Subject: Marine Reservist Jackson Savage Current Status: Security expert, ready for his first assignment. Mission: Playing Santa at a local bar. Obstacle: A woman who tempts him to be very, very naughty. Jackson Savage is all ready to start an exciting new career at a local security agency. But for tonight, his job is to play Santa...until his good friend and co-marine Maxine "Max" McGuire sits on his lap, ready to tell him exactly what--or rather, who--she wants for Christmas Before long, Jackson has Max in his bed, exploring all manner of things naughty and nice. But soon, they'll have to join forces on a critical, incredibly dangerous mission. Will they be able to objectively watch each other's backs...or will memories of their naughty bedroom antics put both of their lives at risk?

This holiday season, four bestselling authors give the gift that keeps on giving: gripping tales of special agents in a covert agency, out to protect the innocent . . . by any means necessary. Snowball’s Chance by Cherry Adair–Kendall decks the halls, unaware that a serial killer has her on the top of his list. Of course, being naughty with the sexy good guy sent to protect her would be so nice. Santa Slave by Leanne Banks–After her best friend disappears, Hilary takes matters into her own hands and finds herself caught in the throes of danger, while a hunky male operative hopes to mix pleasure with business. Runaway Santa by Pamela Britton–Biologist Kaitlyn Moneypenny’s research is finally leading to a big scientific breakthrough . . . and mortal peril. When bullets start to fly, so do the sparks between Kaitlyn and her Santa-clad rescuer. Killer Christmas by Kelsey Roberts–When several Santas are murdered at a swanky department store, the new CEO, Meghan Beckham, had better watch out, had better not cry–because a serial killer has come to town.

Shaunna has a complicated Christmas ahead of her. For more than twenty years, she and Kris were a couple. Together, they bought a house and turned it into a wonderful family home in which to raise Shaunna’s daughter, Krissi. Now Krissi is all grown up, and Shaunna and Kris are separated; Kris has Ade: his boyfriend of more than a year who adores him. And Andy—Krissi’s dad—is in love with Shaunna… She knows what she wants for Christmas. She’s had a long time to think about it. But is the ribbon binding these fabulous relationships strong enough to protect them? Or will turning on the lights reveal the true fragility of these precious ornaments? Either way, Shaunna knows she’s set for a Christmas that might just be too hot to handle. * * * * * Red Hot Christmas is a novella-length character special. Part of Hiding Behind The Couch series. This story follows chronologically from In The Stars Part II (Season Five) and runs parallel to A Midnight Clear (Novella). The story continues in Two By Two (Season Six). * * * * * WARNING: this story contains intimate (moderately explicit) scenes between consenting opposite sex (F/M) adults.

As the days get shorter and the nights grow colder, a nice hot drink is the next best thing to hibernating under the covers till spring. Here are 50 drink recipes—with or sans alcohol—that offer a great alternative to the usual holiday libations and are destined to spice up any gathering. Caramel Apple Sips come complete with a gooey, caramely-covered stir stick. Or instead of dessert guests can sip into something a little more comfortable—Pumpkin Potion No. 9 topped with ginger whipped cream. Sugarplum Punch packs a good-to-the-last-drop wallop while a calming Chai Spiced Tea provides the perfect complement to a book and an overstuffed chair. With equipment and ingredient tips and super ideas for fabulous garnishes, when the weather outside is frightful, the sensational sippables in Some Like It Hot are oh-so-delightful.

This cheery cookbook is the brainchild of the Red Hat Society, a nationwide organization of women who like to wear silly hats, enjoy each other's company, and eat dessert first. "Life is short; eat dessert first," says Sue Ellen Cooper, Exalted Queen Mother of the Red Hat Society, which is the most fun phenomenon to happen to women over 50 in this century. This cookbook has more than 250 desserts at the beginning of a collection of more than 1,000 recipes. Red Hat editors selected the best recipes, stories, and photographs submitted by members from all over the world. In The Red Hat Society Cookbook, you’ll find recipes including: Cantaloupe Chiffon Pie Ice Cream Crunch Torte Cookie Dough Cream Cheese Puffs Strawberry Yaya Cake Popcorn Candy Cake Their compilation has the feel of an enormous community cookbook, with the same lack of focus, mixed bag of recipes, and overriding spirit of goodwill.

Presents instructions and recipes for a variety of Christmas cookies, including candy cane cookies, gingerbread people, shortbread, snickerdoodles, and snowballs. Reprint.

Who will you find under your Christmas tree? A cowboy? Ranch hand Tucker Rankin isn't crazy about the holidays...until a wintry night before Christmas, when Lacey Evans shows him how much fun it is to be nestled all snug in her bed.... A wealthy New Yorker? Stockbroker Jared Martin needs to get away, and Alaska's the perfect place to unwind. Especially once actress Theodora "Teddy" Monroe gets him to loosen his tie--and take it all off Or maybe even a man in uniform? Soldier Silas Davenport is on Christmas leave. But when he arrives at his parents' home, no one is there...except for the irresistible Delphie Moreau. And she's one gift he won't be exchanging