Nina Pykare

SHAKESPEARE AND THE THREE KINGS by Victoria Alexander — After inheriting three unbearable dogs from his great aunt, Oliver Stanhope was relieved to find she'd made arrangements for a trainer. But when D. K. Lawrence appeared at his door, enormous Great Dane in tow, Oliver was in for the Christmas surprise -- and love -- of his life. ATHENA'S CHRISTMAS TAIL by Nina Coombs Mercy wanted her marriage with the Viscount Brockton to be a true match of the heart. But breaking through Robert's cold shell seemed truly impossible, until she found the magic of the holiday season -- with the help of Athena, her very determined dog. AWAY IN A SHELTER by Annie Kimberlin She was a dedicated volunteer, but Camille Campbell never wanted to get stranded at the animal shelter overnight on Christmas Eve. And she never wanted to be stuck with the infuriating Roger Matheson, the handsome helper whose very touch left the lovely lawyer starry-eyed. MR. WRIGHT'S CHRISTMAS ANGEL by Miriam Raftery When Dr. Joy Winters' daughter asked Santa Claus for a father for Christmas, Joy knew she was in trouble. Then a mysterious Kriss Kringle gave her two tickets to Alaska -- and a wondrous journey into the arms of handsome woodsman Nicholas Wright and his amazing dog.

Laced with humor, this gentle regency centers around Kate Ketterling, a member of a troupe of strolling players. Toss in a dapper viscount and an unprincipled murderer and you have the ingredients for a lively romp through Regency England.

Cats go meow! Dogs go woof! Children love animals, and this adorable book introduces them to the fun sounds they make and their favorite things to do. Soon kids will be squeaking and squawking, baa-ing and quacking right along with the pictures.

THEIR LOVE WAS HIDDEN, BURIED -- AND WILD Libby Collins had two passions: one for discovering oil and one for Jared Harper. Although Jared had stormed out of their youthful marriage, Libby still ached for his embrace and for the kisses that had left her breathless. Now, deep in the Indonesian jungle, with Jared as her expedition leader, she vowed not to yield to his powerful masculinity again. But from the moment he took her in his arms, Libby was certain that time really could stand still.

It was a wicked, sinful city -- enough to turn a young woman's head and tempt the stoutest heart. But Miss Samantha Everett had not come to London in pursuit of fun and folly. — After so many years spent caring for her ailing father, she was free at last to follow her dreams -- to become an intimate part of the glamour and drama of the theatre. Samantha was content to work behind the scenes, but the impossibly handsome Lord Roxberry appeared to have plans of his own for her. Did he intend to have her as his mistress? Samantha was not one to nurse illusions. Before she would be any man's leading lady, she must know that she possessed his heart.

ONE SIGNATURE WAS THE KEY TO HER FORTUNE This was Jennifer's big break. All she had to do was sign a talented Balinese artist to an exclusive contract to sell her work to Jennifer's boss, the owner of a large New York art gallery. Bali held Jennifer's future. It was a tropical paradise unlike anything she had expected. And so was Dirk van der Meer, the rich Dutch merchant who possessed all the alluring qualities of his pirate ancestors.

Miss Delicia Dudley, who considered herself beyond marriageable age, was constantly being placed in embarrassing situations by her flighty mother and sister. Yet her loyalty to sister Desiree had her agreeing to pretend to be in love with the Duke of Ravenworth, so that Desiree could pursue her own love. But charades have a way of becoming real-with distressing consequences. Regency Romance by Nina Coombs Pykare; originally published by Jove

LOVE ON STAGE Claudia Carstairs had fallen in love only once, and vowed that it would never happen again. After that insane, wonderful night with Mark Hanson twelve long years ago, she had never seen him again -- except in her dreams. Then suddenly they were thrown together once more, travelling as student and teacher in Southeast Asia. Claudia knew Mark had a lot to teach her about theater, but when he took her in his arms and kissed her, she realized that it was his love she still wanted ... Claudia had already played with fire once. And falling in love with Mark Hanson wasn't going to be any easier the second time around.

Faith Duncan travels north to become a companion to an elderly woman. The Earl of Moorshead suspects that Faith is not what she seems. Faith struggles to do her job and not succumb to the Earl's charms, even as strange events start to haunt the castle's inhabitants.

Jennifer Whitcomb comes to the Parmenter estate as a governess to their three children. Although she quickly wins over the lively but neglected children, the mistress of the house welcomes a strange group of houseguests, including a mysterious Frenchman versed in mesmerism. Jennifer’s main escape from the brooding atmosphere are her chance encounters with Viscount Haverford, the local lord.

It was highly improper for a young heiress to flirt openly with a complete stranger. Beautiful Emily Penthorne was certainly at fault, but he was so handsome, so compelling, how could she resist? It was the height of the season, and she was en route to London to live with her wealthy Uncle Cyril. The excitement of entering society set her all aflutter. What a shock to arrive and discover that the stranger to whom she had so freely given her attentions was none other than Viscount Dunstan, the very man chosen to be her guardian. His duty was to make her a lady. Was it proper that he should steal her heart?

When the perfect couple's marriage is threatened by the appearance of a sultry fashion model, are there any right choices? In 1950s London, Tom Knelston is charismatic, charming, with a passion for politics and reform. He is a man with ambition--and someone to watch. His wife Alice, a former nurse, shares his ideals. It seems they are the perfect match.--"Seductively readable" (The Times) is a luscious, page-turning read about a precarious situation--both utterly compelling and hugely rewarding.

"Deny that you want me," Greg demanded. "Just try and deny it..." - Auburn-haired Mickey Callahan had never met a man as infuriating as architect Greg Bennett. Couldn't he understand that his cold steel skyscraper was all wrong for her beloved Montana prairie? She had criticized his designs, refused to do business with him, tolf him she didn't ... more 》 need him, and still she could not deny that his least caress stirred her to the depths of her being. Mickey didn't surrender to anyone -- but Greg wasn't asking permission to take what he wanted ...

GAME OF LOVE When licensed psychologist Fran Warren wrote her book defending scientific theories on how to catch a husband, she was hardly prepared to have it attacked by heartthrob Martin O'Brien, host of the city's largest talk show. But Fran had agreed to appear on his show to promote her career, and when he proposed an experiment to see whose approach to love worked best, she accepted. Martin had already shown his gentler side and could make Fran melt when he was near. Could she survive this game without being hurt? Or by winning, would she lose the one man who mattered?

Three siblings estranged by secrets...reunited by love.Lord Lambeth is uncharacteristically captivated by Marianne Cotterwood, even though she's off-limits and keeping secrets. Determined to unravel her mystery, he keeps close watch.Alone in the world, Marianne wishes she could remember her life before the orphanage. The only "family" she has is a warmly eccentric bunch of pickpockets and thieves. Marianne's inborn grace makes her a natural at mingling among the wealthy while looking for valuables, but then Lord Lambeth catches her in the act....Yet someone else is interested in Marianne's secrets, as well. A dangerous shadow from her past is closing in, and Lord Lambeth is the only man she can turn to.