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A Second Christmas Wish
by Kathryn Freeman“An absolutely heartwarming and thoroughly absorbing Christmas read” that brings together sweet romance and holiday cheer (Books and Me). For Melissa, Christmas has never been a very happy time. From her cold, distant parents to her manipulative ex-husband, Lawrence, she’s never experienced the warmth of the festive season, with a big happy family sitting around the table. Melissa is used to going without the holiday spirit, but it breaks her heart to see what it’s doing to her seven-year-old son, William. While most little boys wait with excitement for the big day, William finds it difficult to believe that Father Christmas even exists. Then the charming, kind-hearted Daniel McCormick comes into their lives. And with his help, Melissa and William might just have a Christmas where all of their wishes come true.
The Second Door
by T. C. BlueWhen Mitch's relationship with his boyfriend implodes on Christmas Eve, it's up to his best friend, Sam, to comfort him. It's not like Sam has a choice. He cares deeply for Mitch. He even refrains from saying "I told you so." That one night of chaste comfort is all it takes to start Sam thinking about Mitch in ways he really shouldn't. A spontaneous kiss that should have helped sort things out just makes everything more complicated, because Sam is terrified sex will ruin their friendship. Mitch is afraid that pushing Sam for more will drive a wedge between them, but he's even more afraid of never trying for happiness with Sam at all.
Second Duke's the Charm
by Kate BatemanMeet Her Majesty’s Rebels: three brilliant women who run King & Co., London’s most exclusive investigative agency... The wedding-night death of her much older husband left Tess Townsend the Dowager Duchess of Wansford—and still a virgin. Now she and her two best friends investigate London’s most scandalous crimes, and while Tess longs to experience physical pleasure for herself, she can’t risk losing her treasured independence... Cynical shipping magnate Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom, but he’ll do his duty. When the ravishing woman he kissed at a party turns out to be the Dowager Duchess, Justin sees an obvious solution: a marriage of convenience that will suit them both. But the passion that sparks between them is anything but convenient. As Tess works on a new case at the request of Queen Charlotte, her increasingly suspicious behavior makes Justin question her motives—and her past. The infuriating woman clearly can’t be trusted, but Justin doesn’t believe in love, so there’s absolutely no danger of him falling for his own wife...is there?
The Second Empress: A Novel of Napoleon's Court
by Michelle MoranNational bestselling author Michelle Moran returns to Paris, this time under the rule of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as he casts aside his beautiful wife to marry a Hapsburg princess he hopes will bear him a royal heir After the bloody French Revolution, Emperor Napoleon's power is absolute. When Marie-Louise, the eighteen year old daughter of the King of Austria, is told that the Emperor has demanded her hand in marriage, her father presents her with a terrible choice: marry the cruel, capricious Napoleon, leaving the man she loves and her home forever, or say no, and plunge her country into war. Marie-Louise knows what she must do, and she travels to France, determined to be a good wife despite Napoleon's reputation. But lavish parties greet her in Paris, and at the extravagant French court, she finds many rivals for her husband's affection, including Napoleon's first wife, Joséphine, and his sister Pauline, the only woman as ambitious as the emperor himself. Beloved by some and infamous to many, Pauline is fiercely loyal to her brother. She is also convinced that Napoleon is destined to become the modern Pharaoh of Egypt. Indeed, her greatest hope is to rule alongside him as his queen--a brother-sister marriage just as the ancient Egyptian royals practiced. Determined to see this dream come to pass, Pauline embarks on a campaign to undermine the new empress and convince Napoleon to divorce Marie-Louise. As Pauline's insightful Haitian servant, Paul, watches these two women clash, he is torn between his love for Pauline and his sympathy for Marie-Louise. But there are greater concerns than Pauline's jealousy plaguing the court of France. While Napoleon becomes increasingly desperate for an heir, the empire's peace looks increasingly unstable. When war once again sweeps the continent and bloodshed threatens Marie-Louise's family in Austria, the second Empress is forced to make choices that will determine her place in history--and change the course of her life. Based on primary resources from the time, The Second Empress takes readers back to Napoleon's empire, where royals and servants alike live at the whim of one man, and two women vie to change their destinies.
The Second Empress
by Michelle MoranEmpress Josephine's family has been called to Napoleon's court for the terrible news that he intends to divorce his barren wife of thirteen years and take a younger bride, the Austrian Princess Marie-Louise. For Josephine's daughter, Hortense, this means she is free to leave her husband, Napoleon's brother, having given the Bonapartes three heirs. As she looks for love, she must support her mother through the terrible grief of Napoleon's betrayal. For his new wife, it is a terrible duty she must take on in her father's name. She has nothing in common with the strange, older man she has married and can find little in her life to enjoy. But an unlikely friendship with Hortense will bring her much comfort, especially as she must fight for her own happiness. For Napoleon's sister, Pauline Bonaparte, it is yet another woman stealing her brother's attention and affection. Having spent years attempting to control his power and his influence, she must fight harder and dirtier if she is to win...
The Second Family
by Janice CarterShe dreamed of having a familyAs a little girl, Tess Wheaton wished that her father would come back and rescue her-but he never did. Although Tess grew up in the care of a loving guardian, she never had the parents she longed for. These days, she's a successful businesswoman and family is the last thing on her mind.Now family has found herThat is, until she discovers that the father who abandoned her long ago is dead and has left behind two young children who want Tess to be part of their lives. She steps, hesitantly at first, into this makeshift family and finds herself on a fascinating journey-getting to know her brother and sister and discovering the father she barely knew. Most fascinating of all-she's finding real love for the first time, with a man who understands what it's like to get a second chance.
Second Father
by Sally Tyler Hayes...but never second choice ANOTHER MAN'S WIFE Police Detective Marc Dalton had always secretly loved his best friend's wife. Now Ginny was his best friend's widow and trying to raise her baby alone amidst troubling allegations surrounding her husband's death. Knowing he could no longer stand by in silence, Marc decided to offer Ginny his help...and his heart. Ginny had always seen Marc as a friend-a wonderful man who should already have settled down with a wife and children. But now Marc was confessing he'd always been crazy about her, that he wanted to be a second father to her little girl. How could Ginny resist such a tempting offer? How could she betray her memories and succumb to another man's embrace?
Second Fiddle: A Novel
by Mary WesleyBritain&’s beloved bestselling author delivers &“a droll comedy of manners&” in a story of desire and dalliances in a provincial English town (Los Angeles Times). Laura Thornby is the kind of woman every man wants—despite their better judgment. Urbane, seductively aloof, and charmingly intrusive, she is the older woman every younger man dreams of bedding, if not wedding. When Claud Bannister meets Laura at a concert, he cannot get her out of his mind. And she cannot resist the chance to interfere in his life. As Laura begins molding Claud into a new man, from finding him a new place to live to orchestrating his attempts to become a novelist, her influence over him is undeniable. But his impact on her is underestimated. As the situation slowly spirals out of Laura&’s carefully constructed control, both of them will discover more about themselves—and their connection to each other—than they ever realized before. Crackling with wit, and sizzling with romance, this &“mordantly humorous take on upper-middle-class British life has a sharp and entertaining edge&” only Mary Wesley could hone (Publishers Weekly).
The Second First Chance: A Novel
by Mona Shroff"Striking a perfect balance between drama and romance, this is sure to please."—Publishers WeeklyThe Second First Chance is a big, wonderful, messy love story about family, heartbreak, strength and courage. It shows us that sometimes what we want is what we least expect, and that everything we need is often right in front of us.Strength comes in many different forms. Riya Desai and Dhillon Vora grew up together. Sharing secrets, hiding in their tree house, they were playmates, best friends and later—as teenagers—almost something more. Until the devastating house fire that ripped them apart, claiming the life of Dhillon&’s father and Riya&’s big brother, Samir. Riya and Dhillon have barely spoken since that terrible night, but they both made big decisions based on that fire.Riya has chosen to fight fire with everything she&’s got, but it&’s not easy. As the only female firefighter and one of the only people of color at her fire hall, she has to prove herself over and over. Plus, she&’s hidden her career from her family.Dhillon wanted to heal things, so he became a veterinarian. When a chance encounter with a rescue dog throws Riya and Dhillon together again, he&’s furious at her career choice. After what happened to them, how can she run into fires on purpose? For Riya, Dhillon&’s anger is unacceptable: How can he not see that she&’s protecting others from the very losses they both experienced?
Second First Impressions: A Novel
by Sally ThorneFrom the USA Today bestselling author of The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine comes the clever, funny, and unforgettable story of a muscular, tattooed man hired as an assistant to two old women—under the watchful eye of a beautiful retirement home manager. Dazzle (n): Brightness that blinds someone temporarily. Position Vacant: Two ancient old women residing at Providence Retirement Villa seek male assistant for casual exploitation and good-natured humiliation. Duties include boutique shopping, fast-food fetching, and sincerely rendered flattery. Good looks a bonus—but we aren’t picky. An advertisement has been placed (again!) by the wealthy and eccentric Parloni Sisters. The salary is generous and the employers are 90 years old, so how hard could the job be? Well, none have lasted longer than a week. Most boys leave in tears. Ruthie Midona will work in Providence’s front office, and be at the Parloni’s beck and call, forever. That’s sort of her life plan. If Ruthie can run the place in her almost-retired bosses’ absence, with no hijinks/hiccups, she has a shot at becoming the new manager. She might also be able to defend her safe little world from Prescott Development, the new buyer of the prime site. Maybe after all that, she can find a cute guy to date. All she needs to do is stay serious—and that’s what she does best. Until, one day, someone dazzling blows in to town. Teddy Prescott devotes his life to sleeping, tattooing, and avoiding seriousness. When Teddy needs a place to crash, he makes a deal with his developer dad. Teddy can stay in one of Providence’s on-site maintenance cottages—right next door to an unimpressed Ruthie—but only if he works there and starts to grow up. Ruthie knows how this sweetly selfish rich boy can earn his keep—and be out of her hair in under a week. After all, there is a position vacant…
Second First Impressions: A Novel
by Sally Thorne'A truly adorable, heart-warming, swoon-worthy love story' Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The FlatshareDistraction (n): Something that turns your attention away from something you want to concentrate on. See: Teddy Prescott. ______________________________Ruthie Midona is twenty-four (going on ninety-four) and fully committed to her job at a luxury retirement village. Keeping herself busy caring for the eccentric residents means that Ruthie can safely ignore her own life - what little there is of it. Teddy Prescott is practically allergic to a hard day's work. When he rocks up as the retirement village's newest employee, Ruthie is less than impressed. The last thing she needs is a distraction as irritating (and handsome) as this selfish rich kid. Lucky for Ruthie, her favourite pair of mischievous residents need a new assistant to torture... so she hands over Teddy, ready for them to send him running. Except Teddy may be about to surprise her - not just by surviving the old women's antics, but by charming Ruthie so much, she starts to remember that there's more to life than work... Could Teddy be far more than simply an unwelcome distraction?____________________________PRAISE FOR SALLY THORNE'The next Sophie Kinsella' Bustle'Funny, sexy and instantly unputdownable' Paige Toon'I inhaled Second First Impressions - I had to force myself to slow down because I didn't want it to end. A book hasn't given me the warm-fuzzies like this for a very long time' Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare'Warm, witty and wise' The Daily Mail'A brilliant, biting, hilarious new voice. THE HATING GAME will take the rom-com world by storm. One of the best I've read, ever' Kristin Higgins, New York Times bestselling author'Charming, self-deprecating, quick-witted and funny' The New York Times'An addictive, dazzling debut. The Hating Game is bursting at the seams with love (and hate) and heart' Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author'A smart and funny modern romance' Good Housekeeping'One of the most delectable rom-coms I've ever read' Entertainment Weekly
Second Glance
by Jodi PicoultTHE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER'Compelling, surprising and entertaining' HeatSince the death of his fiancée Aimee, Ross Wakeman has been unable to fill the hole she has left in his life. Seeking to end his pain, he becomes a ghost hunter, despite never having seen a ghost. However, when his job leads him to the town of Comtosook, it becomes apparent that Ross isn't the only one haunted by the past. When he meets the mysterious Lia, who brings him to life for the first time in years, redemption seems around the corner. But the discoveries that await him are beyond anything he could dream of - in this world or the next.THE BOOK OF TWO WAYS, Jodi's stunning new novel about life, death and missed opportunities is available to pre-order now.
Second Go-Round
by Andrew GreyFormer world champion bronco rider Dustin and rancher Marshall have been life partners for more than twenty years, and time has taken its toll. Their sex life is as dusty as the rodeo ring. Somehow their marriage hasn&’t turned out how they planned. But when a new family moves in up the road with two young boys, one very sick, Dustin and Marshall realize how deep their ruts are and that there might be hope to break them. After all, where they&’re from, the most important part of being a man is helping those who need it.A new common purpose helps break down the deep routines they&’ve fallen into and makes them realize the life they&’ve been living has left them both cold and hollow. Spending time with the kids—teaching them how to be cowboys—reignites something they thought lost long ago. But twenty years is a lot of time to make up for. Can they find their way back to each other, or are the ruts they&’ve created worn too deep?
Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson #2)
by Darynda JonesSecond in the Darynda Jones' award-winning paranormal series that's "hilarious and heartfelt, sexy and surprising. " (J. R. Ward) When Charley Davidson and Cookie (her best friend/receptionist) have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. A friend of Cookie's named Mimi disappeared five days earlier. This friend then sends Cookie a cryptic message telling them to meet her at a nearby coffee shop. The coffee is brewing, but Mimi's still missing. There is, however, a clue left on the bathroom wall: a woman's name, scribbled by Mimi. Mimi's husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message. Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He's left his body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven... well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does? Here is your signpost for the most hilarious read of the summer: Second Grave On The Left.
The Second Guard (A Second Guard Novel #1)
by J. D. VaughnIn the peaceful realm of Tequende, all second-born children at the age of fifteen must journey to the Alcazar to fulfill the mandate of the Oath of Guilds. There they train to earn a place among the queen's legendary Second Guard, or work as indentured servants. Talimendra has always wanted to join the Guard, but there are dark rumors in the queendom that she may not be ready for. Rumors that whisper of greed, traitors, and war. There is very little time and too many unanswered questions, but one thing is for certain: if there is a traitor among the Second Guard, then everyone???including the queen???is in grave danger.
Second-Guessing Fate
by Claire RobynsCan She Outwit Fate? Gemma is on a collision course with heartbreak. At least, according to the fortune-teller her best friend drags her to see. Gemma doesn't believe a word of it, but when other predictions start to come true, she begins to suspect that gorgeous, gray-eyed Nick is the man foretold to break her heart before she can find her soul mate. Too bad she's never met a man she's wanted more, because now she has to get him to dump her before she falls too hard. Nick has plans of his own. He's ready to settle down with Ms. Right, and everything points to the beautiful Gemma. He's determined to prove to her that he's the perfect boyfriend-even if she does seem to be trying her best to scare him off...48,000 words
Second Hand (Tucker Springs #2)
by Marie Sexton Heidi CullinanA Tucker Springs NovelPaul Hannon flunked out of vet school. His fiancée left him. He can barely afford his rent, and he hates his house. About the only things he has left are a pantry full of his ex’s kitchen gadgets and a lot of emotional baggage. He could really use a win—and that’s when he meets El. Pawnbroker El Rozal is a cynic. His own family’s dysfunction has taught him that love and relationships lead to misery. Despite that belief, he keeps making up excuses to see Paul again. Paul, who doesn’t seem to realize that he’s talented and kind and worthy. Paul, who’s not over his ex-fiancée and is probably straight anyway. Paul, who’s so blind to El’s growing attraction, even asking him out on dates doesn’t seem to tip him off. El may not do relationships, but something has to give. If he wants to keep Paul, he’ll have to convince him he’s worthy of love—and he’ll have to admit that attachment might not be so bad after all.
Second Hand Heart
by Joyce LivingstonA bout of rheumatic fever left Rosalinda Sammy Samuels in need of a new heart. Three years ago she received it--and her vagabond sister's three children to raise. On a rare day to herself, Sammy meets Ted and dares to wonder if he could be the One... until she learns of his distaste of children... and transplants. Ted Benay lost his sister in a car accident, but his parents gave away her heart. The loss has haunted Ted ever since. Because of her death, Ted questions God. Now he's opened his apartment to his brother's unruly, disrespectful family, and Ted's pretty sure he never wants such a thing for himself. When he meets Sammy, though, his deepest convictions and opinions are challenged. Can it be for the better? Sammy's new heart gives her a second chance at life. But has it also stolen her only chance of love?
A Second Harvest (Men of Lancaster County #1)
by Eli EastonDavid Fisher has lived by the rules all his life. Born to a Mennonite family, he obeyed his father and took over the family farm, married, and had two children. Now with both his kids in college and his wife deceased, he runs his farm alone and without joy, counting off the days of a life half-lived. Christie Landon, graphic designer, Manhattanite, and fierce gay party boy, needs a change. Now thirty, he figures it's time to grow up and think about his future. When his best friend overdoses, Christie resolves to take a break from the city. He heads to a small house in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to rest, recoup, and reflect. But life in the country is boring despite glimpses of the hunky silver fox next door. When Christie's creativity latches on to cooking, he decides to approach his widower neighbor with a plan to share meals and grocery expenses. David agrees, and soon the odd couple finds they really enjoy spending time together. Christie challenges the boundaries of David's closed world and brings out feelings he buried long ago. If he can break free of the past, he might find a second chance at happiness.
Second Heart: The Dragon War\The Monsoon
by Zaide BishopIn this second installment of the Bones of Eden series, a new enemy threatens a fragile union Peace has come to the Elikai and the Varekai, to man and woman, and to the tribe leaders. United as one. For now. Gone is the hope of a world beyond Eden, but gone too is the threat of war that once divided them. The new world brings the promise of family, and happiness they've only dreamed of. But when the force of nature bears down and the safety of the tribes is at risk, alliances shift yet again. With food running short in the face of a coming monsoon, the Varekai leader must make a decision. One that could shatter their newfound harmony. For those who do survive, desperation could inflame the embers of an old war. The Bones of Eden series concludes with Third Wave Don't miss the first in this series, First Fall, available now! This book is approximately 63,000 words
Second Honeymoon
by Laura Abbot"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Meg with a baby carriage."Once upon a time, Meg and Scott Harper had it all. But then life got in the way, and they lost sight of what was important. Each other.Now twenty years have passed, and they seem to be just going through the motions. Is it finally time to call it quits? But before they can make that decision, they are confronted with a crisis...one they can only get through together.
Second Honeymoon
by Sandra FieldSignificant OthersThe runaway wife!Troy Donovan had struggled hard to get his life back together, only to realize that the best part of it had walked out the door a year before. He needed his wife back or out of his system for good. So he had tracked Lucy down and issued an ultimatum: "Either we live together as husband and wife or I want a divorce!"Unfortunately, Lucy was far from pleased to see him. She had turned her back on love-it hurt too much. It was hardly an invitation for a second honeymoon but Troy was determined to get what he wanted-even if it meant wooing his own wife....The passionate sequel to Beyond Reach!
The Second Husband
by Louise CandlishA mesmerising psychological drama about desire and betrayal from the bestselling author of Our House.'Moving and thought-provoking' Daily Mail'Superbly crafted' Elle Be careful who you let into your heart - and your home When Davis Calder moves in next door to Kate Easton and her two children, no one has any idea of the devastation about to be unleashed. With Kate struggling to accept her teenage daughter Roxy's independence and with tensions between Kate and her ex-husband Alistair still very much alive, there's enough family drama to go around already.Before they know it, clever, charismatic Davis is the only one who seems able to keep the peace. Soon Kate has fallen in love and agreed to be his wife. At last she can come to terms with the betrayals of her first marriage. At last she dares hope she has the happy ending she deserves . . .Praise for Louise Candlish'Twists the knife right up to the very final page' Ruth Ware'Addictive, twisty and oh so terrifyingly possible' Clare Mackintosh'Terrifically twisty . . . hooks from the first page' Sunday Times'Louise Candlish is a great writer; she inhaled me into her nightmarish world where everything we think we know is ripped from under our feet' Fiona Barton'Keeps you guessing to the end - and beyond' Stylist'Candlish's writing draws you in immediately' Heat'A nail-biter until the very last pages' Daily Express'Tense, twisty and completely addictive, will keep you guessing right until the end' Good Housekeeping'A master of her craft' Rosamund Lupton
The Second Husband
by Louise CandlishA mesmerising psychological drama about desire and betrayal from the bestselling author of Our House.'Moving and thought-provoking' Daily Mail'Superbly crafted' Elle Be careful who you let into your heart - and your home When Davis Calder moves in next door to Kate Easton and her two children, no one has any idea of the devastation about to be unleashed. With Kate struggling to accept her teenage daughter Roxy's independence and with tensions between Kate and her ex-husband Alistair still very much alive, there's enough family drama to go around already.Before they know it, clever, charismatic Davis is the only one who seems able to keep the peace. Soon Kate has fallen in love and agreed to be his wife. At last she can come to terms with the betrayals of her first marriage. At last she dares hope she has the happy ending she deserves . . .Praise for Louise Candlish'Twists the knife right up to the very final page' Ruth Ware'Addictive, twisty and oh so terrifyingly possible' Clare Mackintosh'Terrifically twisty . . . hooks from the first page' Sunday Times'Louise Candlish is a great writer; she inhaled me into her nightmarish world where everything we think we know is ripped from under our feet' Fiona Barton'Keeps you guessing to the end - and beyond' Stylist'Candlish's writing draws you in immediately' Heat'A nail-biter until the very last pages' Daily Express'Tense, twisty and completely addictive, will keep you guessing right until the end' Good Housekeeping'A master of her craft' Rosamund Lupton
The Second Lie
by Anna RichlandA businesswoman desperate to achieve her dream.Wineseller Christina Alvarez Mancini told one little lie--to reassure wealthy clients, she invented a suave British boss. With her ultimate dream, a winery of her own, close to becoming reality, she can't allow irregularities at a high-end wine auction to jeopardize her reputation.A conman in love with a good plan.Stig needs money, fast. An immortal Viking thief who discovered the perfect role as a fictional wine merchant, he's days away from the big payoff. Even if the California woman who created his character realizes a real person is conducting business in London, he'll disappear. That's what he does best.Secrets that turn deadly.Stig has success in his sights when Christina walks into his auction preview, ready to ruin his plan. Experience tells Stig to cut and run; a thousand years of boredom compel him to flirt. And when deadly Vikings from Stig's past crash the party, Christina and Stig are forced to cooperate in order to escape. Yet everywhere they flee, it's these two rivals' own lies that set the greatest traps...Book two of The Immortal Vikings100,000 words