Who would have thought the Dauntless Duncans, dynamic attorneys with a limitless passion for law... and each other... would quit their careers? But, being free spirits, when Don and Meg inherit a houseboat, they abandon all cares and move to Key West. Days of sun and fun, and a precocious waif named Calliope, bring zest to their new adventure. But Meg becomes restless... and Don's new carefree attitude makes him seem disturbingly unfamiliar. Suddenly they appear to want different things from life... and Meg must unlock the secrets of her heart if she hopes to reaffirm Don's love...

Dauntless news reporter Eleanor Dancy and handsome senator Bram Foremost make the ultimate “odd couple.” Her liberal views challenge his conservative policies; his common sense tempers her zeal. But their passion is as steamy as their politics are stormy, and in matters of desire they vote the same ticket. Life on turbulent Capitol Hill keeps their marriage fresh – until an issue vital to Ellie pits her publicly against Bram. Hidden resentments flare as politics become personal, threatening the intimacy of these strange bedfellows. Something’s got to give . . . before separate ballots lead them into separate beds.

For ten years Megan and Jay Crawford have pursued demanding careers—and taken passionate delight in their love for each other. Now, starting a family seems the perfect way to enhance their already deep and unyielding bond. But months later, Megan still isn't pregnant—and Jay's position as chief surgeon at a big-city hospital takes him more often from her side. Despite their fervent efforts, Megan feels Jay slipping away... She aches to have his baby, but how can they make room for a child when they can't find time for themselves?

For better, for worse... After nine years of marriage, Erica McCrery fears she's losing her husband. After Kyle's father died and the couple left their affluent lifestyle in Florida to take over the family business in Wisconsin, there has been a tension between them. The nights are as passion-filled as ever, but in the light of day, their relationship no longer seems to work. For richer, for poorer... Kyle works long hours, keeps Erica in the dark about financial matters and doesn't seem to believe that she actually enjoys helping out in the woodworking shop. Erica is desperate to spend some time alone with her husband so they can work through their problems, but the situation becomes even more complicated when an old friend, notorious playboy Morgan Shane, invites himself for an extended visit... 56,000 words Previously published.

They married too young, and now five years later, with two children and a huge mortgage, Marcie's husband wants to sow his wild oats. The kids aren't returnable. No one will buy the house. So Thad wants a divorce ... Marcie tries to understand, but deep inside she's baffled. By day Thad is restless and silent as they move toward a separation. But each night an unquenchable craving brings him naked to her bed, where their pleasures flare fierce and all-consuming. Marcie desperately loves her husband, but can she do whatever it takes to keep him happy?

At their preposterous first meeting, he was that creature so beloved of fortune tellers: a tall, dark, and handsome stranger. She played the part of a Regency Hoyden: his Lady Laughing Eyes. Predictably, their courtship was wacky and wonderful. But that was once upon a time...before the rigors of Nick de Conti's musical career robbed his wife Cami of the dizzying pleasure of his presence-and stole the laughter from her eyes. Given Cami and Nick's penchant for emotional pyrotechnics, their reconciliation was bound to be a spectacular display-but even they couldn't guess just how explosive the fireworks would be...

For richer or for poorer ...So far it had been "poorer," but with ardent loving and boundless laughter, Joe and Vicki Beck had shared three years of triumphs and sorrows. Now they're offered a dream come true: instant wealth and staggering success in breathtaking Austria. Power, prestige, untold luxury—all that glitters is theirs for the taking... if they can leave behind their country; culture, family; and friends. Joe is thoroughly seduced by Salzburg, but Vicki hesitates. And suddenly the glistening Alps cast dark shadows on Joe and Vicki's future ...

Caren Ashley loved the stark beauty of winter days in Russelton, Ontario. But even more, she loved coming home at night to her husband Tate. Curled up next to the fire, they discussed his painting and her pottery, and went to bed early, where their passion blazed ...They lived in perfect harmony—until Caren lost the baby. Instead of drawing them closer together, their loss estranges them; each harbors a grief too painful to share. In the coldest winter of her life Caren fights to rekindle the fires of love that have kept her and Tate so warm in winters past ...

It was a perfect love story: Socialite Clea Witherspoon fell madly in love with dashing magnate Mitch Bottington. They married and live happily ever after ... until Mitch began to spend all his time at the office. Lonely and bored, Clea begins writing a secret romance. As her characters' sexual exploits demand more creative input, she shifts her "research" from books to the bedroom. Mitch is surprised, then delighted, at the luscious improvement in their love life ... until he begins to wonder what's behind Clea's sudden passion for amorous acrobatics... and does some investigating of his own. Oh, what scandal ensues!

Linda was a successful playwright when she met Tom Beaumont—yet she left Manhattan and moved to his birthplace without a second thought, settling happily into the gracious life of New Orleans society. She knew it was what Tom wanted ... But three years later, Tom and Linda are suddenly at odds when Tom begins work at a coffeehouse- theater—a building earmarked for demolition by Linda's employer. Subtly, imperceptibly, their values, their goals, even their perspectives seem to be drifting apart ... Can love alone bridge the gap that widens between them?

For Caroline, a college professor of Yankee stock, nothing is more exciting than her husband Ben Rothschild's polished old-world charm and heady financial success. Each night, she still aches for him, deeply, sweetly. But when academic politics imperil Caro's fulfilling job, and she seeks Ben's support, he presses her instead to complete their love by raising a family in their suburban dream home. Caro is tempted by the sensual comforts he offers, but feels uneasy with his expectations. With growing concern, she struggles to achieve a delicate balance between her personal desires and her commitment to the man she loves ...

Caitlin and John Matthews shared something special—a crackling quick wit and heady, sensual chemistry. But when Cait's cousin needed her in Belfast, and the State Department called John to the world's hot trouble spots, they parted ... thoughtlessly, foolishly. Now, a year later, their marriage seems over. Then John arrives most unexpectedly in Ireland, eager to resume the laughter and fulfill the longing. In his masterful presence Cait glows—giddy with passion, alive and loving. But does John really want to win her back, or is she only a convenient tool in untangling some shady goings-on?

After her terrifying ordeal in the Middle East, Cassa Welles is coming home. A tall, dark beauty, she has a fervent love for the country whose freedoms she has been denied—and a heart- stopping ache to feel Dan's arms around her once again. He is her partner, her loving husband, her homecoming. For Dan Welles, the months of believing Cassa dead and his world destroyed are not easily forgotten. Their tender passion flares anew, but painful questions remain unspoken as they seek to set aside the past and revel in the joy of their reunion.

For five years Adelina Kildaire has been happily married to ruinously gorgeous Samuel Grady. But when Addy's helper, Mis Pru, finds a man and moves to Tahiti, she leaves Addy to cope with her design business alone. Now, two children, a pregnant model, needy hangers-on, and the upcoming February fashion show have got Addy in a tizzy. She has no time for anyone - including Sam. They meet in passing and come together in delicious lovemaking, but for Sam it's not enough. It takes two women close to Addy's heart to teach her the true value of a husband's love...

Lily and Tom Langdon's lives are as closely entwined as two grapevines grafted onto a single stem. Together they happily run the Pennyroyal Vineyard and adjacent dinner-theater—joint labors of love—and raise their teenage children—offspring from their first marriages. But their harmony is disrupted when Lily's ex-husband, urbane Mark Davenport, arrives to star in their new musical production. Criticizing the choices Lily has made, calling loyalties into question, Mark foments tension and misunderstanding, casting shadows on Tom and Lily's golden days. Though their kisses remain spontaneous and sweet, is their union still unshakable?

From blind date... He's divorced, eleven years older and the father of three. Not exactly every girl's Ideal Man. But as soon as reserved bookstore owner Susan meets charismatic Griff Anderson, she's smitten—and just three passion-filled months later, she's his wife. To instant family... Their idyllic honeymoon spent restoring a majestic Victorian is cut short when the newlyweds happily—but unexpectedly—find themselves with full custody of his children. Now, instead of enjoying passionate nights and lazy mornings-after with Griff, Susan finds herself thrust into the role of Mom to Tom, Barbara and Tiger. And quarrelling with her husband over how to handle the drama that comes with a house full of tweens and teens. When pet problems, party crashers and pregnancy scares threaten their happiness, Susan can't help but wonder what Griff really a wife, or a mother for his children? Previously published. 57,000 words

Since their impulsive marriage, Kaye and Jake Corrigan have been ecstatically happy. She's the passionate woman he searched so long to find; he's the man of honor and good humor she desired. After seven months, Kaye still glows in Jake's presence, and his gallant generosity remains undiminished. But how can a housing court judge afford the luxuries Jake showers on Kaye? Suddenly she begins hearing sinister rumors about her husband's integrity—and her golden days abruptly lose their shine. Jake asks for her trust but offers no explanations ... and Kaye is desperate to learn the truth ...

In the office they're frosty colleagues, exchanging heated words and cold stares. No one suspects they dash home to each other... to share fevered embraces and deep kisses. After all, company policy states: NO FRATERNIZING BETWEEN EMPLOYEES. But then, no one knows they're married! After six months of the ruse, Merry and her dazzling husband find their love undiminished—but their frustrations mounting. And now their boss wants to fix Merry's husband up with another woman! Though they continue to revel in secret bliss, office complications are leading to martrimonial mayhem....

Samantha and Joel Loring are perfect companions and enthusiastic lovers, with a boundless zest for life. But the realization that Joel's latest video game invention has been stolen by his best friend leaves Joel reeling ... and Sam, a private detective, is eager to prove her sleuthing skills by tracking down the culprit. Their search takes them across the country ... and frequently into each other's arms, as Joel's madcap humor and heady virility prove delightfully distracting. But more and more Sam reels Joel's questioning eyes upon her ... How can she convince him of her unshakable devotion when he's been so painfully betrayed?

For vivacious actress Carrie Frazier, the chance to star in a Broadway musical directed by her sexy, sophisticated husband, Dylan, is a dream come true. But Dylan also plans to produce the show - a tremendous financial risk. Carrie revels in making the small sacrifices their strained circumstances require, but Dylan, still wanting to provide royally for his wife, chafes at every supposed indignity. Only their thrilling, tender lovemaking fully satisfies him. Then the play bombs in Boston - and their marriage is tested as never before!

Movie-star handsome, impossibly sexy, tormentingly tender: Hank Lewis is everything Carol wants in a husband. It's the influence of Hank's mother, Maggie, she could live without. Breezing out of her fifth marriage, Maggie chooses to "recuperate" at the Lewises'. Soon Carol is tripping over the men—from hankers to gangsters—Maggie blithely collects, while Maggie's shenanigans have I lank believing all women arc fickle—including Carol! With the household in chaos and the neighbors in awe, Carol watches her loving prince become a possessive dragon ... and wonders if they'll be sitting out their next anniversary waltz!

When Liz sees a blond bombshell throw herself at John, she's forced to reflect on her marriage. Has she become supermom at the expense of being superwife? Is John more emotionally involve with his patients than he is with her\`? Determined to prove otherwise, Liz campaigns to seduce her husband away from temptation ... and back to their own special sharing. Flaunting provocative attire, she whispers sweet come-ons. Perplexed, but more than willing, John eagerly responds. Together they rescale the heights. But, back on earth, Liz's plot unravels, and she wonders if they can hold on to the magic...

Once, they'd been young, idealistic, and in love. But in trying to save the world, they'd lost each other... Now, seven years later, Jennifer Ellis needs her husband Richard's testimony in a crucial court case, and suddenly he's back in her life. His lively mind and ebullient spirit strip away her resentment. His masculine appeal revives her heartfelt passion. But he wants her and the freedom to pursue his political writing; she demands equal consideration for her own career. And they both know that even a mature and deeper desire may not be enough to forge a lasting love...

Each had known... and lost... a perfect love, and neither expected a second chance. But that was before pretty, new mother Bet Valentine clouted rugged Louisiana rancher Jake Calloway with a mop...and convinced him she was the perfect candidate for a satisfying—though loveless—marriage. For Bet, the home and companionship Jake offers are ambrosia. Their throbbing passion is unexpected bliss. But soon Bet hungers for more. For in the still of the night, love has crept into her heart, chasing away past loss. Dare she dream Jake will find and share it, too?

Two's company...Bett and Zach Monroe were newly married and just starting their careers when they suddenly found themselves owners of a neglected farm in Michigan. Unable to resist the lure of the land, the young couple set out to build their own private paradise. The days are long, the work is hard, but Bett and Zach love every minute of it. And through it all, their passion for one another burns as hot as ever. Three's a crowd...But their peace is threatened when Bett's widowed mother comes for a "visit"-bringing with her a U-Haul of belongings. Within an hour of her arrival, Elizabeth is causing friction between Bett and Zach. And as the days become weeks, their house no longer feels like home, they are barely speaking, and privacy is nonexistent. There's only one way to reclaim their own marry Elizabeth off. 52,700 wordsPreviously published.

Professor Andrew Everest's quiet strength, distinguished gallantry, And dashing good looks draw Carrie like a flower to sunlight. Her uninhibited spirit and celebration of life fire Andrew's passion. Though their marriage shocks their friends and defies family convention, the newlyweds are blissfully unconcerned. But can a fervent social activist survive on her husband's conservative college campus? Rumbles of disapproval become thunderclaps of outrage when Carrie's women's group challenges the college's tradition-bound tenure system. Suddenly Andrew's career is at stake, husband is pitted against wife, and chaos reigns both on campus ... and in the most intimate corners of their lives!

For Cindy and Trevor Brooks, marriage means sharing midnight kisses, champagne bubble baths, a six year history, two inquisitive children, and a love whose strength continually catches them by surprise. Life is rich and rewarding... yet something's missing. For Cindy that "something" is a full-time job at a posh SoHo eaterie. For Trevor it means quitting his high-pressure advertising firm and writing a play. But abruptly their carefully tended home fires are raging out of control! And scintillating though role reversal proves to be, Cindy wonders if they can successfully extract marital bliss from domestic chaos...

After four years of marriage, Sonia and Craig Hamilton are as much in love as ever. But their happiness turns into a nightmare when they are violently assaulted while taking a late-night walk in a Chicago park. Back home in Cold Creek, Wyoming, far from the dangers of the big city, they try to put the attack behind them. But it's not long before Sonia realizes Craig is haunted by the memory, and his inability to protect her. His obsession with keeping her safe, and getting revenge, soon threatens to tear them apart... 56,000 words Previously published.

Popular high school sweethearts Maddy and Clark married young and immediately faced hard times. But adversity only strengthened their bond. They thrived on the old-fashioned values—family, faith, and, above all, love ... Then Maddy writes a jingle and wins a contest—a trip to Venice and half a million dollars! Life immediately becomes a heady whirlwind of adventure, glamour, and thrilling opportunity. Maddy is eager to embrace their good fortune, but Clark is wary of the changes it brings. Will their sudden windfall enrich their lives, or rob them of the one true treasure—each other?

For Carol and Dan Ross, love knows no bounds. Romantic, impetuous, mercurial, Carol is devoted to her strong, steadfast husband. Dan keeps her anchored in reality—except when they're both soaring on the wings of ecstatic lovemaking. Then Carol insists on clearing her French-born mother of having betrayed the Resistance in World War II...and Dan resolves to protect his wife from the potential dangers of her mission. Yet even he little dreams of the perils they will face in southwestern France as they stir the embers of memory and desire...

Heart-stoppingly handsome, charming, brilliant—Steve Weston had his pick of women, and Gayle still can't quite believe he chose her. As they embark on challenging Ph.D. programs, she vows to prove herself worthy of her husband's love... Steve effortlessly scores top honors, but Gayle burns the midnight oil, curtailing their leisurely lovemaking. Soon Steve begins to suspect that Gayle's ardor is less for her studies than for her faculty adviser. Though anxious to reassure him, Gayle fears that trading lecture notes for love notes to her husband might threaten her degree...and ultimately Steve's love!

He's her Ozark "outlaw"—the lean, mean singer whose loving puts her on top of the world. She's his "mighty midget"—the petite powerhouse who's charts. Dana glories in her dual role as Jedd Harnett's cool-headed manager and hot-blooded wife. But when Dana orchestrates Jedd's switch from country to pop music, certain he'll skyrocket to superstardom, Jedd resists. His heart's in the sweet country singing, the down-home hootenannies, of his Arkansas birthplace, and Dana is torn between professional commitment...and a wife's desire to stand by her man.