THE LONE STAR SOCIAL CLUB A CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL… Mitch Ryan knew Phoebe Smith and her orphaned niece and nephew needed a home for the holidays. So the rich executive played Santa and offered Phoebe an apartment…in exchange for temporary secretarial services. The only catch: the apartment came fully furnished—with Mitch. Phoebe had to take the apartment, Mitch included. But on one condition: No fooling around! Which seemed fine with confirmed bachelor Mitch—he was only interested in short-term arrangements. Still, Phoebe never figured she'd fall for her irresistible roommate. And did she dare hope that Mitch would allow Phoebe and company to set up camp permanently—in his heart? You may walk in alone…but you won't leave that way!

THE SEXY STRANGER UNDER HER TREE Just days before Christmas, a mysterious stranger arrived at Claire Franklin's bed-and-breakfast—and awakened her every desire. So the pretty innkeeper decided it was high time to bring a little holiday cheer to her cozy home—complete with mistletoe. Then, one starry night, bullets started flying—and Claire wondered if more than her heart was at risk…. Secret agent Zane Hunter vowed to protect Claire from the killer who wanted him—and anyone he'd ever cared about—dead. Because somehow, over the holiday, Zane had come to care way too much for the achingly vulnerable beauty. And now he longed to hold her close—not just for Christmas, but forever….

AN EX-HUSBAND ON HER DOORSTEP… Devon Grayson thought her estranged husband had died seven years ago in a fiery plane crash—until she saw him on television! And though the stranger she confronted looked and sounded like her Geoff, he had no memories of their shared—and troubled—past. Still, Devon had to bring the prodigal husband home for the holidays when she learned someone wanted him dead. And soon she was experiencing a Christmas miracle beyond her deepest longings. Because a flicker of love still shone in his eyes. And now, without his memories, she was determined to make him stay…for love alone. A forgotten past…a hoped-for future.

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS….But the killer Lily Fitzgerald had unknowinglyphotographed only used four: You're going to die.The beautiful photographer didn't want todepend on anyone for help—especially not pulsestopping,jade-eyed cop Tony Giovani. But nowher only protection from the man who threatenedher life was the man who threatened her heart….Tony believed that good fences made goodneighbors, but Lily's loving, trusting ways werewreaking havoc on his carefully constructedemotional barriers. He needed to focus onwinning custody of his son, not losing control to avulnerable vixen who claimed she was in danger.Was Lily's life really in peril? And could hesafeguard her from himself?

To Do (after High School graduation) 1. Go to college 2. Fall in love with the man of my dreams 3. Get married 4. Have two kids — one at a time! Natalie Bailey may not have been very good with numbers, but even she knew that she wasn't exactly doing things in the conventional order. Because she'd skipped college, married early — and at age thirty-three, found herself a divorced mother of five-year-old twins...and a college freshman to boot. Not only that, but it looked like the man of her dreams had just walked in the door — except he was her younger, if irresistible, professor, Maxwell Sullivan. The last man she should be falling for, based on her plan. But you know what they say about plans....

When it came to men, definitely the former. But Abby Saunders was certainly aware that when it came to her boss--and his mysterious, possibly unsavory dealings--it could well be the latter. So when she was introduced to crack crime reporter Logan St. John, she was relieved. After all, it was unlikely that the still-grieving, if gorgeous, widower would be looking for a relationship--and maybe he could help her figure out how much trouble she was really in.... As for Logan, his no-strings-attached connection with Abby was about to hit a snag. Oh, he could see how much danger she was in--spotting danger was his area of expertise, after all. Funny how he completely missed the signs around his heart....

Determined to heal her broken heart, Katherine Wyatt retreated to her family's ranch. She'd vowed to avoid men—until she had to share space with a charming, infuriatingly sexy cowboy. Somehow Hunter Sinclair knew just how to provoke her, and he seemed awfully determined to keep her in his sights. Especially as someone wanted the Wyatts off the ranch for good. There was no one she could trust more than Hunter to protect her. And yet he posed the greatest danger to her heart.

Special agent Patrick O'Reilly was determined not to let Mackenzie Sloan's good looks sway him from his task. The woman's innocent persona didn't mean she wasn't involved in illegal activities. And after keeping track of her day—and night—for weeks, he'd almost convinced himself his interest was all part of his job. When the case placed Mackenzie in danger, he could no longer deny his duty had turned to desire. He'd lay down his own life to protect this woman. But laying down his embattled heart might be the truest test of his resolve.

Those Marrying McBrides! DAMSEL IN DISTRESS? All her life, Elizabeth Davis has only herself to rely on—and that was fine with her! So what if she was in danger? The last thing she needed was a self-appointed rescuer—even if he was a gorgeous government agent…. All Zeke McBride had expected from his homecoming was a chance to see family. The lovely stranded motorist was just a bonus. But when he found out she was being threatened, he vowed to stay by her side. Even if such close contact had Zeke forgetting what was so great about the single life, anyway…. The five single McBride siblings have always been unlucky in love. But it looks like their luck is about to change….

Born-and-bred Londoner Priscilla Wyatt was shocked at how much she loved the Colorado ranch mysteriously bequeathed to her family. But enemies were determined to drive the Wyatts away—and innocent Priscilla was their next pawn. Donovan Jones made it his mission to find his man—or woman—at any cost, but retrieving Priscilla from her abductors was just the first hurdle. Now he had to keep his feisty charge safe. Even the solitary Donovan couldn't help but be captivated by his one-of-a-kind client as they evaded their foes. Before long, the bounty hunter was in danger of stealing her heart…and losing his own!