Barbara Boswell

Smart, poised and beautiful, Claire Gray has always been an asset to her congressman father's career. But while she knows the ways and means of Washington, she is surprisingly naive about wild and worldly men - like reporter Zane Griffin. A skeptic assigned to cover the congressman's reelection bid, Zane is mesmerised by Gray's enchanting, sharp-tongued daughter. And Claire's stinging barbs and cool comebacks cannot quench the fire that is drawing her into the arms of the devil-may-care newspaperman. But a big story is brewing, a hungry reporter's dream, full of death threats, official misconduct and family secrets - a story that could destroy a campaign and a blossoming romance as well.

In the courtroom Krista Conway was a feared opponent, a real tough cookie in high heels and pinstriped suit -- but when she stood before Judge Logan Moore, he felt his blood catch fire! She was a living, breathing mass of gorgeous contradictions: a high-stakes divorce lawyer who longed for marriage and kids -- and Logan, a man used to wielding power on the bench, and in bed, wanted her... badly. Challenging, seductive, sizzling in his arms, Krista mocked Logan for his caveman tactics, but she knew the sexy widower with three adorable children could sway her no matter how determined she was to resist. Neither believed what burned between them was the truth and nothing but the truth... yet when the jury was in, would the verdict be a life sentence of love?

Nicole Fortune insisted that the baby she held was Drake Austin's child and demanded money from the world-famous photographer She expected rage, denial, even threats, but instead he laughed... and stirred feelings she had no business having for a rich, virile heartbreaker like Drake! She couldn't explain the mystery of little Bobbie's birth without risking losing the baby she'd grown to love as her own, but Drake refused to let this appealing, infuriating woman vanish from his life, even if it meant taking on her eccentric, extended family. Both he and Nicole had known the hurt of being unwanted children, but he'd protected himself by choosing no ties at all, while she'd gathered a clan related only by choice and need. Overwhelmed by Drake, fascinated against her will, Nicole fought him, but she hungered for the ecstasy he could teach her. Seduced by undeniable need, Nicole surrendered her heart-and nearly broke Drake's. Could she convince him that her love was stronger than his pain?

MR. JUNE The Man: Tyler Tremaine. Confident, charming, used to getting his own way. The Woman: Carrie Wilcox. Warm, wonderful, and a lovely eyeful to boot. The Problem: Carrie was the single mother . . . of triplets! When Tyler heard that a widow had moved into the ramshackle house next door, he pictured a kindly silver-haired lady with a twinkle in her eyes. He definitely wasn't prepared for his new neighbor--a feisty, sexy young woman raising a rambunctious set of triplets all by herself. /> Tyler had always thought of himself as footloose and fancy-free. And why not? He was handsome, successful, and wasn't exactly short of feminine companionship. So what was it about Carrie that made this very confirmed bachelor feel as if something was missing from his life?

Four popular authors present a collection of holiday heart-warmers about twins who decide they want a mother for Christmas, two friend's attempts at matchmaking their parents, a business-before-pleasure rancher, and a lonely single woman. All I want for Christmas by Nora Roberts. Very merry Step-Christmas by Barbara Boswell. Jack's ornament by Myrna Temte. This forever gift by Elizabeth August.

Wednesday is the pits for Alyssa Courtney. She's accused cartoonist Rade Stone of contributing to violence on children's television, yet can't produce the evidence. Her car's been stolen. And now her Bostonian reserve is melting fast as Rade's slightest touch transforms her into a shameless wanton! — Is this proper behavior for a mother of two boys, whose nonstop squabbling in front of Rade's model youngsters mortifies her? Hardly! But then, nothing's quite proper once laid-back Rade showers her family with lavish gifts ... and cajoles her into the bedroom. They're completely unsuited, opposite in every way, yet something unites them with explosive force!

A MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE — Carling Templeton was fit to be tied! Here she was, an independent, enlightened twentieth-century woman -- about to be sold into marriage like some sort of medieval bride. Even worse, her husband-to-be was the insufferable cattle rancher, Kane McClellan, Carling thought he was infuriating, so she never expected her "I won't" to turn to "I will" the second she said "I do." Kane had wanted Carling ever since he'd seen her picture on the society page. True, she'd only come to Texas out of dire necessity, yet he was determined to win her proud affection. Sweet Carling was his -- bought and paid for. But was he prepared to pay the price of their passionate union?

A Home For Christmas by Barbara Boswell Angel Baby by Lisa Jackson The Christmas Child by Linda Turner Fans of this series will love getting reacquainted with the Fortune family, as Chase, Ryder and Hunter Fortune strive to fulfill the family traditions of wealth, power, and everlasting love in one year! Enjoy the escapades as these three bachelors--a rancher, a tycoon, and a tracker--meet three unforgettable women who give them the Christmas gift of a lifetime.

MR. NOVEMBER Who: MacCasky Ford, former U.S. Marshal. Type: Tough, rugged, fiercely independent. Latest Mission: To find the mother of the little girl who'd appeared on his doorstep. Unforeseen Complication: Enigmatic Banner Keaton. She was not the woman she seemed.... All Mac Ford had wanted to do was hand in his badge and retire to the country. Then an unexpected twist of fate left his young niece in his care. Determined to reunite the child with her remaining parent, he traced elusive Banner Keaton to a deserted island ...only to make a stunning discovery! Mac was not a marrying man, but soon, this pretty, passionate woman had him wondering if he was headed for wedded bliss, after all...

MR. JUNE That Marriageable Man: Tall, dark and very sexy Rafe Paradise was single and satisfied -- until he "inherited" four mischievous kids. His Ultimate Dilemma: Being a devoted dad without getting hitched. That Marriageable Woman: Next-door darling Holly Casale. She knew exactly what Rafe needed -- her! Rafe was determined to be an exceptional single father. But keeping his mind strictly on fatherhood was impossible with luscious Holly offering helpful parenting hints. Besides, Rafe was more interested in what his eligible neighbor knew about making children than raising them. But taking her as his lover would mean making her his wife! And marriage was the farthest thing from his mind -- wasn't it? MAN OF THE MONTH: This seductive bachelor finds love -- under his very own roof!

Her Bad-Boy Hero on a Harley... Caleb Strong was a hell-raiser from the wrong side of the tracks, impossibly sexy--and everything a woman like Cheyenne Whitney Merrit knew she wasn't supposed to want! A "good girl" from a respected family, whose marriage to the "right boy" had left her a young widow, she couldn't say no when Caleb stalked her on his huge motorcycle and dared her to be reckless, to come for a ride. His wicked, confident smile taunted her, made her burn with restless longing--and wonder what secrets he could teach her. When his mouth ravished hers with hot, hungry kisses, Cheyenne reveled in the intense, searing pleasure--and he was shocked to discover a wildcat in his arms, a woman of spirit who'd risk admitting she loved him. Caleb Strong had vowed revenge on the town that had hurt his family and driven him away years before, but what he felt for Cheyenne was dangerous enough to send him running for cover. Could she prove her love was strong enough to survive his doubts and a town without pity?

This captivating anthology utilizes the time honored fantasy of magical footwear to change each story's heroine and her lovelife: a pair of combat boots unites a starlet and her personal trainer, platform shoes work wonders for a day with boyfriend trouble and slinky T-straps heat up a business relationship. — BIRTHDAY SHOES by... more » Black suede pumps -- and a broken gypsy curse -- open a practical lady law assistant's eyes to the sensual charms of her work-obsessed boss -- and turn office politics into a desk-top sizzle. CUPID WEARS COMBAT BOOTS by Carole Buck Combat boots -- and a matchmaking teen --- convince a sex-kitten actress with a home-seeking heart that there is something far more important than her next action flick: going one-on-one with her virile combat instructor -- on a permanent basis. HEART AND SOLES by Cassie Miles Irridescent platform sandals -- and a punk fairy godmother -- expose the wild side of a practical-minded miss -- and thrust her into the arms of a long-lost love who'd like to re-park his own shoes under her bed.

Nothing stood between them...but the truth Hailed as a heroine after a plane crash, copilot Bailey Fielding couldn't forget the one victim she hadn't saved - pilot Kate Rivers. But the dead woman's husband, FAA investigator Joe Rivers, would never forget...So, when sparks began to fly between him and Bailey, Joe swore he would never fall in love again. Bailey was impossible to resist, though. Even as Joe found himself involved with her, he had to wonder what had happened in the cockpit before the plane went down. Because new evidence was making it seem as if Bailey was responsible for the fiery crash that had killed his wife... LAWMAN -- There's nothing sexier than the strong arms of the law!

Sexy heartbreaker Rad Ramsey knew women found him irresistible, but he'd always enjoyed the chase too much to keep the ladies whose hearts he captured. Then sweet, serene Erin Brady came tantalizingly near -- and he felt his cherished control slipping. He usually chose a dazzling spitfire he could battle and vanquish, but when this soft-eyed temptress treated him like Sir Galahad, he felt a sudden, wild longing to free the passionate woman inside her. Erin had never known the fiery thrill of seduction, to be claimed by a powerful, sensual man, but Rad's touch awakened a siren who would be satisfied with nothing less. Challenged by her tenderness, astonished by the protective instincts she aroused in him, Rad tried to drive Erin away, sure he'd bring her nothing but sorrow once she knew his secrets. Could the woman who'd found joy in his arms teach him the healing power of love?

gIRL-gEAR VP Kinsey Gray is not happy to hear Doug Storey is moving to Denver. She and the sexy architect have a bit of a history, but Kinsey was never quite sure how she felt about him. Now that he's leaving, it's time she made up her mind. With the help of a three-step plan to seduce Doug, Kinsey's positive she'll persuade him to stay. The wicked games she has planned will knock more than his socks off!Doug's more than a bit surprised when Kinsey tells him she wants him to stay in Houston. Ever since their sexual escapades in Coconut Caye last year, he and Kinsey have kept things casual. While she certainly turns him on, he's not sure what they have is enough to keep him around. Of course, when he finds out Kinsey's up for grabs at a charity bachelorette auction, he's gonna make sure he's the only one tasting Kinsey's wares!