I want that. It was the first thought that entered my mind when I laid eyes on her. Kimber is all creamy skin and vibrant red hair. The fiery kind that makes a man understand there is strength in her convictions. She’ll stand by the ones she loves, no matter the cost. And it fuels the desire to make her mine. The biggest choice she made left her arms empty. I’m searching for a flicker of hope she’ll let me fill them again. I want that. For her. For us. Today is the day. Four years is a long time for any man to wait. But if Kimber’s heart hasn’t mended yet, mine will splinter. Because it means I haven’t given the woman I love everything she needs. —Trig

Aidy and Morgan are both looking for a fresh start. When fate brings them together, can they find a way to heal in each other’s arms?—A Nook Bestseller! Owning up to your mistakes doesn't mean you won’t make more... especially when the right woman is involved. I saw the anguish in her eyes when we met. Still, I tried ignoring Aidy’s reason for hiding out in Brighton. She wasn’t the only one looking for a fresh start. The closer we get, the more my existence doesn’t feel so meaningless. I’m taking it slow for both our sakes. There’s no doubt in my mind the first woman I’ve ever fallen for has a future filled with endless possibilities... And a guy like me, who spent time behind bars, hasn’t got much to offer. When Aidy’s secret is revealed, I can’t help taking it personally. If I had a shred of decency, I’d have let her continue to heal on her own terms. As someone who has already done hard time, what’s one more bad judgment call? Except will Aidy still love me if I play judge and jury to ensure her attacker pays? —Morgan

A stripper. A handyman. An impossible secret. Is it love or lust? And what happens when a mill girl breaks the cardinal rule? Men beg to touch her body. Yet, I’m the one grasping onto Cece time and time again. I tried to keep them away for her safety and to help her reach the goal of a better life. We were careful to make sure what happened between us remained unnoticed. But when our impossible secret gets out, I’m the one labeled an opportunistic creep. I’m a simple man. All I want is a chance. Though, it’s uncertain Cece’s ready to defend the love we share. It’s obvious now our silence was golden... And there’s more than a sliver of truth that I’ll never be the one for her. —Dusty

Sometimes you can’t give the people you love everything they want no matter how hard you try. Other times, people need more of you than you’re capable of giving. I’m at a crossroads between my wants and their needs. Kimber and I haven’t been able to grow our family and the clock is winding down. My friendship with Jake is becoming a nightmare. Convinced everyone has it better than he does, my partner can’t see the damage he’s inflicting on himself and those around him. Forced to choose, I’m holding onto hope that it’s never too late.

I’m an unlovable bastard. At least, that’s what I was led to believe. To help me get my head screwed on straight, I took on a mentor role with the big brother program. Shallow as it sounds, my reasoning revolved around fixing me. So what any nine-year-old got from having me as a role model wasn’t a priority. Then Bhodi reminds me of everything I lost out on during my childhood. Unlike the adults in my life, I’d planned on doing right by the kid. And not because of the way his mom, Holly’s, tattoo tempts me peeking out over the top of those signature cut-off shorts and disappears where her shirt covers what her bare midriff doesn’t. Or the way the woman—old enough to be my... older sister—looks at me from under those thick lashes. After an unforeseen chance to spend time alone together, Holly steals my heart. Now, I’m set on winning hers over. I’ll do anything to keep them, including chasing off Bhodi’s old man, who’s looking for a second chance. And it leaves everyone around us wondering who is the real home wrecker. —Cary

A runaway bride walks into a bar. No kidding… But I’m pretty sure my friends are trying to pull a fast one on me when Paisley Cooper bursts into Sweet Caroline’s, searching for a place to hide. Now the local socialite, whose boutique has been right under my nose, is in my sights. And I’m no bleeding heart. So, I con Paisley into posing as my girlfriend by threatening her business. At first, nobody believes our relationship is real. I mean, why would Paisley abandon her doctor groom at the altar for an irritable strip club owner? However mismatched, Paisley’s infuriating ability to stand up to me somehow convinces everyone we’re perfect for each other. Whenever we kiss, even I can’t help thinking the same thing, too. Although it’s not like falling in love makes any difference when I already know forever isn’t guaranteed. —Jake From Jody Kaye, bestselling author and the creator of the Kingsbrier Quintuplets, Bleeding Heart features a chance encounter between Sweet Caroline’s broody antihero and Brighton’s town darling as she escapes her wedding! What will an obsessive alpha risk to stay in control in this slow burn, opposites attract romance?

A kid like me grows up taking what they can get…Believe me, I’ve taken to get where I am now. Cash is power. With power comes security. Loyalty can’t be bought. Love? That’s no more than a soul shattering weakness. So why does a woman like Sloan, raised to be taken advantage of, still have a heart capable of giving?…And why does a thief like me want to lay the spoils at her feet? —Carver