-Grace Hunter has to step in and hurriedly research an ancient text when the university professor who was supposed to becomes unable to perform the task. This valuable text was discovered in a castle on an Italian island that to Grace’s eyes is more like a fortress keeping people away. The owner of the castle is Count Alessandro Volta. A former pianist, his face was damaged in a tragic accident ten years ago, and ever since the count has secluded himself in the castle that has been in his family for generations. When he lays his eyes on Grace, he angrily blurts out, "I didn't invite any prostitutes here. Leave at once!"
When Whitney wakes up in the morning, she realizes that she has no memory. She wonders who this handsome man sleeping right next to her is. Is the wedding dress in the closet hers? Her groom seems more confused than she is. Her husband, Zane, tells her that they are in the middle of their honeymoon. Apparently she hit her head in the pool. But she becomes suspicious when Zane acts awkwardly and, though they are newlyweds, refuses her advances. Is she really who he says she is? Is he?
JULIANA ISN'T LOOKING FOR LOVE... When she meets Michael, sitting next to her on the plane, Juliana's been dating Jeremy for ten years. But he's hedging about marriage, and Michael promises to give her everything she's ever wanted in a relationship... MICHAEL'S SUPPOSED TO BE GETTING MARRIED... But he's drawn to Juliana in a way he never was to his beautiful but manipulative fiancee... When they get off the plane, Michael and Juliana can't tear themselves apart. But with desperate exec who won't let go, love at first sight is tested beyond endurance...
**Reasons why Joshua Barton could never be interested in Eleanor Graham:** He is brilliant, gorgeous, wealthy, sophisticated, and managing partner at the financial firm of Hamilton, Barton, and Jones. Eleanor, a mere cog at HB&J, is none of the above. However, she is sensible, logical, and knows better than to indulge in romantic dreams. She's also pretty sure Joshua doesn't even know her name. **Reasons why Eleanor is totally wrong--except for the part about her name:** She is unlike any woman Joshua has ever met--in a good way. She has a great laugh. And intriguingly, she happens to know a lot more about Joshua's new stepmother than he does. As for the rest, all will be revealed when she agrees to be something sort of like Joshua's date for a long weekend at the Barton family estate. . ..and Joshua finds himself doing his very best to persuade the very skeptical Eleanor to believe in happily ever afters. . .
[Synopsis for the novel, taken from Valerie King's site] **Her heart may long for more…** Judith Lovington escaped a vile man years ago and found sanctuary in a traveling troupe of actors. Fending off the unwanted attentions of rakish gentlemen has become second nature to her. But when Lord Kelthorne begins his assault, never has temptation been stronger. How will she withstand his heated kisses when he represents all that she lost so many years ago and all that she desires now? **But his wicked intentions drive her into his arms…** Kelthorne meant only to have a little fun when he first caught and kissed Judith in his apple orchard. Though intent on mending his ways and marrying a proper young miss, he can’t forget the lovely songstress and sets about to break down her every reserve. As he takes his stolen kisses, however, his clever seductions set to work on his own heart. But will he surrender to love at long last?
