She’s shy, he’s stoic...not the hardest personality traits to overcome, but Sophie Carson and Roman “Chief” Proudfit have their work cut out for them. Sophie has a crush on the silent-but-studly firefighter next door. She’s been pining away silently while secretly helping the hardworking man by mowing his lawn—which he thinks is being done by her nonexistent husband and/or boyfriend. He’s definitely not big on neighborly chitchat, but with her stutter, that suits Sophie just fine. But now a misunderstanding at a bar has put him even further out of her reach. Roman’s difficult upbringing on an Indian reservation is a sore spot, so when he thinks Sophie is taking advantage of poor people for medical trials at her workplace, he lets her know exactly what he thinks. But when he discovers he misunderstood, he’s man enough to admit it...and also that he should have opened his eyes to his beautiful, sensitive neighbor sooner. As the couple gets closer, each helping the other overcome lifelong pains, for the first time in years, Roman has something to live for other than his job. And, as he discovers when Sophie puts herself in danger, something even bigger to lose... ** Shelter for Sophie is the 8th book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

Blythe Coopman never imagined she'd be homeless, but a series of events has landed her on San Antonio's streets...hungry, tired, and scared. She clings to her most precious possession, a phone accidentally swiped from a local firefighter, who, instead of canceling the number, starts texting her. Soon, the man's calls and texts are the highlight of her days, but she declines his frequent offers of help. Blythe refuses to be his burden-until a vicious attack takes the decision out of her hands. When the woman he's already begun to care for ends up in the ER, Sawyer "Squirrel" McClay is livid-and ashamed. He should have insisted she accept his help long ago. Now, he's not taking no for an answer. While his friends rally round Blythe, Squirrel's bond with her grows stronger by the day, until he realizes he'll do anything to keep her safe, healthy, and happy...even as his own lifelong insecurities work against him. But despite leaving the streets behind, Blythe and Sawyer discover old dangers still linger, threatening to end the couple's new bliss before it's barely begun. ** Shelter for Blythe is the 11th book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

For decades, pit bulls have been demonized by society and portrayed as hellhounds. They've become the most feared, hated, and abused of all companion animals. Some cities and even entire countries ban them, while the media persist in associating them with viciousness. This unjust reputation has sealed the fate of millions of dogs, who face prejudice around the world and languish in shelters, where they are the most euthanized. In America alone, hundreds of thousands of pit bulls are put to sleep every year. Since 2014, French photographer Sophie Gamand has been composing portraits of adoptable pit bulls from more than thirty shelters and rescues throughout the United States. Many had been waiting for years for a home. Adorning her models with handmade flower-crowns, Gamand tells each dog's story and celebrates their inherent personality, vulnerability, and individuality. Posted and shared widely on social media, the portraits--at once charming, candid, and deeply affecting--have not only led to hundreds of dogs finding loving, forever homes, but have also spurred efforts to destigmatize an animal whose reputation for violence says more about us than it does the character of the dogs themselves. Full of moving, honest, and inspiring stories of individual dogs and their lives (and deaths), Pit Bull Flower Power presents a vivid, beautifully composed cross-section of Gamand's extraordinary work. The book also serves as a testament to the caring people who work in animal rescue, the passion and dedication of those who provide homes for these animals, and the dignity, forbearance, and love of these dogs, who are at the mercy of humans.

As she faced the flames, she realized two things with absolute certainty. She could bear the heat, but she could not bear losing him. She’s shy, he’s stoic…not the hardest personality traits to overcome, but Sophie Carson and Roman “Chief” Proudfit have their work cut out for them. Sophie has a crush on the silent-but-studly firefighter next door. She’s been pining away silently while secretly helping the hardworking man by mowing his lawn—which he thinks is being done by her nonexistent husband and/or boyfriend. He’s definitely not big on neighborly chitchat, but with her stutter, that suits Sophie just fine. But now a misunderstanding at a bar has put him even further out of her reach. Roman’s difficult upbringing on an Indian reservation is a sore spot, so when he thinks Sophie is taking advantage of poor people for medical trials at her workplace, he lets her know exactly what he thinks. But when he discovers he misunderstood, he’s man enough to admit it…and also that he should have opened his eyes to his beautiful, sensitive neighbor sooner. As the couple gets closer, each helping the other overcome lifelong pains, for the first time in years, Roman has something to live for other than his job. And, as he discovers when Sophie puts herself in danger, something even bigger to lose… ** Shelter for Sophie is the 8th book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings. --- Read what others are saying about New York Times bestselling author, Susan Stoker: "Riveting action and characters you'll love!” Elle James, NYT Bestselling Author "Susan Stoker is the master of military romantic suspense. She's my go-to author for sexy alpha hero and strong, sassy heroines." Riley Edwards, USAT Bestselling Author “If you love alpha heroes and nail-biting romantic suspense, then you can’t go wrong with Susan Stoker.” Sawyer Bennett, NYT Bestselling Author “Nail biting suspense, heartwarming charm, and downright sexy characters you can't help but fall in love with.” Lainey Reese, USA Today Bestselling Author “Nobody does intense action better than Susan Stoker” Desiree Holt, USAT Bestselling Author “Another winner! Sexy and action-packed, what I’ve come to expect from Susan Stoker! Cristin Harber, NYT Bestselling Author "Susan does romantic suspense right! Edge of my seat + smokin' hot = read ALL of her books! Now.” Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author --- Read the entire Badge of Honor romance series, starting with the USAT bestselling start! Justice for Mackenzie Justice for Mickie Justice for Corrie Justice for Laine Shelter for Elizabeth Justice for Boone Shelter for Adeline Shelter for Sophie Justice for Erin Justice for Milena Shelter for Blythe Justice for Hope Shelter for Quinn Shelter for Koren Shelter for Penelope Topics: contemporary romance, military romance, series, romantic suspense series, mystery, bbw romance, funny romance, modern romance, urban romance, Texas, Texas romance, wealthy, USA today, USA today bestseller, homeless romance, city romance, smart romance, mystery, dogs in romance, lighthearted romance, hot romance, susan stoker, susan stoker romance, proposal, proposal romance, engagement, engagement romance, new york times bestseller romance, NYT romance, new york times romance, sexy, heartwarming, heart-warming, indian, native-american, native-american romance, Arizona, legends, paranormal, dog, family, love, love books, kissing books, emotional journey, contemporary, contemporary romance, romance series, long series, long romance series, army, army series, former military, cop, police officer, policeman, hospital, doctor, cop romance, wealthy hero, firefighter, fireman, fireman romance, sassy, strong heroine, captivating romance, hot, hot romance, forbidden love, sparks, loyalty, swoon, contemporary Other readers of Stoker's books enjoyed books by: Riley Edwards, Caitlyn O'Leary, Maryann Jordan, Dale Mayer, Lynn Raye Harris, Cat Johnson, Alexis Abbott, Meli Raine, Nicole Elliot, Lori Ryan, Meghan March, Kristin Ashley, Kris Michaels, Brittney Sahin, Sharon Hamilton, Catherine Cowles, Lexi Blake, Piper Davenport, Abbie Zanders, Lani Lynn Vale, and Kristen Proby.

A retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale for young adults.

Sophie Curtis lives a big secret. She's been having an affair with Duane Koch. Their days—and nights— together are their own oasis away from the world. It's unconventional but, given the difference in their ages and her troubled past, it works for them. Then Duane is asked to step into the political ring—an opportunity he's been waiting for. Too bad about the timing, though. Because Sophie's just found out she's pregnant, and an instant family—with her—could ruin his chances. The right thing would be for her to bow out of his life. But when he surprises her with a proposal, will she have the strength to walk away from the man she loves?

Cameron Warren gave up on everything after his daughter died Lea Carver has no money and nowhere else to go when she shows up at his door. She'd rather be anywhere but stuck in that mansion with its cantankerous owner and the slobbery beast he calls a dog. But she has a duty to see that Sophie, Cameron's niece, is safe. So she stays. And finds that maybe Cameron Warren isn't as beastly as she first thought. Will she win this Scrooge's heart in time for the holidays? Can he find a way past his loss to love again? Find out now. keywords: holiday short story, holiday romance, small town romance, rich man poor girl

An all-new, original book featuring two new Vet Volunteers! Meet Jules and Josh, the new twins in town! While Josh adapts quickly to Ambler, Jules accidentally makes an enemy of Maggie. Hoping a pet will help her feel better, Jules adopts the class rabbit, Chewie, but things go downhill when there are complications with Chewie's spay surgery. With Dr. Mac out on a call, it's up to Jules to work with Maggie to help the rabbit - and maybe even prove that she and Josh are worthy of becoming Vet Volunteers. This brand-new book in the beloved Vet Volunteers series brings all the kids together for another exciting animal adventure!

The Rescue is a tale about a serious man named Eustace Damier who receives a visit from an old family friend, Mrs. Mostyn. Damier and Mrs. Mostyn discuss wistfully the latter's late daughter and Damier's old paramour, who was beautiful but sickly. Suddenly, Damier finds out through a friend that Ms. Clara Vicaud is still alive, a stubborn survivor of terrible circumstances. Sedgwick writes a suspenseful love tale that will charm through the ages. Excerpt: "DEAR MR. DAMIER: I shall be very glad to see you tomorrow afternoon at four. I well remember Mrs. Mostyn; to hear of her from a friend of hers will be a double pleasure. Yours sincerely, CLARA VICAUD. It was like the evocation of a ghost to see this reality, emerged suddenly out of the dream-world where, for so long, he had thought of her, the young girl leaning on the chair-back in her flowing dress of silk. She was alive, and he was to see her that afternoon. Damier felt a chill overtake his eagerness. Was he not about to shatter a charming experience—one of the sweetest, most tender, most dearly absurd of his life?"

A Dangerous Shelter, a crime mystery by Bruce Allsman Late for work again, Lou Calvino receives an ominous warning from his boss, Jack Walensky, chief editor of the Westridge Tribune. Walensky gives Lou an ultimatum, find a hard-hitting story or his twenty-five-year career as an investigative journalist is history. To Lou, his life is already over. Three months ago Julia, his wife, lost her battle with cancer. Julia was a real estate agent. She had bought their beautiful home, a gut-rehabbed three bedroom and three bath brick ranch style house. On his present salary he couldn’t possibly continue with the mortgage payment much longer or pay the college tuition for their twins, Shaun and Simon. And, he had promised her not to sell their home. One day, on his way home from yet another long session at the local bar, he stumbles across a crime that leads him to a story related to a shelter for the homeless.