The Italian's Wife By Sunset by Lucy Gordon (2007)

CATEGORY: Harlequin Romance
SETTING: Contemporary Italy
HEROINE: 38 year old divorced television producer with a son

Intelligent, sensible Della Hadley should have known better than to embark on an affair with a playboy Italian six years her junior, but vibrant and sexy Carlo Rinucci was just too hard to resist.... Della knows that a fiery passion so quick to ignite should be fast to die out, despite Carlo's vow that their love is forever. But Carlo is Italian through and through, and determined to win his woman--and make Della his bride before the sun sets on their affair.

Midnight Choices by Eileen Wilks (2003)

CATEGORY: Silhouette Intimate Moments
SETTING: Contemporary US
HEROINE: 30 year old attorney with a son

Injured, weary, Duncan McClain had come home to forget . . . to forget his last mission, and the friend who died. This should have been a time of healing for the haunted soldier, a time of peace. But then she walked in.

She was Gwen Van Allen, a fragile, sophisticated beauty--who also happened to be the mother of his brother's secret son. She'd come to Highpoint to introduce little Zach to his father. Duncan had to do what was right; he had to stay away. But as his brother got to know the boy, Duncan spent time with Gwen. And soon forbidden passion began to rise. Dare he risk the love of his brother for the love of a woman?

Run No More by Mulvany Catherine (2004)

SINGLE TITLE: Romantic Suspense
TIME TRAVEL: Modern day to past
SETTING: Contemporary US and Brazil 1972
HEROINE: 21 year old cat burglar who travels back in time

Fleeing her dark past, Tasya Flynn desperately breaks into a mansion -- and is caught red-handed by its owner, legendary millionaire and cat burglar Ian MacPherson. Fiercely intelligent and strangely attractive, he has been a recluse ever since his partner-in-crime betrayed him, but he is still a man to be reckoned with. Tasya expects him to call the police; instead he offers to mold her into a world-class jewel thief. After all, she needs a refuge and he needs someone to help him retrieve the priceless stone his former partner double-crossed him to obtain. But when the heist goes awry, Tasya discovers the mystery of the stone and embarks upon a perilous and passionate journey. For Ian is on a deadly quest for revenge, and it's up to Tasya to save him from a tragic fate...if she can.

The Pretender by Celeste Bradley (2003)

HISTORICAL: European Historical Romance
SETTING: England 1813
SERIES: Book One in the Liar's Club series
HEROINE: 25 year old woman

Agatha Cunnington, a headstrong beauty from the country, has come to London in search of her missing brother James. The only clue she has is a cryptic letter signed The Griffin. Agatha decides to disguise herself as a respectable married woman so that she can go about the city unnoticed. But for her charade to work she needs a suitable "husband," preferably someone tall, elegant, and rakish-someone like Simon Montague Rain.

Simon Montague Rain, also known as The Magician, is a member of The Liar's Club, a renegade group of rogues and thieves in the service of the Crown. When someone begins murdering members of the undercover cabal one by one, Simon is given the mission to bring in The Griffin, one of his comrades who is suspected of betraying his brothers. Simon goes undercover and infiltrates the home of "Mrs." Agatha Applequist who he believes is the Griffin's mistress. Before Simon knows what's happened, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Agatha's soft, feminine charms-and he is tempted beyond reason to break the first rule of The Liar's Club: never fall in love.

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James (2008)

SINGLE TITLE: Contemporary romance
SETTING: Contemporary US
HEROINE: early thirties and works as a lawyer

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her–not even her cheating ex-fiancé. So when she’s assigned to coach People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob’s charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.

Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he’s thrown for a loop. She’s unlike any other woman he’s ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She’s the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize that she may just be his perfect match. . .

Scandal in Copper Lake by Marilyn Pappano (2009)

CATEGORY: Silhouette Romantic Suspense
SETTING: Contemporary USA
HEROINE: 28 year old psychic

No one believed Anamaria Duquesne when she had premonitions of her mother's death. Now, years later, the town pariah has returned to Copper Lake to unearth what transpired on that fateful night. Although she has the gift of foresight, she didn't predict falling under the tantalizing spell of a rich playboy who's been hired to spy on her. Robbie Calloway scoffed at Anamaria's psychic mumbo jumbo about an unsolved murder and eerie family curses. But before long, the prominent attorney was entrenched in her crusade.. With danger swirling around them, could they overcome incredible odds to be together?

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig (2008)

HISTORICAL: European Historical Romance
SETTING: France & England 1803
SERIES: Book Four in the Pink Carnation series
HEROINE: 25 year old woman,

Lauren Willig continues the exciting Pink Carnation series with her fourth novel, The Seduction of the Crimson Rose, featuring Lord Vaughn, the delightfully devilish spy from The Masque of the Black Tulip, and Mary Alsworthy, the raven-haired beauty whose sister accidentally stole her suitor in The Deception of the Emerald Ring. Determined to secure another London season without assistance from her new brother-in-law, Mary accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn on behalf of the Pink Carnation: to infiltrate the ranks of the dreaded French spy, the Black Tulip, before he and his master can stage their planned invasion of England. Every spy has a weakness, and for the Black Tulip that weakness is black-haired women--his "petals" of the Tulip. A natural at the art of seduction, Mary easily catches the attention of the French spy, but Lord Vaughn never anticipates that his own heart will be caught as well. Fighting their growing attraction, impediments from their past, and, of course, the French, Mary and Vaughn find themselves lost in the shadows of a treacherous garden of lies.

Their Very Special Gift by Jackie Braun (2007)

CATEGORY: Harlequin Romance
SETTING: Contemporary US
HEROINE: 36 old school art teacher

Would the most precious gift of all save their marriage? Reese Newcastle and her husband, Duncan, used to be able to finish one another's sentences. Now, neither is sure what the other is even thinking. Years of trying for a baby has driven a wedge between them. But Reese has a chance to make her long-cherished dream of motherhood come true--by adopting a little baby. Duncan has never stopped loving Reese, and will do anything to make her smile again. Could this adorable baby help heal their hearts and remind them why they first fell in love?

The Prince of Midnigh by Laura Kinsale (1990)

HISTORICAL: European Historical Romance
SETTING: France & England 1772
HEROINE: In her early twenties,

Proud Leigh Strachan hires highwayman and ex-hero S.T. Maitland to avenge the murder of her family, never expecting to fall in love with him.

They called him the Prince of Midnight - a legendary highwayman, once dashing and dangerous...now a tarnished, forgotten hero, exiled and alone. She sought his fabled skills in the ruins of a French castle - a proud and desperate English beauty, drawn to the myth...but bewildered by the man. Across perilous mountains and tempestuous seas, together they pursued their separate dreams - of vengeance, of passion, a glory reborn...kindling the all-consuming fires of a bold and unexpected love that would set the midnight skies magnificently ablaze.

Death Angel by Linda Howard (2008)

SINGLE TITLE: : Romantic Suspense
SETTING: Contemporary US
HEROINE: 30 year old mistress

After she double-crosses her lover, a ruthless crime lord, Drea must flee from a relentless assassin who ultimately succeeds in killing her. But after a very brief death, Drea returns to life a changed woman: no longer selfish and cruel, determined to bring down the ones who marked her for death. Joining forces with the FBI, little does she suspect that the man she will come to love is the same assassin who took her life.

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl (2009)

SINGLE TITLE: Contemporary romance
SETTING: Contemporary US
SERIES: Book One in the Tumble Creek series
HEROINE: 27 year old erotic fiction author

Molly Jenkins has one naughty little secret: her job as a bestselling erotic fiction author. Until her inspiration runs dry - thanks to a creepy ex - and it's time to skip town and move back to tiny Tumble Creek, Colorado.

One look at former high school hunk chief of police Ben Lawson and Molly is back in business. The town gossip is buzzing at her door and, worse still, a stalker seems to be watching her every move. Thankfully, her very own lawman has taken to coming over, often. The only problem now is that Molly may have to let the cat out of the bag about her chosen profession, and straitlaced Ben will definitely not approve..

Vision in White by Nora Roberts (2009)

SINGLE TITLE: Contemporary romance
SETTING: Contemporary US
SERIES: Book One in the Bride Quartet series
HEROINE: 28 year old photographer and co-owner of a wedding planning business

Childhood friends Mackensie, Parker, Laurel and Emmeline have formed a very successful wedding planning business together but, despite helping thousands of happy couples to organise the biggest day of their lives, all four women are unlucky in love. Photographer Mackensie Elliott has suffered a tough childhood and has a bad relationship with her mother, which makes her wary of commitment. But when she meets Carter Macguire, she can't stop herself falling for him, although his ex girlfriend is prepared to play dirty to keep him. Mackensie soon realises she has to put her past demons to rest in order to find lasting love.

Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy (2008)

SINGLE TITLE: Contemporary romance
SETTING: Contemporary US
SERIES: Book One in the Fast Track series
HEROINE: 32 year old widow with children who works as a sociology teacher

Independent single mother Tamara Briggs wanted to find a new, sexy, no-strings-attached man - just not one as young as NASCAR driver Elec Monroe. But he sure does get her heart racing. And after she's tricked into a blind date with him, Tamara gives in to her passion. Things screech to a halt, though, when he asks to meet her children. Whatever happened to wham-bam-thank-youma'am? Suddenly Tamara has to decide how much risk she's willing to take to experience the power of true love.

A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore (2009)

HISTORICAL: European Historical Romance
SETTING: England 1823
HEROINE: 30 year old married mother

Sophie, the Duchess of Calton, has finally moved on. After seven years mourning the loss of her husband, Garrett, at Waterloo, she has married his cousin and heir, Tristan. Sophie gives herself to him body and soul. . . until the day Garrett returns from the Continent, demanding his title, his lands-and his wife. Now Sophie must choose between her first love and her new love, knowing that no matter what, her choice will destroy one of the men she adores. Will it be Garrett, her childhood sweetheart, whose loss nearly destroyed her once already? Or will it be Tristan, beloved friend turned lover, who supported her through the last, dark years and introduced her to a passion she had never known? As her two husbands battle for her heart, Sophie finds herself immersed in a dangerous game-where the stakes are not only love . . . but life and death.

First Kiss by Marilyn Pappano (2000)

SINGLE TITLE: Contemporary romance
SETTING: Contemporary US
SERIES: Book Four in the Bethlehem series
HEROINE: 37 year old inn owner

An Improbable Dream - At forty, Tom Flynn has reached all the lofty goals of money and success he'd dreamed of as a boy struggling to survive. The only thing left on his list: Get married! But he hasn't a clue where to find the perfect wife--or even if he can change his love-'em-and-leave-'em ways. Until he shows up at his birthday party in the small town of Bethlehem and sits across the table from beautiful, desirable Holly McBride.
An Impossible Conquest - Wish for me, Holly thinks silently just as Tom blows out the candles on his cake. But Bethlehem's most eligible single woman wants only a sizzling fling, not a wedding ring. She's seen up close what a disaster marriage can be, and that's one mistake she plans to avoid. But Holly hasn't counted on Tom's single-minded campaign to win her heart--or some mysterious intervention in a special town where miracles are an everyday occurrence.

The Maverick's Greek Island Mistress by Kelly Hunter (2009)

CATEGORY: Harlequin Presents
SETTING: Contemporary Greece and Australia
HEROINE: In her twenties and wants to work as a photographer

Pete Bennett: this maverick playboy revels in the thrill of the chase. He never falls for a girl; she falls for him, and he's the one to walk away.. In Greece for the summer, Serena can't resist the glint of sin in Pete's eyes. Soon the baddest of boys has made her his Greek island mistress.. Their supposedly temporary affair is hot and heavy. But one month in, Pete should be ready to roam. So what's keeping Serena in his arms?

Play Dirty by Sandra Brown (2007)

SINGLE TITLE: Romantic Suspense
SETTING: Contemporary US
HEROINE: 34 old married vice-president of SunSouth Airlines

His release from prison should have been the end of Griff Burkett's troubles. It wasn't. The former star American football player is reviled by fans for throwing a championship game, his fortune is lost, and he remains under the dark shadow of suspicion for an unsolved murder. And his worst enemy, the man who has pledged to destroy him, is tracking his every move. So when eccentric millionaire, Foster Speakman offers Griff a vast amount of money in exchange for impregnating his wife Laura, Griff readily agrees. What could be easier? Little does he know that this bizarre contract will trap him in a web of betrayal, the consequences of which are deadly.

Hired for the Boss's Bed by Robyn Grady (2008)

CATEGORY: Harlequin Presents
SETTING: Contemporary Australia
HEROINE: 24 year old Junior Account Executive at an advertising agency

Working in Sydney's most dynamic advertising agency, Serena Stevens has just landed the agency's biggest account - this will make or break her career. Serena's sexy boss, tycoon David Miles, may be all business in the boardroom, but soon he wants a little business in the bedroom! One wild night later, Serena has to choose: career versus love, her dream job versus her hot boss! What's a girl to do?

The Unlikely Mistress by Sharon Kendrick (2002)

CATEGORY: Harlequin Presents
SETTING: Contemporary UK
HEROINE: 27 year old and works in a bookshop

Millionaire art dealer Guy Masters: unknown mistress has moved into his luxurious London apartment... Sabrina is an unlikely mistress. Guy is a multimillionaire playboy--while Sabrina is, well...ordinary. For one passionate night in Venice she forgets her humdrum life, the pain of losing her fiance. Not wanting to return to real life, she accepts Guy's invitation to stay with him in his luxurious London apartment. On a purely platonic basis, of course...

The Mommy Makeover by Kristi Gold (2009)

CATEGORY: Silhouette Special
SETTING: Contemporary USA
HEROINE: 31 year old widow with a daughter and she works as a massage therapist at a spa

My mom hasn't had it easy the past few years. She's spent so much time taking care of me, and now I want to take care of her. When she mentioned that she was out of shape, I decided to get her a personal trainer. Kieran O'Brien's supposed to be the best, and he's even been helping me with my softball! I think my mom likes him, and Kieran can't stop smiling when she's around. They seem like a perfect pair. I just want my mom to be happy - and I wouldn't mind a daddy, either. Who knows? Kieran might just be the guy we've both been searching for..

Mistress on Demand by Maggie Cox (2005)

CATEGORY: Harlequin Presents
SETTING: Contemporary UK
HEROINE: 26 year old teacher

After a reckless, hot encounter with Dominic van Straaten, Sophie tried to slip back to her quiet life as a schoolteacher. But Dominic insisted that she should become part of his glamorous, glittering existence. It didn't take her long to realize that she was out of her depth... Now Dominic was proposing that she be available whenever and wherever he wanted her. But could Sophie let herself become Dominic's mistress on demand when she knew that he didn't love her?

Reunited: Marriage in a Million by Liz Fielding (2007)

CATEGORY: Harlequin Romance
SETTING: Contemporary UK
HEROINE: 29 year old married TV presenter

Popular TV presenter Belle is married to gorgeous billionaire Ivo. But beneath the veneer of her perfect life is the truth of their marriage of convenience. Belle knows that workaholic Ivo prefers their family of two, but somewhere along the way she fell deeply in love with her husband, and can't help wishing for a baby. Now they must find it within themselves to share the secrets they've never trusted each other with, and make their marriage one in a million again.

Moonlight And Roses by Jackie Braun (2008)

CATEGORY: Harlequin Romance
SETTING: Contemporary US
HEROINE: 29 year old vintner/manager

Romance is on the agenda--but will there be an appointment at the altar?
Buying the Monroe family winery gave Zack Holland the fresh start he needed. But the business came with one determined woman, and he could see she wasn't going to hand over the reins easily.
Jaye Monroe knew they had to work together to make the winery a success. But she couldn't bear to give up everything her family had worked for--to an outsider. Yet the attraction sizzled and, what's more, the mood was set with the heady mix of moonlight and the scent of roses! Soon Jaye started to wonder whether they could develop the perfect relationship--business and personal….

To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt (2009)

HISTORICAL: European Historical Romance
TIME PERIOD: Georgian era
SETTING: Scotland & England 1765
SERIES: Book Four Legend of the Four Soldiers series
HEROINE: 31 year old mistress with two children

Reclusive Sir Alistair Munroe has hidden in his castle ever since returning from the Colonies, scarred inside and out. But when a mysterious beauty arrives at his door, the passions he's kept suppressed for years begin to awaken. Running from past mistakes has taken legendary beauty Helen Fitzwilliam from the luxury of the ton to a crumbling Scottish castle . . . and a job as a housekeeper. Yet Helen is determined to start a new life and she won't let dust-or a beast of a man-scare her away. Beneath Helen's beautiful façade, Alistair finds a courageous and sensual woman. A woman who doesn't back away from his surliness-or his scars. But just as he begins to believe in true love, Helen's secret past threatens to tear them apart. Now both Beast and Beauty must fight for the one thing neither believed they could ever find-a happy ever after.

His Bought Mistress by Emma Darcy (2005)

CATEGORY: Harlequin Presents
SETTING: Contemporary Australia
HEROINE: 30 year old interior design company owner

The instant Australian billionaire Hugo Fullbright sees Angie Blessing, he knows he has to have her. There's no doubt about the instant, sizzling sexual attraction between them! So why, at first, does Angie refuse his offer? Angie cannot tell Hugo the real story. But finally she succumbs to his powers of seduction and agrees to join him on a weekend trip to Tokyo..not realizing that he's a man used to paying for what he wants, and that she's been bought--and brought--for his pleasure!