Bøger af Catherine Gayle

The Duke of Danby is matchmaking again. No matter what his overbearing duke of a grandfather wants, Thomas Goddard has no intention of marrying a high-born lady. He's the son of Danby's by-blow, for heaven's sake, and no gentleman! When yet another letter-complete with yet another marriage license-arrives, Thomas does as any reasonable man would do. He rips the thing to shreds, tosses it over the cliffs, and curses Danby's name. Regrettably, his shouted curse startles the very lady his grandfather intends for him to marry. Because of her wayward brother's numerous and repeated indiscretions, Lady Matilda Bexley-Smythe has just endured yet another Season on the receiving end of both salacious gossip and censorious glances. She's had all of London Society she can stand, so she intends to find a husband who is unconcerned about her brother's ne'er-do-well behavior. She settles on the seemingly perfect choice-a gentleman unswayed by gossip-but when Mattie finds herself being carried home in a handsome stranger's arms, her whole world unravels at the seams.

Lord Falkland bets Lord Jefferson Blount two hundred fifty pounds that Lord Haworth will ensure the ruination of Lady Georgianna Bexley-Smythe by 15 May unless the Marquess of Stalbridge returns to Town and settles his debts before that date. 19 April, 1813 Cedric Loring, the Earl of Montague, has been an honorary member of the Bexley-Smythe family for years. He's always had a special, if sometimes strained, bond with Georgie. But when her name ends up in the betting book at White's before she's even made her debut, he knows no one can protect her quite like he can. If only she'd stop chasing after the very gentleman who could single-handedly see to her ruin. Lady Georgianna Bexley-Smythe has the uncanny ability to remember nearly everything she's ever read, and thus knows everything about almost everything. But as knowledge and experience are not interchangeable, she intends to make her first Season one of adventure. What could be more adventurous than seeing London from Lord Haworth's gas balloon? Now she must avoid Monty long enough to make Haworth's acquaintance and beg an airborne adventure.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. She left to follow her dreams, but came back to find her heart. When Katie Weber decided to pursue her dreams in Hollywood, she left her heart behind in Portland. Now she's back to make amends with Jamie Babcock, the only man she's ever loved, but he isn't willing to forgive and forget. Heartbroken, Jamie refuses to reopen old wounds-no matter how much he still loves her. At some point, he's got to draw the line. But Katie realizes she's got the biggest battle of her life on the line-one she can't win without Jamie by her side. In the game of love, all bets are off. Katie's Dropping her Gloves to fight for both the life she craves and the man she loves. But is Jamie too proud to end the standoff so he can finally have the one he truly wants?

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. Recovering addict Nicklas Ericsson, star goaltender for the Portland Storm, is ready for a comeback-both on the ice and in his personal life. But when his sister begs for his help with an earth-shattering request he can't refuse, Nicky worries the stress will send him over the edge into a relapse. As the vice-president of a non-profit organization, Jessica Lynch has worked with her fair share of addicts. She's always managed to keep her distance and prevent them from pulling at her heartstrings-but Nicky Ericsson proves to be the one exception. Something about the goalie draws her to him. With an instant and mutual attraction, Nicky and Jessica explore the boundaries of their relationship. While Nicky struggles with his recovery, Jessica fears he won't be able to handle all that's been thrown his way. Will his addiction get the best of him, or can Nicky pull off the Comeback of a lifetime?

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. All Mitchell Quincey wants on his break from the Portland Storm this holiday season is to spend as much time as he can with his baby girl. If he can get his ex-wife to agree to joint custody, then it'll be a holiday worth celebrating. But when he shows up on Mia's doorstep, for the first time ever, Mitch is thrown off his game. He's still 100% in love with her. Mitch's unannounced arrival has Mia all out of sorts. To argue over the phone is one thing, but looking at the one man she'll always love is harder than she thought. With her family surrounding them, Mia tries to keep Mitch at bay, but he's always been able to leave her flustered-and hot. Suddenly, Mitch changes gears and has only one goal in sight: win back Mia's heart for good. With assists from her family and a bit of mistletoe magic, Mitch just might end up with a Holiday Hat Trick. Please note that this is a novella-length work.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. One night. Unimaginable passion. Total anonymity. Star defenseman for the Portland Storm, Keith Burns welcomed the single night with a nameless beauty. The undeniable heat was exactly what he needed to let loose. When circumstances bring him face to face with Brianna Hayden after that night was long over, he wants to throw all the rules out the window. There's no denying chemistry like theirs. But sometimes, desire isn't enough... If they're going to have more than one night, Brie wants it all. But a star athlete like Keith can't drop his guard that easily hiding an ugly and painful past. Refusing to open up might land Keith in the sin bin-for good. Now Keith has to get In the Zone if he's going to have any chance at scoring the one thing he wants the most-Brie's heart.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. This is a novella of second epilogues to books 1-4 in the Portland Storm series. It is approximately 35,000 words long. It's the NHL's draft day, but the whole Portland Storm team is back together for an entirely different event. Complete with a double wedding, an unanticipated guest, overdue apologies, unexpected goodbyes, and fresh starts, this big day has the potential to get them all called for a Double Major.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. Fourth-line winger Cam Johnson fights like hell for his team-even if he has to break the rules. A vigilante on the ice, Cam takes on all the battles, whether they're his fight or not. The Portland Storm is his team-his family-and he'll take down anyone who threatens them. When one of his on-ice battles lands him in the penalty box, the coach's fiery daughter calls him for a Delay of Game. Now Cam has to finish what he started. Terrified that her father's job as coach of the Storm will be the death of him, Sara Thomas wants nothing to do with the sexy hotheaded player who caused her dad to end up in the hospital. And Cam will do anything to rectify the damage he caused-even if it means taking the fall for something he didn't do. After all, he's the team enforcer. What he offers up just might save him, his coach, and Sara, too.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. Hockey star Liam Kallen lost his scoring touch when his wife died. Still broken up over her loss, Liam's darkness overpowers him, but his new team-the Portland Storm-needs him. A chance meeting brings him face to face with Noelle Payne, the most positive and upbeat woman he's ever met, and his darkness begins to fade. There's never been a challenge that Noelle can't conquer. Brightside optimist to a fault, Noelle refuses to succumb to the luxurious life Liam can give her, as she longs to find deeper meaning and purpose in her life. Now it's up to Liam to open up and show her that she's the light he's needed all along-giving her the greatest purpose of all. He might have saved her, but can Noelle be the light that saves him?

After selling his major's commission in the Dragoons, Lord Roman Sullivan wants nothing more than a calm, sedate life in the country where he's agreed to act as steward over his father's estate. Society is no place for a man who can't sleep without fear of attacking an innocent in the night, after all. But upon his arrival, madness lands in his path in the form of a secret-keeping pixie of a lady, a precocious boy, a lady in the throes of dementia, and a band of rabidly loyal servants, who combine to capture both his attention and what's left of his heart in one fell swoop. Bethanne Shelton keeps a great many secrets, most of which are not hers to reveal. Keeping them close to her chest is the one sure way to make certain her life remains as normal as possible. Even her family can't discover the truth, lest Finn be taken away from her. In order to protect him, she ignores the whispers of pariah and worse. But her Aunt Rosaline's health is rapidly declining, and Roman is the only one able to calm her. He's getting too close, and if he unveils Bethanne's mysteries, she'll lose her family. One thing is certain: no matter what happens, she is bound to lose her heart.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. Rising hockey star Jamie Babcock is ready to take the most important shot of his life-and this time, it's not on the ice. Dating his teammate's daughter might be riskier than going head to head with one of the Portland Storm's rivals. But time is running out-it's now or never. High school senior Katie Weber knows all too well the woes of adolescence, but throw in a leukemia diagnosis, and her life just got a lot more complicated. With prom looming and a shiny bald head to contend with, Katie might sit at home on the most important night of her potentially very short life. Unless Jamie Babcock, her ultimate crush, finally makes the move she's been praying for. But that's not the only miracle she needs. Now Jamie must show Katie just how important she is and how hard she must fight. Before it's too late... This 20,000 word novella was previously released as part of the Seduced by the Game anthology. Jamie and Katie's story continues in Dropping Gloves.

The choice between adhering to a long-held pact and finally accepting love could prove Lady Tabitha Shelton's unhinging. She is plump, plain, pleasant . . . and thoroughly unappealing to any of the men of the ton-apart from fortune hunters. A self-appointed wallflower, she has every intention of remaining one. Tabitha made a vow of spinsterhood with her cousins when they were girls, and she refuses to go back on her word. So far, she's proven herself quite adept at warding off the blasted fortune hunters' pursuits. Noah deLancie, Marquess of Devonport, would prefer to marry for love and companionship-he's a gentleman through and through-but circumstances have forced his hand: he needs money as badly as he needs a bride. When Noah's brother-in-law suggests pursuit of his sister, Tabitha, a woman with a dowry large enough to cause even Croesus to blush and who is tantalizingly good company to boot, Noah stumbles into the future he hopes to secure. He'll stop at nothing to convince Tabitha to marry him. Nothing, that is, except perhaps the barrel of a dueling pistol, held to his face by his ladylove.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. Being sidelined for far too long due to injuries, Portland Storm player Brenden "Soupy" Campbell is ready to take his career to the next level and make his new position on the team stick. After he meets the general manager's cute new assistant, Brenden knows he's right where he's supposed to be. Determined to change things up On the Fly and establish a future for herself and her children, Rachel Shaw jumps at the opportunity to work for the Storm. She's not going to let anything-or anyone-get in her way, especially not a sexy and overly cocky hockey star. But when Brenden pulls out all the stops and turns on the charm, Rachel refuses to make the same mistake twice. Now, it's up to Brenden to cement his spot-both on the team and in Rachel's heart.

Some scandals are meant to be . . . When Aurora Hyatt loses her journal in Hyde Park, her ruin is a foregone conclusion. After all, if anyone discovers her writings, they'll find scandalous fantasies involving the newest rake in Town alongside entirely-too-candid thoughts about her typical dreary suitors. Aurora will either be forced into a loveless marriage with the first nodcock to make an offer, or she'll be assigned a permanent position on the shelf. Oh, dear good Lord. What catastrophe will God smote down upon her next? If Niles Thornton, Baron Quinton, desires to maintain any semblance of his current lifestyle, he must fulfill the requirements his grandfather, Lord Rotheby, has set for him. First and foremost: he must marry and begin filling his nursery within the year. When he is nearly barreled over by a racing curricle and a journal flies out to land at his feet, his troubles are over. Inside the journals pages, Quin discovers a scandal waiting to happen. Surely a young lady who would write such brazen things in a journal (and then dare to lose it) must recognize the necessity of a hasty marriage, even if the gentleman making the offer is rather less-than-honorable. In a drunken haze, Quin kisses Aurora on a crowded ballroom floor, necessitating their immediate marriage. Quin's troubles are only beginning, however, as Aurora's writings are soon the focus of both gossip rags and drawing room conversation. When word arrives of an even greater scandal following in his wife's wake, will he prove himself a drunken abuser like his father, or will he become the loving husband of Aurora's fantasies?

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents the first novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. Portland Storm captain Eric "Zee" Zellinger knows how to get the job done, but leading his once elite team to victory is fast becoming a losing battle. He can't lose focus now-not with his career on the line. But when his best friend's little sister makes him an offer he can't refuse, Eric could lose the drive the team relies on from their captain. Still in a downward spiral after a life-altering event in college, Dana Campbell is desperate to try anything to break away from the horror of that fateful night-even enlisting the help of the only man she trusts completely. No matter how irresistible she is or how tempting the offer, Eric might not be able to cross that line-especially with the team's chance at the playoffs on the line. Now, Eric has to take one last shot, but will he choose Dana's Breakaway chance at happiness or the move that could secure his career?

The blasted man will not stop following her. Well, he isn't following her . . . not exactly. They are just always thrown together, and he is everything she wants but cannot have. It is downright infuriating-especially when he kisses her. Lady Grace Abernathy has been ravished and left pregnant (and thoroughly unsuitable for any honorable gentleman). This would not be such a gargantuan problem if Lord Alexander Hardwicke would simply stay away from her as she asked. But leave it to her meddling Aunt Dorothea-who means well, of course-to continually thrust the two into each other's company. Against both their wishes. These distractions are almost more than a reasonable lady should be forced to bear, let alone one who is dealing with all the difficulties inherent with both an unwanted pregnancy and a dire lack of a husband. Alex left London to visit his deceased father's oldest friend, Lord Rotheby, and to get away from his mother and her matchmaking schemes, only to run into more of the same at every turn. Why can he not determine for himself the course his life will take before everyone pushes him to take a wife? But the more time he spends in the company of Lady Grace, the less he finds himself able to ignore his growing attraction-and his burgeoning need to protect her. Must he cause a scandal in order to protect her from one?

Miss Jane Matthews feels completely out of place amongst the finery of the ton. She's the daughter of a country vicar, for goodness sake, and nearly a spinster to boot. Frankly, she would prefer to stay that way. How can a lady of Quality start up her own modiste shop, after all? But when her distant cousin-the Dowager Duchess of Somerton, of all people-offers to sponsor her for a Season in London, she agrees, but only so she can take the opportunity to search for a storefront for her business. Perhaps, in that regard, the Season won't all be in vain. The widower of a loveless marriage, Peter Hardwicke, the Duke of Somerton, has already done his duty and provided an heir for his dukedom, so he sees no reason whatsoever to remarry. Even if, heaven forbid, something should happen to his son, he still has three younger brothers who are each quite capable of inheriting. Taking a wife would only mean adding a new responsibility to his already too-full schedule. He's more than busy enough keeping his mother, siblings, and children in line-not to mention sorting out the myriad problems plaguing one of his estates. But when Lord Utley, one of Peter's childhood friends and a man who has been on the wrong side of Peter's ire for many years now, takes an unlikely interest in Jane, he has to intervene. Peter will be damned if he'll allow Utley to ruin yet another life. But will rescuing Jane from Utley's clutches land Peter with another loveless marriage?

Can you fall in love when you've never loved yourself? Universally misjudged, Blake Kozlow doesn't let society get under his skin. After all, those misunderstandings have never affected his career. As a center for the Portland Storm, he's lived his life as a Free Agent-particularly with women. But when he meets a gorgeous, curvy special education teacher, Blake realizes he's finally met the one person who truly understands him. Beatriz Castillo knows exactly what she wants-to teach her students that nothing can hold them back. A few years ago, her health was spiraling out of control, but Bea took her life back. Now, she uses her vivacious personality to prove to everyone, especially her students, that anything is possible. Perpetually impulsive and spontaneous, Blake turns on the charm. But Bea's unprepared to be on the receiving end of such brazen attention. As they grow closer and their attraction intensifies, their inner demons threaten everything. They've both always lived on the fringes of life. But moving forward will require Bea and Blake to step into the spotlight-together.

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the sexy Tulsa Thunderbirds hockey romance series, a spinoff from her Portland Storm series. When dark desperation meets opportunity... On a celebratory trip with his best friend, Ray "Razor" Chambers meets sultry Viktoriya Dubrovskaya and immediately recognizes the desperation in her eyes-a sight he remembers all too well. Permanently in survival mode, the destitute and broken Viktoriya makes him an offer-a proposition he immediately refuses. However, Razor's counter-offer changes everything for her. A ring. A marriage. A lifetime of opportunity. But learning to live together as husband and wife is as foreign as interpreting Smoke Signals. And where there's smoke, there's usually fire. CONTENT WARNING: contains graphic and potentially disturbing descriptions of abuse, both physical and sexual.

As the Earl of Blackmore, Lucas Devalle is no stranger to the scandals propagated by Society's elite, particularly since more than a few of those scandals have come about due to the Devalle family's affairs. As such, it comes as no surprise when a young lady in search of a scandal attempts to entrap him at the ball he's giving to honor his brother's betrothal. He is surprised when second young lady intervenes in the name of freeing him from an undesirable fate. Why would anyone feel the need to safeguard his name when he is one of the devilish Devalles? When she escaped into the gardens at Lord Blackmore's ball, Miss Julianna Selwyn's intentions had merely been to escape from an elderly, marriage-minded marquess's unwanted advances. She never planned to eavesdrop on her host. But no matter how wicked Lord Blackmore is purported to be, he doesn't deserve to be forced into the parson's mousetrap when he's done nothing wrong. Had Julianna not overheard every sordid detail of a young lady's plan to ensnare the earl, however, she might have avoided initiating her own scandalous to-do. With his curiosity piqued, Luke does what any reasonable man, rogue or not, would do-he seeks out an introduction to his charming liberator. Upon uncovering Julianna's dilemma, he's determined to return the favor as only he can: he makes certain his rescuer gets more than just A Dance with the Devil.

He's becoming a Game Breaker on the ice. With the playoffs right around the corner, Nate "Ghost" Golston is focused on only one thing-getting the Portland Storm to the Finals so he can finally hoist the Cup. But when opposing teams' fans start getting under his skin, he can't ignore the ridicule that's suddenly all over the Internet. With each degrading word slung over the boards, he strains to keep his focus on the ice. Now, everything he's worked for is in jeopardy. She's facing off with the Game Makers. Stunning sports reporter and aspiring filmmaker Anne Dennison is determined to use her smarts to get ahead in a male-dominated career. Producing a behind-the-scenes web series brings Anne up close and personal with skilled, sexy Nate. Sparks fly, putting her plans in danger. For Anne to succeed, she has to capitalize on Nate's struggles. Wanting to be together, they know they must bend for each other before one of them breaks. If they can't, it's Game Over.

During a minutes-long span three years ago, their lives were forever changed when Lady Morgan Cardiff nearly drowned. Returning to the disastrous scene for the first time, Emma Hathaway is older, wiser-and ready to move on. With her parents quickly aging, she needs a husband. Alas, she is an awkward, bookish girl with no dowry to recommend her, and she is far from being an Incomparable or an heiress who might rouse a gentleman's interest. Her hopes of changing the ton's view of her are dashed upon the arrival of the others involved in that life-altering moment. Aidan Cardiff's perpetual glares prove he blames Emma for Morgan's scarred, blind condition. His unfounded hatred alone leaves Emma shaken, but his unbidden advances threaten to thwart her husband-hunt. Ever since his sister's failed attempts to take her own life, Aidan Cardiff has been a loathsome, brooding artist. He's spent three years creating artwork to depict the revenge he'd like to exact against anyone, save himself, who can be blamed for Morgan's pervasive melancholy. Yet his art has been far from enough to assuage the rage he's built inside. Morgan is finally ready to live again, but Aidan fears letting her out of his sight-particularly with Emma Hathaway, the chit whose very existence sets his blood to boiling. But is the heat fueling his fire due solely to his anger, or is there something more?

Tired of being the second-best Babcock, Levi "501" Babcock is ready to outshine his older brother. Outranking his brother proves harder than he imagined-until he meets a sinfully sexy gold-medal-winning figure skater. She might be the prize he's been searching for all along. Bubbly and spirited Cadence Johnson is determined to escape the shackles of her former partner. Moving to Portland gives her the fresh start she's craved, but the last thing she can afford is a distraction like Levi Babcock. When Cadence's past comes back to threaten her and her life is on the line, Levi might be the safety net she never realized she needed. But will Levi still care about Losing an Edge to his biggest rival, or can he finally step out of his brother's shadow to become the hero in his own game?

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the bestselling Portland Storm hockey romance series. Portland Storm defenseman Cody "Harry" Williams owes his coach everything-especially for bailing him out of trouble in the past. How does he want Cody to repay him? By keeping his hands to himself around the coach's sensual and mischievous daughter. All signs point to this task being easier said than done... Up-and-coming fashion designer Dani Weber always gets what she wants-and she wants Cody Williams. Cody's sexy, geeky-chic bowties and hard-to-get attitude only make her want him more, and now Cody's resistance is fading...and fast. One call is all it would take to land Cody on the trading block, ending their flirtation before it gains any traction. Cody is squarely in the Defensive Zone, but the only way for the two of them to obtain what they really want is to go on the offensive-together.

David Hounslow, the Marquess of Preston, will not stand aside while those he loves are hurt. Preston determines his brother-in-law's guest is up to no good, so he scrutinizes every move of the would-be thief. Not that he minds-Lady Frederica is as beautiful and intelligent as she is enigmatic. Considering her wastrel brother and her proclivity for the less-than-savory, Preston never expected to be won over to the lady's charms. Yet she just might steal his heart. Desperation has become Lady Frederica Bexley-Smythe's constant companion due to her brother's affinity for gambling. With the fate of her family resting upon her shoulders, the time has arrived for Freddie to bend the rules. How else can she secure their future? Unfortunately, Lord Preston's scrutiny complicates her task. Far more perplexing than his perusal is his caring nature, which is more than merely a distraction. But desperate times call for desperate measures...

He had it all. And lost it in an instant. The night Dmitri Nazarenko won hockey's Holy Grail, he lost more than he ever bargained for. With a world of guilt weighing him down, Dima can never forgive himself for his tragic misjudgment. Turning his body into a shrine of past mistakes, he hides behind tattoos that memorialize his failures and a beard that masks his pain. But London Hawke sees right through him. The fiery woman refuses to pity a man like him. No stranger to incurable injuries, London lets nothing stand in the way of living her life. Seeing an able-bodied man haunted by the ghosts of his past is a surefire way to trigger her annoyance, and that's exactly what she finds in Dima. When they face off, it becomes a battle of wills. Their constant bickering turns to an unavoidable dance between the sheets. But she won't accept sharing a bed with the past for long. Will Dima learn to fight his demons, or will London leave him to dance with his ghosts alone?

Delay of Game With her father's health in question, Sara Thomas is focused on reducing his anxiety. That's no small feat considering his high-stress job. Everyone knows Sara's single; no one knows she's pregnant. There's never a good time to unexpectedly get knocked up, but now is not it. But when Jonny, one of her father's players, seeks vigilante justice on the ice, everything gets tossed out the window. Cam Johnson's role with the Portland Storm entails more than scoring goals. He ensures other teams don't take liberties with the Storm's star players. Cam will always fight for his team-even if he has to break the rules. He's used to taking penalties, but he never meant for anyone else to suffer from his choices. When Cam's actions cause Sara's worst fears to be realized, he blames himself. Suddenly Cam is taking penalties at every turn...at least where Sara is concerned. He's got to think on his feet or he'll end up with a Delay of Game. Double Major It's the NHL's draft day, but the whole Portland Storm team is back together for an entirely different event. Complete with a double wedding, an unanticipated guest, overdue apologies, unexpected goodbyes, and fresh starts, this big day has the potential to get them all called for a Double Major. In the Zone It was supposed to be a night of fake names, half-truths, and anonymous sex. Keith Burns, star defenseman for the Portland Storm, was just looking for a way to pass the time. Brianna Hayden wanted to find herself after health issues changed everything. Anonymity is the name of their game; the rules were laid down at the outset. A chance encounter brings them back together long after the game should have ended, shattering their initial rules. It isn't long before things complicated. Their physical chemistry is off the charts, but it isn't enough. They both want a future, but Keith has an unspeakable history he can't share with anyone. Brie needs the truth if they are going to have any chance at moving forward. If he can't give it to her, it might land him a permanent spot in her penalty box. If Keith can get In the Zone, he'll be on the forecheck-but Brie's heart is the goal he's seeking. Holiday Hat Trick Mitchell "Q" Quincey has three goals for his three-day Christmas break. 1.Move his gym equipment out of his ex-wife Mia's house. 2.Get his lawyer to file for joint custody. 3.Spend every minute he can with his baby girl. When he arrives on Mia's doorstep, things don't go as planned. With her whole family gathered for the holiday, the only way he can be with their daughter is to spend time with them all. He's still in love with Mia but she won't take him back. Having her ex-husband show up at Christmas throws Mia off her game. He didn't even call first. The love and attraction she still feels for him leaves her fumbling for excuses. He's always been able to leave her flustered, but now she's afraid she'll lose her nerve and fall back into old patterns. Things heat up on a snowy Christmas Eve. With assists from Mia's family and a bit of mistletoe, he might end up with a Holiday Hat Trick. Comeback Nicklas Ericsson was a star goaltender with the Portland Storm until his addiction changed everything. Nicky's run out of options, and now his sister and her children are in Portland. They need help he has no clue how to provide, though, and figuring it out might derail all the progress he's made. For a few years, Jessica Lynch has been running the Light the Lamp Foundation's Portland office. Between her work and her past, she knows more than she'd like about addicts. She takes a hands off approach with them, keeping her heart well away from those she works with. Nicky's recovery efforts put him in Jessica's path. Where Nicky is concerned, she can't separate her emotions. The attraction between Nicky and Jessica is instant and mutual. Can he prove that he won't fall back into old habits in time to com

BREAKAWAY She's reaching for a breakaway pass. Dana Campbell has spent the past seven years in self-imposed isolation for a crime she didn't commit. The danger is well in the past, but her panic attacks make it impossible to have a normal, healthy relationship with a man. Even her counselor has given up on her. She has to find someone she trusts to help her fight through the panic, or her seven-year ordeal will become a lifetime sentence. There's only one man she feels safe enough to ask. He got caught with his head down. As the captain of the NHL's once elite but now fading Portland Storm, Eric Zellinger knows a thing or two about keeping his focus on the job. Questions are flying about his ability to lead the team back to the playoffs. If they don't make it, he might be shipped out of town. It's the worst time possible for his best friend's kid sister to divide his focus. How can he give her what she needs without jeopardizing both the Storm's playoff hopes and his future with the team? It's her only chance, but it's his last shot. ON THE FLY Injury after injury has put Brenden Campbell's NHL career on hold for years. Now he's playing for the Portland Storm and determined to make it stick. Few things in life drive him more than being told he can't have something he wants, and what he wants most is to prove he belongs. Brenden also wants Rachel Shaw, the cute, little redhead who just got hired as the general manager's new assistant. But then she went and made herself off-limits, telling him: "I don't date." Those three words pretty much guarantee that he'll do everything he can to change her mind. Rachel is changing things up on the fly for her family, moving them somewhere she can be the kind of mom her kids deserve. Allowing anyone else to be in their lives is out of the question, at least until her instincts get back on track. How else can she be sure who to steer the kids clear of? Right now she trusts no one, including herself, and especially not a man like Brenden Campbell. He's way too handsome and a little bit cocky. Falling for a guy like him is a mistake she can't afford to make twice. TAKING A SHOT Katie Weber has had a crush on Jamie Babcock for almost two years, since he joined her father's pro hockey team, the Portland Storm as an eighteen-year-old rookie. When cancer takes her health, her hair, and even her friends, she can't bear to go to senior prom...until Jamie intervenes. LIGHT THE LAMP Life's been rough lately for Noelle Payne, but she's not one to let negativity rule. So, she lost her job? She'll find another one. The bank foreclosed on the house? Well, she can live out of her car for a while. There's always an upside to be found...but now Noelle needs to find something to give her life meaning. She owes it to the universe to figure it out, too, because a stranger just saved her life. When Liam Kallen's wife died, his goal-scoring ability died with her. After a trade from the only pro hockey team he's ever played for, he's now playing for the NHL's Portland Storm. Everyone said he needed a change of scenery, but nothing changes until he rescues Noelle. All of a sudden, the world once again looks bright and he's lighting the lamp like he used to. Noelle's cheerful disposition is just the bit of sunlight Liam needs in his life. He wants to give her everything she needs because she's everything he wants. The problem? She doesn't believe she needs anything...at least nothing material. The one thing they both know she truly needs-a real purpose-also happens to be the one thing he doesn't know how to give her. If he can't help her find that, she might walk away and take all her sunshine with her.

Over the years, Gabriel Devalle has more than earned his reputation as one of "those devilish Devalles." No one is more surprised than Gabe, therefore, when a debutante tosses herself into his path, only to have her gown "accidentally" ripped by her mischievous and alluring sister, all in the name of causing a scandal. Or was it to prevent a scandal? Either way, the gown-ripping sister has certainly drawn his notice. Miss Miranda Hunt will do anything to prevent her sister from making a mistake which would bring scandal down upon their family...even make a deal with the devil. Mr. Devalle is no angel-fallen or otherwise-but he is devilishly handsome, shamelessly wicked, and as infamous a gentleman as Miranda has ever known. He promises to circumvent her sister's schemes...for a price. What is a proper young lady to do when she has The Devil to Pay?

Two brothers, two novellas, all in one place. AN UNINTENDED JOURNEY Abby Goddard's life is going along just swimmingly, apart from the disappearance of her life's love-Wesley Cavendish, a man well above her station. Just before Christmas, Grandmama dies after revealing the identity of Abby's grandfather. The Duke of Danby, no less. Now the entire family will travel to Yorkshire to confront Danby, hoping to gain a dowry for Abby. But then Wesley reemerges, sparking a hope Abby thought long destroyed. Shall the prodigal son's sole inheritance be an unsightly gash? Wesley Cavendish aspires to the political realm, despite his father's near-murderous opposition...not to mention his opposition to Abby Goddard. But since Father died, will the new Earl of Fordingham rescind Father's disgraceful allegations? Fordingham thwarts Wesley at every turn, threatening marriage to a prominent Tory family-which precludes Abby-to put an end to Wesley's Whig involvement...unless Wesley can find a loophole. TO ENCHANT AN ICY EARL As the Earl of Fordingham, Tristan Cavendish has lived by the code his father beat into him for so long he's driven everyone in his life away, including his brother. Now he is alone. Loneliness dictates he must change, so he sets out to make amends with his only sibling. Alas, his brother seems none too inclined to hear him out, and a woman who must be a vision from Fordingham's dreams walks into his path. Now, more than ever before, he knows he must change his ways or risk driving her away as well...but how? Calista Bartlett is on the hunt for a husband-but one who is nothing at all like the betrayer who was her former beau. When she sees the Earl of Fordingham across the room at a soiree, she knows she's found the very man who is everything her one-time beau was not. Fordingham presents an icy façade to the world, but Calista discovers a passionate man who kisses her feverishly and warms her through to the bones. Can she ever convince him to let down his guard permanently?