Something inside me snapped as her text screamed from the screen of my phone. My heart started pounding as I was instantly sucked into a vortex of emotions, pulled unwillingly into a past I desperately wanted to forget. Teagan Tessler was the love of my life; at least, I thought so. My professional soccer career was part of the future we had planned together, but an offer sent me to London a year ahead of schedule. Just months after I left, she married my best friend Jensen without explanation, leaving me completely and utterly destroyed by the two people I loved the most.

On the same day I lose my job, my house, and all hope for the future, I also lose my journal. And the worst part.... He found it. He read it. And...he commented. At the end of his message is an email address and a plea: Contact me. Please. I know better than to trust strangers with candy, but, after a tequila-fueled night, I create a new email address and do just that...and the man I discover is overflowing with kindness and humor and depth. Meanwhile, I meet Lucas Hutton - a Marine with scars covering his body, heart, and soul.

Who needs a man? They're nothing but a distraction. A disappointment. They sweep you off your feet, promise you forever. Then, as soon as another beautiful woman shows them interest, they leave you crying alone on the sidewalk with your dreams of a life together crushed. And the sexy playboy who keeps showing up everywhere I go is the definition of distraction and inevitable disappointment. I can live without that heartbreak. I have everything I need to make me happy - a job, school, friends, and family that I love. Yep. Mind made up. It's just a shame my heart didn't get the memo.

When Hayley makes a resolution to put an end to her loose lifestyle, it's all good in theory - that is, until she meets Daniel Stark, a well-respected businessman in his mid-thirties who is known for his short temper, lack of steady relationships, and strict preserve of his private life. Opinionated, sharp-tongued Hayley accidentally steps into his office, leaving Daniel resolved to put Hayley in her place and have her in his bed. Neither Hayley nor Daniel can ignore the immediate attraction between them.

For a long time now, I’ve despised Weston Shaw. He’d been someone I’d admired, taking my favorite football team, the Colorado Mustangs, to the Super Bowl. But that all turned upside down after one night that had nothing to do with me. We share one undeniable connection: his son, Caleb. Unfortunately, the circumstances behind that have never been my story to tell. But now, the truth is out, and I’m left to deal with the consequences. I’m living under the same roof as Weston, and each day, I discover a side of him I never expected.

From the first time I meet Leo Montgomery, I know I'm in trouble. His dark, heated gaze skittering down my body sets my skin on fire. A rare sighting of his elusive, heart-stopping smile and - dear lord - I think I just ovulated. But then, he hires me to babysit his adorable little troublemaker after school, and now, my maternal instincts are working overtime.

Raised on fame and fortune, Liam McGuire is a spoiled man-child. His handsome face blinds the world, but I see through it to what he is inside. Ugly. When his tour bus rolls off the road, Liam's rushed to the hospital where I work. A jagged scar runs the length of his face, ruining his good looks and jeopardizing his career. As his nurse, I'm around him more than I'd like, but the more I get to know him, the more I realize the world wasn't blind to him. I was.

It took me years to get over my fiance sleeping with another woman. I thought my luck with men had finally turned around until I walked in on my new fiance with my maid-of-honor. I'm done with men entirely. Trust isn't something I have in me to give...to anyone. At least, not anymore. Besides, even if I wanted to give someone my everything, I have nothing left to give. Now, if Walker could be less handsome, his relationship with his nephew not quite as sexy, and his body...well, let's not get crazy. His body is just a gift to womankind.

When grumpy, muscled-up artist Bennett Bishop bothers to speak, it’s usually to say something you’re not ready to hear. When he first speaks to Norah Ellis, a rambling runaway bride who hitchhikes a ride from him, it’s to tell her to get out of his truck and walk because she’s a pain in the a-s-s. By appearance, Norah Ellis is a fancy fashionista who’s spent the last several years living the good life in the city—expensive apartments, highbrow events, and a fiancé with wealth and good looks. The only problem is that she didn’t choose any of it for herself.

Emmett Lasker is impossible to work for. He might be model handsome and stupidly wealthy, but he also has it out for me. He’s given me more last-minute and weekend requests than anyone else, ruining any plans I make. I should quit. And I will. Just as soon as I hit my two-year anniversary and earn out my signing bonus. But after a particularly awful day at work, a breakup (via text!), and my computer crashing, I’ve had enough! So at 11:59 Friday night, I barge into Emmett’s office to tell him what I really think of him. Only, that’s not what happens. AT ALL.

Henley Holloway is my boss’s daughter, and I’ve been assigned to mentor her. The problem is, I’m not looking to babysit anyone. But I’m determined to make partner at the firm, and this is the final obstacle in my way. So, I agree to take the little princess under my wing. I’ll work her so hard, she’ll beg me to leave her alone. But from the first day she walks into the office and spills scalding hot coffee on my chest—I’m intrigued.

A new, sexy standalone novel from New York Times Bestsellers Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward.

Two cups of a protective, dirty-talkin' alpha who loves his Cupcake. One tablespoon of a sweet Southern baker who loves her Sexy Sawyer, even when he's being a hothead. A slice of the past that shows up on their doorstep, turning their world upside down with a life-altering plea. A dash of passion. A pinch of heartache. A sprinkle of hope. Mix together in a large bowl, creating a difficult choice, a testing of one's faith, and a man who will do anything to protect his family - even if it means accepting a decision that could result in losing the one he loves most.

Up until two years ago, I was living large and my life's priorities were anchored to three things - my NBA stardom, money and celebrity. Until one night turned my world upside down and I suffered unspeakable loss. That event changed the man I was and made me a widowed single father. Now I'm a desperate parent trying to raise my special needs son and find him a trustworthy live-in nanny. Grad student Brooklyn Hayes may be the one, with her single-minded focus on caring for my son and finishing her Master's degree. She's the perfect fit for our needs. Maybe too perfect...

Maxx Reynolds needs help. His shop, house, and life are all in a state of disarray. In desperation, he turns to the internet to hire a new employee, thinking it will make his life easier. What he expects is a fellow named Charly. What he gets is a quirky, sassy redhead named Charlynn who runs circles around him. And she's all woman. He can't stand her. He can't keep his hands off her, either.