Short Stories/Novellas
Caitlin McIntyre's heart stops when her best friend drops to one knee and proposes. Kyle Lockhart never once hinted over the years that he has any idea she's in love with him. Not wanting to jeopardize their friendship, she's never let it slip. Good thing, too, since it turns out he's only practicinghe's about to propose to someone else. A business merger might not be the most romantic reason to propose to a woman he barely knows, but Kyle's determined to win the respect of the dying father who's never seen him as quite good enough. Kyle's always depended on Caitlin's friendship, while trying to ignore the physical response she arouses. So he turns to her when it comes time to craft his proposal, not realizing his decision will affect their relationship, forever. This Christmas, Kyle and Caitlin get one last chance to admit their feelings for each other, and find a mutual happily ever after, before he commits his life to another woman and Caitlin leaves town and him for good. 24,000 words
Becca Huntley's produced the Lyndale Park Players' over-the-top Christmas show for ten years. It's a beloved Minneapolis tradition, and the theater's main fundraiser. But this year's production is in danger of being canceled when their director disappears into rehab. Good thing his directing partner steps in to save the day. Except for the minor fact that he hates everything about Christmas. Jack Whittaker wiped this town off his shoe with his graduation tassel and never looked back. But duty compels him to fulfill Tyler's promise to direct the show. Even though it means working with Becca, the girl he always wanted, lost to Ty, but never forgot. It'll take more than a few handfuls of tinsel to soften Jack's heart toward Becca's favorite holiday. Steamy kisses that melt the snow right off his boots are a step in the right direction. They'll both discover that Christmas is about making each other's dreams come true. But will it require sacrificing their chance at a happily-ever-after together? 30,000 words
Atlantic City is the perfect place for detective Bradley Hudson to nurse his broken heart. A week of beer and strippers is sure to erase his former fiancée from his memory for good. What he didn't count on was running into a sassy redhead from his past. Maybe a rebound romp is an even better plan Trina Trimble, private eye in training, is thrilled to be reunited with the hottie she almost hooked up with last summer. She's undercover on her first solo case, but there's always time to lock lips with a sexy cop. Besides, a fun fling with Brad doesn't have to last beyond his week in town. Brad and Trina are supposed to be just flirting, not forging a new forever. Brad's still healing, and although Trina changes careers the way other women change shoes, she has finally found her calling in her new life of disguises and stakeouts. But when an irresistible job offer threatens to lure her away, Brad will need to decide to let her go or bet it all on love and risk his heart again. 51,000 words
More Than Words: Bestselling authors and real-life heroines Making a difference transforming lives This year, the recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words Award are three women whose selfless deeds and far-reaching goals are helping to build stronger, safer communities. Now three bestselling Harlequin authors honor these remarkable women with stories inspired by their extraordinary contributions. Everyone thinks brilliant designer Chris Kessler is the playboy of the architectural world. Truth is, he's strictly a one-woman man. But how can he reveal his feelings when Ali Montalvo's his fiercest rival for junior partner? And now they've been teamed up to volunteer at one of Pittsburgh's most popular charities. In addition to helping underprivileged kids celebrate their special day, there's something else at the top of Ali's wish list. If only she and Chris didn't clash on just about everything! Now he's planning a circus outingthis from a man who never had a birthday party. That's when Ali comes up with a surprise of her own. Because it's never too late to give the gift of love Look for Never Too Late by Christi Barth, along with two more free ebooks inspired by real-life heroines: A Wing & A Prayer by Andrea Laurence and A Place in Her Heart by Trish Milburn.
The death of his little brother turned Kurt Lundquist’s world upside down. He channeled his grief into skating his heart out--and ultimately leading his hockey team to win the championship. Now, all he wants to do is throw a party with the Cup in his brother's honor. He’s got no clue where to start...until he runs into the gorgeous hospice nurse who took such great care of Jasper. She’s waaay off limits, but he’s desperate, and hires her to help him. Lisette Broussard’s heart broke a little more every time a patient died. Losing the brave brother of a hockey star was the last straw. Learning a new specialty was supposed to change her life for the better, but it used up her savings. Then the slam dunk job with the New Orleans championship hockey team mysteriously disappears. So she jumps at Kurt’s offer of a job, no matter how temporary. No matter how...dangerous, given how much she’s always crushed on him. No matter how risky it is to fall for Kurt, since he’ll always associate her with the grief of losing his brother. But the more time they spend together, the deeper they both fall. Kurt’s heart begins to thaw...and then heat. Lisette can’t resist him, and throws caution to the wind. She’ll take whatever time he gives her. Can they move beyond the pain of the past and focus on a future together?