Short Marriage

In this series we explore the many facets of love through literary talents that span both time and country. By a choice of vows each undertakes to stay with the other through the good times and the bad. And most probably there will be plenty of both and much in between. But the union of marriage comes in many shades and hues, some balanced, some destined to last a lifetime and others set to fizzle out or stumble to an ill-mannered conclusion in separation or divorce and, of course, death.

Though she cannot entirely discount the effects of the head injuries they were both suffering at the time, Mary Russell is delighted by Sherlock Holmes' proposal of marriage. After all, they have become partners in crime, and she has recently come into her inheritance: What remains but to confirm the union with her mentor-turned-partner with the piece of paper?

She thinks she’s signing up for a charity auction. But this reclusive mountain man thinks it’s a marriage auction. Why else would he pay $5,000 for a woman to be his bride? 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Calder I love my mountain life. But I’m missing one thing. A woman to share it with. It’s hard to find a bride living deep in the Ozarks. So when I hear about the Housewife Auction, I’m all in. $5,000 later, I’m ready to take June home. But that’s when I find out it wasn’t a marriage auction after all. What exactly did I pay for? That’s when June tells me she’s mine for thirty days. ...

Bestselling author Candace Ayers brings you SHORT "lunchtime quickie" reads—condensed romances intended to be read in under 2 hours! Dragon scales and bridal veils—billionaire shifters find their fiery mates! In the high-powered world of Los Angeles, my kind reigns supreme. From the shadows, that is. Power? Check. Wealth? Check. Heirs? Here’s where things get tricky.BfB is my shot at passing on my legacy. And my fortune. With an arranged marriage, I can check the last box on my list. Our union, of course, will be impersonal and unemotional. But when my eyes meet hers, something ...

Her husband’s boss makes an indecent proposal, and there’s no way young wife Chelsea would ever consider it in a million years. Or . . . will she? When her husband goes away for business for the first time in years, Chelsea suddenly feels more alone than she has ever felt in her life… and when his boss comes around to ‘check’ on her, she finds herself in an unexpected situation that could lead to her doing things she never dreamed she’d do. . . Hot wife novella: 10,000 words

This collection includes The Alien's Mail Order Bride, When She's Married, Pretty Human, and When She's Bold.

He's sworn to protect her, but can he guard his own heart? Ella I thought I had my life figured out—work hard, take care of my sister, and keep my head down. But when my ex started harassing me, I felt trapped and afraid. That is, until August Ford, the town's brooding, sexy-as-sin, most eligible bachelor stepped in with an offer I couldn't refuse: marry him, and he'll keep me safe. With his chiseled jaw, piercing gray eyes, and a body that looks like it was carved from marble, August is the man of every woman's dreams—including mine. But at twenty years my senior, I always thought he ...

How to Win a Duke Without Trying is a sweet collection of three stories brimming with sharp banter, heartfelt emotions, and unexpected love. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton and Austen-inspired tales, this anthology celebrates love found in the most unconventional circumstances. Story 1: "The Artist and the Baron" Daphne Watson’s reputation is in tatters thanks to a scandalous rumor. Her only solution? A fake engagement with the enigmatic Baron Sebastian BlackBriar. But as their staged partnership turns into something more, Daphne’s fiery creativity and Sebastian’s quiet strength prove ...

When Elena Giordano’s world is torn apart by the brutal murder of her father, she’s thrust into the dark, dangerous world of the mafia. Forced to marry Dimitri Esposito—a powerful, ruthless mafia boss—Elena is drawn into a web of deadly secrets and fierce possessiveness. Dimitri claims her as his own, vowing to protect her and her sister from the enemies lurking in the shadows. But his protection comes at a price. Dimitri is everything Elena should fear—cold, dominant, and willing to kill anyone who threatens what’s his. Yet, in the depths of his darkness, she finds herself ...

Bestselling author Candace Ayers brings you SHORT "lunchtime quickie" reads—condensed romances intended to be read in under two hours! Dragon scales and bridal veils—billionaire shifters find their fiery mates! I’m not a fan of humans. As a major player in Big Pharma, I’ve encountered my share of swindlers, embezzlers and heartless sociopaths. I don’t expect my new wife to be any different, but duty calls. Imagine my surprise when I’m instantly smitten. But my trust issues run deep. And when I catch her in a lie, I'm determined to uncover the truth. What I find changes ...

"Loved it! The two main characters are simply in love with each other. And even though he pushes her away she won’t give up on him. I thought this book was unique in that they were already married. [...] I would definitely recommend this read." -ARC review Welcome to Fox Valley, New Hampshire, where a moody lumberjack husband and his curvy estranged wife are a match made in the mountains. Alton I’ve been a dick. My wife deserves better than the way I’ve treated her. When tragedy struck in the lumberyard, I shouldn’t have left her at home to pick up the pieces by herself. I ...

Bestselling author Candace Ayers brings you SHORT "lunchtime quickie" reads—condensed romances intended to be read in under two hours! Dragon scales and bridal veils—billionaire shifters find their fiery mates! I’m dubbed the king of couture—a title well-earned. So when an upstart designer slings mud at my fashion house, I hit back. Hard. But when I catch sight of my bride-to-be sashaying down the aisle, My angel in white with turns out to be the she-devil herself. With “I do’s” exchanged through gritted teeth, The honeymoon is sure to be a hot one… Scalding passion or ...

Lady Abigall McLeod has spent her life bound by duty, her fate sealed in an arranged marriage to the stoic and ambitious Gotherum. But after the devastating loss of her brother, she longs for something more—something that feels like freedom. One fateful night, while fleeing an unexpected pursuer, she collides with a mysterious stranger in the dark. Their connection is immediate, electric, and all-consuming. What she doesn’t know is that he is Prince Everald of England—the very enemy her people are sworn to fight. Neither Abigall nor Everald reveal their true identities, and in the ...

Daria never expected her life to become a game of survival, let alone one where her heart is on the line. When the ruthless mafia boss Enzo Esposito claims her as his wife, it’s more than just a marriage of convenience—it’s a dangerous power play in a world of betrayal and bloodshed. Enzo is a man who gets what he wants, and now he wants Daria. But their union is anything but peaceful. With enemies lurking in the shadows, including the sinister Domino, a man who believes Daria belongs to him, Enzo is forced to wage a brutal war to protect her. But the more time Daria spends with her ...

I’ve always known two things: The Gallaghers and the Bianchis are sworn enemies. And Enzo Bianchi is the last man I should ever want. But how do you ignore a man who seems to be everywhere you go? Dark, brooding, and untouchable, Enzo watches me with an intensity that steals my breath. He’s dangerous, a man who could burn my entire world to the ground with a single glance. And yet, I can’t stop fantasizing about him. My family would never forgive me if they knew the truth. But I can’t help it. Enzo is everything I’ve ever craved. And when he offers me a way out of this life, I ...

Have you never had luck with relationships? Do you always seem to end in toxic relationships? Are you worried that you do not know how to control your emotions? Are you scared of and scarred by the mistakes you have made in the past? Do you want to know the best ways to love? Love is amazing! Love is awesome! Yet, too many people seem to suffer from being loved wrongly and being in the wrong relationships. Statistics show that approximately half of all marriages will end in a separation or divorce. Since love is the primary bedrock upon which marriages are built, there is surely a problem ...

In the wild and unforgiving Scottish Highlands, the McAlister sisters—Catriona, Elspeth, Isla, and Moira—live lives of privilege and expectation. But when four mysterious brothers arrive at their estate, love, deception, and betrayal begin to unravel everything they’ve ever known. Catriona’s stolen moments with Aiden threaten to expose a dangerous secret. Elspeth’s heart battles against duty as she falls for a man who may be using her. Isla’s desire for Callum burns too bright to stay hidden, but one misstep could destroy them both. And Moira? She’s caught in a game she ...

I thought I had the perfect husband, until I uncovered his first lie. He was having an affair with his colleague, Vanessa. I knew I should confront him, but it wasn't that simple. Andrew had been hiding more than just his mistress from me. He was not the man I thought I married. When I discovered the true nature of his relationship with Vanessa, everything took a sinister turn. They were not just lovers - they were partners in crime. As I dug deeper into their web of deceit, I realized I had two choices: be the victim, or take control. I was done being a victim.

Curvy Girls Mail Order Brides Club: Complete Edition Sassy BBW's match up with ridiculously hunky shifters for scorching hot, panty-melting romance! A dash of danger and suspense, a splash of humor, 6 sexy, curvy girls looking for love, hot, hunky shifters ready to mate and a LOT of romance = 'Curvy Girls Mail Order Brides Club'! Fed up with their love lives (or lack of one) 6 beautiful, sassy women decide to take matters into their own hands and start the 'Curvy Girls Mail Order Brides Club'. But there's something extra special about this club; it's for curvy girls and shifter men ONLY - ...

An exploration of love, need, and the ineluctable force of the past, Nocturnes reveals these individuals to us with extraordinary precision and subtlety, and with the arresting psychological and emotional detail that has marked all of Kazuo Ishiguro's acclaimed works of fiction.