A swoon-worthy romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix! One night, a surprise baby. I’m playing for keeps. Ward Susannah is the only woman who’s ever tested my control. Fighting fires is my life, but I can’t put out the fire between us. I tell myself I can keep my distance, tell myself it’s nothing more than a little fun. She fills every corner of my thoughts, kicks my control to the curb. Still, I have this. I can handle her. Then I find out she’s pregnant—with our baby. All bets are off. I’ll do anything to make her mine. Susannah One night. Four years ago. We nearly set each other on fire, but I never thought I’d see Ward again. Then he comes walking back into my world—the epitome of tall, dark & dangerous. I can’t take the heat. We take another chance, thinking we can burn this fire to ashes. But that’s only the beginning. It’s a mess—he’s my boss and now… He’s about to be a father. Keywords: Ward & Susannah's story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, alpha heroes, smart sassy heroines, surprise pregnancy, second chances, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon, and a deeply protective broody hero. *A full-length standalone romance.

Dare to Believe Every woman struggles to believe she is who God says she is and to believe the stunning promises He whispers to her heart. But when you're a hot mess (and we all are to one degree or another), it's hard to imagine things can be different—that you can be different. Author Julie Gillies has experienced broken dreams, trauma, and plenty of drama, but she has also encountered the holy hope and promises of God. She longs to help you... understand your identity in Christ instead of believing "I'll always be this way" embrace your true significance instead of feeling less-than hold on to peace instead of freaking out when hard things keep happening grasp your God-given destiny and begin walking in it It's not that God doesn't bless hot messes. (If that were the case, where would any of us be?) But you don't have to remain a hot mess. It's time to receive and experience God's hope and promises in a fresh way! Includes questions for group study or personal reflection.

The dumpster fire of life rages on, but you got this. Practice six rules to keep you grounded, weather the storm, and actually be a decent person. It may seem like the world is going to hell in a hand basket right now. Whether it's big stuff like politics and climate change, or just the daily spin of paying your bills, getting to work on time, and fending off social media trolls, we can all admit, modern life ain't easy. Here are six really good guiding principles, inspired from the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and mindfulness practice, to keep you anchored and steady amidst the chaos.

“[E]very bit as juicy as the dishes it describes.” —SPLASH Twentysomething Allie Simon is used to playing by the rules—until Chicago’s most sought-after, up-and-coming culinary genius, Benji Zane, walks into her world and pulls her into his. The only thing more renowned than Benji’s mouthwatering masterpieces and equally luscious good looks? His struggle with addiction and his reckless tendency to live life on the edge, no matter the havoc he wreaks along the way. But loving someone means supporting him no matter what, or so Allie tells herself. That’s why, when Benji’s offered the chance to light up foodie hot spot Randolph Street with a high-profile new restaurant, Allie takes the ultimate risk and invests her life savings in his dream. Then one day Benji disappears, relapsing to a place where Allie can’t reach him. Left with nothing but a massive withdrawal slip and a restaurant that absolutely must open in a matter of weeks, Allie finds herself thrust into a world of luxury and greed, cutthroat business and sensory delight. Lost in the mess of it all, she can either crumble completely or fight like hell for the life she wants and the love she deserves. With razor-sharp wit and searing insight, Emily Belden serves up a deliciously dishy look behind the kitchen doors of a hot foodie town, perfect for fans of Sweetbitter and The Devil Wears Prada.

In retrospect of my journey, I’ve come a long way, to stop now. Quitting life has never been an option for me. My survival and the survival of my siblings meant everything. Despite what we had to endure, we made it through. All together and in one piece. Our parents grew up and so did we. We all know Jehovah God now.

In southern California it’s raining crime—and psychologist Christina McMullen could use an umbrella. Her clients are crazy, her on-again-off-again relationship with LAPD lieutenant Jack Rivera has just started heating up again, and now Rivera’s womanizing dad has come calling—asking Chrissy to investigate a mysterious death that might haunt his next campaign: for president of the United States. Soon Chrissy is investigating not one “accidental” death, but two—until she stumbles on a trail of bodies littering Senator Rivera’s distinguished career. As she untangles a web of high-stakes lies, Chrissy believes that she’s found the secret to a serial killer’s underground campaign. The killer has a list, a motive, and the perfect disguise—the only question is: who’s next?

You don't know me, but you do know me. I'm your neighborhood hot mess single mom, doing my best to keep my head above water while running my little slice of heaven and keeping my youngest from shoving marbles up his nose, which is exactly what he's doing the first time Levi Wilson, pop star god, world's sexiest man, and my all-time number one celebrity obsession, walks into my bookstore. Related: I'm writing this from beyond the grave, because I've died of mortification and am now residing in an alternate universe. I have to be. Because Levi Wilson came back. And we had a moment. Like, a moment moment. The kind that makes me remember that adult pleasure isn't all about hoping the lock holds in the bathroom so your kids don't interrupt on the rare occasion you feel like taking an extra-long mommy-time shower. So when he proposes a no-strings fling? Count. Me. In. Thrill of a lifetime, right? Surely, nothing will go wrong... The Hot Mess and the Heartthrob is a rockin' fun, sexy romantic comedy featuring a celebrity panty-melter who doesn't know what he's been missing, a sassy single mom hanging on by a string, three adorable children who would never burst in on a woman when she's on a toilet (ha!), and shameless ovary-busting moments between a guy who never thought he'd be a dad and a family who thought they got along just fine without him. It stands alone and comes complete with a happily-ever-after.