Romance ;

As their wedding day nears, Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart are determined to keep their ceremony a secret from the paparazzi, while a terrible tragedy strikes the Flanigan family as Cody fights for his life after an alcohol overdose.

He had a son! Alik Jarman has only just met his six-week-old son -- and he isn't going to let him go now! Even though the baby's mother broke his heart less than one year ago.... Blaire never told Alik the real reason she called off their wedding. And now, when Alik demands she and the baby move in with him for a month, Blaire should refuse. But seeing Alik's delight in their child, she can't say no -- and she can't stop hoping that one day they will be a real family!

"Marry in haste, repent at leisure..." Minta had never met a man like Dane Fenton, so worldly, so handsome, so...passionate. And for him, it had been love at first sight -- or so he claimed. But when Minta's father objected to her seeing him, she rebelled she was an adult, fully capable of making her own decisions, she shouted at him on that final night. Within a week she was married to Dane and living in his Canary Islands home. The marriage started out fine -- until Delia Nelson appeared on the scene, and told Minta a few things about her new husband...

When arson threatens an abandoned school in the center of a small antiques area, cookie merchant Heather DeMarco is determined to save the building. But the owner, tycoon Cole Dennison, plans to demolish the structure, and Heather's efforts to persuade him are going nowhere fast.

"I stopped being interested in him years ago."Lindsey and Tim Ramsden were married—but in name only these days. Their once passionate relationship hadn't survived a bitter understanding. Now they had met again. Was it possible to recapture the love they had shared? Or should Lindsey accept that what she felt for Tim was over and it was time to move on? Would her past always haunt her, or was life offering her a fresh chance at love?

When Luke Winters bumps into an old friend, recently widowed and heavily pregnant, he offers Lindsay Donovan financial security for herself and her baby. All she has to do is stay married to him until he can gain control of his family business! The plan works... only, Luke realizes that he's fallen for Lindsay. He also knows he'll love her baby as much as if he were the father. How can he make this temporary arrangement last forever?

Dear Vicky, Things are just the same here. My life is mapped out for years ahead with a chance of anything changing... As she wrote those words to her best friend, Angel had no idea that a gorgeous stranger was about to turn her world upside down! Hunter Ryan was rich and famous, surely not the kind of man to look twice at Angel? Yet he was a rock to lean on when her younger brother fell sick; and soon his face began to haunt her dreams .... He teased Angel for not living up to her name--if only he'd realize he was the first man ever to touch her heart!

She was supposed to be a modern-day Delilah When Keira Mary Brooks returned to Sydney, her cousin Justin greeted her with open arms. It was not what she'd expected. Neither were Justin's plans. He wanted Keira to assume the alias Delilah O'Neil and to seduce a man. For the sake of family, Keira reluctantly agreed. But then she met Nick Sarazan, the man of her dreams. "Come dance with me," said Nick. "I'll show you we're made for each other."

Once, Luc Santini's inherent sensuality had proved to be Catherine Parrish's downfall. For two years she had loved him unconditionally, until she realized that this rich, powerful man regarded her as a possession--not a woman he loved enough to marry.

He thought she was just a gold digger! Until her adoptive mother died suddenly, Antonia Grant hadn't known that her natural mother had kept a distant watch over her. So it was disconcerting to meet her for the first time. Antonia loved Diana immediately, and the beauty of her Brazilian home helped to assuage Antonia's grief. Just one thing was wrong. Diana's stepson, Jaime, believed Antonia was only interested in Diana's wealth. But when Jaime reversed his view, Antonia's uneasiness increased. How could his passionate hatred have changed so fast to passionate love?

He'd caught only a glimpse of her from the window of his carriage, but the Russian Prince Dimitri, 28, knew he had to have her. Within minutes, Lady Katherine St. John, 21, was dragged from the London street and carried off to a sumptuous town house -- for the pleasure of her royal admirer...From the tempestuous passion of their first encounter, across stormy seas, to the golden splendor of palaces in Moscow, she was his prisoner -- obsessed with rage toward her captor even as an all-consuming need made her his slave. Yet theirs was a fervor beyond her understanding, carrying them irrevocably toward final surrender to the power of undeniable love.

Caleb Jones had charm. Helen couldn't deny that, but she certainly didn't intend to be taken in by it. She found him obnoxious - even if her father thought the sun rose and set on him. True, Caleb didn't act like the tough, cynical businessman she'd imagined him to be. And she had to give him full marks for raising his young nephew single handedly. Yet, despite the growing evidence in his favour, Helen was determined not to change her opinion of him. Then she realized she was falling in love with the man.

It seemed like a heaven-sent escape. Researching articles on Portugal's tourist attractions would bring welcome relief from recent events she'd endured. Then Kate discovered that Peter had also nominated her as his substitute in the Great Port car race. According to the rules, she'd have to be chaperoned by Peter's codriver - her arch enemy, Adriao Carvalho Ferreira. It was bad enough that he was aristocratic, arrogant and unforgiving. But the fact he believed the spiteful tabloid articles written about her had Kate hissing at him like a snake. It was certainly going to be one bumpy ride!

The demands of a growing business meant Sybilla had less time to think about the past, about a lonely future--and definitely no time to become emotionally involved. Ever again. Not after Gareth Seymour. Ten years had changed them both--but hadn't erased her feelings. That tormenting realization came when Gareth suddenly returned, threatening to send her emotions reeling back in time, to weaken her defenses and leave her vulnerable once more to the man who'd shattered her confidence and broken her heart

A change in the weather Virginia only wanted a glimpse of the couple who'd adopted her daughter--perhaps a precious look at her child. She hadn't expected her detective work to lead her to an island off San Juan, a run-in with Roarke Campbell . . . and the shocking truth. Her child was there, in that private paradise, with no mother and a cold, unfeeling father. Yet with one fierce kiss, Roarke belied his icy exterior--the depths of his desire warming Virginia to the core. When he learned the truth, would he shut her out of his heart forever?

[aka The Second Victory] The war was over .... But it was a time of armistice, not peace. In the winter of 1945, Austria was in a land without leaders and withoug hope. To men like Major Mark Hanlon, Occupation Commander in the snowbound Alps, fell the task of destroying the stink of tyranny and death that the Nazis had left behind. Major Hanlon had sought the appointment because he wanted to help. On all sides he found despair and resistance. He wanted to rule by law, not force. But his word was law and backed up by guns. And it was his job -- and his duty -- to rule. In Backlash, as in his tremendous best sellers 'The Devil's Advocate' and 'The Shoes of the Fisherman', Morris West tells a vivid and exciting story which sweeps the reader into a dramatic involvement with the characters. And as in those two books he poses moral problems which give his novels an added measure of depth and impact.

The instant Matilda meets good-looking surgeon James Scott-Thurlow she falls head-over-heels in love! But does James already have a glamorous fiance? Matilda is about to find out because James seems to be considering a summer proposal...

Conrad Domitio likes to keep his title of Crown Prince of Montessuro a secret. After all, it doesn't affect his life in England. Or at least not until his grandfather calls to say his country needs him - and that he'd better bring a bride! Francesca is shocked by Conrad's sudden proposal. She doubts she's princess material: she's never worn a tiara in her life! But though she's reulctant to be royal, she wouldn't mind being married to gorgeous Conrad! Even if it's only prentend - for now...

The bridesmaid was in love -- with the best man! Daisy Galbraith had always loved confirmed bachelor Robert Furneval, and the only way to sty a part of his life was to play down her looks. But, as chief bridesmaid at her brother's wedding, Daisy was forced into a pretty dress and makeup! Robert, as best man, suddenly realized that Daisy wasn't just a good friend -- she was also an attractive women! Then he discovered she was secretly in love, and Robert just had to find out who with...

She'd been cossetted, and overprotected Jeanne Lester knew that. Yet it wasn't easy to claim her independence without hurting her family. Surprisingly, her big brother Seth came to her rescue. He gave her an extended European holiday as a birthday present. But there was a catch--Jeanne had to check in with a number of Seth's friends. Everything went well until she reached England--and met Gray Caldwell. Somehow, by accident, Gray got entirely the wrong opinion of Jeanne. And nothing she did seemed to change his mind....

How to handle a heartbreaker... "What sends bachelors running for their lives? Weddings and babies! Starting to look at furniture, develop an interest in expensive rings, muse aloud about the names you're going to give your children." Blythe looked everything she was not -- sophisticated, experienced and a woman who had many men in her past. Christian Ballantine, on the other hand, was a heartbreaker of the first order, and his woman-of-the-moment was Blythe. He intended to sleep with her and she was determined he would not. But how was she to divert him? She would ask him to marry her -- that would frighten him off!

Heather felt humiliated when Lorenzo Martelli jilted her at the altar. She blamed his brother Renato for what had happened and was astonished when everyone insisted Renato make amends by taking his brother's place in an arranged marriage with her!Renato was a powerful man, not used to taking orders. But he knew he was responsible, and felt duty-bound to marry Heather. She was wary of accepting such a proud, arrogant substitute husband—only the attraction between them was overwhelming.... Could she refuse?

How could she afford to welcome him home? — Amanda had been dangerously naive the summer Drake Daniels raked in a cool ten thousand dollars for leaving her family's Georgia estate and disappearing into the night without her. His betrayal had nearly killed her. — For six long years she'd fantasized about confronting him -- to tell him exactly what she thought of him. But face-to-face her accusations were powerless. The sad truth was, her secret fantasies always ended the same impossible way -- with her beating her fists on his hard chest and him holding her tightly, explaining, soothing away the anguish of the horrible years..

Surprise father! Nina in a maternity hospital? Jack Gulliver was in shock! This was the woman who had walked out on him eight months ago. Eight months! Could she have had his baby? He still missed and wanted Nina--with a passion--and now was his chance to get her back. Sure, he'd argued against having children, but he could change. Jack knew Nina was wary. She thought one cry from baby Charlotte would have him running for the door. But just how much trouble could one small baby be?

Brazilian nightmare? Her welcome was most peculiar, and yet Kate Ashley, who'd arrived to teach English in Vila Nova, was even more upset by the rudeness of her imperious employer, Luis Vasconcelos. She wanted to leave at once. "I wouldn't stay to work for him if he paid me a diamond a day and went down on his knees to beg," she said. Then the little Brazilian mountain town started to work its magic and Kate changed her mind. She'd just have to avoid the demanding Vasconcelos, she told herself. But that proved difficult--especially when Luis seemed determined to seek her out...

Susannah was a successful writer for Tomorrow magazine, but the new managing director -- the dynamic Hazard Maine -- made it clear that he thought she was cheating her way to the top. It didn't help their working relationship, either, that Susannah found him devilishly attractive. So attractive that she allowed him to believe the worst of her, so that she wouldn't be tempted to fall in love with him! Why, when he despised her, did he insist on singling her out?

When the man she was about to marry died just before the wedding, Helen felt that her life had fallen apart, and that her world was shrouded with the ghost of her dead lover. It is six months since the death of her fiancé Christopher, but Helen still feels the world contains very little that is worth living for. She thinks of herself as a one-man girl - until she meets Peter Farrington. He was just like her dead fiance. That was Helen's first heart- stopping impression of Peter, who reminded her so much of her dead Christopher. Yet she soon came to recognize his differences and he crept right into her heart. Although Helen thought she could never fall in love again, she realized that she was in love with him. But Helen stills has little chance of happiness. For although Peter seems to feel the same way about her, he was engaged to the beautiful but selfish Rita Wade, her glamorous boss. Helen hated the thought of what this marriage would do to him. Even if she didn't love him, Helen would have been distressed at the thought of him marrying this selfish and hard-hearted woman. She knew a certain truth about Rita that would open Peter's eyes--but could she break a confidence even to save him?

It was a terrible choice for her Yet Kit Landor was as implacable as his piercing blue eyes when he told Charlotte, "You'll marry me or Uncle Joe gets what's coming to him." Charlotte couldn't let her beloved uncle go to prison. Besides, Kit was too attractive for his own good, and Charlotte was not immune to his charms. But she wasn't going to let him have things all his own way. Why should she--especially when he really wanted the glamorous Veronica.

THE BRIDE LED THE ANTI-JARRETT PROTEST. THE GROOM WAS JARRETT! AND THE WEDDING? There's only one possible outcome when an immovable object meets an irresistible force.... Lindy Macallister's battle to protect a small colony of burrowing owls had been with Aldridge Aviation, a big, impersonal company. Until she met Aldridge's Nick Jarrett and her enemy became one man -- a man as stubborn as Lindy was herself. A man with gold-brown hair and blue eyes, who inexplicably touched something vulnerable inside her. Consorting with the enemy was proving hard to resist.

Her boss, her boyfriend--her secret! Millionaire tycoon Matt Gramling has two golden rules for avoiding love-struck secretaries: - 1. Never employ anyone under 50! - 2. Never date a woman over 25.... Outraged, Karla Jones is determined to become Matt's new assistant, even if she has to resort to disguising herself as the staid "Jeanette"! Only, when Karla starts dating Matt outside the office as herself she knows she's playing with fire, and it's only a matter of time before Matt discovers her true identity!

She was ecstatic and afraid ! Being chosen by world-famous dance director Harlem Barensky to be his set designer was like a dream come true for Tiffany. Talented but inexperienced and a little clumsy, she was sure she wouldn't be able to match the maverick Russian's legendary high standards---but she took her chance. Harlem Barensky was a demanding taskmaster haunted by his past--and despite the growing attraction between them, he was prepared to test Tiffany's abilities to their limits before he gave her his trust. Testing Tiffany 'to her limits' means accepting Harlem humiliating her in public often, saying she's fat and gauche (and 'gauche' she is, as well as pretty brainless and lacking any backbone for 99% of the book) as well as accepting his alcoholic personality; he's forever getting drunk and seems to drink copious amounts of alcohol daily. Reason for this is his consuming guilt as prior to starting his new dance company, he used to be a dancer but had a bad car accident, where he was driving, but accident was due to car malfunctioning, not his driving. However, a number of other dancers in the car with him died and he injured his leg badly enough to be unable to dance again. He gives no indication to Tiffany of wanting a permanent relationship - and in fact, proposes she move in with him for a few weeks while they work on the set design of his ballet, so he can 'burn out' his lust for her...!!! She refuses and tries to leave him, but he catches her and causes her to fall down the stairs ....and she's pregnant with his child at this stage. There is a HEA of sorts, if you can believe it, but as a 'hero', he's a pretty nasty piece of work.

Quin Quintaro opinion of her wasn't flattering! He'd made that quite clear at their first meeting. "It might be a good idea if you restrained your impulse to insnare everyman you meet while you're in Peru" he said. Not that Bliss' cared what he thought about her, of course. There were hardly likely to see each other again. But that was before she realized that Quin was the friend her brother in law had appointed to look after her during her South American stay. Well, she'd be polite to him, however infuriating he might be-but she didn't intend to fall in love with him.

His contemptuous eyes still haunted Alexa Ever since that horrible night when Revil Bradstone had caught a disheveled Alexa fleeing from his brother-in-law's hotel room, he had despised her. Her plea of innocence had fallen on deaf ears. Now, three years later, she encountered Revil again. He had not forgotten her, and appeared ready to take vengeance out on Alexa's employer, Mme. Veronique, by denying her modeling agency a much-needed business contract. In desperation, Alexa went to him and promised she'd do anything if he'd only give Mme. Veronique the contract. Yet she couldn't help wondering if she would live to regret her words!

Work before pleasure? Belinda Barford had been thrilled to be hired as Dr. Howard Henderson's assistant on his research trip to Crete. It had even seemed right to respond to his advances--it was obvious they shared an overwhelming sense of attraction for each other. Only, their romance soon turned soar when it dawned on Belinda that although Howard was attracted to her, he wasn't returning her love. Surely he didn't believe she was just out for a good time--that she'd cheerfully get involved with any man who asked? /> Belinda had fallen in love. And she'd learned her lesson. She had to put work before pleasure because the pain way too great otherwise.

There was an old saying about the Belleme family "Black of hair, black of eye and black of heart." And it certainly applied, Christabel thought grimly, to the disturbing; reclusive Roland de Belleme. Her responsibilities were supposed to end when she delivered little Nina and Dani to their Uncle Roland for the holidays. But their arrival had apparently taken him by surprise, and he insisted that she remain to look after the children. She couldn't leave them stranded, could she? Especially not with such a cynical, disreputable man. Against her will Christabel found herself staying on. Well ... maybe not entirely against her will.

This time Christie would stand up to him Christie had been far too young and intoxicated with love when she and Logan had married. He'd wanted a family. She'd needed sometime to pursue her career. After their painful breakup Christie had resented carrying Logan's child. But now her son was even more vital to Christie's happiness than her career as a famous film star had ever been. And she wouldn't let Logan use lies and gossip to take Kit away from her. Losing Logan's love had almost destroyed Christie. She couldn't bear to lose their son as well.

From the award-winning author of "The Bride of Willow Creek" comes this irresistible tale of romance set in the Old West, as a lawman and an outlaw face off for the heart of the same woman. (from cover)

A contemporary comedy of character and social class, a story of pasts redeemed, relationships righted, and a future secured during the course of a summer weekend on a Tuscan estate.

Out in the wild How typical of a man to base his judgment of her solely on her looks! Clearly Kip Forsythe would have preferred that she wore khaki shorts, a bush shirt and the odd python draped around her neck. Natalie would show him she was quite capable of preparing for the arrival of an entire film crew at Africa's Kabala Dam. He didn't need to know--he wouldn't know--it was all part of an attempt to mend her broken heart. But she hadn't considered the rush of desire that threatened to consume her each time she thought of Kip. She hadn't considered she'd fall prey to his jungle enchantment!

Had she mistaken kindness for something more? Hazel had to face the truth about Silas Jardine. He was only being friendly because she was Katie's mother. And Katie -- not Hazel -- was the one he cared about. But that didn't make it any easier for Hazel when she found herself in his presence. Silas was an attractive man, and although she'd long forgotten what it was like to spend time with members of the opposite sex, she did know that Silas made her heart beat faster. Silas Jardine might not have fallen in love with Hazel, but she had fallen in love with him...?

"Morgan's coming home!" her stepfather cried. Those three words should have released a flood of warm memories for Leigh. Instead, thoughts of their last disastrous encounter blotted out the rest. Just when she'd been coming to terms with her awakening feelings, Morgan had seemed intent on resisting the passion that flowed between them. "Why must it be you of all women who tempts me almost beyond endurance?" he'd said. Why couldn't he see that she was nothing like her mother? And why was the thought of seeing him again casting her world into turmoil...?

Wedding-bell blues How did one behave when hired as a temporary fiancee? Max Mackenzie left Sally Dearlove no room for guessing--his commanding kisses established a very definite agenda for their promotional tour of New Zealand. Spending time with the temperamental, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous, author would be Sally's ticket to a hot story--and to a career in journalism. But posing as his betrothed proved more unnerving than she'd anticipated. The achingly sweet sensations he awakened in her were disturbingly real. But would Max ever forgive Sally's journalistic subterfuge--especially since his true affections seemed to lie in another woman's arms?

"He needs a wife-someone like me!" Meg Collins was an old-fashioned country girl facing an uncertain future. Now that the family house was being sold, Meg had to find a job. But where? Her skills were in cooking and gardening-not shorthand and typing. Professor Ralph Culver offered a solution. The eminent doctor needed a "sensible, domestic person" to work in his London office. Someone like Meg. But it wasn't very sensible to fall in love with the professor. Or to hope that he would fall in love with her, too...

Caitlin had it all. To the outside world she was a lucky woman. She was married to an attractive man and she lived a life of luxury. Only Caitlin knew that her relationship with Monro Ritchie, her husband, was a hollow sham. It was ironic, then, that just as she was beginning to come to terms with her feelings for him, her past threatened to drive the final wedge between them. Was it possible, Caitlin wondered, to mend their marriage - or were they destined to live separate lives?

Don Sebastian Santiago's fiancee may have publicly betrayed him at the town's Christmas celebrations—but that doesn't mean his wedding is off. He blames his fiancee's tutor, Maggie, for what has happened—so it's Maggie who will be his stand-in bride!In this emotionally intense novel from award-winning author Lucy Gordon, there's power, pride and passion. Read on to find out how Maggie must confront her troubled past before she and Sebastian can learn to trust—and love—each other....

"I'm just asking you to dinner." Morgan didn't understand Catherine's reaction to his invitation. "I'm not asking you to go to bed with me." Yet Catherine was wary. After a failed marriage, despite her continued sense of guilt, she'd finally pulled the pieces of her life together. Now, content with her quiet life, in spite of the urging of well-meaning friends, she wasn't interested in finding a new man. Morgan Lynch - attractive, articulate and clearly haunted by an unhappy past - was a man, however, who intrigued and challenged her. But involvement? Catherine just wasn't sure.

Sweeping us into glittering, intrigue-riddled Elizabethan England, bringing to vivid life an actual heroine in the queen's court, New York Times bestselling author Virginia Henley blends rich historical detail with sumptuous romance in her latest novel--a dazzling feast of romantic fiction....Young Bess Hardwick knew that the only way to escape a commoner's life was to serve in a noble family and marry well. So the headstrong beauty set out for London and the Tudor court, the arena for the richest, most ambitious men, none more powerful than the four men who would claim her. None more dangerous than Princess Elizabeth, who made Bess friend, confidante, then lady-in-waiting in her own glittering court...Dangerously seductive, William Cavendish, the king's dashing financial adviser, vowed to have Bess at any cost. Frail, adoring Robert Barlow offered a marriage she couldn't refuse. Newly crowned Queen Elizabeth bade her marry courtly Sir William St. Loe. But reckless passion drove Bess into the arms of George Talbot, the devastating Earl of Shrewsbury, whose wicked daring ignited in Bess the passion of a lifetime--even as it sparked the jealous interest of the most perilous ally of all: the Virgin Queen....From the Paperback edition. Series: A Woman of Passion Unmasked

Why did you marry me?" Cathy's voice was accusing. "You shut me out of every part of your life except your bed and your home. You don't share any of your dreams with me." When she married glamorous film director Tom West, Cathy had been very young, but very much in love with him. Now, two years later, Tom's casual affection was no longer enough. She wanted the whole man--to share his triumphs and his failures. Cathy was determined to fight for her happiness, although she stood to lose everything--especially with Tom's old love, Bronwen, waiting in the wings. But this time, at least, the director's wife would control the final scene....

Once a rake -- always a rake? If only Ashlie's brother hadn't accepted work so far away from London. Perhaps then his wife wouldn't have fallen for her rakish boss and Ashlie wouldn't have had to interfere... "You drive a hard bargain," Chase Marriner conceded the day Ashlie confronted him about the illicit weekends the lovers had planned. "In exchange for your spending the time away with me, I'll guarantee Lynette remains my employee and nothing more." Now Ashlie had only to arrange things so that Chase would honor his side of the bargain -- while she dishonored hers!

Charity thought she had it all—marriage to respected consultant Tyco van der Brons and being a mother to his two children. So why did her heart yearn for his love, too? She had known from the start that theirs was a marriage of convenience—so it would be foolish to wish for anything more...wouldn't it?

He was a dark and stormy knight... Riding in from the North to rescue Katie Lovewell from the dungeon of despair. She needed money and fast, not even her earnings from three jobs could save her Virginia home and land, which had been in her family for generations from being auctioned in thirty days - only a miracle would do that. But miracles could happen - if you met someone who could perform them; was John Lee the man for the job? The itinerant lawyer arrived with a young daughter in need of a mother and a free spirit that begged for a heart to call home. Jack also had a lot of nerve, insinuating himself into her house, her life--making her feel alive again. Katie didn't really think Jack could possibly help--but he did have such a lovely shoulder to lean on. Could this tall, dark and handsome champion prove that fairy tales do come true?

Stop that man -- or the wedding! Ross Laxton was determined to stop his brother's "shotgun wedding"! And the only person who could stop him was Claire Marcroft! The sister of the expectant bride to be, she had more reason than most for ensuring that the ceremony went ahead. Protecting her sister's interest was easy. it was Claire who was at risk. Her growing attraction for Ross Laxton was distinctly dangerous. he was her enemy after all, even if he was impossible to resist!

Blair Marshall disapproved of Lynn. He had made his mind up about her during their very first meeting and he wasn't about to change it. City girls spelled trouble with a capital T and he avoided them as much as possible. They could be bad medicine for a countryman. The fact that Lynn was friendly with Delphine, the estranged wife of Blair's estate manager, only strengthened his opinion. Lynn might have laughed off another man's criticism--but Blair was different. Surely she wasn't falling for a man who so clearly despised her?

Don't get me wrong Alex, you're a nice guy, but there's no way I want to step into my dead sister's shoes and be called by her name for the rest of my life.' Brave words. Bust just who did Ginny think she was fooling? Five years ago she and her identical twin-sister, Venetia, both had fallen madly in love with the same man—Alex Warwick—and Venetia had emerged the victor. Ginny had gone away, determined not to wreck her twin’s happiness. But now Venetia was dead and Alex was on his own again. Could there be a future for him with Ginny? And could she believe him when he said he cared for her?

Mr. and Mrs. McGinty and all their animal friends wish for a spring garden for Mrs. McGinty.

The situation was bizarre Erith wasn't particularly keen on tracking down her self-centered stepsister. However, she'd agreed to help when Audra vanished into the wilds of Peru after announcing her engagement to Filipo, a man her family had never met. Erith wasn't making much progress until Domengo de Zarmoza, Filipo's uncle, chose to interfere. Domengo was self-assured, confident and accustomed to having his own way. He was a stimulating but not always easygoing traveling companion. Erith wasn't sure Domengo even liked her. And if that was the case, why would he bother to help?

She was free at last to do what she wanted Family pressures had forced Ashley at nineteen to give up the man she loved. Now, six years later, she wanted to put the family farm back on its feet. She hadn't counted, though, on Ross Reid, now an up-and-coming lawyer, having the ultimate say in how she spent her inheritance. Nor had she counted on the attraction that still existed between them. Ross, however, wouldn't conceal his low opinion of Ashley, and she wouldn't discuss the past....

'Beautiful, but immoral. And selfish to the core.' That was Alex Seton's verdict on the woman who had married his cousin and walked out on that marriage a bare two years later. He was attracted to her, but what man wouldn't find himself drawn to a stunning redhead like Isabel? One thing was certain; the past was dead and he never wanted to see her again. But now it seemed that he hadn't much choice. Like her or loathe her, Isabel could no longer be ignored!

The rancher's daughter and the cattle king Curt Carradine is one of the biggest landowners in Australia. Smart, tough, extraordinarily handsome. Other men admire him. Women fall in love with him. Rachael Munro is no exception. As a teenager, she'd loved him with all the intensity of youth. She still loves him, but as a grown woman now. Curt still regards her as a child, though--especially since her father's recent death.... Worse, he seems more than a little interested in acquiring Miriwin, the Munro ranch. And in acquiring her glamorous stepmother, Sonia, as his wife. A double betrayal, to Rachael's way of thinking. She's already lost her heart. Is her land next?

Morgan was raised in Ty's shadow Morgan Hartland had inherited enough of her grandfather's estate in the Australian Outback to make her a rich woman. But Ty Hartland, her natural-born rival, had the controlling interest. Morgan had always resented Ty's position, and his arrogant indifference. Now their mutual inheritance made their lives inseparable. So when Ty unleashed his desire for Morgan, she was wildly confused, unable to reconcile it with her past. Just when had their rivalry become a passion--too intense to resist?

Once burned, twice shy Kristin had been an innocent in Oklahoma falling for her boss's flattery -- and had been badly hurt. In New York she held everyone at arm's length--everyone, that is, except for one person. And that was when she realized with a shock that history seemed about to be repeating itself -- with her new boss, Seth Richards! So when Kristin was given the chance to accompany him to Rome on an assignment, she refused. Then she discovered that her job and her apartment depended on her acceptance. But would she be able to resist the warm sensuality of Rome in autumn and Seth . . . ?

When she was swept off her feet at nineteen, even her husband's wealthy family didn't know about Meredith Sommerville's marriage to their son. But after Leigh's death his family had warmly accepted Meredith at their Australian homestead. Except for Evan Sommerville. Convinced that Meredith was an unfaithful fortune huntress, Evan, the eldest son, made her life intolerable. His irrational dislike left Meredith torn between rage and her undeniable attraction to him. Regretfully Meredith felt she must leave. Yet every time she tried, Evan, for some reason, was unwilling to let her go.

It's the nineties, for heaven's sake. Intelligent women simply do not find themselves won in a card game in Monte Carlo. But Maximillian Donelli makes his own rules , and tonight Francesca Drury is his. Her loyalty to her brother offers no alternative-she has to go through with this crazy charade.But kidnapping! Who does Max Donelli think he is ? Her brother's archrival,that's who. And now Max's potent sexuality promises to weaken Francesca's defenses-and threatens to make her a traitor....

This was a contest of power Man against woman--woman against man. The most primitive duel of all. When Laura left her glittering life in Boston to learn more about her father's past in Australia, she didn't realize she'd be confronting her own destiny in the arrogant, yet attractive, form of Jared Eastern. The sizzling awareness that flowed between them could not be denied, yet Jared was highly suspicious of Laura's motives. "Right at this moment," he declared, "I'm not sure whether to hate you ... or kiss you senseless!"

Without trust, love cannot survive... Sarah learned the bitter truth of those words when she discovered her brand-new marriage to Benedict de l'Isle was a joke, the result of a foolish masculine bet between Ben and his friend Dale. In anger, Sarah let Ben think Dale had been her lover, and walked away forever or so she thought. But three years later, Sarah found herself working with Ben again, and he was not at all prepared to put the bitterness of their past behind them. He was convinced that it was Sarah whose actions had destroyed their marriage, not his, and he was determined to punish her!

Simone was used to hiding emotions behind a professional mask and it was very rarely that she allowed the façade to slip. But Angus Grey thought he knew the sort of woman she was. After all, weren't all models like the wife who had betrayed him — shallow, deceitful, determined to have admiration at all costs? Drawn to Angus from their very first encounter, Simone knew that he could play a major role in her life. But was it worth risking heartbreak once more for the faint chance of happiness?

Georgia on his mind. Georgia Newnham was astonished! She didn't know whether to call in blackmail, kidnapping or coercion, but, whatever it was, she found herself agreeing to go to Sydney with journalist William Brady. The journey was certainly eventful -- in every way thinkable! But Georgia knew she was heading for heartache because William Brady just wasn't the marrying kind -- well, that was what he said.

First comes marriage...then comes love Arizona Adams: reluctant bride Arizona needed financial help; she didn't need a husband. Then she discovered that the man demanding she become his bride had been secretly funding her for months.... Declan Holmes: determined groom Declan had wanted Arizona for years. Now he had the perfect opportunity to make Arizona his...he could marry her first and make her love him later. Declan only had to hang on till Christmas and then they'd be married for real!

She married into turbulence To inherit her rightful share of the family airline business, Heather Danvers, 21, was forced to marry her late father's partner--Daniel Taggart, a rough-edged, self-made millionaire whose contempt for her was obvious. In the two years since they'd first met, Heather's love had soared to dizzying heights while 34 year old Daniel's feelings had stayed in a holding pattern of indifference. The thought of sleeping with Daniel now seemed to Heather a little like hell--and heaven! Would true love be forever on standby?

Does love only happen in the movies? "Do your best for me, or I'll see you never work on a major picture again," he said threateningly. Jo felt trapped. Somehow he'd sensed her reluctance. She hadn't wanted to stunt for a temperamental film star on the Spanish set of Dangerous Midnight, but her grandfather's future depended on it. Now director Seb Corbell was bullying her into a superb performance; insisting that Jo give him her total response--both on and off the set. Yet there were reasons, secret reasons, why she could never comply with his demands... .

Her response to him was frightening... Venetia had felt desire before. The result? Such a disastrous marriage that she felt she wanted never to experience desire again. And she hadn't--until now. Ryan Fraine, famous documentary filmmaker, was in New Zealand to set up a new television station. From the moment they met, Venetia, herself a TV reporter, knew this man could make her suffer as she never had before. So she shied away from his blazing sensuality. Yet there was something else, something in the very core of her soul that wouldn't permit escape....

His offer wasn't the only thing she found tempting! Virginia Sutherland didn't know what infuriated her more--the fact that Nick Calway was trustee of her inheritance, or that he was confident, arrogant and able to outmaneuver her at every turn. He also drove a hard bargain. Nick agreed to finance Gina's dream of opening her own health club if she agreed to run the aerobics program at his Scottish resort for one full year. Gina had her life planned out--she knew exactly what she wanted to do and who she wanted to do it with. Until she met Nick, a man whose caress was determined to prove that even the best-laid plans could go astray....

He had robbed her of everyone she loved To Karen Aylward, newspaper magnate Hal Chissolm was a monster. He'd refused to marry Kirsty, her pregnant twin sister, so that Kirsty had given up their son at birth--to be adopted by Karen. Then Kirsty was fatally injured in a terrorist attack. And from her deathbed she had told Hal about their child. It was the first Hal had heard of him. He wanted the son he had never known and he threatened to take him away unless Karen agreed to marry him. To her he had seemed to be a man of no feeling, yet clearly he was--and the feelings he aroused in Karen were equally intense ....

Heather dreaded seeing Kyle Bennett again Six years ago, her stupid, childish jealousy had driven him away from the only home he had ever known. But for her father's sake, now she must ask for his help. "What are you asking me for, Heather?" he demanded. ''You want money from me ... a cash payment for the years you had to put up with me in your home?'' There seemed to be no way to convince Kyle that she regretted what she had done. No way to make him believe that money was not her only driving force.

Frances had a passion for history, and delving into the family archives of the aristocratic Curthoys would be pure pleasure - she was in fact, thrilled at the prospect ! And, working for Harry Curthoys fulfilled a childhood fantasy. Hadn't she once worshipped the dashing young lord from afar? But Frances was no longer a silly schoolgirl. She was mature, levelheaded and engaged to a wonderful man. And Harry, too, had changed. He had become jaded and wasn't even particularly good-looking anymore! He couldn't compare to her handsome fiance. Soon, though, to her rather guilty surprise, she found this was not entirely the truth....

From the back cover: Lukas Travinor demanded that Jermaine move into his home to nurse her sister, Edwina, who was claiming to have hurt her back in order to stay with Lukas.... To add insult to injury, Lukas insisted Jermaine act as his temporary secretary! Determined to resist such an arrogant man, Jermaine was infuriated to find that their working relationship left her wanting more from him. Only, the scheming Edwina already had Lukas in her sights! But just as Jermaine began to give up on Lukas ever noticing her, he started to pay her very close attention indeed....

She'd stuck it out for five years She'd worked hard and long for her boss, Dominic Reynolds. Their relationship was in many ways closer than most marriages. The real man below the dynamic, supercool exterior, however, still eluded Cathy however much she tried to reach him. "You don't give a damn for anyone's feeling but your own," she told him. So perhaps it was time to accept that he just wasn't interested in her as a woman and to make a clean break from him. But Dominic's reaction to the news of her leaving was a complete surprise....

"The best way to get over one disastrous affair is to become involved in a new one," Beth's worldly-wise mother advised her. But Beth wasn't too sure whether she wanted to see more of the attractive Marcus Craven after their first chance meeting in Verona. Not that Marcus gave her much option: his pursuit of Beth was single-minded to say the least. But something held her back from confiding in Marcus. Why did she have a strange feeling that he knew more about her past than he intended to reveal? Could Beth trust him? And dared she fall in love again?

Keep your imagination where it belongs That's what Melody Connacher told herself. It was okay to go a little crazy when writing songs, hidden away on her beautiful island--but to reach out her arms and whisper his name, that was madness. Scott Alexander, the rugged ship's master who had burst into her world, was a stranger even if he was attractive and pleasant. She really knew almost nothing about him--except that he wasn't a man for staying. But if Melody turned and looked at him, whispered a word of consent--it would happen. An affair--hot and quick and over.

Abby instantly disliked Nick And Nick Carleton found it amusing! Ever since he'd roared into the quiet country village of Stynch Magna, he'd been making waves in Abby's pool. Abby knew from the start that she couldn't possibly get along with the actor--Nick was so overbearing, so conceited and so arrogant about his attractiveness to women. Frankly, so un-English! To make it worse, he made no secret of the fact that he enjoyed the situation. Well, Abby vowed, she was one lady who wasn't about to fall for Nick's wicked charm!

A waif in need of his care? That was obviously how dynamic consultant Sir James Marlow saw Deborah. Otherwise why would he bother to keep rescuing her? Deborah knew it couldn't be because of her looks. She had carrot-colored hair and no figure to speak of. That was the only explanation she could come up with? Unless he wanted something else from her altogether?

rey Calderwood was furious to discover that his mother had employed Lucia Graham -- the woman he believed had defrauded him.... Lucia knew she'd wronged Grey, but she had been desperate to help her father. Now that they'd been thrown together, the atmosphere between her and Grey was explosive -- part antagonism, part burning attraction.... Could this proud, powerful man ever trust Lucia again, and believe her to be worthy of his love?

He excited her... and he scared her Robert Carlton had dropped into Laura Lackland's world--an island backwater in the West Indies--by helicopter. He'd charmed her minx of a daughter with bedtime stories. And he'd sent Laura's pulse soaring with kisses in the moonlight. But they had nothing in common. She was an artistic recluse while he was a business tycoon, who wanted only her signature on some important papers. Laura knew that once she'd signed he'd be gone--and her life would be as it had been. And a good thing, too, common sense said. Her reawakened heart, however, was beating out quite a different message....