connelly finally knows what it is to feel sexy, elegant--and desirable. Playboy Tommy King, the man she has secretly loved for years, is amazed by her transformation. Up to now, Sam and Tommy have clashed head-on. Suddenly the friction deepens into fiery sexual attraction. But is this just another game for Tommy to win . . . or will Sam be the woman he marries?

LORENZOS REWARD Rewarded by passion -- or marriage? What did handsome Italian businessman Lorenzo Forli mean when he said that Jess would be his "reward"? When Lorenzo proposed, Jess thought she understood: to make her his wife was what he ultimately wanted. Now she had no qualms about letting her husband-to-be make passionate love to her. But there was a shock in store! Lorenzo had failed to tell Jess something about his past. Could it be that he'd used all the means he possessed to claim the reward he'd really wanted -- to seduce Jess into his bed? SEDUCED BY THE BOSS In bed with the boss! Dan McKnight, Megan's boss, insisted that she pretend to be his lover! He wanted to convince a young girl with an obsessive crush on him that he was in love with someone else.... But, after sharing a room -- and a bed -- Dan and Megan suddenly became overwhelmingly attracted to each other! In fact, they were so convincing as lovers they'd even made mad, passionate love. The problem was their pretense was supposed to stop the moment they were back at work.... THE MISTRESS SCANDAL In bed with the boss! Dan McKnight, Megan's boss, insisted that she pretend to be his lover! He wanted to convince a young girl with an obsessive crush on him that he was in love with someone else.... But, after sharing a room -- and a bed -- Dan and Megan suddenly became overwhelmingly attracted to each other!

In fact, they were so convincing as lovers they'd even made mad, passionate love. The problem was their pretense was supposed to stop the moment they were back at work.... THE ITALIANS REVENGE A vengeful husband... Catherine knows Vito Giordani, her soon-to-be ex-husband, has never forgiven her for ending their marriage and leaving Italy with their little son. Now, when she confronts Vito about his plans to remarry, he doesn't give anything away. Instead, seizing the advantage, he demands that Catherine return to Naples to resume her role as wife and mother. Their son, whom they both adore, will have his parents back together again -- and Vito will finally have the revenge he's been waiting for.... INNOCENT SINS Innocence betrayed... Memories of a long-ago summer night still taunt Laura Neill. With all the provocative innocence of youth, she stole into her stepbrother Oliver's bedroom, and discovered love and fleeting happiness in his arms. Driven away by his apparent betrayal, it's been eight long years since Laura last visited home. Can she now face Oliver without confessing the aching love she still feels for him -- or the secrets she's held all this time? MISTRESS ON LOAN As a teenager, Adrien was infatuated with Chay Haddon, and was devastated when her family banished him, claiming he'd betrayed their trust. Chay vanished vowing revenge.... Adrien is shocked when, years later, the tables are turned and she finds herself at Chay's mercy. Now rich and devastatingly handsome, he's the only one who can save her

from scandal. But he has a price: he'll help her, but only if she becomes his mistress! SECRET SEDUCTION A forgotten affair? Nina knew she'd lost her memory -- because when she met Ryan Flint he clearly recognized her, but Nina had no idea who he was. Had they once been lovers? Ryan was obviously hiding something. He seemed angry with Nina, yet intent on seducing her. The tense sexual attraction between them demanded release, but when passion finally exploded between them, what secrets would be revealed? THE BABY SCANDAL The boss's baby Ruth had been overwhelmed by Franco Leoni from the moment she became his secretary. A shy reverend's daughter, Ruth was stunned when such a dynamic, handsome man took an interest in her. She knew she shouldn't, but she couldn't help falling in love with her boss! Franco didn't want a secret affair, but Ruth was afraid of scandal. She tried to disguise her feelings and conceal their passion. Only, there was one thing she couldn't hide: she was expecting his baby! THE PLEASURE KINGS BRIDE One stolen night... Cristabel Valdez yearns to say yes to her boss-to Jared's dinner invitations and the sensual promise behind them. An intimate involvement with him is dangerous, but can she risk just one night to remember? Jared King will use everything he has to hold her, keep her. And like his legendary family who have flourished in this

part of the Australian outback, he will not be defeated by anything. For him one night is not enough... DON JOAQUINS PRIDE There was no escape! Joaquin Del Castillo was as proud as his Latino heritage, and he instantly acted to right the wrong that he believed had been done to his elderly, loyal employee. He would lure the girl who owed the old man money to Guatemala, and here she would stay until she agreed to repay her debt! But something about Joaquin's captive didn't add up. On the surface, Lucy Paez appeared to be a glamorous gold digger, but underneath she was... innocent. Joaquin's pride unleashed consequences he hadn't expected -- his contempt for her was rivaled by his blazing desire! BACK IN THE MARRIAGE BED Her husband... her lover? Annie can't believe Dominic Carlyle's claim. How can he be her husband? Why would she have walked out on him and forgotten all about their marriage? To jog Annie's memory, Dominic insists they move in together. Annie is compelled to say yes -- haunted by the memory of a dream in which a man makes love to her... a man who looks just like Dominic. THE SPANISH HUSBAND To love, honor and...betray? Seven years ago Caroline had fallen in love -- and into bed - with Luiz Vazquez. Thinking he'd betrayed her, she'd fled to England hoping never to see him again. Now, because her father owes money to Luiz, Caroline has had to return to Spain.

Receiving a proposal of marriage from the powerful Spaniard, she is forced to accept. But marrying Luiz so he can secure his inheritance is one thing. Falling passionately in love with him again is quite another.... HER SISTERS BABY For the baby's sake... When Dray Carlisle turned up unexpectedly, Cass knew there must be trouble afoot. She hadn't seen Dray for three years, after their brief but intensely passionate affair had ended. However, Cass wasn't prepared for Dray's news: her younger sister, from whom she'd become estranged, had died in childbirth. Cass couldn't turn her back on her newborn niece...and that meant Dray -- and the irresistible sexual attraction between them -- would also be part of her life once more.... BRIDE BY DECEPTION Set up for marriage? Callum had agreed, reluctantly, to employ Zoe Bernard as a favor to her father. He hadn't looked at a woman since the loss of his wife, yet Zoe awoke all of his long-buried responses. Eventually, they fell into bed and a marriage proposal came tumbling out. But would Zoe still want Callum when she discovered why she'd come to be in Callum's house in the first place? DAMIANOS RETURN Missing Husband Found Alive! Damiano Braganzi is back! Damiano -- the husband whom Eden James had thought she'd never see again.... Eden and Damiano had been married only a short time when he disappeared, and things had not been good

between them. So, though Eden knows her love for Damiano is as strong as ever, she fears that he will want a divorce... unless she can overcome her hang-ups in the bedroom.... TO HAVE A HUSBAND Some women are meant to wed! Quinn McBride insisted that the man Harrie had been casually dating was a blackmailer! Harrie had no choice but to spend time -- too much time -with the arrogant Quinn, who was determined to stop the blackmailer in his tracks. Harrie didn't know if she could trust or believe Quinn; the only thing she was sure about was that, no matter how hard she fought against it, she found him incredibly attractive.... A WHIRLWIND MARRIAGE Race to the altar! Zeke Buchanan had swept Marianne off her feet, and their two-year marriage had been perfect -- until recently.... Their physical passion was as strong as ever, but was Zeke starting to regret their impulsive wedding? The beautiful Liliana was clearly interested in more than a business relationship with Zeke. Was he tempted? Marianne was determined to save her marriage and prove to her husband that their honeymoon wasn't over, it was only just beginning! THE BEDROOM BUSINESS His secretary...his virgin... Jake McBride is a self-made millionaire, brilliant at business, talented in bed -- and cynical about women. Emily Taylor is his personal assistant, terrific in the office...and an innocent when it comes to the opposite sex!

But when Jake teaches Emily how to transform herself from shy secretary into sexy siren, he loses his grip on his legendary cool. If she's going to lose her virginity, it has to be to him! A SEDUCTIVE REVENGE An intimate vendetta! Josh Prentice has a broken heart, and there's only one way to mend it: revenge! He plans to seduce Flora, and then jilt her. But he hadn't expected to find it so hard to walk away.... Locked into an intensely sensual relationship, Josh and Flora struggle with their emotions. But Josh is tormented that he could lose Flora if she discovers his true identity -and Flora also has a burning secret: she's expecting Josh's baby! THE PREGNANT BRIDE Jilted bride gets pregnant! Getting jilted at the altar was bad enough, but falling for the sympathetic stranger at her honeymoon hotel was much worse! Jenna Sinclair didn't regret it, though; one passionfilled night with Edmund Delaney proved she'd never truly loved her ex-fiance. But when Jenna told Edmund she was pregnant, he was far from dismayed. It seemed he had his own agenda, and marriage to Jenna was just what he needed.... Why? THE TYCOONS MISTRESS A motive for marriage? Cressy was astonished when Draco Viannis proposed. From the moment she'd met the gorgeous Greek, Cressy couldn't get him out of her mind. The passion between them was mindblowing -- but had it just been a holiday affair?

Draco had other ideas. He knew Cressy's family was in crisis, and he knew he was the only one who could help -- for a price. He wanted Cressy as his wife, and he was determined to have her.... THE ITALIAN GROOM The Italian Solution... Soon Meg's secret would show -- she was pregnant! However, she was determined to keep it to herself while she visited her hometown in California and came to terms with her future as a single mom. But there was no fooling Niccolo Dominici, darkly handsome winery owner and longtime family friend. In true Italian style, he insisted that he should take care of her and the baby. But Meg knew that marriage to Nicco didn't mean just in name only.... THE DEMETRIOS VIRGIN The virgin fiancee... Andreas Latimer needed a fiancee to present to his Greek grandfather -- and he'd decided on Saskia Rodgers. After all, he'd gained the impression she was a woman of the world. Surely she would have no problem with a little playacting.... Saskia knew her new boss thought she was some kind of practiced seductress -- but this was going too far! They were sharing a room in his family's villa -- sharing a bed! -- and she still hadn't told him she was a virgin.... TO BECOME A BRIDE Some women are meant to wed

From the first, Danie clashed swords with Jonas Noble, realizing that he was determined not to disclose the reasons for his dealings with her family. But Danie also found Jonas incredibly attractive, which made her plan to discover his motives all the harder to follow; the closer she got to Jonas, the more she fell in love! However, her heart was quietly breaking because of the secret she was hiding...a secret that would surely prevent what she really wanted: to become Jonas's bride.... A VENGEFUL DECEPTION A most passionate revenge! When Anna Sands finds herself stranded alone with Gideon Strange she can't resist his intense seduction. But through their haze of passion Anna senses she's playing with a dangerous desire.... Gideon can't believe how innocent Anna looks! He's sure he knows the real woman underneath, the gold digger, the seductress.... Gideon realizes he shouldn't get close, but he's going to make Anna pay for her crimes -- in his bed! THE ARABIAN MISTRESS A husband who wants his wife...to be his mistress! Begging for Prince Tariq Shazad ibn Zachir's mercy was the last thing Faye wanted to do. She hadn't seen Tariq for a year...since their wedding. But Faye's brother was imprisoned in Tariq's homeland, and only Tariq could grant his freedom. Faye expected her meeting with the man she'd married to be tough, but Tariq's ultimatum took her breath away: become his mistress and her brother would be released! A SICILIAN SEDUCTION A most passionate revenge...

Giancarlo Cardinale was determined to have his revenge. He thought Natalia Deyton had slept with his sister's husband. His passionate Sicilian nature demanded a vengeful seduction -- and total surrender. But Giancarlo wasn't prepared for the innocence shining out of Natalia -- or the sensual power of her stunning beauty. He knew he was falling in love for the first time -- but family came first. He had no choice but to carry out his plan.... HUSBAND FOR REAL Wedded for convenience...or married for real? Rose was shocked when James turned up...long after their wedding of convenience. She'd loved James when they'd hastily married, and she'd fought hard to put their subsequent -- and just as hasty -- separation behind her. After all these years, Rose never expected James to arrive in person to tell her that he wasn't prepared to end their marriage.Was she? The hurt of the past hadn't quenched her love, or their mutual physical attraction.... CLAIMING HIS WIFE A determined husband Overwhelmed by her sexy, brand-new Spanish husband, Cassie had let anxiety and inexperience ruin first her wedding night, then her marriage to Roman Fernandez. Now, after a year apart, Cassie has gained self-confidence. But her brother's in serious trouble with Roman, and Cassie returns to Spain to confront him. She soon realizes with a shiver of...excitement?...that her husband has every intention of claiming his wife and testing her newfound confidence -- in the bedroom....

THE BOSSS PROPOSAL Her boss insisted on marriage! Victoria Lokhart's relationship with Max Forbes, her sexy new boss, had to stay strictly business... just in case he discovered her secret -- her young daughter, Chloe. Even after their passionate night together, Vicky was just as secretive about her private life. But when Max accidentally came face-to-face with Chloe, the secret was out. Chloe looked exactly like her father, Max's late brother! And Max wanted Chloe to have the Forbes name; even if that meant marrying his secretary! A RUTHLESS PASSION A compelling passion had flared between them.... But it was too late -- she was about to marry another man. Six years later Cat's husband has gone, and she needs Nick's help. This is his chance to sate the desire he's felt for her all along.... THE PRINCES HEIR When Prince Stephan Reynard swept into the tiny Texas town to lay claim to his royal nephew, he never dreamed the boy's adoptive mother would prove so resistant - or so alluring. Seemed not even a king's ransom could convince the spirited Western beauty to part with the cherished heir she'd once cradled in her loving arms. Seemed, too, that for all the prince's blue-blood wealth and station, Mandy Crawford saw him simply as a man...though the feelings she stirred in him were anything but simple. Because increasingly his mission to procure the precious monarch was turning into a mission to woo - and wed - this uncommon woman... THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT More than a marriage deal!

Hannah's marriage to Miguel Santanas had given her a privileged, glamorous life. She ran her own business by day, and shared her bed with a passionate, sexy husband by night. Miguel was everything a woman could want -- and more! But this perfect marriage was a social contract uniting two powerful families. Love hadn't been part of the deal. So why was Hannah so jealous of the flirtatious Camille's attentions toward Miguel? Did that mean she felt more for him than she'd realized -- and did he feel the same? SAVAGE INNOCENCE Discovering the savage truth... Pregnant and single, Isobel Dorland yearns for a real family life. But though she's head over heels in love with the father of her child, she knows that he's in no position to offer her marriage. Resolving that she must start anew, Belle leaves her hometown quietly -- without telling Jared where she's going -- or that she's carrying his baby. But she hasn't reckoned on Jared's determination. He wants her, and it can only be a matter of time before he discovers her whereabouts -- and the truth.... A CONVENIENT HUSBAND Marriage -- for love, sex or convenience? Tess is about to lose custody of her precious baby nephew, so it's only natural for her to cry on her best friend's shoulder -Rafe Farrar. To the rest of the female population, he's sex on legs. So Tess is shocked when he suggests they marry to guarantee custody! Instantly, their friendship becomes more intimate. But how will they relate to each other as husband and wife? One place they seem to communicate perfectly is the bedroom....

HIS MIRACLE BABY Why had Ellie left him? Morgan didn't know. It was obvious she'd still been blissfully in love with him. She'd even agreed with his edict that they never have children. Then Ellie had disappeared... When Morgan found her... To his absolute shock, she had with her the most adorable baby girl that he'd ever seen. His heart twisted inside him. Had Ellie found another man to give her what he never could, or was this baby Morgan's very own miracle...? A PERFECT NIGHT Katie Crighton has been persuaded to take her place in the family business, but she feels like an outsider, since most of her friends and family are in happy relationships -- whilst Katie is a virgin. Sebastian Cooke's smoldering sexual energy is a dangerous temptation to Katie's innocence. He teases and tantalizes her until she can't resist him. The spend one perfect night together -- and Katie is left wanting more THE SWEETEST REVENGE Power, passion, possession The moment Nick Armstrong saw Barbie Lamb, he had to have her. She was the sexiest woman he'd ever met! Completely forgotten was the teenage Barbie whose youthful crush he'd rejected years ago.... For Barbie, the sweetest revenge was to make Nick want her - then cut him dead! Only, he didn't seem to remember her, and his desire sparked the realization of how deeply she still wanted him. Their passion was all-consuming -- but what would happen when they finally confronted the truth about their past?

TO MAKE A MARRIAGE Some women are meant to wed! How much longer could Andie keep her pregnancy a secret? Both her sisters knew, and soon she would start to show! Andie was fiercely determined to bring up her child -- alone. The conception had taken place in a moment of madness, with a man whom Andie was convinced was in love with another woman. However, Adam Munroe was also a close family friend and Andie knew she couldn't avoid him forever.... THE INCONVENIENT BRIDE Dominic's downfall! Dominic Wolfe -- one of the sharpest young tycoons in New York City -- should have known that one night of great sex was no basis for a marriage. But it wasn't his head Dominic was thinking with when he asked Sierra to be his convenient wife! Sierra wasn't thinking with her head either, but with her heart. She was determined to teach him that there was more to life than meetings and mergers, and soon Dominic was wondering just how convenient she was! Could it be this hardheaded businessman was about to lose control in the arms of his new bride? MARRIAGE AT HIS CONVENIENCE The ideal husband -- if only it were for real Amber's multimillionaire Greek boyfriend, Lucas Karadines, informed her that he was getting married -- to someone else.... Five years later, Amber has put Lucas behind her -- until she inherits half his company. Lucas, who's now single again,

knows the only way to keep control is for him to marry Amber. But how can she consider marrying him at his convenience -- when, five years before, she was worthy only of being his mistress...? DUARTES CHILD For love...or for his baby son? Only days before she was about to give birth, Emily left her husband, Duarte de Monteiro. She'd heard from a friend that he wanted to keep their baby -- but not his wife.... Now Duarte has traced Emily and his baby son and brought them back to Portugal. He's proud; he wants to keep his wife - especially as he can still possess her with the slightest touch.... Emily still loves Duarte, but has he brought her back because he loves her -- or because he loves his son? THE UNFORGETTABLE HUSBAND Is this stranger really her husband? For a year, Samantha has been existing with no memory of her previous life. But when a dark, stunningly handsome Italian walks into her life, Sam's past is about to be revealed.... When Sam sees Andre Visconte, she faints clean away. Is her body's instinctive response to him telling her that she's recognized him? However, there are further shocks in store, the first of which is Andre's insistence that he is her husband! THE HOT-BLOODED GROOM He didn't waste any time! Bryce Templar's father had given him an ultimatum: Bryce had one year to marry and produce an heir....

When Bryce met Sunny, the attraction between them was like a bolt of electricity. Business was forgotten -- passion took over...and Sunny was stunned when Bryce proposed marriage the very next morning! RESTLESS NIGHTS Back in his life -- and in his bed? Adam Dysart's charisma and arrogance turn Gabriel's normally balanced emotions to Jell-O! Staying alone at her family's isolated farmhouse, it doesn't take more than a few restless nights to make her long for a strong and reassuring male presence. But Gabriel knows if she lets Adam into her life, he'll try to tempt her into his bed -- and she's determined not to let that happen. Because she suspects Adam of having his own secret seduction agenda.... THE ALVARES BRIDE Nine months later... No one knew who was the father of Carin's baby. She'd kept her secret for the entire pregnancy. But during the birth, she called out a name -- Raphael Alvares! The powerful Brazilian millionaire rushed to Carin's bedside. But had Rafe come because pride forced him to give the baby his name? Or was it because the one passionate night they'd shared had left him longing to make Carin his bride? MERGER BY MATRIMONY The tycoon's bride After living all her life in the jungle of Panama, Destiny is on her way to London to claim her inheritance -- a business worth millions!

Flung into a city jungle, Destiny feels lost, self-conscious, and out of her depth in the world of international business. Especially as her company has a predator -- handsome, ruthless tycoon Callum Ross. He's determined to own her company; she won't sell. So he has a proposal for her -merger by matrimony! AN ELIGIBLE STRANGER NEVER... Hand over her sister's son to his father's coldhearted brother? Nicole Trent wouldn't dream of it. Nor did she like wealthy Philippe Galantoire's alternative: marriage. Yet how could she deny her orphaned nephew the privileged lifestyle to which he was entitled? SAY NEVER! Swept off to Philippe's European chateau, Nicole careened headlong into a world of caviar and silk, of decadent opportunity--and forbidden desire. For behind the sophisticated mask of the enemy she had wed in desperation, Nicole glimpsed a passionate man who intended to be her husband in every way.... THE MARRIAGE DEMAND To love, honor...and have revenge! Millionaire Nash Connaught knew something about Faith that could cost her her job. And he was holding the dark secret over her head.... He had never meant to blackmail her into bed! But the temptation they both felt had been too strong.... Faith was -- had been -- a virgin. Nash's reaction was to insist on marriage. But was he marrying Faith for honor? Or was it part of his revenge for something that had happened between them 10 years ago?

A PASSIONATE PROPOSITION A proposition she can't refuse? Scott Tyler might want a red-hot affair with Anya Adams -but that doesn't mean he likes her. On the contrary, he's managed to get her suspended from her brand-new job! Realizing he's gone too far, Scott offers Anya temporary employment at his home. But having her around every day is self-control. Soon all he can think about is making Anya a proposition -- that she share his bed, night after night, to their mutual satisfaction.... THE SECRET VIRGIN She couldn't confess she was still a virgin! Jonathan McGuire was infuriating! Though Tory was determined not to let him have it all his own way, he refused to drop his guard -- or his first impression of her as a ruthless woman of the world. Then Jonathan's sudden interest in her caught her by surprise. But she couldn't let herself respond to the sensual man she sensed lay beneath Jonathan's arrogant exterior. Because, despite Jonathan's less-than-favorable opinion of her, Tory was actually still a virgin, and not equipped to play his sophisticated game.... THE HOSTAGE BRIDE Fliss's father has been embezzling from Argentine billionaire Ricardo Valeron! She knows Rico is ruthless in his business dealings and will stop at nothing to ruin her father if he should uncover the truth. To save her father, Fliss agrees to marry an old friend -- and in return he'll pay her father's debt. But before the ceremony takes place, Rico arrives and whisks Fliss away. Has he discovered the missing money? Is he out

for revenge? Just what are Rico's intentions toward his hostage bride...? THE SHEIKHS WIFE The Sheikh's wife is back...in his bed! Sheikh Kahlil al-Assad hasn't forgiven Bryn for abandoning her wedding vows. Then he discovers that he's also missed out on the first years of his son's life. Kahlil decides to take revenge. Bryn didn't realize -- they are still husband and wife! She knows she can't deny Ben the daddy he's been asking for. So she agrees to return to Kahlil's desert kingdom. There she finds herself consigned to the harem quarters, where she must prepare for being taken back...into the Sheikh's bed! A RICH MANS TOUCH A wealth of passion... The arrival of wealthy businessman Gabriel Webb in Rachel's life is about to change everything.... Gabriel seems sincere in wanting to help single mom Rachel and her young daughter. But she isn't prepared when he touches emotions in her that she had carefully hidden away. Can she allow herself to open up her heart -- and her bed -to him? Or is Gabriel interested in only a fleeting affair? ROMES REVENGE For better, for worse -- for revenge... Rome d'Angelo could have his pick of women -- only, his fiancee had already been chosen for him, by his grandfather! A family feud meant Rome was being forced into a vengeful seduction: he must get engaged to Cory Grant, then jilt her....

Heiress Cory was used to men wanting her for her money. But Rome seemed genuinely interested in her -- was this the real thing? Rome was amazed to realize he found Cory's innocence so sexy. Maybe instead of jilting her, he should marry her! MARRIED BY MISTAKE Do not adjust your set. That really was Casey Greene being jilted by her fiance on live TV! And that really was Memphis's most eligible bachelor who stepped in to marry her instead. Millionaire businessman Adam Carmichael wanted only to help Casey save face. He isn't prepared for the news that their "fake" wedding is legal and binding. While they secretly wait for an annulment, media and family scrutiny forces them to put on their best loving-couple act. Except by now, neither one is quite sure who's acting.... CHOSEN AS THE FRENCHMANS BRIDE He needs an heir; she's carrying his baby... Tall, bronzed Frenchman Xavier Salgado-Lezille isn't a man a girl can say no to easily. Jane tries to play it cool, but she's inexperienced...and a virgin. Falling in love isn't part of the plan... neither is discovering she's pregnant once the affair is over. Xavier knows she's carrying his child, and he wants an heir. Jane has been chosen as his bride! THE BRAZILIANS BLACKMAIL BARGAIN Seduced for revenge, bedded for pleasure! Six months ago Brazilian tycoon Caleb Cameron thought he'd uncovered Maggie Holland's plot to ruin him--using seduction! But Maggie was being manipulated by her stepfather. She'd fallen in love with Caleb--but he vowed never to see her again.

After her stepfather dies, Maggie is left with nothing. Now, to complete his revenge, Caleb makes an offer Maggie can't refuse: but she must become his mistress for two months! THE FRENCH TYCOONS PREGNANT MISTRESS Virgin mistress, unexpected baby! Devastatingly handsome French tycoon Pascal Leveque has his sights set on Alana Cusack. Her seeming inexperience intrigues him--she used to be married! Alana's marriage was a sham. It left her feeling unattractive and unwanted. Now that Pascal has claimed her as his mistress, he'll teach the innocent Alana how much pleasure can be had in the bedroom.... But passion leads to pregnancy, and Pascal vows he'll take Alana in Paris...and to the altar! THE KOUROS MARRIAGE REVENGE His revenge was simple: she would be his bride... When Greek shipping magnate Alexandros Kouros wed Kallie Demarchis, media photos showed them madly in love. But behind the happy scenes lay a different story.... Love had nothing to do with it; Kallie had married Alex to save her family's business. He'd have great pleasure taking revenge--for the mistake that had destroyed their youth-when he took her as his arranged bride! BRIDE REQUIRED The price of a bride... Baxter Ross had asked Dee to become his wife of convenience in return for a very large sum of money.

Dee decided she had nothing to lose, and agreed to go ahead with the wedding. But why did such a good-looking man need to pay for a bride? It seemed he'd never been short of female company before. And how would the raw physical attraction that simmered between them affect their marriage...? LOVE WITHOUT REASON Little consequences An illegitimate baby was fodder for the local gossips-especially when the identity of the baby's father was uncertain. But Riona knew that Cameron Adams, the wealthy American who owned the farm she managed in Scotland, was her son's father. He was also the man who'd left her without a word. When Cam returned and took one look at the five-month-old baby in her arms, Riona's deepest fear became a reality. Cam gave her a choice--a marriage of convenience to legitimize their son... or a custody battle that Riona knew only Cam could win! THE MOTHER AND THE MILLIONAIRE What is her big secret? Following unfounded accusations, Jack Doyle had been forced to leave his job at Highfield Manor. Now a millionaire, he's back and the new owner of the house that had been in Esme's family for centuries.... Living in close proximity to the man Esme had worshiped as a teenager will be difficult enough. But she's worried that Jack will find out a secret she has kept for 10 years.... THE STRENGTH OF DESIRE The truth will out!

The first time: Hope had always been strongly attracted to Guy, but she did the right thing and turned her back on him ...until that fateful weekend, when their desire boiled over. In-between times: Hope tried to put her short-lived, misguided affair with Guy behind her, and be a good mother to her daughter, Maxine. This time: The death of Hope's ex-husband. Jack, has brought Guy, his younger brother, back into her life. Hope is left with two legacies: one is the startling contents of Jack's will, the other is the need to confess the truth--that Maxine is not Guy's niece, but his daughter... WICKED GAMES This ain't spin the bottle! gIRL-gEAR VP Kinsey Gray is not happy to hear Doug Storey is moving to Denver. She and the sexy architect have a bit of a history, but Kinsey was never quite sure how she felt about him. Now that he's leaving, it's time she made up her mind. With the help of a three-step plan to seduce Doug, Kinsey's positive she'll persuade him to stay. The wicked games she has planned will knock more than his socks off! Doug's more than a bit surprised when Kinsey tells him she wants him to stay in Houston. Ever since their sexual escapades in Coconut Caye last year, he and Kinsey have kept things casual. While she certainly turns him on, he's not sure what they have is enough to keep him around. Of course, when he finds out Kinsey's up for grabs at a charity bachelorette auction, he's gonna make sure he's the only one tasting Kinsey's wares! A TIME FOR LOVE No surrender Claudia couldn't run far enough or fast enough to stop the relentless torment of her soul. She'd been driving the car

that took her daughter's life--and six years hadn't made a dent in her wrenching grief. And then she discovered that her daughter was alive--and living with the man who'd rejected Claudia's love. Fate and ruthless manipulation had robbed her of her child. Now she wanted retribution. And the enemy was Tyler Monroe, whose sheer hatred for Claudia was imprinted on his handsome face and in his burning kiss. JONAS BERKELEYS DEFIANT WIFE From Miss Prim and Proper Aimi Carteret is determined to put her past behind her. But one man seems equally determined to breach her defenses. Aimi has to resist...has to...for the sake of her reputation. ...to playboy's bride! Wealthy businessman Jonas Berkeley knows there is much more to Aimi than her buttoned-up demeanor suggests; he wants to discover the feisty Aimi in his bed. But as Aimi surrenders to him, Jonas discovers the dark secrets that make her so defiant--and only he can tame her.... SAVAGE DESTINY He was just using her! Five years before, Pierce had married Alix one day--and rejected her the next. And why? Because she had been his route to a fleet of ships and his revenge. He had been passionate and she had been in love--but once was enough for Alix to have her fingers burned! Now he was back and as demanding as ever. She must mm marry him to help her sick father and die ailing family business--and again she had no choice. But this time things were different. Before she had loved him now she hated him. She was determined not to suffer again as she had before-but was he too hot to handle?

THE BITTER PRICE OF LOVE Mistress for hire! Hunter Jamieson had been furious to discover that his cousin's intended bride was the same little gold digger who had run out on him only days before. And it seemed Reba Wyeth was up to her old tricks.... She needed money fast. And marrying Eliot Thorson III seemed the perfect deal. He'd get a beautiful woman on his arm. Reba would get the cash. Simple. Only Hunter Jamieson stood in her way. She had made the mistake of falling for the man, only to have to say goodbye. She'd had her reasons, of course, but Hunter wasn't interested in explanations--only revenge! The wedding was off! If Reba wanted money she could have it, but on one condition--that she become his mistress! THE LAWYERS CONTRACT MARRIAGE The plan is to bed her, not wed her... Samantha Lombardi was in love with lawyer Ransom Shaw. But, forced to marry another man to save her family from financial ruin, she had to convince Ransom that she'd never loved him at all. Six years later, Sam is widowed and unexpectedly reunited with Ransom. He believes her to be a selfish gold digger. But the sexual tension between them still burns! Ransom proposes a red-hot affair to get her out of his system. However, Ransom's desire is not so easily satisfied.... THE MILLIONAIRES MARRIAGE REVENGE Reclaiming his wife -- in the bedroom! Lucas Antonetti was furious when Sofie left him shortly after their honeymoon. But six years later he has tracked her

down and can finally have his runaway bride pay the price of her desertion: she's still his wife and she will act as one-both in and out of the bedroom! Lucas doesn't know the real, heartbreaking reason Sofie walked out on their marriage. But it's only a matter of time before he discovers her other secret.... And when Lucas finds he has a son, his desire for vengeance is even stronger! TRAIL OF LOVE "You're in trouble with a capital T!" Kay Napier was a happy, intelligent young woman who had been brought up in a loving home. But then lightning struck.... The first bolt came in the disturbingly attractive shape of Ben Radford. The second--the unraveling of a well-kept secret--was a very challenge to her identity. She wasn't who she thought she was! But then something else came to light... Ben wanted her body, but not her love.... He was marrying Nita! AT THE BOSSS BECK AND CALL Working overtime with the boss! A sexy Italian should be just the thing to liven up Lara's working life. Except this gorgeous specimen of a man is not only her new boss, he's the last person she ever expected to see again-and the father of her child! Now Lara is at Alessandro's beck and call -- but his mind is on more than just work. How is Lara supposed to tell him about their daughter? He may have asked her to step into his office, but his demands have extended to the bedroom! ALEJANDROS REVENGE Seduced ... by a Latin lover!

Two years ago in Miami, Abigail Leighton spent one unforgettable night with irresistible, enigmatic Alejandro Varga. But malicious lies broke them apart, and Abby left determined to forget about Alejandro forever. Now Abby is back and forced to face her Latin lover once more. To her surprise, passion between them flares as strongly as ever. But Alejandro hasn't forgotten the past, and he's intent on revenge by seduction.... HIS VIRGIN MISTRESS Demetri Kastro has dark suspicions about Joanna, the young and very attractive woman who has escorted his father home to Greece. Though the elderly millionaire is ill, Demetri is certain Joanna isn't what the doctor ordered! However, Demetri's attempts to dig beneath Joanna's coolly beautiful exterior reveal few clues as to the nature of her relationship with his father. She's giving nothing away...except an unwitting sexual attractiveness that Demetri finds hard to resist.... HOT PURSUIT Sara was beautiful, secretive -- and haunted. Matt Seton was both intrigued and annoyed by his unexpected houseguest. She wouldn't tell him where she was from, but he could tell she was running from something. Common sense warned Matt not to get involved, but then a newspaper article revealed that Sara was in fact the wife of a rich man and missing, feared kidnapped. Matt knew he couldn't abandon Sara; she needed his protection. And as the atmosphere became erotically charged between them, Matt also realized that, though he mustn't touch Sara, he couldn't let her go....

IN THE ITALIANS BED Tess Daniels's new job in Italy is off to a bad start when wealthy vineyard owner Rafe di Castelli accuses her of being responsible for the disappearance of his teenage son. It's actually Tess's younger sister whom Rafe is after -- and she's gone missing, too! Despite Rafe's arrogant accusal, Tess decides to help him locate the runaways. The situation is difficult enough without the incredible sexual tension that's growing between them. But Rafe pushes Tess away. He cannot let himself be consumed by the intense desire that would surely follow.... JACK RIORDANS BABY She had to give him what he really wanted -- a baby! Jack Riordan was gorgeous and a real man. However, Rachel had her fears about her husband: they'd grown so far apart since they'd failed to have a child. But a real man needed a real woman -- and Rachel was determined to win him back. She would seduce him, and let him love her. And maybe she'd conceive -- and carry to full term -- Jack's much-wanted baby.... BRIDE IN A GILDED CAGE Possessed by passion...in the marriage bed The tango is an Argentinean dance of possession and passion...and that's exactly how aristocrat Rafael Romero intends his convenient marriage to teacher Isobel will be. First he will take her as his bride. Then he'll lead her to the marriage bed, where he'll make her his. Isobel may have no choice but to give her hand to Rafael in matrimony, yet she intends to stay as free as a bird. But her new husband will keep her caged once he discovers he's wed a virgin....

RESTLESS BILLIONAIRE/THE STOLEN BRIDE Sebastian... Sharp. Cool. Controlled. Ruthless in business and revered by many, Sebastian is at the top of his game professionally. Emotionally, he keeps himself alone, aloof and almost untouchable. Some say his heart is made of stone. Escaping her sham of a wedding, Bollywood star Aneesa Adani takes one look at ice-cool Sebastian and is hooked! Now he's harboring this stolen bride in his penthouse, and the passionate Aneesa is the biggest risk Sebastian has ever faced. Letting her close could ignite the fire that melts even the hardest of hearts... RUTHLESS GREEK BOSS, SECRETARY MISTRESS Three weeks in the bosss bed! Lucy Proctor watches the women who come and go in Aristotle Levakis life. She has no desire to join them, despite Aris devastating good-looks, and is perfectly content as his assistant or so she tries to convince herself! Ari shouldnt find his prim and plump secretary attractive, but something about her calls to him. He knows there is only one way to overcome this desire and that is to sate it Three weeks in Athens should be enough time to get to know his sensible secretary better! RUTHLESSLY BEDDED, FORCIBLY WEDDED He took her virginity for revenge! Multimillionaire Vincenzo Valentini believed Cara Brosnan played a role in his sister's downfall. He sought her out to make her pay. He seduced her, revealed his identity -- and cruelly discarded her. Now he'll take her to the altar!

But Cara has done no wrong. She's shocked and mortified that she gave her virginity so willingly to the ruthless Vincenzo. To make matters worse, she's just discovered she's expecting -- and now the dark-hearted Italian is claiming her once more...this time as his wife! SECRETS OF THE OASIS Shocking secrets of the sands! When she gave herself to Sheikh Salman in Paris five years ago, Jamilah Moreau fantasized about wedding dresses and happy endings. But Salman was driven by desire, not diamond solitaires.... Now, sheikh of a desert kingdom, Salman can have anything he wants -- and, as Jamilah discovers when he spirits her off to a desert oasis, it's still her! However, time has wrought changes, and their lovemaking is no longer enough. Something happened back in Paris that had everlasting consequences for both of them.... SHEIKHS RANSOM SHEIKH IN DISGUISE When his country's priceless heirloom jewel is stolen, darkly aristocratic Prince Karim vows to recover it -- by kidnapping socialite Caroline Langley. In disguise, he lures her to his palace. But he doesn't anticipate the urgent, primitive stirrings the beautiful foreigner arouses. Now he must have Caroline... body and soul. A WILLING CAPTIVE Caroline cannot resist Prince Karim's arrogant, potent masculinity. Letting him introduce her to the pleasures of womanhood is an opportunity for unimaginable fulfillment. But betrayal and deceit mar her fairy tale. What if his ardor is just an act? And if the prince's ransom isn't met, will Caroline become the sheikh's most precious gem?

A SOLITARY SHEIKH A HARDENED, LONELY SHEIKH A WOMAN TO HEAL HIM Jana was captivated by the sheikh and his breathtaking inheritance, the Cup of Happiness. But a taste from the goblet had failed to bring him joy. So Jana tempted the prince to touch his lips to hers, and in his unquenchable desire she glimpsed his hidden need to be healed... and loved. Could this beauty restore Omar's faith in family... and make this solitary sheikh lonely no more? BELOVED SHEIKH THE SEDUCTIVE SULTAN Sheikh Rafi could have a harem of women... but he wanted bewitching Zara Blake. And just as the prince was about to steal that first, sizzling kiss from Zara, SHE was stolen from him -- abducted by his archenemy! HIS CAPTIVE QUEEN-TO-BE Zara's head was spinning -- she'd been kidnapped! And her captor was a dead ringer for the prince. Then Rafi appeared with a rescue plan and a promise to make her his queen. Was this a trap... or the only way back into the arms of her beloved sheikh? SHEIKHS TEMPTATION NO OTHER LOVER BUT YOU One night of electrifying, primitive lovemaking with Sheikh Arash Khosravi and Lana Holding had never let another man touch her. Separated by circumstance, she despaired of seeing him again. But their reunion proved bittersweet. For pride and pain had made her strong sheikh ruthless and as cold as the blizzard they were stranded in.... Arash had risked his fortune to save his beloved country. And so he could promise gentle Lana no future. But solitude

with the breathtaking beauty was too tempting for his noble resistance. Surrendering to the woman who was his torment, his delight, he vowed to have her forever. Could he keep her when he had nothing to offer... but himself? SHEIKHS HONOUR Sons of the Desert: Powerful sheikhs born to rule and destined to find love as eternal as the sands.... Prince Jalal travels to Ontario cottage country and meets the younger sister of Princess Zara. Sheikh Jalal had been his family's darkest secret... but finally he was recognized as prince and heir. Now he would claim all that was his: land, title, throne... and a queen. Though Clio Blake, the temptress who had bewitched him, fought like a tigress, Jalal would not be denied his woman! Clio Blake was no man's prey -- or any country's princess. And she would never offer her heart to a man with Jalal's tainted past. So why couldn't she resist his delicious, demanding kisses? And why did she tremble at the thought of the bandit prince claiming her, possessing her... loving her? SHEIKHS WOMAN MARRIED TO THE ENEMY She'd awakened in a hospital, confused, to discover she was mother to a newborn...and wife to a steely-eyed stranger. Mere hours after gazing on Ishaq Ahmadi in London, Anna found herself at their desert home, which seemed both hauntingly familiar and oddly foreign. No evidence of a happy marriage existed in the palatial residence. No photographs. No clothes that fit Anna's slender build. No trust, given Ishaq's endless questions. There was simply the primal, passionate connection between them...and, of course, the baby.

But Anna soon learned that nothing about her marriage was to be believed.... THE SULTANS HEIR HOW COULD ONE MAN BE BOTH HER TORMENT AND HER TEMPTATION? Sheikh Najib blasted into Rosalind Lewis's life and staked a sultan's claim on her son! Her denial of the boy's royal lineage was met with deaf ears -- and relentless kisses. When danger threatened, mother and child were whisked into Najib's exotic world, a faraway place where protection meant marriage. But with every night in the arms of her sheikh "husband," Rosalind's secret threatened to surface. Would the truth bring a bitter end -- or a heartfelt vow? UNDERCOVER SULTAN THE SHEIKH AND LADY SPY Sheikh Haroun al Muntazir was honor-bound to recover a priceless family jewel...but what was lovely operative Mariel de Vouvray's mission? Until her motives were made plain, he had to keep her close -- yet at a distance. But with one stolen kiss Haroun's resistance turned to air. Was Mariel's melting surrender a trap of ultimate danger...or a precious haven offered by his future beloved wife? SLEEPING WITH THE SULTAN ENEMY IN HIS BED Sheikh Ashraf possessed the fortitude of a hundred sultans -still, he was mightily tempted by the seductive allure of the mysterious and ravishing Dana Morningstar. Never had a woman unraveled his restraint like the sumptuous television celebrity. But for Ashraf, romance was unfathomable -- his objective was to seize his family's stolen throne. In this power struggle, was Dana a courier of danger, an assassin's bait? Ashraf's instincts said she was an ally.... Still, to control the

vixen, he would keep her close as a lover. Perhaps a night of passion would conquer all doubt! THE PLAYBOY SHEIKH "You're mine and no other man's." -- Jafar al Hamzeh, Royal Advisor Extraordinaire Savoring the look on his ex-lover's face, he swept her astride his regal steed, then raced toward his desert domain. Once, he'd envisaged Lisbet Raine as mother to his babies. That was before she'd inexplicably walked away. Before duty demanded he metamorphose from warrior to wastrel in order to flush out a traitor. In revenge he offered only heartless passion to the sweet betrayer returned to his bed. But when the enemy targeted Lisbet, Jaf wondered if he'd been wrong to believe love like theirs could die. For he'd risk everything to ensure she didn't.... BREAKING THE SHEIKHS RULES The sheikh's rule: "Don't fall in love with me." The huge imposing castle and the barren terrain of Merkazad are a far cry from the modest farm and the emerald fields that horsewoman Iseult calls home. Or used to, until Sheikh Nadim bought her family's stud farm. As part of the deal, she must work at his royal stables.... Nadim enrages Iseult...but he also inspires a more unwelcome, unfamiliar feeling: desire. Drawn into Nadim's sensual world, Iseult feels like a beautiful, confident woman for the first time. But she must remember the sheikh's cast-iron rule.... IN CHRISTOFIDES KEEPING When one night with playboy Rico Christofides leaves her pregnant, Gypsy Butler is determined to spare her unborn baby the heartache of her own neglectful childhood. But a shock meeting is about to change her plans....

Rico has never forgotten -- or forgiven -- the one woman who managed to smash through his cast-iron defenses. Now he's discovered he's a father, nothing will stop him from claiming his child...even if unwilling Gypsy craves her freedom! MISTRESS TO THE MERCILESS MILLIONAIRE She's his -- for as long as he wants her... It's been ten years since Tiarnan Quinn humiliatingly rejected Kate, and she's still smarting. As a famous model she can have any man she wants. But there's something about the coldhearted millionaire that makes her go weak at the knees. So much so she agrees to jet off to his luxury villa in Martinique. Kate knows Tiarnan can't give her what she wants: true love and a family. But as the sultry nights close in she begins to see hints of a different man beneath the hard exterior.... ONE NIGHT WITH THE ENEMY In Argentina's breathtaking vineyards... Nicolas de Rojas and Madalena Vasquez had a stolen affair amongst the Mendozan vineyards - until Maddie discovered a devastating secret about Nic, and left without another word. He will have her once again! Now Maddie is back, having inherited her family's struggling vineyard, and she's at Nic's mercy - right where he wants her. He's one of Argentina's most successful vintners, and Maddie desperately needs Nic's help. But will she agree to his condition? One exquisite night with him...to finish what they started eight years ago... THE CALL OF THE DESERT When Julia's first love affair with the exotic Crown Prince of Burquat ended in heartbreak, she'd never expected to meet him again. But fate brings them back together. And when the Emir Kaden Bin Rashad al Abbas realizes that their

desire is as strong as it ever was, he is determined to take his revenge on the woman who broke his heart... THE LEGEND OF DE MARCO Rocco de Marco. Legendary financier and billionaire. The most important man in the room. And he'd just witnessed her filching canaps from the buffet If waitress Gracie O'Brien's first meeting with Rocco is memorable, the second is unforgettable. For when he finds her breaking in to his office he doesn't believe her innocence -- so he'll keep her close until he finds the truth. Yet it's impossible for Rocco to stay angry with the sparky redhead -- she's making him feel emotions he thought he'd buried forever. And the sexual tension between them is reaching explosion point. THE MEDITERRANEAN BILLIONAIRES BLACKMAIL BARGAIN The Italian's forced mistress When Alicia turns up at Dante D'Aquanni's Italian villa claiming he's responsible for her sister's pregnancy, he's furious. He knows her type--and he'll make her pay! When it turns out Dante wasn't her sister's lover, Alicia has to make amends, and Dante wants more than a mere apology. He wants Alicia. She's whisked into his glamorous world. But despite the sizzling chemistry between them, Alicia knows she must leave--because she's falling for a man who despises her.... THE SPANIARDS MARRIAGE BARGAIN Rowan had been Isandro Salazar's bride of convenience. But knowing that the Spanish billionaire would never love her as she loved him, her choice was to make her unborn child her priority and then, once he was born, make her dark journey by herself....

But in Isandro's eyes, Rowan's decision rendered her a gold digger who had committed the worst possible crime. However, he couldn't stop her seeing her baby son--or deny that the passion between them was as raw and intense as ever.... THE SULTANS CHOICE Chosen as the Sultan's bride, Samia has no option but to go ahead with the marriage. And, as her new husband slowly peels away her bejeweled wedding finery, despite her best intentions she finds her inhibitions swept away. Sadiq is surprised by his new bride's passionate nature! He chose her as a shy, biddable wife who will not make any demands on his time. Now he finds Samia to be anything but... Instead she's determined, demanding -- and defiant! THE VIRGINS SECRET Leo Parnassus has returned to Athens to head the family empire. A New Yorker since childhood, he finds life is certainly different here with family feuds and expectations to marry and produce heirs! Amid all this tradition, the beautiful girl who catches Leo's eye is a welcome distraction. She may be a lowly waitress, but Angel has her secrets.... Leo will be pleased to discover she's a virgin, but not that she's the daughter of his adversary! Or that, in nine months, there will be one more secret revealed... SHEIKHS CASTAWAY After learning she'd been betrayed by her fiance, Princess Noor skipped out on her own wedding and wound up stranded on a remote island with none other than the man she was trying to avoid. But her intended was nothing if not determined, and Noor soon discovered that, try as she might, ignoring her feelings for sexy Sheikh Bari al Khalid was something even a royal couldn't do.

As their time on the island stretched from hours into days, Noor could no longer resist her passion for Bari, regardless of the consequences it would have on their future. THE PRICE OF FREEDOM The past held sweet and bitter times Gail Mackenzie had done her best to forget the love she'd shared with Barry Saunderson, and its unhappy result. Barry was dead, and that part of her life was dead, too. It was Kyle, Barry's stern older brother, who wouldn't leave the past alone. He was only too eager to condemn her out of hand, raking up all the old shame and misery. Gail fought back with everything she had, but love--or the memory of it--didn't die that easily. And then Kyle played his trump card.... ALL TIED UP The Girl: When it comes to playing games, Webzine editor Macy Webb is the absolute best. Her latest idea for her girlgames column -- an adult scavenger hunt where each half of a couple has to discover their partner's deepest secrets of mind...and body. The gUY: Attorney Leo Redding wouldn't have been Macy's first choice for a playmate. Not that he isn't gorgeous and sexy -- actually, maybe he's too much of all that. And while she's certain she can get into his head, she's got her work cut out for her getting into his bed...and staying out of love! BOUND TO HAPPEN It was guaranteed to be seven days of sun -- and sin! A relaxing vacation with the winner of the gIRL-gEAR.com scavenger hunt becomes downright sticky for CEO Sydney Ford when Ray Coffey -- her one-time lover -- claims the prize! Now she and her fellow gIRL gEAR partners are stuck

together with Ray and his friends in this exotic locale for an entire week. For Sydney, the memory of her one steamy night with Ray is distracting her from running her business. He couldn't have been all that, could he? Well, only one way to find out! For Ray, being marooned with Sydney is sheer torture -- from seeing her gorgeous body on the beach in her bikini, and out of it in his dreams! He can't understand how that one night -- albeit one incredible night -- has lingered for so long in his mind. It was only sex, right? One more night with Sydney should be a reality check. But Ray's beginning to worry that once simply won't be enough.... INDISCREET She wanted some fun... gIRL-gEAR vice president Annabel "Poe" Lee needs a change. That means telling her recent fling, Patrick Coffey, that it's over. In theory, it's an easy task. In reality, Patrick's the best lover she's ever had, so saying goodbye is tougher than she'd thought. But it's time to move on, and falling for Patrick isn't in the cards...or is it? He was more than happy to oblige... When Annabel tells Patrick she can't see him anymore, he's not thrilled. He may not be ready for anything more than great sex either, but she's the best thing that's ever happened to him. Since Annabel's letting him stick around for a few more weeks, though, he's determined to show her why it's so good between them -- day and night! NO STRINGS ATTACHED She'd made a deal with the devil...and he took her to heaven

Chloe Zuniga, VP of gIRL-gEAR cosmetics and accessories divisions, needed a man to save her reputation -- even though her enjoyment of the opposite sex and her potty mouth was what got her into trouble in the first place. Her old friend Eric Haydon agreed to be her "steady date" for three company events -- if she granted him three wishes. Eric just knew that he and Chloe were going to be lovers sooner or later. He simply had to figure out when and how. And once he'd done that, there was nothing left to wish for...except Chloe's heart along with her body. STRIPTEASE She'll bare her body... Melanie Craine knows romance isn't in the cards for her. She's ambitious, and has no time for a man in her busy life. With all of the other women at the funky gIRL-gEAR.com Web site meeting Mr. Right, someone has to keep things afloat! Then, when hot videographer Jacob Faulkner films her behavior at her friend's wedding, she's livid. Determined to make him see what's beneath her attitude, she tapes herself doing a steamy striptease...for Jacob's eyes only. He'll want her soul... Jacob never expected Melanie to retaliate the way she did when he sent that tape! Watching her slowly remove each item of clothing from her body is the most erotic thing he's ever seen. Now that he's on board to film the gIRL-gEAR group for a documentary on successful businesswomen, there's no way he can keep things "professional." And it can't get any better when he finds out she doesn't want anything more than a sexual relationship. But will it be enough in the end? TEX APPEAL: UNBROKEN Ride 'em, cowgirls! What do you get when you take a hunky former rodeo star, a real good old boy and a randy Ranger and pair them with

three women who desperately need to get some action between the sheets? A Valentine's Day with tons of Tex appeal! Dr. Tess Autrey is no buckle bunny. But a certain wickedly sexy rancher may change her mind! KISS AND MAKEUP Bartender Shandi Fossey is mixing cool cocktails temporarily at Hush -- the hottest hotel in Manhattan. The place practically oozes sex...has sexual fantasy written all over it. For Shandi, it's a stopover on her way to finding her dreams. And a very long way from pulling beers at the Thirsty Rattler in tiny Round-Up, Oklahoma. So what's a girl to do when sexy Quentin Marks comes by every night offering to buy her a drink? To music producer Quentin, Shandi is one part sweetness and two parts sass with a dash of the unexpected thrown in. He wants to taste every inch of her...bury himself in her soft skin. He can open a lot of doors for Shandi, yet the only door he wants to lead her through is right upstairs...at Hush. But will everything change the morning after...? A PROMISE TO REPAY "A very devious, dangerous man." That was how Kate described Aidan Crawford. She had been looking forward to ruining him, had thought of little else than the prospect of revenge. When the opportunity came, however, she found herself up against a worthy adversary--a man with devastatingly masculine wiles. Until Aidan kissed her, she had thought herself frigid-unable to respond physically to a man. Why did it have to be Aidan who melted the ice water that encased her? And was passion enough to free her from the shadows of her past...?

PERFECT STRANGERS She must not lose him a second time! Doctors had ordered Zoe Winthrop not to try to see Ross Lyneham. His amnesia following the accident had robbed him of all memory of her. But Zoe was compelled to find out if there was still a chance for happiness. She longed to tell him who she was and what they had once meant to each other. Yet she dared not, lest he discover that the woman in his past whose cruel betrayal caused his deep distrust of women was Zoe, herself. Surely there must be some way out of their situation! SOMETHING FROM THE HEART "Morgan's coming home!" her stepfather cried Those three words should have released a flood of warm memories for Leigh. Instead, thoughts of their last disastrous encounter blotted out the rest. Just when she'd been coming to terms with her awakening feelings, Morgan had seemed intent on resisting the passion that flowed between them. "Why must it be you of all women who tempts me almost beyond endurance?" he'd said. Why couldn't he see that she was nothing like her mother? And why was the thought of seeing him again casting her world into turmoil...? THE MILLIONAIRES REWARD That's the question on every single woman's mind since shoppers witnessed a shocking scene yesterday. Apparently, local gallery manager Ellie Hernandez collided with prominent CEO Garek Wisnewski on an icy sidewalk, tangling them in each other's arms...and on the ground!

Witnesses claim the sparks that flew as the two retrieved Ellie's scattered purchases raised the city's temperature. And some sharp eye spotted a package mix-up that might mean some future mingling will also happen. Dare we hope this spirited Latina will thaw the mogul's frozen heart? Since neither party would return this reporter's calls, only time will tell.... A KISS FROM SATAN "Place your hand on a woman's heart and she's yours instantly," said the arrogant Greek Julius Spiridon, who was certainly devastating enough to know what he was talking about. But Gale Davis was not just any woman, she had been hurt and embittered after being cruelly let down by the man she loved, and had vowed never to let a man touch her heart again. She was absolutely determined to fight the attraction she so unwillingly felt for Julius; it was, after all, only physical attraction she felt for him, not real love, so it ought to be easy enough to control. Only it wasn't. Gradually Gale found herself being drawn into a situation she had never wanted but couldn't get out of. Was this man too going to break her heart? A MAN TO BE FEARED "Fate," Dorian Coralis had said. Juliet dwelt on this, instinctively recalling those days when he had so despised her. She wondered how he would react if she told him that she was the girl he had met at her aunt and uncle's home. "I'll marry you, Dorian," Juliet whispered, triumph soaring within her. Revenge! The word was all around her. She would bring this man to the dust! AN EAGLE SWOOPED Tessa had loved Paul Demetrius from the start, but from the moment she introduced him to her beautiful sister Lucinda

he had had eyes for no one else. At last, unable to bear seeing the two of them together, Tessa had gone away. Now, two years later, she was home again, expecting to hear that they were married -- only to learn that they had never in fact married, that after a terrible accident in which Paul had been blinded, Lucinda had walked out on him and he was now living the life of a recluse in Cyprus. So Tessa took her courage in both hands, went out to Cyprus pretending to be Lucinda, begged Paul's forgiveness -- and married him. Would her love be strong enough to stand the strain of living such a lie? And what if Paul ever found out? BELOVED VAGABOND She soon regretted her careless words In anger, Lynn had called the dark Gypsy stranger "one of the dregs of society." Much to her horror, this had provoked him to bodily kidnap her. The final blow had come after their Gypsy wedding. But she was powerless to escape: the Gypsies watched her by day, and Rad kept her imprisoned--in his arms--by night. He told her nothing of himself or his life, but Lynn began to understand his enigmatic, almost dual personality--and the gentle, aristocratic half attracted her very much.... BRIDE FOR A NIGHT "Foolish, silly girl! He's a good catch!" When Alida was seventeen, her father promised her to a wealthy but brash young Greek who had no idea of how to treat a woman. She rebelled and fled to England -- but before she became his wife. Eight years later, Dariius Valaris came into Alida's life again to ruin her Bahamian island paradise with hotels

and parking lots. But he'd changed, and despite herself, she found him very appealing. No, she told herself. Never again! But the fire in his eyes was melting her resolution.... DEAR STRANGER Shara couldn't blame her foster-brother Carl for having had nothing to do with her for years; his parents, after all, had virtually rejected him for her. But now he had come back into her life, prepared to be friends. Friends? It had never been as a friend that Shara had thought of Carl; she had never even thought of him as a brother... Carl turned slowly, his face grave and also troubled. "You wanted me -- really wanted a brother?" She lowered her lashes, speaking In the same whisper tones. "Yes, Carl. At that time I did want to be close -- just as a brother and sister should. Later -- and I wasn't really very old before I did begin to notice -- I tried to let you see how much I was hurt by it all--" "Hurt?" with a sudden sharp edge to his voice. "You felt pity for me?" Why hadn't she been a little more guarded? "Carl... don't misunderstand me. When I say I needed you I mean it." DESIRE HE WANTED AN HEIR, BUT NOT A WIFE. Kim Rosswell was young, beautiful, and desperate. Vidas Christou was wealthy, and determined that the child she carried bear the Christou name.

Kim knew she should have told Vidas the truth. There could not possibly be a child; another's lies had misled him. But the stakes were too high. His proposal gives her a chance to save her father's life. That is something to cling to even after he discovers her deception--and she discovers that she loves her distant husband. FOR LOVE OF A PAGAN She quickly refused Paul's proposition! "I'd make it worth your while," he had promised. "You'd have a villa in the sun, a car and an ever increasing bank balance." Knowing she was far from indifferent to this devastating Greek, Tina fled back to England. When Paul followed and offered her marriage, Tina was faced with another decision. She wondered if her love for him would be enough to overcome their deep differences. GATES OF STEEL Helen Stewart was disenchanted with the whole idea of love and romance, while Leon Petrou, it was said, had no time for women -- so when he suggested that she should marry him, to provide a background for his small niece and nephew, she agreed, feeling that emotion would not enter into the situation at all. And that could prove to be a dangerous assumption. Turning to her, Leon said softly, "Don't you think we might try to - to - ?" "Are you expecting love from me?" A hint of bitterness had crept into Helen's voice now. "No, I shall never expect love from you. You're not willing to give it -- you told me that at the beginning, told me you'd

never again allow your emotions to become involved -because of what some other man had done to you. That's right, isn't it?" "Yes, yes, that's right. I said I'd never risk that sort of heartache again." "And you believe that's reasonable." She glanced at him sharply, "I shall never give another man an opportunity to hurt me. I don't intend to fall in love again." MASTER OF MOONROCK Thane Benedict was the last person Loren Knight would have chosen to be her guardian. However, there it was: he was indeed to have charge of her until she was twenty; and here she was, at Moonrock, his vast cattle station in the middle of Australia's Outback, for the next two years. Thane tucked Loren's arm in his and they strolled towards a bush track where white gums spread their silver branches and twisted, mottled trunks shone like silver in the light stolen from a full moon. A romantic night, full of sound laughter and music drifting out from the shed. Gradually, as they lengthened the distance between them and the shed, the music faded and became lost altogether. "Where are we going?" Loren asked. He glanced down, his face appearing more lean and angular than ever in the shadows cast by the gently-swaying branches of the trees. "I'm your guardian, remember? -- you can relax." The brooding silence of the bush dropped again, oppressive and intense. Over the moon a thin veil of cloud writhed and swirled, throwing stealthily-moving shadows across the eucalyptus scrub....

PAGAN LOVER On her wedding day, Tara was abducted by the masterful Leon Petrides, dragged off to Greece and forced to marry him. And from the start it had been a real marriage, not an "in name only" one. Yet hadn't Tara any mind of her own at all? Why hadn't she flatly refused to marry him? Why didn't she try to run away? After all, she loved her fianc David, didn't she, and wanted nothing but to get back to him. This feeling she had for her pagan husband, a feeling she couldn't deny, was only physical attraction, wasn't it? So what was stopping her? SOUTH OF MANDRAKI The only way Daros Latimer could save Toni Freeman from the ancient Cretan law of vendetta was to marry her. As Daros was charming and rich, Toni might well have done worse for herself --except that she didn't care about him any more than he did about her! But he had the traditional Greek male ideas of a wfe as being nothing more than a servant and a chattel. Did this marriage have any chance at all? STRANGERS MAY MARRY SHE HAD NO CHOICE. Laura had practically raised little Mandy, but she had no legal claim to the homeless child. And now the authorities wanted to take Mandy away. Paul Penalis could help her to keep Mandy, but his price was marriage. Was the price too high for Laura to pay, or could she find true happiness in a marriage of strangers? THE HAWK AND THE DOVE When Janis married Perry Caton, after a very short acquaintance, she was in no doubt as to what she was doing.

It was a marriage of convenience. If he did not marry by a certain date, Perry would lose his inheritance and the family home he loved above everything else; Janis was alone in the world and penniless --so what, really, had she to lose? I n any case, Perry had made it clear that in due course they would "do the obvious thing" about the situation -- and Janis understood what he meant by that. As time went on, she began to feel that it would be no hardship to put her marriage on a normal footing -- until it began to dawn on her that perhaps that was not what Perry had meant at all WAVES OF FIRE It was five years now since Shani had married Andreas Manou -- but the marriage had been in name only and she had not seen him since the wedding day. And now Shani was planning to marry again -- and Andreas had chosen this moment to coma back into her life .. . This lawyer of yours apparently believes an annulment will be simple. Did you tell him we were married in England?" Shani's spirits began to sink, even while she obstinately refused to admit that Andreas had the power to keep her bound to him. "He knows we were married in England, yes." "And yet he believes he can obtain an annulment for you." Andreas shook his head. "Only can annul the marriage -you are not in a position to do so, whatever you, or this lawyer, might think to the contrary." "You?" She stared at him. "But I'm the Injured party. I was forced Into marriage -- black-mailed!" "Don't talk rubbish! You married me willingly. I'm the injured party! I've offered you a home and you've refused to live with me. In the eyes of the law I'm the one with the

grievance; consequently it is only I who can annul the marriage." WINGS OF NIGHT Melanie Rawson had been very young and inexperienced when she agreed to marry Leandros Angeli and it was inexperience that hadmade her take fright and break off the engagement. But all that was seven years ago and Leandros had faded into the past. Or had he? For now disturbingly, he had appeared in her life again-demanding that, as the price of her brother's freedom, she should go with him to Crete. In the days of ancient Crete, girls were taken there as sacrifices to the monstrous Minotaur. Now in the present day, it seemed that Melanie was to be sacrificed tooto a man who had waited seven years for his revenge... A DISTANT SOUND OF THUNDER It had not taken Rebecca long to fall wildly in love with Piers St. Clair -- not much longer, in fact, than it had taken her to discover that he was married. So, all too swiftly, that idyll on a romantic Pacific island had had to come to an end. Now, three years later and back on the other side of the world, Rebecca had found a new life. But she had not found a new love, although young Paul Victor was doing his best to make her look his way. Nothing would ever make her forget Piers, she knew -- and when, through Paul, Piers suddenly came back into her life again, Rebecca knew that she had never stopped loving him. But it was only too obvious that Piers felt nothing for her now but bitterness. Could she ever free herself, now, of this love that so clearly had no future? A SAVAGE BEAUTY Emma Seaton was comfortably if unexcitingly engaged to Victor Harrison; he was a wealthy business tycoon, and

Emma could look forward to a life of ease and luxury with him -- but was that all she wanted from life? She became even more aware of her doubts about Victor when she met the disturbing Miguel Salvaje, who made no secret of his attraction to her, and Emma soon admitted to herself that she in turn was attracted to him. The situation grew even more intense when Miguel virtually blackmailed her into marrying him instead of Victor and bore her off to his home in Mexico. The tense situation between them might have resolved itself happily, however, had Emma not discovered that she was expected to share her home with a third person -- someone even more overpowering than Miguel himself. A TRIAL MARRIAGE "I tried to tell you how it would be," Jake said slowly. "You knew our marriage wasn't going to be easy, but believe me, it's the only way." Rachel felt as if she were confronted by some enormously complicated puzzle. And as yet she had no clue to its solution. Jake had said it was the only way, but the only way to what? Helplessly she realized how unyielding his attitude was. Would nothing she could say change his mind? ACT OF POSSESSION Could he ever belong to her? Antonia was devastated to learn that the very attractive man she had met at Celia's party was none other than Reed Gallagher, Celia's fiance. He hadn't acted like a man in love, but perhaps their sort of people behaved differently. And Antonia was very definitely not their sort. Although she resolved to forget Reed, Antonia couldn't escape him. He invaded her life and her heart. And despite her guilt feelings, she soon discovered she couldn't live without him.

Nor could she live with herself for wanting another woman's man. APOLLOS SEED "You're trying to frighten me, Dion." Martha's voice was uneven, trying to conceal the fact that he was succeeding. She'd been tricked into this confrontation with her husband, and his proposal amazed her. After five years apart, she was being virtually forced to rejoin her wealthy Greek husband as his wife. Along with their small daughter, Josy. Martha realized her feelings for Dion were as deep as ever. But how could she once again cope with Dion's strong passionate nature if getting their child back was his only reason for wanting her? AUTUMN OF THE WITCH It was to save her father from ruin that Stephanie had married Santino Ventura and gone to live with him in his castle in Sicily. Santino had made it clear that he had not married her because she wanted a real wife, but a companion for his small daughter -- but why, oh, why had he done it at all? BEDDED FOR THE ITALIANS PLEASURE The Italian's savage passion... When Juliet meets broodingly handsome Italian Raphael Marchese, there is an instant and dangerous attraction between them. But because of the pretense Juliet has agreed to in order to help a friend, Rafe mistakenly thinks she's a gold-digger who's engaged to another man!

However, the tension between Juliet and Rafe is stronger than reason, and it erupts. Raphael makes love to her-passionately and savagely. He reasons that though he can never have her, he can enjoy the pleasure of her body.... BETRAYED Olivia didn't expect returning home to be easy. And it wasn't. Especially when it was Matthew Ryan who met her at the airport when she returned to England fro her grandmother's funeral. Matt and Olivia had once been passionate lovers and he had been desperate to marry her. Instead, she had chosen to leave him, although it had nearly broken her heart. But that had been ten years ago, part of their past. Until Olivia discovered their past was far from being dead and forgotten - a potent attraction flared between them as if they'd never been parted! BEWARE THE BEAST Charlotte's heart lurched sickeningly at the thought of going away. She honestly didn't know what Alex meant when he answered his mother's question confidently. "Oh yes," he said. "I will be staying now, won't I, Charlotte?" Charlotte was lost for a reply. Was Alex implying that, because she would be leaving, he would be forced to remain? Despite what he had said and done, despite her motives for agreeing to his infamous contract, she wanted to stay. This was her home; this man was her husband. And she loved him.

BLIND PASSION Could love be blind? One night of passion--that was all they'd shared. And that had been ten years ago. But the experience had changed Helen's life. She'd certainly tried to forget the past, but she knew she hadn't succeeded. And then her world turned upside down When Helen least expected it--on what should have been an idyllic holiday in Bermuda--she had to face the fact that things really weren't over. Because Reed Wyatt was quite right in assuming she still remembered him.... BRITTLE BONDAGE Wedlocked? Rachel's marriage had ended in bitterness and tears. Ben had been unfaithful to her, she was sure, though, of course, he had denied it. Now their only point of contact was their small daughter, Daisy, and that suited Rachel. But when she announced, "Ben, I want a divorce. I've met someone else and we want to get married," her ex-husband's reaction was very surprising! Ben seemed reluctant to accept that their relationship was finally over and apparently had very definite ideas about where Rachel's future happiness lay. Did Rachel dare to believe that the brittle bonds still tying her to Ben could ever be the basis for a lifetime of loving...? BURNING INHERITANCE He had never believed in her Isabel Ashley, a successful model, had no desire ever to see Alex Seton again. Throughout a disastrous marriage to his cousin, which ended in divorce, Alex had been hostile, believing she was unfaithful and interested only in money.

Years later when his grandmother's will inexplicably left shares in the family company to Isabel, Alex was delegated to persuade her to sell. With his skills as a lawyer, Alex argued convincingly. But Isabel found herself distracted by her feelings. Underneath her bitter resentment lurked a familiar attraction to the arrogant Alex. CAPTIVE DESTINY Emma had to admit that she was curious Jordan had said the matter was one of life and death, but since she wouldn't agree to meet him she would never know. Emma's hands trembled as she hung up the receiver, the familiar resentment she felt toward Jordan Kyle enveloping her. To ring her up like that - after all this time? Well, thank goodness she had refused him. At least she'd shown him he couldn't drop her and then pick her up again when it suited him. Unfortunately, she couldn't seem to get him out of her mind... CAROLINE A brief encounter or lasting love? When Caroline first saw him on the elevator, she had no idea who he was. She only knew that he was tall and darkly handsome--and that she longed to see him again. Later she would discover that the magnetic stranger was Adam Steinbeck -- wealthy owner of the company where she worked as a typist. Caroline's friends warned her about getting involved with a sophisticated man who was more than twice her age. Even Adam's son did his best to stop her. But Caroline, in her youthful innocence, listened only to the dictates of her heart.

CASTLES OF SAND The reunion was almost unbearable Ashley could hardly believe she was actually seeing her son. Circumstances had forced her to give him up at birth seven years earlier to her deceased husband's wealthy Arab family. Now the unexpected sight of Hussein with his uncle, Prince Alain, thoroughly shocked her. No longer was her son an image buried in Ashley's heart: he was there; he was real. And Alain was no longer a memory but as disturbing--and unforgiving--as ever. This time, Ashley resolved, I'm not going to lose either of them. CHARADE IN WINTER It was too late to turn back now Alix stood in front of the gates of the Hall apprehensively. Had she been mad in agreeing to this deception? If Oliver Morgan discovered the real reason behind her taking this job, the consequences, she knew, could be terrible. What A'ix didn't know was that the disturbingly handsome Oliver Morgan had his own reasons for wanting her there-and had hired her for a job that didn't exist. Alix soon found herself in a bizarre situation from which she couldn't escape. To be honest, she wasn't sure she wanted to. CHARLOTTES HURRICANE Perhaps it was the hot tropical atmosphere of the Pacific island of Manatoa that caused the sparks to fly between Charlotte Carlisle and Patrick Meredith. But it was only when the island showed its most dangerous side that they really came to understand one another.

COME RUNNING "Matt, I couldn't marry him ... it's you I love." Even as she said the words, Darrell knew their situation was hopeless. Darrell Anderson's life had been going along reasonably well until she met Matthew Lawford. He was the most attractive, most unforgettable man she'd ever known. Now, the two of them were deeply--and disturbingly--in love. For Matthew was married--unhappily, but married none the less. Darrell knew she'd accept any terms he offered ... but was there any chance for happiness even if she did! COUNTRY OF THE FALCON She was no longer a schoolgirl. These past few weeks had made her a woman. But what point was there in remaining at Paradiablo? Declan despised her for revealing her immature feelings so openly; Clare no doubt found the whole affair unutterably amusing; while her father... . What would her father say if she told him she was in love with a man whose home was in the foothills of the upper Amazon basin? Alexandra could answer her own question. He would be horrified! DANGEROUS ENCHANTMENT Why do some women always manage to fall for a man who they know from the start can never be any good to them? Julie Kennedy, like most girls, had hero-worshipped the famous television singer Manuel Cortez from afar, but it had never entered her head that she might meet him, let alone that he would show an interest in her. But it all happened, and before she knew where she was Julie had fallen hopelessly in love with him. Hopelessly -- because, as she well knew, to Manuel she was just another in a long line of

adoring women, never to be taken seriously, never to last long. Her head told her she must break away from him or regret it bitterly -- but her head had no control over her heart DANGEROUS RHAPSODY "Don't be deceived, Emma," Damon said violently. "I'm not letting you go because I feel sorry for you. I'm letting you go because I have no intention of losing my self-respect over a little cheat like you." It didn't seem to matter any more what his reasons were. Emma knew only that she needed him now - more than at any other time of her life. The love she had felt for him when she was seventeen had not died. It had deepened. And today her love for him was that of a woman. Could she ever make him realize how she really felt about him? DARK MOONLESS NIGHT Seven years ago, Caroline had considered Gareth Morgan unsuitable as a husband. Now she was to find herself part of Gareth's life again when she got a job in Central Africa where he was living. And Gareth wasted no time in telling her. "If you have any foolish notions of trying to rekindle old fires, you'll be wasting your time!" But did she want to rekindle old fires? In England there was Jeremy Brent, eager to marry her; and now, in Africa, Nicolas Freeleng made it clear he found her attractive. What did it matter how Gareth felt? DARK VENETIAN Emma Maxwell knew her stepmother, Celeste, must have some scheme in mind, even before they arrived in Venice. When she heard what it was, Emma wanted no part of it. Then she met Count Vidal Cesare, on whom Celeste had designs, and decided he was old enough and experienced enough to look after himself.

Emma was very firm about her own future. She informed the Dowager Contessa, "No, signora. When I marry it will be for love. And my husband will love me . . .and only me!" DEVIL IN VELVET "What did you expect?" Harriet said in angry surprise. "That I'd be thrilled to see you again? That I might have forgotten what a selfish swine you really are?" Without stopping to think, she stepped forward and slapped Andre hard across his coldly amused face. For an awful moment she thought he was going to strike back. She had tried so hard to rebuild her life in the eight years since Andre had ruined it. Was she never to be free of this man? DIAMOND FIRE Too hot to handle Camilla hadn't seen Virginia in years, but she certainly couldn't ignore her childhood friend's urgent plea to come to Hawaii. Her cool reception from Virginia's husband was both unsettling and understandable; Virginia and their young daughter had vanished. Good manners dictated Alex Conti invite Camilla to stay in the guest room, but he made it clear she was neither welcome nor wanted. Though distant and desperately worried about his daughter, Alex hardly seemed the monster Virginia had described... DUELLING FIRE She couldn't bear the unexpected truth Sara gladly accepted the offer of acting as companion to her youthful Aunt Harriet. Her father had recently died, and she welcomed the solace the English countryside offered.

But life in Harriet's household proved far from peaceful. Most disturbing to Sara was Jude, a blunt and darkly seductive man. Why had Harriet hired him? And what did he do? Then understanding dawned on her: Jude was her aunt's lover. Yet she couldn't deny the deep attraction she herself felt for him - an attraction he seemed to reciprocate! EDGE OF TEMPTATION The valley's fate was in Rafe's hands Everyone wanted to know whether Rafe Glyndower would turn over his father's centuries-old estate to modern lead mining. Catherine's uncle was a farmer-tenant whose livelihood would be ruined; he convinced Catherine that she must confront Rafe. She had known Rafe from childhood. But now he was a man: powerful, handsome--and married. Which shouldn't have mattered, except that suddenly much more was at stake for Catherine than the fate of her uncle's farm! FALLEN ANGEL Alex yearned for freedom! Brought up in a French convent, Alex had been sadly neglected by her archaeologist father. He died leaving her starved for affection, desperate to love and be loved desperate enough to trick her father's friend, Jason Tarrant, into becoming her guardian. Jason knew the dangerous involved in taking a beautiful young girl to his isolated South American ranch, but he couldn't resist her wistful appeal. And Alex soon discovered that she couldn't resist his disturbing male magnetism, or her own awakening desires.

FOLLOW THY DESIRE "I can't go through with the wedding!" Helen's announcement a few hours before she was due at the church stunned her family--especially since she gave no reason. But how could she explain that a man she'd known less than a week, a man who had rejected her, had turned her world completely upside down. For the man was Morgan Fox, her fiance's stepbrother, and his rejection of her seemed final. "I have no intention of marrying anyone," Morgan told her. "And if you're thinking an African moon will change anything, forget it. " Yet Helen knew he was not indifferent to her! FORBIDDEN FLAME He'd be her friend but never her lover Caroline's job as governess at a Mexican hacienda was more demanding than she'd dreamed possible. Her employer, Esteban, was an evil and vulgar man, and he wanted her. She turned for help to Luis de Montejo, Esteban's half brother and a seminarian. But Luis became much more than an ally when Caroline fell desperately in love with him. She knew it was wrong to love him. She told herself she could never have him. But her heart just wouldn't listen... FORBIDDEN "I haven't come back into your life, James," Caroline said. She was shocked to discover that the position she had accepted as governess was the in the home of the man she had spent six years trying to forget.

Aware that nothing had really changed, that he could still create havoc with her life, Caroline's first instinct was to flee. Then she found herself trapped - by his daughter's need of her and by the demands of his invalid wife. And by her own need of James! GUILTY The man of her fantasies belonged to another -- her daughter Slim, lovely Laura Fox didn't look like the mother of a twenty-one-year-old, although her safe, predictable life-save the occasional run-in with her headstrong daughter-quite befitted that of a country matron. Her world turned upside down when she met Jake Lombardi. Was it simply lust for something she'd never had--or did this passionate man's potent sensuality savage her emotions and lay bare the unguarded hunger of her soul? She despised him for making her want him. And oh, how Laura wanted him. But he was too young, too rich . . . and involved with her own daughter! INNOCENT OBSESSION Sylvie reluctantly took Margot's place Sylvie's sister, Margot, was determined to become an actress. She refused to live in Greece with her husband, Leon Petronides, and their small son. So Sylvie found herself going to Greece to look after the boy. The Petronides family was not thrilled with the substitution-but Sylvie soon won them over, especially Leon. Andreas Petronides, his brother, was a different story. He resented Sylvie's attentions to Leon. In fact, he seemed to suspect Sylvie's motives. The only explanation for his attitude never even occurred to Sylvie

INNOCENT VIRGIN, WILD SURRENDER Seduction and sins...Rachel Claiborne is a blonde beauty but, tired of being judged on her appearance, she's never let a man close. For the moment she's focused on finding her mother, who abandoned her family for the sultry paradise island of St Antoine. But soon St Antoine works its dark magic on Rachel too, in the shape of irresistible Matt Brody. For the first time ever she wants to give herself to a man. But Rachel can only look, not let herself be touched...because Matt clearly knows something about her missing mother... JAKE HOWARDS WIFE He despised her but wanted her as a wife Jake Howard and his wife, Helen, were outwardly a perfect couple with a perfect marriage. Jake was immensely attractive, rich and successful. Helen was beautiful, intelligent and wellbred. But Jake had chosen Helen purely as a lovely possession to crown his success. Helen had accepted him as the only alternative to earning her own living. They both wanted to live their own lives. What kind of a marriage was foundations, how could it last? that? On such shaky

BELOVED STRANGER/LEGACY OF THE PAST There had been two men so far in Madeline's life--her late husband, Joe, and her boss, Adrian. Both had been kind and uncomplicated, wanting only to cherish and look after her. But now another man had surged into her life--Nicholas Vitale. Handsome, dynamic, devastatingly attractive, he was utterly unlike anyone she had ever met before. But he certainly could not be described as gentle or kind, still less did he want to protect and cherish her. And Madeline could not resist him.

In getting so far out of her depth with Nicholas, was Madeline doing anything but stirring up trouble for herself? And what about her duty to that other important person in her life--her young daughter Diana? LEOPARD IN THE SNOW Helen simply couldn't believe her eyes when, stranded in the snow in the wilds of Cumberland, she found herself confronted by a leopard! But luckily it was a tame one, and its owner, the mysterious Dominic Lyall, was able to offer Helen shelter in his house. Soon, however, the situation turned into a nightmare as she realized that he intended to keep her there, virtually a prisoner - and no one had any idea where to start searching for her! How could she get away? And, as time went by, did she want to get away? Yet she was only too well aware that if Dominic did decide to let her go, it would only be because he wanted to get rid of her for good... LIVING WITH ADAM She remembered Adam as an older brother So, when Maria wanted to getaway from home, who better togo and stay with while she decided what to do with her life? But she hadn't seen him for five years. The Adam she met in London now was a successful doctor--a sophisticated man of the world, who, after all, was not actually related to her. Loren Griffiths was another unexpected factor. She made it clear that Adam was hers and she'd deal ruthlessly with any competition.

LONG NIGHTS LOVING He could still make her want him.... Maggie would never have made the journey to Northumberland to see her ex-husband if it hadn't been for their rebellious teenage daughter. Lindsey had formed a disastrous relationship and Neil was the only person who could help. Clearly, Maggie's treacherous betrayal some years ago still rankled with Neil because why else would he so provoke and humiliate her? She was ashamed of the fact that he could still make her want him while seemingly remaining detached himself. Surely he must be involved enough to want to help Lindsey - even if he suspected she might be another man's child? LORD OF ZARACUS When Carolyn joined her archaeologist father in Mexico, she found herself immediately in conflict with Don Carlos, who owned the valley where her father was searching for a Zapotec city. Don Carlos thought she was 'a typical product of the permissive society' and Carolyn let him know that 'I am not one of your peons'. It seemed an inauspicious beginning to their relationship. And yet MASK OF SCARS Christina thought the long university vacation would be an excellent time to visit her brother and sister-in-law in southern Portugal. But she soon realized that she was unwelcome and she was thankful when she was offered a job by the local lord of the manor, Dom Carlos Ramirez. Soon, however, she felt she had jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Dom Carlos had a feudal attitude toward women in general and Christina in particular, and the last thing she wanted was to find herself falling in love with him.

And what of the meek Portuguese girl in the background-Don Carlos's fiancee? MASTER OF FALCONS HEAD Perhaps Tamar had been too young when she fell in love with Ross Falcon, master of the Big House, Falcon's Head, in her Irish village home. At any rate, it had all ended in disaster, with Tamar's heart broken, her life in ruins -- and Ross married to someone else. In despair, Tamar had run away to London, grown up, built a new life for herself, and told herself she had found happiness again. Now she was back again in Falcon's Wherry; Ross had never left, and it did not take long for Tamar to realize that her feelings for him were as deep as ever -- nor that all he felt for her was hatred. What was the point of her staying on, when it was all too clear that too much had happened for either of them to turn the clock back? MELTING FIRE "I want to live my own life!" But Olivia's bid for independence was swiftly rejected. Richard replied with the hard assurance of a successful businessman. "I've paid for your upbringing, Olivia, and everything you possess. I expect to collect the dividends from my investment." Olivia gazed at him in disbelief. She was his stepsister, the only person he truly loved. She had always been spared his ruthlessness. Why now did Richard intend to control her, to use her in a way that both shocked and frightened her...?

MENDEZS MISTRESS He wants her as his mistress...but as his wife? Before meeting Joe Mendez, Rachel was a single mom coping with a difficult daughter and an irresponsible ex-husband. After meeting Joe Mendez, Rachel's life has been turned upside down! Joe's irresistible charisma, dark good looks and searing, raw sexuality have brought her out of her shell--and into a world of exquisite pleasure! She's his very willing mistress...but will she ever be his wife? MONKSHOOD They loved Monkshood but hated each other! Monkshood complicated Melanie's well-planned life. Soon to marry a London lawyer, Melanie couldn't really consider living in the Scottish Highlands house she'd inherited. But she did want to see it before deciding what to do. Seeing Monkshood, however, meant meeting Sean Bothwell, who regarded it as his property. Though he seemed to have moral grounds for his claim, Melanie couldn't commit herself to parting with it. Could her reluctance to give it up possibly have anything to do with her reactions to Sean? MOON WITCH Jarrod guarded Sara even against himself Sara Robins had never even heard of Jarrod Kyle until he became her guardian. He was far removed from anyone Sara, at seventeen, had known in the small, quiet world she'd lived in until her grandfather's death. Jarrod Kyle was just twice her age, handsome, rich, successful and surrounded by sophisticated women. Perhaps it was inevitable that Sara would fall in love with him.

But was it love or only a teenage crush? Whichever, Sara couldn't imagine Jarrod's returning her feelings! NO GENTLE POSSESSION Karen Sinclair was deeply ashamed of her brief, inglorious love affair with Alexis Whitney seven years earlier. Since then she'd settled down - with an interesting job and a steady boyfriend. Everything was so calm and pleasant that when Alexis unexpectedly came back into her life, Karen was shocked to realize she still found him disturbingly attractive. But Alexis hadn't been the least bit interested in marraige all those years ago. And with his beautiful stepmother, Michelle, around, why should he be interested now...? PACIFIC HEAT Olivia had mixed feelings about going to stay in Los Angeles to write up film star Diane Haran's rags-to-riches life story. This was the woman, after all, who had seduced Olivia's husband away from her. What if she turned the tables by making a play for Diane's latest lover? She knew she hadn't the other woman's glossy, superficial beauty, but Joe Castellano certainly seemed attracted enough to Olivia! The only problem was, the more she got close to Joe, the more she wanted him totally for herself. PALE DAWN, DARK SUNSET "Miranda," Rafael said through clenched teeth, "I beg of you, do not drive me too far!" Rafael was annoyed. No woman of his own nationality had looked at him in quite that way before. Had she no respect this girl from England! Did British women consider themselves the equals of men?

But Miranda Lord wished she hadn't come to Mexico or become involved with the Cueras family. Only then, of course, she wouldn't have met Rafael! PALE ORCHID Once he'd made her feel so special Perhaps that was why he had succeeded where other men had failed. If Laura had not been so naively flattered by Jason's attentions three years ago, she might have recognized him sooner for what he was, instead of being so easily deceived. Now, because of her sister's involvement with his philandering brother-in-law, she had no choice but to confront Jason and ask for his help. But help came only on his terms. Suddenly Jason's exotic, Hawaiian island home felt more like a prison than a paradise... PROUD HARVEST Carne expected her to just meekly agree "What about me? Don't I have any say in the matter?" Lesley's eyes flashed indignantly. After all, Came had ignored his wife and child for three years. Why should he be interested in them now? Lesley only knew that if Came gained custody of Jeremy and took him back to Ravensdale, the Radleys would turn the boy against her. She couldn't let that happen. But Came was ruthlessly determined ... and he held all the cards. She had deserted Came, not the other way around. What possible defense did she have against him?

RELATIVE SINS Whose baby? Sara Reed has a secret. Returning to her husband's family home after his death isn't easy for Sara. Her mother-in-law clearly despises her, but the person she most dreads seeing again is Alex. Her husband's brother, he has always held a strong attraction for her and now it's impossible for her to keep avoiding him. Her small son, Ben, obviously adores him and the feeling would appear to be mutual. But what are Alex's motives? Could he have guessed her deepest secret? RICH AS SIN Sexual compulsion She was sensitive and naive--and incredibly innocent--and he was about to ruin her life. There was no justification for what he was doing. After all, Greeks respect their women; they don't take advantage of them. But he, of course, was only half Greek. And he'd obviously forgotten the old Greek proverb that warns, "The man who lights the fire is not immune to being burned." SAVAGE AWAKENING He wants her. But will he take her...? For two long years, news reporter Matthew Quinn was held captive by rebel forces. His dramatic escape made headlines. But Matt has returned scarred, believing that he can never love another woman.... Matt isn't prepared for Felicity Taylor and the sexual chemistry between them is instant. Matt wants her -- but can

he take her? Or, must he first reveal the secrets that are haunting him -- and holding him back...? SCORPIONS DANCE Miranda refused to listen to warnings. She didn't love Mark Sanders, but that didn't matter. He was heir to the estate where her mother was housekeeper. As Lady Sanders, Miranda could ensure a better life for her mother as well as herself. But Mark was killed just before the wedding - the day her mother suffered a paralyzing stroke. Jaime Knevett, the new heir, suggested a way out of Miranda's dilemma. But Miranda had detested him for years and it was with reluctance that she agreed to marry him. Then, after the ceremony, she found herself deserted. SEASON OF MISTS "Our marriage was a farce," Piers said. Abby couldn't deny Piers's statement. Time had certainly proven that true, but the young Abby had loved him with all the passion within her. At that time she could not have foreseen the awful events that had led him to deny his own son. Abby had done the only thing possible, she'd fled. For twelve years she thought she hated Piers, and then he came back into her life. Try as she did to fight it, she realized hopelessly that she was as vulnerable as ever to his attraction. SEEN BY CANDLELIGHT/DESIGN FOR LOVING Although Karen Frazer had been divorced by her husband Paul two years before, and had heard that he had since become engaged to another woman, she still loved him. But

she was not yet free of him -- for Paul's married brother was pursuing Karen's irresponsible young sister, and her mother had asked Karen to persuade Paul to do what he could to put a stop to the affair. Karen dreaded the thought of meeting Paul again, but for the sake of her mother and sister, what else could she do? And there was Lewis to consider as well -- Lewis, who loved Karen and had the best of reasons for keeping her and Paul apart. But when the fateful meeting took place, Paul himself felt some of the old attraction return. Had he been mistaken about Karen all this time? SHATTERED ILLUSIONS Some secrets just won't stay hidden Why had Jaime Harris left a perfectly good job to come to work for his stepmother, Catriona? Dominic Redding was curious--and intrigued. Jaime had come to Bermuda with a purpose--to find out more about Catriona--and her attentive, good-looking stepson could jeopardize all that. Catriona was very possessive of Dominic, so much so that Jaime began to suspect the true nature of the relationship between stepmother and stepson. It was a family already full of dark secrets, and Jaime was there to reveal some secrets of her own.... SINFUL PLEASURES Falling for a younger man Megan Cross hasn't been back to the Caribbean island of San Felipe since her parents' ugly divorce and her mother's second marriage. Now her mother's husband is desperately ill and wants Megan's forgiveness for separating mother and daughter. So Megan has returned, to find that much has

altered in the intervening sixteen years, not least of all her stepsister's son, Remy. When they last met he was a nine-year-old to her superior fifteen with a mystery surrounding his parentage. Now he is an incredibly attractive grown man whose teasing makes her shamefully aware of him -- an intimacy she knows she should do nothing to encourage. SINFUL TRUTHS Jake McCabe separated from his wife, Isobel, convinced that the daughter she gave birth to was not his. Insistent that Emily was Jake's child, Isobel struggled on as a single mother. But now Jake finds himself in Isobel's life once more -- and caught up again by the same heated desire that held him tight when they were first married. Seducing Isobel can only add to the list of their sins, and it won't change the truth of her betrayal...or will it? SLEEPING WITH A STRANGER When passion is stronger than pride... Helen Shaw's relaxing vacation on the stunning island of Santos is ruined when she steps off the ferry and sees Greek tycoon Milos Stephanides. Years before they had a scorching affair, until, discovering Milos had been untruthful, Helen left him. Now Helen has a secret that she is desperate to keep from Milos. She tries to keep her distance, but the powerful attraction between them continues to steadily build under the heat of the Greek sun....

SMOKESCREEN Alex was not the man she expected him to be The time for Olivia's revenge had come. Her elderly husband, Henry Gantry was dead. She'd take Henry's monument to himself, his fabulously wealthy corporation, and either sell it or put it in the hands of the son he'd disowned! But Alex Gantry was an unknown quantity. Suave and clever, he was too aggressively masculine for his own good. Then why did he affect her as he did? Her own stepson! She'd never felt a physical attraction for any man before. Why this one? SPIRIT OF ATLANTIS She hadn't expected a memorable summer Julie had come to the Canadian summer resort to forget about her father's tragic suicide. Adam Price, her fiance, would handle the business details. All she had to do was relax. But how could anyone relax under the pressing attentions of Dan Prescott? Vibrantly attractive, and the son of a prominent New York family, he was vacationing nearby. Julie was too serious a girl for a summer fling--and she soon realized just how strong her feelings for Dan were. But everything seemed against her: Adam, Dan's family--and her own common sense! STAY THROUGH THE NIGHT Shadows in the night... Liam Jameson is a world-famous writer of paranormal thrillers. But fame has its price, and now Liam lives reclusively on a remote Scottish island.

Then Rosa Chantry knocks on his door and throws his world upside down. His desire for her is strong, but his conviction that he cannot satisfy a woman is stronger. But Rosa is persistent, and so is Liam's need for her. She is determined to ease his fear that the past has robbed him of his power as a man.... STORM IN A RAIN BARREL Seventeen-year-old Domine thought she was alone in the world when her guardian and only relative, Great-Uncle Henry Farriday, died; nevertheless she was a little daunted when she learned that Great-Uncle Henry had consigned her to the care of the unknown James Mannering until she was eighteen. She was no less daunted when she actually met James and went to stay with him and his mother in their home in Yorkshire. For James was only thirty-seven and a very attractive man, with what seemed like a harem of equally attractive momen vying for his attention - and it was not long before Domine found herself, very much against her will, joining their number. But in the face of all that competition, how could she imagine that he would ever see her as anything but a child?