Born of an ancient family of clairvoyants, Marley Millet finds that her psychic gift is both unsettling and incredibly dangerous. She never wants to “travel” again—but the choice is not hers to make.

After glimpsing the fates of two missing New Orleans jazz singers, Marley knows she has no choice and must speak up before more women disappear. Flinty cop-turned-writer Gray Fisher, who interviewed both chanteuses before they vanished, takes a special interest in Marley’s incredible story—and in Marley.

Scouring the wild clubs of the French Quarter, Marley and Gray make an unlikely and uneasy team. But their determination is matched only by the heat between them...and the evil they have uncovered.

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Demure lady’s companion Emma Chegwidden never defies society’s rules. Until the night she runs straight into the arms of the mysterious and menacing Reaper...a man who rides the night-shadowed countryside and conceals his identity behind a mask. His goal is justice...or is it vengeance? Only one thing is certain: nothing will stop him from his dark purpose.

Michael Durant, long-lost heir to the duke of Nevitt, has a score to settle. Cynical, dangerous and ruthless, Michael is the last man on earth that sensible Emma should defy. But some challenges are too tempting to resist...and some passions too fierce to ignore. Soon Michael discovers in Emma the woman he has always longed for...a woman whose beauty and courage reach through to his tortured soul...and he will defy anything, even fate itself, to claim her...

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The Morrigan goddess represented all three to the ancient Celts. Journey with our authors as they tell stories of love, war, hatred, revenge and mortality — each featuring the Morrigan in her many guises.

Re-visit the world of Deverry, and of Nevyn, with a previously unpublished tale by Katharine Kerr, watch the Norse gods meet their Celtic counterparts with Elaine Cunningham, meet a druid who dances for the dead with C.E. Murphy and follow the path of a Roman centurion with Anya Bast.

These are but a few offerings from the stories collection in The Phantom Queen Awakes. If you are searching for a rich blend of dark fantasy, then this is a collection perfect for you.

THE PHANTOM QUEEN AWAKES contains the following stories: Kiss of the Morrigan by Anya Bast, Rising Tide by Ruth Shelton, I Guard Your Death by Lynne Lumsden Green, Gifts of the Morrigan by Donald Jacob Uitvlugt, Cairn Dancer by C. E. Murphy, Washerwoman by Jennifer Lawrence, The Raven’s Curse by Sharon Kae Reamer, Ravens by Mari Ness, The Lass from Far Away by Katharine Kerr, The Trinket by Peter Bell, The Dying Gaul by Michael Bailey, The Children of Badb Catha by James Lecky, The Plain of Pillars by L. J. Hayward, The Silver Branch by Linda Donahue, The Good and Faithful Servant by Martyn Taylor, The White Heifer of Fearchair by T. A. Moore and She Who is Becoming by Elaine Cunningham.

He can’t control his desire.

Luc Traverson’s entire future is planned out—but there is one very sexy obstacle in his path: Alyssa Devereaux . She’s a former exotic dancer turned strip club owner and restaurateur. Recently, Alyssa and Luc shared one night of wild abandon that left Luc terrified by his loss of self-control—and Alyssa desperate for more.

And that’s just the way she wants it.

Fulfilling a promise, Luc is the guest chef for Alyssa’s restaurant debut. The sight of her makes Luc wild, so how can he survive a week without letting loose and ravaging her—especially when she’s begging for it? Luc’s desire for her explodes when he realizes he isn’t the only man desperate to have her. But one of the others is deadly. And that’s not the end of Alyssa’s secrets...which are as dark and mysterious and enticing as her fantasies.

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So she’s hitting the pause button on her life and holing up in a secluded (but totally upgraded, she’s not into roughing it) cabin near Virgin River. Erin is looking forward to really getting to know herself...not some shaggy-haired mountain man she meets wandering the woods.

In fact, beneath his faded fatigues and bushy beard, Aiden Riordan is a doctor, recharging for a summer after leaving the Navy. He’s intrigued by the pretty, slightly snooty refugee from the rat race—meditating, journaling and definitely keeping him at arm’s length. He’d love to get closer...if his scruffy exterior and crazy ex-wife don’t hold him back.

But maybe it’s something in the water—unlikely romances seem to take root in Virgin River...helped along with some well-intentioned meddling, of course.

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There are two men in Sofie’s life: sexy Greek baker Dino, who found a place in her heart—and bed—in Foul Play, and man-of-mystery Jake Porter, whose Australian accent is guaranteed to turn Sofie’s knees to water.

The week before Halloween, a body disappears from Sofie’s Aunt’s funeral home. It might be a holiday prank, but Sofie’s barely begun to investigate when she’s handed a truly hot case: prove the innocence of someone already on trial for murder!

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When Lilah Jane Tunkle fled her dull life in Virginia for the bright lights of New York City, she didn’t expect to wind up a nanny to a gorgeous celebrity chef’s ten-year-old son. Working for the delectable Devon Sparks is a sure-fire recipe for disaster, especially after Lilah gets a tantalizing taste of his perfectly seasoned kisses . . .

And He Can’t Resist Her Down-Home Spice

Devon’s not sure he can handle one more surprise ingredient in his life—he left his popular TV show, his culinary reputation is on the line, and now the son he barely knows is back for seconds. Lilah’s Southern sass is supposed to keep the boy in line, but soon enough she’s teaching Devon a thing or two about homespun food . . . and turning up the heat.

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After two years, Grayson Bridlington, The Earl of Hawkeswell, has located his missing bride Verity Thompson. Coerced into marrying Hawkeswell by her duplicitous cousin, Verity fled London for the countryside. Now, the couple must make the most of an arranged marriage—even if it means surrendering to their shared desire.

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Click to view PROVOCATIVE IN PEARLS video.

With her mother’s passing, Alexandra Bolton gave up on love to take care of her family. Now, with the Bolton name in disgrace due to her father’s profligate ways, marrying an elderly squire might be the only way to save her family from absolute ruin. But when she meets the infamous Duke of Clarewood, old dreams—and old passions—are awakened as never before. Yet she cannot accept his shocking proposition!

He is the wealthiest, most powerful peer in the realm, and having witnessed the cold horror of marriage as a child, he has vowed never to wed. But Alexandra Bolton inflames him as no woman has ever done, and she also serves him his first rejection! Now Clarewood—who always gets what he wants—will choose which rules to play by. But when passion finally brings them together, a terrible secret threatens to tear them apart....

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First of all, Hilary and Rosemary Delaney are not friends—worse, they’re mother and daughter. Hilary’s a wayward thirty-something running from a marriage proposal, and Rosemary’s her disapproving mother, a retired lawyer who can’t drive and won’t fly.

So they’re driving together across country.

In a cherry-red Mustang.

With a potbellied pig named Reginald, and a life-size cutout of Rosemary’s late husband.

Should be a fun trip.

As the miles tick by, Hilary ponders why the word “marriage” has her so terrified and finds she’s got a lot to learn—about her mother, love and life in general. Together, Hilary and Rosemary will discover what’s around the bend...if they don’t drive each other crazy, or drive off a cliff first.

Includes the bonus book The Other Wife.

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Vivianne Blackstone is a lady with her own agenda. An American businesswoman, self-made billionaire and a fighter from the get-go, she’s confident, capable and a definite type A personality. One of Earth’s brightest and most loyal citizens, she vows to do her part to save the planet when she learns the Tribes are on the move again.

Jordan and Vivianne team up to save Earth and along the way they fall in love. But according to galactic legend, there’s only 1 way to defeat the Tribes: Uniting the Ancient Staff with the Holy Grail. There’s only one catch, Jordan cannot live without the Ancient Staff. To defeat the Tribes and save Earth, he must perish.

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Giada Shepherd is a Maja — an immortal witch of the Mageverse. When vampire knight King Arthur asks her to protect his mortal son from an assassin, she’s willing to do anything she must to keep Logan MacRoy alive. But Logan is no ordinary mortal — he’s a handsome seductive cop, intent on a romance with his beautiful new partner.

Trouble is, Arthur has ordered Giada to keep her distance from Logan. But that’s a lot easier said than done....

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Jilted on her wedding day for being the queen of dullsville, librarian Faith West goes on her Italian honeymoon solo, hoping to leave her pain behind. That could take a miracle, but she’s about to discover miracles do happen. His name is Caine Hunter. Smart, spontaneous, hot, and sexy, he has her feeling like a real woman for the first time ever—until the truth surfaces...

A former Force Recon Marine turned PI, Caine was doing what he does best: spying. And his new target was Faith. But falling for the enemy’s daughter was never part of his plan. Caine is a man used to winning, but this time his mission is much more personal — and now that he and Faith are both back in Chicago, the rewards could be, too...

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Click to view MAD, BAD AND BLONDE video.

Three real-life heroines

Everyday women from all walks of life are making their communities, and this world, a better place through their caring hearts and unshakable commitment. Three such women have been selected as recipients of Harlequin’s More Than Words award for their exceptional work. And three bestselling authors have kindly offered their creativity to write original short stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

Includes The Greatest Gift by Diana Palmer, Here Come the Heroes by Kasey Michaels and Touched by Love by Catherine Mann.

Harlequin hopes these stories inspired by strong, courageous women will touch your heart and motivate the heroine living inside you.

Proceeds from the sale of this book will be reinvested into the Harlequin More Than Words program to support the causes that are of concern to women.

Rafael is a hostage negotiator with his own set of problems. Though he loves women, he vows he’ll never marry because his job is just too unpredictable. He can’t imagine leaving a widow and children behind. But his thinking and game plan of loving and leaving changes when he meets Nathalyia. Though she tries to resist him, Rafael sweeps her into a whirlwind romance. When the unexpected happens, and Natalya is forced to keep it a secret, she ends things with Rafael before he can break her heart. But when Rafael is in harms way, will Nathalyia resolve to tell him the truth before it’s too late? Or will past demons keep them apart forever?

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With a modest inheritance and the three gowns that comprise her entire wardrobe, Theodora leaves Edinburgh — and a disappointed suitor — far behind. She is bound for Roumania, where tales of vampires are still whispered, to visit an old friend and write the book that will bring her true independence.

She arrives at a magnificent, decaying castle in the Carpathians replete with eccentric inhabitants: the ailing dowager; the troubled steward; her own fearful friend, Cosmina. But all are outstripped in dark glamour by the castle’s master, Count Andrei Dragulescu.

Bewildering and bewitching in equal measure, the brooding nobleman ignites Theodora’s imagination and awakens passions in her that she can neither deny nor conceal. His allure is superlative, his dominion over the superstitious town, absolute — Theodora may simply be one more person under his sway.

Before her sojourn is ended — or her novel completed — Theodora will have encountered things as strange and terrible as they are seductive. For obsession can prove fatal...and she is in danger of falling prey to more than desire.

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With a complex web of interconnected families, this gritty novel delves into the lives of a power hungry clan, following the rise of their business, the destructive path of their torrid and erotic love affairs, and the struggle to balance intense greed with devout family loyalty.

Strong women face tragedies that test their will and their commitment to the men they passionately desire. As young girls grow into women, their traumatic pasts will drive their actions and force them to make gut-wrenching decisions.

With murder, drug trafficking, dirty politics, illegal gambling, prostitution, obsessive love affairs, and family strife, El Patrón is a whirlwind in the vein of Mario Puzo’s The Godfather.

The presence of this enigmatic, devastatingly sexy stranger is just one of the new complications in Lucy’s life. There are others who want to harness the time machine’s power for treacherous ends, and they need Lucy to do it. Galen becomes first her protector, then the lover she’s always dreamed of. But danger is drawing closer, and time is running out. For Galen and Lucy, it’s now...or forever.

In a lovely suburban town just north of New York City, the gossip mill runs more efficiently than the commuter-train line. And in every impeccably decorated house, they’re talking about Lauren Walsh. They say that nothing could be worse than being abandoned by your husband for another woman. They’re wrong . . .

Secrets can shock . . .

All Lauren wants is to protect her children from the pain of her messy divorce. But when their father goes missing, a case of mistaken identity puts all their lives in danger, and a stealthy predator lurks in the shadows, watching . . . waiting . . .

Secrets can kill . . .

Lauren is about to uncover an unfathomable truth—a truth this cold-blooded mastermind would never let her live to tell . . .

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Never give up—In the twilight of his life, George Bellamy makes it his final wish to reconcile with an estranged brother. He and Claire journey to Willow Lake—where it all went wrong for him fifty years ago.

Never let go—George’s grandson Ross is ruled by a fierce devotion to family and a deep mistrust of the mysterious Claire...yet sparks fly whenever she’s near. In the face of a wrenching loss, amid the enchantment of Willow Lake, Ross and Claire dare to risk everything for love.

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When Leo spotted Calista French, he knew he’d found his foil. But their chance meeting had actually been carefully orchestrated...and not by him. Just what was his “perfect” society wife planning?

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Lucas wasn’t planning to fall in love again. But the beautiful, caring pediatrician was suddenly making the single father realize what he’d been missing. All Lucas wanted was for Nikki to take a chance on him...on their future together. And now, thanks to one well-meaning matchmaker, the single dad just might get his wish!

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When it comes to disastrous relationships, Suzanne Rand wrote the book. The frumpy-housewife-turned-superstar-author has come home to North Carolina to sell the family house—then hightail it back out of town.

But there’s an unfinished chapter in her life: bad-boy-turned-successful-businessman Rick Gordon. Suzanne’s been burned before and can’t let the roving playboy play fast and loose with her heart again...even if he is the sexiest thing on two legs. And once passion reignites in Rick’s arms, she has no idea where this story’s going...

Rick could write the book on how not to get hooked. But he’s never forgotten Suzanne, and now’s his chance to pick up where they left off. That’s why he’s plotting a course of seduction she’ll never be able to resist. But will their rekindled passion lead to love...and the happy ending they both crave?

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Hunter is tall, dark and handsome—and very, very powerful. He’s also been waiting for Genevieve. She was just sixteen when he had a vision that they’d one day become lovers. He’s been biding his time ever since.

But Genevieve’s experiences have left her unable to trust any man, even Hunter. If he wants them to have a future, the vampire will have to find a way to banish her ghosts...

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As a young secretary, Ivy McKenzie had been hopelessly in love with tycoon Ryder Calaway. But their searing passion—and Ryder’s cool rejection—sent innocent Ivy running. Now, five years later, Ryder’s magnetic virility was just as daunting—and harder to escape.

Ryder always got what he wanted. Except Ivy. For years he’d waited and longed for her. Now she was free, and Ryder’s patience was at an end. This time he would make her irrevocably his. With this second chance, could he convince Ivy that the best was yet to come?

Originally published in Silhouette Desire^® #643, June 1991.

Bonus book included: Maternity Bride by Maureen Child.

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Now, Micki wants to find a new man to fit her new life. Current leading contender Damian Fuller is a professional ballplayer and a major-league playboy. Will the new Micki have a chance at winning Damian’s affections? Or will the wildest player in the league turn around and steal Micki’s heart for good?

Let the games begin.

Originally published in August 2005.

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Which she does. Pretending that Marcus is still alive, Gabby arranges beautiful Claire’s London season. She’ll keep up the pretense just long enough for Claire to marry a fabulously wealthy nobleman. But when a handsome gentleman arrives at the door and claims to be Marcus, Gabby’s plan backfires. For if she exposes this mysterious stranger’s deceit, she exposes her own. Bound by secrets and lies, Gabby and the roguish adventurer strike sparks off each other—and soon London society is abuzz over the scandalous pair of “siblings” who appear to be falling in love....

Originally published in January 2003.

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