Short Stories/Novellas

Legendary duelist Lucien Roquelaire, known as the Dark Angel, is intrigued by shy Anne-Marie Decoulet. She disdains his lethal reputation, has little to say to him--and calms the ballroom where they meet by luring an injured panther to eat from her hand. Lucien alone seems to recognize the strength and beauty behind her retiring nature; only he has the power and the will to claim her. Anne-Marie is desperate to save the big cat she has tamed; the magnificent animal will be hunted down if she cannot protect him. The Dark Angel promises his aid for a price--but the man may prove more dangerous than the panther... 25,000 words; about 100 pages (novella) This ebook edition also includes a 1200-word preview sample (about 6 pages) of "The Warlock's Daughter," a paranormal historical romance by Jennifer Blake.

Meghan Castle is a real Scrooge about the holidays ... until she finds an abandoned baby in her store on Christmas Eve. Change is certainly in the air -- especially when late shopper Rick Wallman walks in with yet another delightful holiday surprise. Meghan has to take the baby home -- that or call Social Services on Christmas Eve. Rick goes with her to help shop for baby supplies and winds up spending the night. Meghan and Rick, though, each have secrets -- one of which could destroy the fragile future they begin to build together.______ A VISION OF SUGARPLUMS was the Midwest Fiction Writers' choice for Best Contemporary Novella of 1996. 30,000 words; about 120 pages

Carita Gray--daughter of a warlock who killed her mortal mother with the strength of his passion--has been lonely most of her life. The powers inherited from her father are a curse, for how can she risk love when she may be the death of any man who touches her? Renfrey approaches Carita in a New Orleans cemetery on All Hallows' Eve. Sent by her father with matrimony as the object, he recognizes her passionate yearning. Yet he requires something more than to be the answer to her need. Carita dares not succumb to Renfrey's allure--until she realizes he is a warlock. But Renfrey, now caring too much, fears his fierce desire may destroy this half-breed warlock's daughter. So begins a battle of wills fought with power and magic, tumult and splendor. But who will be left alive when it ends? 18,500 words; about 74 pages (novella) Also includes a 1500-word preview sample (about 6 pages) of "Out of the Dark," an historical romance by Jennifer Blake.

Even though Gina cancels her wedding mere days before the ceremony, she's determined to keep her reservation for a famous honeymoon suite in Dallas. Enter Race, a Texas cowboy who cleans up rather well, and who declares himself her substitute groom for the week. Thinking her best friend hired Race, Gina goes along with the fun - at first. But is Race really who he seems? Why is Gina's ex-fiance staying at the same hotel? And just how far is Gina prepared to go with Race and that model-worthy face of his on their "honeymoon"? ________ Novella - 31,000 words - about 120 pages

Amelia "Melly" Bennington's dream of married bliss comes undone when she mistakenly kisses the wrong man -- not her staid, hard-working bridegroom but the dashing sea captain who is his twin brother. As the wedding draws near, she is torn by long-held affection for one man and sensual attraction to the other. Animosity between the two men reaches such a fever pitch that a tragic break seems inevitable -- unless Melly can force her unruly heart to decide which brother to favor and which to send away forever. Novella. 30,000 words -- about 100 pages. Originally published by Berkley in THE QUILTING CIRCLE anthology.

To reign as queen of the annual Mardi Gras ball was a childish fancy; Caroline Saucier never expected the chance to come her way. Then her uncle who would have been king had a heart attack. His choice as substitute is wealthy and reclusive shipping executive Ross McDougall. If Caroline can persuade Ross to accept the king's crown, she may become his queen. But Ross, with fearless pirate's blood in his veins, is about to take his yacht out into the teeth of a gulf storm. She can go with him or kiss the queen's crown goodbye... _________ Novella - 25,000 words, about 85 pages.