Showing results by narrator "Lu Banks" in All Categories

When Layla walked into Giovanni’s shop two years ago, all he could think about was having her tied to a St. Andrews cross. After a couple of conversations, he learned that she was all he ever wanted, but his life wasn’t ready for her yet. One year ago, he was ready to claim her as his own, but then she walked in with the ugliest ring in history, declaring her off the market. Tonight, she walked in with no ring and no reason for him to stop. He can finally show her that he is more than a master in chocolate - he is a master in the bedroom, as well.

Nia has one rule—don’t date neighbors. Simple, except the guy next door is single, handsome, and not inclined to close his blinds while naked. When her car dies, Conn takes “being neighborly” to a new level by offering a ride to her long-distance destination. Nia has resisted his looks and charm for months. Surely she can handle a few hours in his truck...For months, Conn has blatantly put himself on display, hoping his pretty blonde neighbor would tire of secretly watching and come knock on his door for a cup of sugar—or more.

My brother's best friend was officially off duty . . . and off-limits. The wounded soldier had scars that couldn't be seen, and it was my job to help him heal, not fall for him. Ransom Parker was as grumpy as he was gorgeous, but that didn't stop the sparks from flying between us like the Fourth of July. He could push me away all he wanted, but in his arms was the only place I wanted to be.

I’ve always been the wingman. The great buddy. The teddy-bear guy women lean on. In elementary school, I was the kid passing notes between infatuated classmates. In high school, I was the guy telling a pretty girl that somebody liked her. In college, I was the icebreaker, initiating casual conversation with women in the bar, so that my buddies could ultimately take them home.

With the sudden deaths of both of her parents, Mallory McDuff began to research sustainable practices around death and dying. For McDuff, an educator and environmentalist, what started as a highly personal endeavor expanded into a yearlong exploration and assessment of green burials, aquamation, green cemeteries, home funerals, and human composting. In Our Last Best Act, McDuff bridges the gap between environmental action and religious faith by demonstrating that when the two are combined, they become a powerful force for the greater good

As a mother and a professor of environmental education, Mallory McDuff wanted to give her two daughters and her students a roadmap to engage in climate justice in their communities, rather than be left feeling paralyzed by the enormity of the problem. She set out to find women of diverse ages, backgrounds, and vocations—one from each of the fifty US states—as inspiration for a new kind of leadership focused on the heart of the climate crisis.

I never claimed to be a saint. But it wasn't until I found myself in cuffs that I learned the damage I was capable of. The only sunshine on those gray prison days came in the form of letters from a hopeful teenager with a quick wit. But the letters weren't addressed to me. They were meant for my bastard cellmate, who'd sooner toss them on the floor with the rest of his trash. So, I picked them up, read them, and wrote back, signing each letter, Love, Dad.

When Jane, a wealthy young widow, complains of her sexual frustration in her online support group she gets a little more than she bargained for. Beverley, another widow, suggests that what Jane really needs is a change of scene and she knows just the place. Within a month, Jane has sold her house in Florida and moved upstream to Winchester Drive, an expensive, gated community in Massachusetts. On the outside it looks like anywhere else, but this charming seaside community holds myriad secrets.

Life is good. I have great friends, a supportive family, and a job I love. Sure, there are ups and downs, but nothing could have prepared me for the return of Mac Evans—the one man who has always gotten under my skin. I haven't spoken to him since overhearing a conversation I wish I could forget. I would never fall for a professional athlete. Mac isn't my type, and I'm definitely not his. Or at least, that's what I've always believed. But now he's back, and everything feels different. I keep reminding myself he won't be here for long, and he'll be out of my life for good.

Ryland Johnson has embraced the single life, dedicating himself to raising his son on his own. Sutton with her blonde hair and soft smiles is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. Despite his own baggage, Ryland can't help but be drawn to the pretty waitress. He wants to protect her from her struggles, and when he discovers she's been hurt, everything changes. He's no longer willing to sit back and wait. Ryland is determined to show Sutton how he truly feels.

What can I do? How can I work towards a solution? How can I be a change agent? How can I be an ally? How can I effectively change my mindset to get to a place of total healing and racial reconciliation? These questions are often asked in response to tough discussions or events relating to race, racism, racial injustice, or systemic racism, both historical and current.

Trey Johnson's longing for his best friend's younger sister, Sienna, has always been a source of heartache. He let her go to chase her dreams and spent every waking moment regretting his decision. Now that Sienna is back, Trey is ready to make his move. Determined to win Sienna's heart and keep her by his side forever, Trey is prepared to risk it all. He's going to prove that his love is more than just words—it's a promise he intends to keep.

Helen has opened a door that cannot be closed. The excitement of camp has changed her...and now she hungers for the novel, for the deviant, for the total surrender of bondage and multiple partners. She has grown more attached to the super-sexy Hayden, but how can she be exclusive with one man and continue to participate in the sexual adventurous Camp? And now there's a twist....

Fifteen years ago, Summer Cole ran away from home, but home never really left her. Even all these years later, she has nightmares about her time there. Her past is even stopping her from being honest with the man that she loves. As an accomplished attorney, she commands the courtroom, but a phone call from her past brings her back to the girl that she was. Faced with the death of her beloved mother, she goes back to Lexington, Texas, and faces the family that almost destroyed her.

It's been years since Nova last saw Sam. She was too young then to understand why he had to move away-and what it had to do with the cuts and bruises he got from home and never wanted to talk about. All she knew is that they promised to find each other when they were older, something she thought was impossible. Until she bumps into Sam in her new school and realizes he has forgotten their childhood promise.

All it took was one wrong step and my life came crumbling down. I'll forever remember what my husband said to me before I lost consciousness from the fall...It's over. When I wake up in the hospital, Noah is a changed man-caring, kind, and loving. So I do what I have to do...and pretend I have amnesia.

The gorgeous groomsman had all my attention when my best friend's ex was allegedly killed. Fun fact? I hated the man. Another fun fact? I was the last one to see him alive. There may not be anyone on my side except that groomsman I can't stop thinking about since the wedding.

He's a grumpy bad boy with a chip on his shoulder the size of the state. He's dark, broody, sexy as hell, and he knows it. I shouldn't want him so badly. He barely knows I'm alive. Until nature decides to throw us a curve ball. Mother nature...or fate. Once the clothes come off and secrets are revealed...there's no going back. We both know we're careening toward a disaster by falling into bed again. But one taste wasn't enough. It's more like an appetizer for a meal with an endless number of courses. And I'm a starving woman.

Too smart to be “just” a racehorse, too talented to hang out with other lesson horses, and too proud to believe in fairy tales, Milo chose a lonely path in life. He didn’t want cuddles, treats, friends, or even love until the day he met Claire. Her love opened his heart, but it would take nudging from a very special horse to finally open his mind.

I didn't realize I was hooking up with my student, but once I saw his hockey-player body, I couldn't help myself. If anyone finds out, I'll be out of a job. Unlike most college boys, he's mature in all the right ways and completely knows how to turn on a woman.