Melt

By Marie Piper, Stephanie Bissette-Roark, Harley Easton and CMPeters

Kick off the holiday season with this sexy collection of five brand new romance novellas.

Rocky Mountain Meltdown by Harley Easton
Writer Tessa Hazel can't stand the cold, so when her agent banishes her to a Colorado ski lodge in January, she's far from happy. To make things worse a surly hotel worker and her favorite frienemy are working to keep her out of the arms of a sexy ski instructor. Will a little extra snow fix everything or cause Tessa a major meltdown?

Body Heat by CM Peters
Whether it's in the green valleys of Ireland or the cool land of Maine, love can bloom and wither as fast as a snowflake. Is it a good omen when two lonely hearts meet on a stormy night? Can they make it through when everything pulls them apart?

Off-Season by Marie Piper
Winter in a rafting town means blessed solitude as far as Eva is concerned, until sexy rafting guide Charlie shows up on New Year's Eve. If the two of them can survive an ice storm, a bear, and each other, they just might realize they're perfect together.

Finding Home by Sienna Saint-Cyr
When Marina scheduled her long overdue vacation to Leavenworth, Washington, all she’d wanted was a chance to sip her tea in the adorable Bavarian village and forget about her ex. But her plans quickly went awry when a hipster in a beanie stormed into the teashop demanding his rental manager fix her mistake... for she’d rented his cabin to Marina, while he’d planned to be there.

Damsel by Stephanie Bissette-Roark
Cassandra never wanted to return to that old, converted barn atop the hill. But when her estranged father leaves it all to her in his will, she journeys home to discover if any part of her broken past still remains. She didn’t expect to find Ethan Bailey waiting for her, a strange man who kindles in her powerful—but unwanted—feelings of familiarity. When a treasured childhood toy transports her into an imaginary world, Cassandra will come face-to-face with a man that looks just like Ethan, but whose medieval garb tells a different story. As the lines between make-believe and reality blur, will her new companion bring healing love and open her heart in the real world or will the monster of her past consume her?

All proceeds from this collection will go charities that support mental health research and aide.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Piper
• Release date: Nov 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370030903

Marie Piper

Sexy Old West Adventure, guaranteed!Michigan native/Chicago resident. Loves books, coffee, nature/plants, and Britney Spears. Addicted to Twitter. Team Sansa.

Book preview

Five stories to get snowed in with

By

Stephanie Bissette-Roark

Harley Easton

CM Peters

Marie Piper

Sienna Saint-Cyr

A portion of proceeds from this collection will be used to support charities funding global mental health research and aide.

Rocky Mountain Meltdown Copyright © 2016 Harley Easton

Body Heat Copyright © 2016 CM Peters

Off-Season Copyright © 2016 Marie Piper

Finding Home Copyright © 2016 Sienna Saint-Cyr

Damsel Copyright © 2016 Stephanie Bissette-Roark

Cover & graphic design by Aleisha Knight Evans

www.aleishaevans.com / Instagram: aleisha_evans

Image: ©iStockphoto.com/Leks_Laputin

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please visit an e-book retailer and purchase your own copy.

Table of Contents

Rocky Mountain Meltdown

By Harley Easton

Body Heat

By CM Peters

Off-Season

By Marie Piper

Finding Home

By Sienna Saint-Cyr

Damsel

By Stephanie Bissette-Roark

Rocky Mountain Meltdown

By Harley Easton

Chapter 1

Too Cold

It’s perfect, Georgie insisted.

It’s Colorado in January, Tessa grumbled, bracing her phone between her shoulder and her ear as she paid the taxi driver who was placing her luggage on the, thankfully, shoveled sidewalk. It’s freezing! You know I hate being cold.

Honey, her agent pressed, if you hate being cold, why did you stick your characters in the Rockies and end the last book with them being stranded in a blizzard?

They pissed me off. It was only a semi-honest answer, and one she was pretty sure Georgie didn’t appreciate.

Apparently, you pissed them off too, and we all know what they say about payback. Look, T, you’re behind on your draft of the sequel. You need to get it out to keep the fans on the hook. The publishing house keeps calling about the contract. We can only hold them off so long. I need that manuscript in hand and it wasn’t getting done in Phoenix.

So you stooped to financial motivation? Through the window, she eyed the guests passing through the lobby. The designer clothing and jewelry she saw gave her a sinking feeling, enough of one that she debated staying out in the chill. I can’t afford this place, Georgie. Not on a writer’s salary.

I’ve got that covered. Just tell them you know me. I’ve made all the arrangements with management.

A groan escaped the author’s throat. What does that mean? Please don’t tell me I have to do some big social thing.

Not exactly, but…

But what?

Georgie cleared her throat, causing Tessa to tense, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Finally, the agent said, If you run into the owners, it wouldn’t kill you to be nice. They are doing me, well, us, she clarified a favor. A big one. They didn’t even put a time limit on it. Honestly, I don’t care how long we have to leave you on that mountain; I need that draft before you make it home.

Tessa wrapped her hand around the handle of her suitcase and rolled it up to the massive glass doors of the Lonely Pines Mountain Lodge. Georgie, you suck.

Love you too, T, Georgie said with a fake smack of her lips into the phone. Stick yourself in one of those thermal spring hot tubs, ogle a sexy ski instructor, then get me my pages on Grant and Lucinda.

Realizing her agent wasn’t letting her out of this little arranged trip, Tessa stuffed her phone in the pocket of her coat, squared her shoulders, and entered the main lodge. Inside, she was once again struck by the fact that this place was far too opulent for her budget. The lobby was massive with vaulted ceilings supported by exposed beams intentionally left unfinished to look like tree trunks. Plush couches and overstuffed chairs, all in forest greens and deep browns, of were clumped in small groups. A few skiers were chatting sociably as they trekked in and out of the grand space. Other guests were enjoying the comfortable lounge space with drinks or a book. Small tables sat by floor to ceiling windows that offered a view of slopes highlighted by the last rays of sunlight; it was stunning, yet the whole thing would have impressed her more had she not been so cold and completely out of her element.

What finally made Tessa move further in was the massive stone fireplace in the center of the lobby. Ignoring the reception desk and its line of guests, she walked purposefully toward the fire. It was open on both sides, wood piled high, and flames burning merrily within the mortared walls. From ten paces away, she could feel the warmth radiating outward, flooding the area. It gave her a rush of pure comfort accompanied by a small dose of joy. Tessa wrapped her arms around herself as she stared into the cheery light.

Warmth, warmth, more warmth! For we are dying of cold and not of darkness. The quote was more than appropriate. She missed Phoenix’s climate and had since she’d stepped off the plane. It already felt like the cold was settling into her bones.

Maybe it’s good to acknowledge it. Feel it on the surface as much as anywhere else, she mused. If she was honest with herself, everything in her life seemed frozen. It had for months now. Her mind. Her body. Even Grant and Lucinda. Everything seemed stuck in a little snow globe, unwilling to emerge. For no definable reason, her whole life had shut down with every important piece happy to hibernate the winter away whether she was in a warm climate or not.

As the heat enveloped her, a shiver of pleasure ran through her body. Maybe Georgie was right. Maybe the outside chill will force me to work through whatever has been holding me back. She sat near the hearth, rearranging the laptop case strap that was stretched across her body so she could get as close to the flames as possible. The veil of metal chains that made up the heat shield and grate kept her from going too far. This could be truly inspiring. Her hands stretched out and her eyes slipped closed as she basked in the heat.

What a joke. The disdainful sigh and grumbled words hit her as squarely as an arctic blast. Tessa shivered, her eyes snapping open as she searched for whoever had intruded on her joy. She found the owner of the gruff voice on the opposite side of the fireplace. Staring through the center, she could make out a manly torso covered in black and blue plaid. A handsome profile led up to a long shock of blonde hair wrapped in an untidy manbun that bobbled as the speaker shook his head back and forth, seemingly in irritation. From the piles of wood surrounding him, Tessa guessed he was a staff member restocking the fireplace. She could almost hear the unvoiced addition of Idiot following the statement. It killed her desire to remain near the previously welcoming heat.

I’m sure the guests here frequently quote de Unamuno. Jerk, she mumbled as she stood up and headed toward the desk to check in.

A young looking redhead with a big smile and a nametag dubbing her Hanna greeted Tessa pleasantly. Checking in? Name?

Hazel. Tessa Hazel, she said absentmindedly, still focused on the unpleasant man at the fireplace. Then she remembered what Georgie had said earlier. Oh, but it might be under Georgia Smidden or FW Publishing.

Hanna’s brows knitted together as her fingers clicked across the keyboard. For a second, Tessa thought something was wrong, but the girl quickly recovered her pleasant grin. The tapping made Tessa’s hands unconsciously go to the laptop hanging at her side. With any luck, most of her time she wouldn’t have to deal with rude people like the guy at the fireplace. Hopefully, she’d be secluded in the warmth of her room, typing away on her next novel. A full-service resort meant she could hole up without venturing outside at all. How late do you offer room service? she asked as the receptionist printed some papers.

Our dining room in the lodge is open from six a.m. until ten every day, and the snack shop at the base of the slopes is open from nine a.m. until dusk. Happy hour is going on now in the bar just like it does every day from three to five. You have to try the signature drink—spiked hot cocoa. So yummy! The girl’s obvious excitement over the drink made Tessa smile. Free s’mores are served around the outdoor fire pit every evening starting at six. I just need your signature right here. The receptionist laid the papers down with a pen which Tessa picked up to scribble her name.

I will definitely try that spiked hot cocoa, but what about room service? she asked as she handed the papers back.

The girl’s smile slipped a bit. We don’t currently offer room service to the cabins, ma’am.

No room service? she groaned. The thought of trekking back and forth through the cold to get food from the lodge made Tessa’s stomach drop.

I’m really sorry. You’re in three A, one of the cabins a little further up the slope. The Pine Peak Grill offered room service, but it’s under renovation since we’re in a bit of a slow season.

It made sense, and Tessa couldn’t really complain since she wasn’t actually footing the bill herself. I really don’t need a whole cabin, she said after a moment, hoping for an easy solution. Can you switch me to something smaller, or maybe less expensive like a single room here in the lodge?

I’m sorry but we don’t have guest rooms in the lodge; the guest areas in this building are all amenities like the dining room and spa. Perhaps noting the concern on Tessa’s face, the girl quickly added, But don’t worry. The cabins are really beautiful. There’s a hot tub and a kitchenette and we offer free shuttle service and grocery delivery.

So much for keeping warm. Guess Grant, Lucinda, and I will be shivering together. Tessa put on a smile for Hanna, knowing it wasn't the girl’s fault that she was in this situation; she wouldn’t be here at all if she’d been able to get her characters moving.

The receptionist smiled back, perking up now that things seemed resolved. Hanna handed over a set of keys and a brochure. You’ll want to come to the lodge anyway. Lots of guests gather here in the evening to socialize or to read. There are always a couple of books lying around on the tables in case you forgot your own; it’s something the owners are passionate about. And most guests just love the spa. Even if you don’t schedule a massage or like the natural sulfur pools, we’ve got an amazing thermal room to warm you up after a day on the slopes.

A small snort escaped Tessa; the idea of her on skis would have been humorous on an ordinary day. Her general lack of any athletic ability combined with her complete loathing of cold weather made the undertaking nearly unimaginable. She opened her mouth to decline that small slice of hell with a slightly snarky remark, but stopped when a hand landed on her shoulder. She turned her head and was disarmed by turquoise eyes and sexy smile.

Hanna, is this lovely lady planning on spending some time with me? From his suggestive tone and the tilt of his shoulders, it was clear he wasn’t actually looking for an answer; at least not one from the receptionist.

Hanna quickly excused herself and exited to the far end of the counter where she picked up the phone. Tessa was left alone, the sole focus of the handsome man with the disarming eyes.

He removed his hand from her shoulder and shifted to lean his back against the counter. Kevin McNeil, ski instructor. The ski instructor part was no surprise; athletically lean with broad shoulders and strong abs clearly visible beneath his tight gray turtleneck, Kevin was clearly built for such a job. Perfectly mussed kohl hair and a scruffy barely-there beard made him sexy, but the smile made him devastatingly so. He extended a hand toward her.

Tessa took the offered hand and shook it, noticing how his fingers lingered slightly to caress her palm when he pulled back. Tessa Hazel, writer.

A writer, huh? What is it you write?

The way his eyes swooped up and down her made her blush slightly. She knew she was cute but average at best, and the previous jerk she’d called boyfriend had frequently let her know she’d never be pretty enough to draw attention from someone like this.

I lay my bet on romance novels. Am I right, love?

A little surprised, she nodded. How did you…

Romance novelists are always the cutest of the bunch. With a wink, he pushed away from the counter. Well, love, I’m off to teach a lesson. I hope you’ll find some inspiration during your stay.

Once again, the implication in his tone was unmistakable. Tessa’s insides turned to goo, making her stumble a bit as she reached for her suitcase. The whole situation was surreal, like something from one of her books. Her cheeks flushed with warmth. Maybe I’ll just stay in here and write. she thought, staring back at Kevin as she began walking toward the fireplace.

That’s when she ran smack into a wall. Well, it could have been a wall. The enormous blonde was solid as a brick shithouse with burly muscles and a towering height that dwarfed her completely. Tessa started to apologize when she noticed the black and blue plaid shirt and the frown that marred an otherwise beautiful face. This beast of a man was the guy from the fireplace.

He looked down at her, glanced at the exiting Kevin, and shook his head and sighed. You’re not his type.

How dare he? Tessa fumed as she unlocked the door to her cabin and kicked it open. The satisfying thud as it hit the wall didn’t cool her anger. She likely wouldn’t have been quite as mad if she hadn’t just wrestled with her bags for almost ten minutes in near darkness along the pathway to get to her room. Then again, the struggle had been better than the alternative. Beastly Lumberjack Boy, as she had labeled him in her mind, had tried to take her suitcase after he’d insulted her. Flabbergasted by his blatant rudeness, it had taken Tessa a moment to realize what he was doing. His massive hand was already wrapped around the handle of her bag by the time she’d managed a protest.

What are you doing? she’d demanded as he started to wheel the case toward the door. He was taller enough that she’d had to jog a little just to catch up. Give that back.

He’d ignored her and kept walking past the fireplace toward the wall of windows. Take it easy. I’m just getting it to the snowmobile so I can take you to your cabin.

Normally, the thought of hopping on a snowmobile behind someone like him and holding on for the ride would have fueled any number of plotlines and a few wet dreams, but Tessa had more pride than that. I’m not going anywhere with you. After she’d said it, Tessa inwardly groaned at the bratty tone of her comment. It sounded worse than she’d intended. Still, she’d squared her shoulders, crossed her arms, and jutted out her chin in a way she hoped looked more unyielding than petulant. I’m not going to the cabin! When he turned and raised an eyebrow, Tessa knew he didn’t believe her. She’d scanned the room quickly for an excuse not to leave. I..I want to get something to eat first, she’d said, pointing toward the restaurant. I don’t want to have to come back this evening.

Have it your way. Irritation had been clear on his face as he rolled his eyes, and dropped the handle. But the only other way up is the gondola lift.

I’ll take that then. Tessa had stared him down as she yanked the suitcase back under her control. Beastly just shrugged.

You’ll have a walk from the lift.

I’m perfectly capable of walking, thank you!

It closes at dusk.

She hadn’t dignified that with a response, choosing instead to stomp away towards the restaurant. After grabbing a few sandwiches to go, she’d waited until she was certain he was gone, then took a frigid but fairly short walk to the gondola lift. The wind seemed even more vicious now that the sun was almost down.

A gangly college boy was manning the machinery when she’d arrived, and even though looked like he was about to shut everything down, he hadn’t moved as she approached. Instead, he’d looked at her bags. Didn’t anyone tell you there was complimentary snowmobile service to the cabins?

She’d flashed him a grin she hoped hid the irritation building inside of her. Just wanted to catch the last bit of the sunset from the lift.

It’s probably easier without your luggage. Are you sure you don’t want me to call the snowmobile? At that exact moment the snowmobile had whipped by and headed up towards the cabins with another passenger and three large suitcases stacked on the back of an attached sled.

I’d rather not wait, was all Tessa said. The boy politely held the gondola door for her as she’d maneuvered her suitcase inside.

Okay, but be careful on the path at the top. Gets kinda slick, were his final words to her.

The gondola operator hadn’t been kidding either. The walkway was shoveled but still dusted in snow from the wind. She had alternately skidded on unseen ice patches and gotten the wheels of her suitcase gummed up with the salt the staff had spread. She’d cursed Beastly Lumberjack Boy with an inventive string of expletives as she’d seen the snowmobile peeling away from a cabin clearly marked building three.

Now, as she looked around the cabin, Tessa grudgingly admitted again that, despite the oddball staff and unwelcome chill, Georgie’s idea for a snowy retreat wasn’t really that terrible. The open room was entirely decked out in a homey, rustic motif with all wooden furniture and quilts. To the right of the door was the kitchenette Hanna had mentioned. Fully stocked with pots and pans hanging from an iron rack above a small bar, it was arguably better than her home kitchen. To the left of the entryway was a small staircase leading up to a loft that she guessed was the bedroom since there was no sign of one on this level. In front of her, the vast living space spread out, ending with the same floor to ceiling windows the lodge boasted. Forest landscapes dotted the walls leading up to a pit group couch arranged around a, thankfully, automated fireplace. Tessa sighed, realizing she wouldn’t have to head to the lodge to stay warm and still get a full view of the snowy landscape Georgie claimed would inspire her.

Depositing her wheelie bag at the foot of the stairs, she set her coat and laptop case on the kitchen bar. Just beside the stove was a welcome basket with a few pieces of fruit, some instant coffee, and several types of tea. It took no time to fill a teapot with water and put it on the stove to boil. This could work, she thought. I’ll take advantage of the grocery delivery. Make up some chili and soups to last for a bit. Maybe get some lunch meat and specialty bread. I can totally just hide here and knock out that novel. Yes, this could actually work. The teapot whistled and Tessa pulled a cup from the cabinet, filling it with steaming water before dropping in a bag of soothing chamomile tea.

She cradled the cup in her hands as she moved further into the room. The couch would be perfectly suitable for her tendency to sit and type away her afternoons with the laptop balanced on her knees. The small desk on the other side of the room would serve well for her more focused morning writing sessions. Another look at the windows made her realize that one of them was actually a door. Tessa slid it open to reveal a slightly recessed porch area surrounding a hot tub that could easily seat ten. The water was bubbling away, sending a cloud of steam to fog the half-open windows of the three-season room.

Thoughts of a leisurely dip were interrupted by a loud giggle and an oddly familiar voice. A look to the left showed that the porch area was open to her door and the one next to hers. Apparently, I have neighbors. She brushed off the feeling of familiarity and quickly closed the door. So much for a solo soak. I shall have to be content with my tea. Or maybe…

She walked back to the front hallway where a door sat just a little away from the loft stairs. Opening it, she discovered a lovely oversized bathroom. His and hers sinks spread out in front of a large mirror. It reflected two closet doors and an inset area partially obscured with curtains. Tessa peaked in one of the closets only to find it wasn’t storage, but a small powder room with its own toilet, sink, and mirror. Behind the curtains, she discovered a deep claw foot tub and glassed-in shower separated from each other by an ornamental screen made of entwined branches. Several fluffy towels were stacked into cubbies on either side of the curtained entrance. Odd, Tessa thought. Why is everything separated like this? The answer came sooner than expected.

Oh my Gawd! Tessa Hazel! The southern accented shriek echoed off the tiled walls of the bathroom, making Tessa start and spill hot tea down the front of her