"Bartered Lives" is the tale of two married couples from different economic, religious, and social strata. Their relationships, based on mutual trust and love, break the barriers laid down by caste and community. Though their paths keep crossing, all have to face huge challenges and moments of extreme conflict due to the independent choices they make. The story juxtaposes once-tolerant Hindus against Muslims and other minorities, encouraged by ruthless politicians. The vacuum created by indifferent governance is filled by the slum lord, "Commando," who creates his own rules of reward and punishment. He is a self-made man, charismatic, often crude and vulgar, generous, helpful, brutal, and very wealthy. He pays no taxes but governs the Basti with an iron fist. In particular, it is the story of Shaku, a teacher from a rich Brahmin home, that employs as servants Durgi and her daughter Gulabo, both from the lower castes. Their large family has to seek ethically variant ways of earning to keep their stomachs full. Their actions clash with the very conservative rules set by the higher classes. Shaku understands this and tries to share her privileges with Durgi's family. Her journey into Afghanistan to educate her cousin-in-law Aziza is catastrophic. One of India's dream projects to help the very poor, the Aanganwadi, is described in realistic detail as an example of the state's failure and apathy. The narrative explores differences between education provided for well-to-do children in private schools as compared to those from the slums. This is a portrait of twenty-first-century India, whose youth are educated but have no jobs, whose government creates food programmes but is defeated by its own corruption and selfishness. It is the tale of many who seek a place in the sun but cannot due to paucity of funds, space, and jobs. And yet, through it all, India smiles and is hospitable to a fault!

A standalone instalove alien romance from author Ashlyn Hawkes. A builder. Maybe the second most important job after breeder but who says he can’t be both? Drols loves his job, but at night, he’s tired of being alone, so why woouldn’t he jump at the chance to barter a house for a female? When Zoe Perry learns he bartered for her, will she flee or stay? Will the builder burrow a way to her heart or lose her and his coveted position? Trigger warning: this book includes some dark themes like consent and assault, but love will always win. No cliffhanger. Keywords: alien abduction romance, science fiction romance, scifi romance, paranormal romance, science fiction, standalone, happy end, happy ending, alpha male, fantasy romance, urban fantasy, steamy romance, happily ever after, romance, ebooks to read and download, scifi romance, alien abduction, alien romance, collection, box set, boxed set, Zenobia Renquist, Kate Rudolph, Starr Huntress, Sedona Venez, Regine Abel, Roxie Ray, Lee Savino, Renee Rose, Milly Taiden, Ava Hunter, Ruby Dixon, Jenny Foster, Elizabeth Stephens, Margo Bond Collins, Stasia Black, Lisa Lace

Contract—one wife! Reid Kennard is a ruthless financier used to buying and selling stocks, shares and priceless artifacts. But now Reid has his eye on a very different acquisition—Francesca Turner. Left destitute by her father's recent death, Francesca had walked into Reid's bank looking to extend her overdraft rather than for a marriage proposal! As Fran needs money and Reid needs a wife, he proposes the perfect barter: he'll rescue her and her family if she'll agree to marry him! But in this marriage of convenience can Fran ever be anything more than a bartered bride? Of A Marriage Has Been Arranged: "Talented writer Anne Weale's…masterful character development and charming scenes create a rich reading experience." —Romantic Times

After building a fortune in the exotic East, American adventurer and merchant prince Gavin Elliott sets his sails for London to begin a new life. Then fate intervenes on an infamous island in the East Indies where a European woman faces degradation and peril. Though saving her may cost Gavin his life, he cannot refuse to help the fierce beauty who touches his heart and soul with her indomitable spirit. Alexandra Warren is returning home from Australia as a widow and mother when a pirate attack condemns her to a life of servitude. A miracle arrives in the form of a steely-eyed Yankee captain, whose reckless courage wins them freedom and a safe passage home to London. Intimate strangers joined by too many secrets, they slowly begin to heal the past with attraction and tenderness—until an old enemy reaches out to threaten the passionate love Gavin has found with his irresistible bartered bride. From the Paperback edition.

A detailed study of marriage among the Maduzai, a tribal society in Afghan Turkistan.

Lady Alyce Fitzmartin is forced to marry the arrogant Robert Wardell, the answer to her father's debts, and a man Alyce is certain she will never love. Yet an even more grave situation lies in wait. For Robert may not survive the impending overthrow of the King, unless he uses his new wife as a pawn. But one glance into each other's eyes sparks an unexpected yearning. And while England burns with the fire of revolt, Robert and Alyce discover a passion for which both must gamble their lives

Estranged from his wealthy family, Griffin Darrowby made a tidy fortune on his own. But now the Ton's favorite beau is facing financial ruin and is forced to consider wooing a beautiful, wealthy widow. When a mistaken shortcut through the woods surrounding her estate leads him to a lovely ragamuffin—and her larcenous stepbrothers—his carefully planned future is suddenly turned upside down. Regency Romance by Nancy Butler; originally published by Signet

Bachelor Gulch Y'ALL COME TO THE WEDDING! In Jasper Gulch, where the main course at the local diner is gossip, everyone's talking about the diamond-and-emerald engagement ring that Josie Callahan is sporting. Word has it this shy bride has been bartered for by handsome, wealthy Jake McKenna. The reticent rancher needs a wife to inherit his family's land—or else it will go to his fiercest rival. Every busybody in town is wondering why Josie agreed to the convenient union. Does she believe she can turn her grumpy, silent groom into prime husband material? Or could she already know this sham of a marriage will lead to real passion…in their wedding bed? In this little town no bachelor is safe from marriage!

“A sensual, fanciful tale of a modern-day marriage of convenience”—first in the Royal Brides series from the USA Today–bestselling author (Romance Junkies). After a whirlwind courtship, Sheikh Hakim bin Omar al Kadar proposes marriage. Shy, innocent Catherine Benning has already fallen head-over-heels in love and she accepts . . . After their wedding day—and night—when the sheikh claims his virgin wife, Catherine and Hakim travel to his desert kingdom. There Catherine discovers that this is no love match for Hakim—he’s bought her! “Lucy Monroe excels at the short and the sexy, and with The Sheikh’s Bartered Bride, she’s upped the sensual ante for future sheikh romances.” —The Romance Readers Connection (4.5 stars) “Once again Lucy Monroe shows why she is gaining more and more fans with each book. The Sheikh’s Bartered Bride will tug at your heartstrings in a way that only Ms. Monroe can do. It will definitely heat up your cold winter nights.” —The Best Reviews

The Sheikh's Bartered Bride by USA TODAY bestselling author Lucy Monroe As a librarian Catherine Benning knew a thing or two about storybook romances. So when a dashing sheikh swept her off her feet, she felt like she'd become the heroine of her own fairy tale. But soon after Sheikh Hakim bin Omar al Kadar took her to his desert kingdom, she discovered that he had deceived her utterly. Despite his betrayal, could she believe their story would have a happily-ever-after? The Greek Billionaire's Baby Revenge by USA TODAY bestselling author Jennie Lucas Anna Rustoff always knew that her bubble of happiness would burst sooner or later. After all, her husband, Nikos Stavrakis, had only married her because their one night of passion had resulted in a beautiful baby boy. Amid rumors of Nikos's infidelity, she decides to flee to Russia. But the Greek billionaire is not one to let something that is his just walk out of his life—not his son, and not his wife. But bringing them home will take more than his money and his iron will. It will take a lifetime of love.