Romances are in the air: Check out some recent releases

Here are some recent releases that landed on our radar this week.

Otherwise Engaged by Amanda Quick. One does not expect to be kidnapped on a London street in broad daylight. But Amity Doncaster barely escapes with her life after she is trapped in a carriage with a blade-wielding man in a black silk mask who whispers the most vile taunts and threats into her ear. Her quick thinking, and her secret weapon, save her … for now. But the monster known in the press as the Bridegroom, who has left a trail of female victims in his wake, has survived the wounds she inflicts and will soon be on his feet again. He is unwholesomely obsessed by her scandalous connection to Benedict Stanbridge—gossip about their hours alone in a ship’s stateroom seems to have crossed the Atlantic faster than any sailing vessel could. Benedict refuses to let this resourceful, daring woman suffer for her romantic link to him—as tenuous as it may be. For a man and woman so skilled at disappearing, so at home in the exotic reaches of the globe, escape is always an option. But each intends to end the Bridegroom’s reign of terror in London, and will join forces to do so. And as they prepare to confront an unbalanced criminal in the heart of the city they love, they must also face feelings that neither of them can run away from.

The Temptations of Anna Jacobs by Robyn DeHart. When Drew Foster is released from prison, he doesn’t much care about salvaging his soiled reputation. Though he’s working undercover, everyone in Victorian London believes him guilty of the Jack the Ripper murders and that his brother paid for his “innocence.” Despite her genteel upbringing, Anna Jacobs is intent on finishing medical school and becoming a physician. Society’s ridicule has never bothered her, but when her brother, the Yard’s best detective, is scorned for letting Drew go, she confronts the one man who can set the record straight at a ball. She certainly doesn’t count on the rogue being dashing and handsome, nor on him stealing a passionate kiss. Anna’s brazen contempt for his dangerous reputation captivates Drew, but he is harboring secrets that make him unfit to court any proper woman. As he finds himself an outsider among his colleagues at Scotland Yard, the feisty beauty offers up her medical knowledge to assist him on the case. But when the real killer returns to London to continue his reign of terror, can Anna find safety in Drew’s arms?

Purple Magic by Lisa Renee Jones. After her friend Carrie vanishes into the hedonistic world of Manhattan’s forbidden clubs, Jolene Morrison is willing to do anything to find her. And it may come to that when she seeks the help of the vampire Drago. Jolene may be half vampire—and free from their manipulations—but the instant flourishing desire the mere presence of Drago stirs within her is undeniable. And Drago can smell it. He can practically taste her emotions, her lust. He knows their attraction is real, and he must have her. But Drago also knows what could happen to Jolene if she were to enter one of those clubs. The thought of another vampire having her drives him wild. Now Drago must do anything to protect her—or risk losing the woman who just might be his mate.

A Shot of Red by Tracy March. After fleeing D.C. following a one-night stand that had her reeling, biotech company heiress Mia Moncure has thrived working with a humanitarian aid team administering vaccines in Haiti. When the United States is threatened with a flu epidemic, Mia’s grandmother demands her return to unveil a new flu vaccine for Moncure Therapeutics. She arrives to find that her ex-boyfriend, the company’s PR Director, has died in a suspicious accident in Switzerland that Mia soon suspects was murder. Determined to reveal a killer, Mia heads to Switzerland where she’s threatened as she discovers a plan to infiltrate the vaccine for nefarious purposes. Desperate for backup, she turns to sexy Gio Lorenzo, Communications Director for her mother, a high-ranking senator–and Mia’s one-night stand. While negotiating their rocky relationship, they race to uncover a deadly scheme that could ruin her family’s reputation. But millions of people are being vaccinated, and there’s more than her family’s legacy at stake. Mia and Gio struggle to discover the truth about the scheme and their feelings for each other, but it just might be too late.

The Lingerie Shop by Joey W. Hill. Naughty Bits Part 1. When finance executive Madison inherits a lingerie shop called Naughty Bits, she decides to leave behind her staid career and explore her every forbidden desire… Madison is a control freak with one wish—to lose control. Her hidden submissive cravings have led to a string of disastrous relationships. So when she inherits her sister’s North Carolina lingerie shop, Naughty Bits, she jumps at the opportunity to dump her boring finance career and bad history and try her luck down South. But before Madison can settle in, she catches the attention of the owner of the neighboring hardware store. Sexually dominant Logan Scott can see the hunger for command in Madison’s eyes and is anxious to help unleash her submissive desires. He presents her with three very tempting gifts—handcuffs, erotic cards, and an open invitation to join him at a submissive’s training session. Faced with the realization that she can’t sell fantasies to her lingerie customers without embracing her own, Madison accepts Logan’s offer. Now, she’s about to discover just how far her desire can take her…

Phenomenal X by Michelle A. Valentine. From the mean streets of Detroit rises the newest superstar of professional wrestling, Xavier Cold, better known as Phenomenal X. His muscular physique makes men cower before him and women lose their minds with desire. Anna Cortez is fresh out of college and naive to the harsh realities of the real world. Tired of living under the thumb of her conservative family, she defies them when she accepts a job as the assistant to wrestling’s most notorious bad-boy. Phenomenal X has an animalistic nature that even good girl Anna finds hard to resist. One night forced to share a bed in a sold-out hotel, lines blur between them and they quickly learn that one lustful night changes everything and neither one of them will ever be the same.

SEALs Of Summer: Military Romance Superbundle. Ten novels and novellas by New York Times, USA Today and award-winning bestselling authors. It Takes a SEAL, An Adventure Girls, Inc. story by Delilah Devlin: A travel agent visiting friends in the Bahamas is stranded on a desert island with a sexy ex-SEAL after their private pleasure cruise is interrupted by men who mistake her lover for a reclusive billionaire. SEAL Of My Heart by Sharon Hamilton: Kate Livingstone’s engagement is at risk the instant she sets eyes on the handsome elite warrior sitting next to her on a plane trip to visit her sister. Navy SEAL Tyler Gray had thought he knew what he wanted in life, until he meets Kate and their obvious attraction for each other sparks something deep in his soul. Smoking Hot by Anne Marsh: When an ambush kills his teammate, Navy SEAL Tye Callahan vows to spend the summer in Strong, California, fighting fires with the smoke jumper team and looking out for Katie Lawson, his teammate’s fiancée. The Navy SEAL’s E-Mail Order Bride by Cora Seton: If Mason Hall, Navy SEAL, can’t find a wife and get her pregnant–and convince his three brothers to marry, too–before the year is up, he’ll have to forfeit the ranch his family has prized for over a hundred years. Fall Out by Zoe York: Drew Castle is a Navy SEAL with a bad case of indifference. Until Annie Martin shows up on his doorstep, scared out of her mind, and all of a sudden, keeping her safe becomes the most important mission of his life. And this time, he’s on his own. Close Quarters by Roxie Rivera: Getting tangled up in Jamie Pearson’s latest hot mess–or her sheets–is the very last thing Navy SEAL Leland Gates needs, but in close quarters like these, there’s no denying the white-hot passion blazing between them. Killing Honor by S.M. Butler: Returning home after a disastrous extended deployment, Navy SEAL Brody Battles struggles with nightmares and government secrets building a wall between him and his wife, Devyn, especially when a security breach compromises his identity. Coming In Hot by Kimberley Troutte: For Navy SEAL Mack Riley, rescuing a family in Colombian jungles isn’t as hard as seeing the admiral’s daughter again, but since Jenna is joining the hostage rescue team, his orders are to protect her. A SEAL’s Song by Jennifer Lowery: Navy SEAL Jack Taggart’s plans to catch some much-needed downtime between deployments are demolished when he risks everything to rescue beautiful wedding singer, Darci O’Shea, from a band of thieves. SEAL’s Embrace by Elle James: Injured Navy SEAL and the critical care nurse he’s attempting to woo join forces to stop a terrorist attack.

Bender (The Core Four) by Stacy Borel. All Keegan wanted was a roommate who was quiet, minded their own business, and paid for part of the rent. Instead, she got Camden Brooks. Camden, with his sinful body, sharp tongue, and the inability to stay out of Keegan’s personal space, couldn’t seem to curb his interest in the new girl who wouldn’t put up with his domineering ways. Feelings were running rampant, sexual tension was thick, and both were struggling to let go of control. To some people, getting a roommate simply meant living with another person. But to both Camden and Keegan it was a curveball that neither was prepared to swing at.

Point of Return by Stacey Lynn. Deceit. Destruction. Death. Olivia Masters grew up familiar with all of them. The daughter of the President of the Nordic Lords Motorcycle Club, Olivia always knew she wanted nothing to do with any of it. Her plans were made to leave the town she grew up in as soon as she and her boyfriend, Daemon Knight, turned 18. But then Olivia was shot. Her mother killed in front of her. Fleeing became her reality. Forced to return to her hometown of Jasper Bay five years later, events beyond Olivia’s control put her directly back into the life she swore she’d never return to. Her dad wants her back in the family. Daemon wants her in his bed. But just as Olivia begins to accept her destiny, history finds a way to repeat itself. This time, will Olivia be strong enough to fight for the family she once turned her back on? Or will she once again flee from the only life that has ever felt like home?

Timeless (Book Boyfriend Series) by Erin Noelle. Six years. Two people. One love. After the long awaited wedding of her dreams, Scarlett — along with her rock star husband and their five year old twins — are finally putting down roots and settling into their first suburban home. While unpacking, they stumble across a box filled with photos spanning the previous six years, and they’re catapulted down the proverbial Memory Lane. Join the couple on their reminiscent journey as they learn a picture is truly worth a thousand words, and the emotions they elicit are timeless.

Control by Mary Calmes and Cardeno C. Vy Aleknos is the leader of a hawk shifter flock. Openly gay since he was a teen, Vy is proud and self-assured on the outside, while secretly worrying he’ll be forced to spend his life alone because two males can’t be mates. When bear shifter Robert Cimino appears in Vy’s small town, Vy realizes his concerns were unfounded — he has a male mate, and a sexy, dominant one to boot. Robert is a bear shifter who refuses to shift. Immediately attracted to Vy, he deviates from his normal pattern and seeks more than a one off with the powerful, bristly hawk. But Robert’s affections are rooted in his human form, and when Vy discovers Robert doesn’t recognize him as his mate, he pulls away. If Robert wants to stay with Vy, he must convince a man deeply ruled by his animal instincts to give their relationship as humans a chance.

Wolf in Gucci Loafers by Tara Lain. Sequel to The Pack or the Panther. Tales of the Harker Pack: Book Two. Socialite Lindsey Vanessen wants someone to love who will love him back—an impossibility for a gay, half-human, half-werewolf. Too aggressive for humans, too gay for wolves, and needing to protect the pack from human discovery, Lindsey tries to content himself with life as a successful businessman. But when someone starts kidnapping members of wealthy families, Lindsey meets tough cop Seth Zakowsy—the hunky embodiment of everything Lindsey wants but can’t have. Seth has never been attracted to flamboyant men. What would the guys in the department think of Lindsey? But intrigue turns to lust when he discovers Lindsey’s biting, snarling passion more than matches his dominant side. It might mean a chance at love for a cop in black leather and a wolf in Gucci loafers.

Tales of the Djinn: The Guardian (Volume 1) by Emma Holly. Elyse Solomon hasn’t had it easy. She lost her dad and her husband under suspicious circumstances, and her relatives know more than they’re admitting about both deaths. Then a mysterious stranger with a briefcase full of cash moves into the basement of her New York brownstone. Arcadius is gorgeous, exquisitely polite, and sophisticated, but nothing about him adds up—that is, until Elyse discovers her sexy tenant is a genie desperate to save his people from a deadly curse. With so much heartache behind her, can Elyse find the courage to help the man who might be her true soul mate?

Hearts Under Siege by Natalie J. Damschroder. Brady has spent a decade burying the pain of a broken heart while working for SIEGE, an information-gathering spy agency. That it kept him away from his best friend Molly has been an unfortunate side effect. But when his brother, also an agent, is killed during a foreign op, Brady is drawn into a web of intrigue that threatens the lives of everyone he loves…especially the incredible, fearless woman who’s been there for him all his life.

Hot Bodies Boxed Set: The Complete Vital Signs Erotic Romance Trilogy by Jill Elaine Hughes. Three full-length, linked novels. Nurses and doctors find the high-pressure hospital environment a perfect breeding ground for hot sex and romance. Joanna, a nurse at Covington Community Hospital falls for the new surgeon, Dr. Wilkinson. Joanna’s colleague Shirley has her eyes set on Dr. Wilkinson, too. The romantic rival lands Joanna in sticky situations. The hospital’s new stud and first male nurse Billy falls for the shy, virginal nurse Dana. Each book in the Vital Signs trilogy is based on characters that work together at Covington Community Hospital and in its big-city rival hospital, University Hospital in Raleigh, NC. Hot surgeons, hotter nurses, secret pregnancies, backstabbing exes, and lots of jockeying for power and position at a small-town hospital. Grey’s Anatomy meets Dallas!

Magnificent Medieval Men: A Medieval Romance Boxed Set. 4 medieval romance novels from 4 #1 Best-Selling Amazon romance authors! A Knight’s Temptation by Catherine Kean: A lady arranges a clandestine meeting to return a stolen pendant. A lord, determined to attain knighthood, senses the lady keeps valuable secrets and takes her captive. Will their past enmity stand in the way of duty and true love? Lord of the Shadows by Kathryn Le Veque: He is King John’s most feared warrior; they call him the Shadow Lord. She is the daughter of one of the king’s greatest enemies. Drawn together by a twist of fate, the Shadow Lord and the enemy’s daughter find love amid the turmoil of a hated king’s reign. Dance of Love by Anna Markland: He is a reclusive wounded warrior. She is a Spanish princess imprisoned by the Moors. Can love overcome the powerful forces determined to keep them apart? It will take a miracle. The Lady and the Falconer by Laurel O’Donnell: He is a mysterious falconer, intent on reclaiming what is rightfully his. She is the lady of Castle Fulton, determined to keep her people safe from the siege that threatens them all. Can they overcome betrayal and vengeance to find healing love?

Hypnotized by Lacey Wolfe. Paisley: I’m discovering who I am in this world. Venturing out on my own, away from my parents, and finding out what life is really all about. College isn’t as easy as I thought it would be, especially with my best friend Evan becoming someone I hardly recognize. But then I met Gabe. He changed everything. My life will never be the same. Gabe: I lived my life day to day, waiting for something great to happen. Then she walked into the coffee house, with her long legs and killer smile. I had to know her. Nothing was going to stop me. She hypnotized me from the moment I laid eyes on her. And after the first kiss, my fate was sealed to Paisley.

Eva’s Deadline by Linda Hope Lee. Eva Sinclair had the view condo, the sports car and a job writing for Seattle’s hottest magazine. Everything she’d fought for since walking out on her father and his beloved newspaper, the Willow Beach Herald. With one call from Mark Townson, her father’s protege, it was all gone. Now, she must fulfill her father’s final wishes and meet a one-year deadline as Mark’s coeditor at the Herald. Impossible. Especially when the sparks begin to fly.

On the Rocks by Erin Duffy. Six months ago, Abby’s life fell apart for the entire world to see. Her longtime boyfriend-turned-fiancé, Ben, unceremoniously dumped her—on Facebook—while she was trying on dresses for the big day. When the usual remedies—multiple pints of Ben Jerry’s, sweatpants, and a comfy couch—fail to work their magic, her best friend, Grace, devises a plan to get Abby back on her game. She and Abby are going to escape Boston and its reminders of Ben and head to Newport for the summer. There, in a quaint rented cottage by the sea, the girls will enjoy cool breezes, cocktails, and crowds of gorgeous men. But no matter where they go, Abby and Grace discover that in this era of social media—when seemingly everyone is preserving every last detail of their lives online—there is no real escape. Dating has never been easy. But now that the rules are more blurred than ever, how will they find true love? And even if they do, can romance stand a chance when a girl’s every word and move can go viral with a single click?

Champion of Sherwood: The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy Book Two by Laura Strickland. When Gareth de Vavasour, nephew of the Sheriff of Nottingham, is captured by the outlaws of Sherwood Forest and held for ransom, he knows he will be fortunate to escape with his life. Amid the magic and danger that surround him, he soon realizes his true peril lies in the beautiful dark eyes of Linnet, the Saxon healer sent to tend his wounds. Granddaughter of Robin Hood, Linnet has always known she is destined to become a guardian of Sherwood Forest, along with her sister and a close childhood companion. She believes her life well settled until the arrival of Gareth. Then all her loyalties are tested even as her heart is forced to choose between love and the ties of duty, while Sherwood declares its own champion.

Acting Up, Covington Falls Chronicles by Kristin Wallace. Addison Covington is the reigning Ice Queen of television. Until her producer husband falls in love with her on-screen daughter and a well-placed punch on national television casts her as the wicked ex-wife. Fired and disgraced, she escapes to Covington Falls to figure out how to reclaim her life and career. Before Addison can say “Casting Call” she’s asked to direct the high school musical. And wondering how to resist Ethan Thomas, the sexiest high school principal she’s ever met.

A Song for Us by Teresa Mummert. In this highly anticipated follow-up to White Trash Damaged, Cass and Tucker have finally found their happily ever after, but can Eric, the band’s brooding drummer, ever let go of his past and find love? From a small-town boy with fantasies of superstardom to rock star on tour with the suddenly famous band Damaged, Eric’s life has not been an easy journey. Now he struggles to let go of his past of physical abuse, a past that still haunts him. His anger is causing him to spiral out of control and he risks losing everything he has worked so hard for. Only one person has ever gotten him to open up about his past: Sarah, the lead singer of Filth, the opening act on their first national tour—a fellow rocker with a confident façade that masks her own painful secrets. But their bands’ rocky past and Sarah’s tumultuous relationship with her bandmate and boyfriend Derek force her to keep Eric at a distance. As their friendship begins to grow into something more, Eric has to find a way to let go of his tortured past, or it could jeopardize his only chance for a happy future…

3013: Claimed (The 3013 Series) by Laurie Roma. As one of Earth’s greatest leaders, Commander Jax Spartan lives his life by a strict code. Dedicated and alpha to the core, he is the epitome of what every Elite solider aspires to be. Second-in-command Sullivan Archer rules by his best friend’s side, and together they form an unstoppable force that few are foolish enough to challenge. When danger leads Alliance scientist Serra Lysander straight into the arms of Jax and Archer, they will do anything to keep her safe, even claiming her despite the fact she is off limits. With the future of the Alliance on the line, will their love and dedication be enough to save them, or will they be too late to stop the growing threat from destroying them all?

Anonymous by Dani-Lyn Alexander. What happens when an online date is not what it seems? After Ali’s heart is broken, she decides to try Anonymous, a new dating website where you can retain complete anonymity while you search for your soul mate. When she discovers Joe, she thinks she may have at least found a new friend and decides to put her past behind her and move on. Several death threats and an attempt on her life force her back into contact with her soon-to-be ex, Mark, who is the lead detective on the case. The tension builds between them while Ali struggles to get over Mark and Mark races to find the maniac who’s trying to kill her. When Ali meets up with her online flame, she finds he’s anything but the friend she imagined…

Catching Hell by Mindy Klasky. Veteran catcher Zach Ormond’s no-trade clause will let him retire a star in Raleigh. Twenty-five-year-old Anna Benson is the acting owner of the team. When Zach finally realizes Anna is no longer a star-struck kid, their passion flares like a game-winning grand slam. But when the team needs a new player, Anna must convince Zach to forfeit his no-trade guarantee. Can Anna and Zach live happily ever after if their romance destroys the team they love?

A Most Unlikely Countess by V.L Locey. Painfully shy Liz Argon probably shouldn`t be dreaming of Veikko Aho, star goalie for the Philadelphia Wildcats. As she works side by side with ‘The Count of the Crease’ on his memoirs, she finds herself falling for the handsome goaltender. His tender ways with her and her mentally fragile mother are slowly claiming her heart. If only Veikko wasn`t already engaged to a woman far better suited to move in to ‘The Count`s’ world. In book two of the To Love a Wildcat series, we`ll see if a glass slipper can survive in the rough and tumble world of professional ice hockey.

Rare Find by Dale Mayer. When people need help or are injured, they call out for their friends and family. When an animal needs help or is injured, it calls out for…anyone…that can help them… And one person hears them…

Playing for Satisfaction by Diane Leyne, Satisfaction Texas book 4. Ellie Maine, full-time teacher and part time pool hustler, has finally moved on from her short-lived marriage to Bram Scoefield and was happily dating Mayor Ren Davis. But now Bram is back and looking to reconcile. Things go from bad to worse when Ellie is kidnapped by a man she thought was a friend. Can Bram and Ren work together to save the woman they both love?

Let It Go by Amanda Hough. Meet Evelyn Snow, a thirty-year old nurse in Austin Texas. In her controlled, myopic world, she reigns supreme. No surprises, no risks, no romance. Evie has a small inner circle of friends who love her. And that is exactly how she likes it. Sergey Mikhailov is a towering, sexy, blond cop with five brothers and sisters. After seeing Evelyn at the county jail he decides it is time to come out of the shadows. He wants Evie in his life. Can Evie let go of the emotional binds that tie her to the past ? Can she open her heart to the possibilities of love and lust. Will she risk it? And will Sergey let his dark-haired beauty uncover wounds he thought were long buried? Can he overcome the fear that the secrets he holds could drive her away?

Favorite Obsession by Nancy Corrigan. Royal Pride, Book 3. Centuries after what should have been a blessing from a goddess, Mira has gone from the chosen daughter to a woman shamed. She’s found a tentative peace among her family and the mates they’ve chosen. And despite the potentially fatal consequences, Mira has found the one thing she never thought she’d have—love. Josh is the only male she’s ever wanted, desired and burned for—and he’s the only man she can never hope to keep. One glance into Mira’s exotic feline eyes and Josh is lost. She’s everything he never knew he wanted and loving her becomes a passion he can’t deny. The obstacles keeping them apart seem insurmountable but Josh knows he’s the man Mira needs. With every passionate encounter, every stolen touch, his certainty that he and Mira belong together grows. He’ll defy every shifter decree and fight to his dying breath to convince those around them of the truth—Mira belongs to him, mind, body and soul.

Out of Control by Teresa Roberts. Glass artist Jen Kessler has hit the jackpot—a cheap apartment in a charming Victorian house, complete with a sexy, intense, buttoned-down landlord…who may or may not have a riding crop in his bedroom. She’s not looking for a lover, but when her innocent, impulsive hug sparks kisses as hot as molten glass, it leads to bondage, spankings, and more naughtiness that, up to now, she had only tasted. His new tenant may have wild, dyed hair and an unconventional job, but Cornell math professor Drake Matthews admires the work ethic that got her out of debt. Then he’s stunned at how quickly she destroys decades of his carefully cultivated self-control. Soon their sexual and emotional passions push them to the edge—and beyond. But it’s not all good, dirty fun. As Drake takes more and more control of Jen in the bedroom, her deeply ingrained independent streak pushes back. And it’ll take more than a shared penchant for ropes, paddling, and coffee to overcome pasts that could unravel their relationship before it begins.

Rebel Marquess by Amy Sandas. Eliza Terribury is determined to be the first of her sisters to evade her mother’s attempts to shoo her down the aisle. Her novel-writing dreams will wither under the demands placed on a gentleman’s wife. Saddled with his title at a young age, Michael Gerard, the elusive Marquess of Rutherford, has always done his duty, but he will not be pressured into choosing a wife. He just never expected the rush of attraction every time the impertinent young Eliza crosses his path. When a completely innocent incident leaves Rutherford’s hands in a compromising position on Eliza’s bare skin, they have no choice but to announce an engagement. Privately, they agree to seek a way out of the unwanted nuptials. Yet Eliza’s free spirit and understated sensuality stirs Michael’s desire. And Eliza discovers there is more to the arrogant lord than meets the eye, especially when she wonders if it is purely her writer’s imagination that puts his face behind a mysterious highwayman’s mask.

Torn From the Shadows by Yolanda Sfetsos. Sierra Fox, Book 4. Sierra Fox knows better than to believe the demon-obsessed freakshow has given up on her. She’s settled into a nice routine of living with her sister, enjoying her relationship with a sexy werewolf, and staying on top of work—and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Predictably, things start falling apart as she’s suddenly swamped with surprise visits and unwanted advances, and someone she despises wants her help. When a spook-catching training session goes horribly wrong, she encounters a man who’s not quite as dead as she’d hoped. Mace is now more than human and still determined to get his hands on her. But not if Sierra accepts the strengthening gifts her grandmother bestowed at her birth. Having the good guys put a price on her head is enough to ruin anyone’s day, but Sierra refuses to give up or give in. Even if it means exercising the last option on earth she wants. But claiming the ultimate power may not be enough to save the man she loves before his werewolf past destroys him.

Retribution by Mychael Black. Secrets of Socendor, Book 3. Already despised as a half-elf, half-human lithing, exiled king Braen must face the destruction he has wrought. By resurrecting his father, he has unleashed a terrible evil upon the land. His only hope to save his people is to join forces with elves and humans, his traditional enemies. Which makes his undeniable desire for the human captain Jéan Bastien intolerable. With the land of Socendor’s fate hanging in the balance, dealing with his lust for Braen is the last thing Jéan needs. Not only because Braen’s a lithing, but because Jéan has never before desired a man. Yet their magnetic attraction draws them together even as war drives them apart. Time has run out for the people of Socendor. Led by General Kalen Ysindroc, Braen’s half brother, and his elven lover, wizard Micheil Thierauf, the united band of elves, lithings, and men march on Sunderlind, though their numbers are too few. As dragons darken the skies and arrows fly, love and loyalty must win the day…or darkness will reign forever.

Pliable Inhibitions by Zenobia Renquist. High Relief, Book One. Emily’s negative body image is killing her marriage. She doesn’t believe her husband Lucas when he says she’s desirable, especially since their sex life is nonexistent. Lucas has a radical solution to their problems—hypnosis. Emily was wild in her college days and he’s convinced she can be wild again with a little help from a so-called magic coin. While college was a lifetime and several dress sizes ago, she’s willing to play along. She’ll experiment with friends, neighbors, coworkers and whoever else Lucas chooses if it means renewing their wedded bliss. She knows the coin is a fraud and hypnosis isn’t real…but what Emily knows and what really happens when Lucas uses the magic coin are two totally different things. And what happens is sex so mind-blowing neither Lucas nor Emily will ever be the same.

Spirit’s Song by Madeline Baker. It was an easy task. Track the wife of a wealthy man in San Fransisco and bring her home. And earn ten thousand dollars. But what’s a bounty hunter to do when he falls for the woman he’s been chasing? Do whatever he can to keep her, no matter what the cost.

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Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s The Show finale

Thirty-seven emerging fashion designers set to graduate from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in a few weeks presented their final collections in three shows, on April 24 at the River Rock Casino.

The all-day affair was not only the culmination of months of hard work, but four years of intensive technical and design training that preps students for successful careers in the fashion industry.

Each line was created, from start to finish, by KPU fashion students. The collections ranged in style from plus-sized athletic wear to clothes built to withstand a zombie apocalypse to modest beachwear and luxurious lingerie. Each show included fashions for men, women, and children of all ages, body types, and lifestyles.

“There was a lot of great energy and a mixture of excitement, nerves and emotions backstage. It’s great seeing everyone come out to support us after four years of hard work and dedication. It was surreal to finally see everything come together,” said Shelby Gillingham, whose line NVRLND features feminine but practical motorcycle wear for women.

Not only was The Show an opportunity for the students to celebrate their graduation, but it provided an ideal venue to show industry representatives and potential employers their design, fashion, creativity and marketing skills.

In attendance at one or more of the shows were Chip and Shannon Wilson; representatives from Tamoda Apparel, The Show’s presenting sponsor; media; and various fashion industry professionals, in addition to representatives from KPU, and Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux, who modeled fashions for female wheelchair users in all three shows.

For more information about KPU’s fashion programs, visit: kpu.ca/fashion.

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