Hotel Marchand Series

Life may be complicated now, but one thing is clear: their teenage romance was more than a summer fling... Sophie Clarkson loved visiting her godmother in Louisiana's bayou country, and her most cherished memory is the enchanted summer she fell in love with Alian Boudreaux. Those hot days and steamy nights are nowhere in evidence when she returns for her godmother's funeral, yet the magic of Alain is definitely still alive.

Being honest is easy telling the truth is hard The only person who can keep Luc Carter in the little town of Indigo is Loretta Castille. She's also the reason he has to leave. A single mum and local baker who supplies Luc's B and B, Loretta has had a no–dating policy since discovering the man she married was a criminal. Bending the rules for Luc is a possibility, but not if she finds out he's on probation. Luc will soon be a free man and his record expunged, but there's no pleasure in freedom when it means giving up the woman he loves.

This is one crime that mystery writer Joan Bateman can't solve herself For years she's lived with a dual identity. The people of Indigo know her simply as their neighbour, but to crime–mystery readers, she's the bestselling author Jules Burrell. But once her secret is leaked, the media, her fans and her New York agent, Anthony Verdun, all descend on the sleepy little town.

Bourbon Street Blues Maureen Child Java and jazz: the perfect New Orleans blend When coffee executive Parker James storms into the hotel bar after a frustrating business meeting, he spots the beautiful woman who sang at his wedding ten years ago. Holly Carlyle has never forgotten that booking. Hours before the vows, she'd walked in on the bride–to–be with someone other than Parker. The marriage is long over, and Parker is ready to move on–with Holly. The jazz they both love draws them together, but Parker's ex–wife threatens Holly with blackmail to keep them apart. Holly knows she's been silent too long. There's a risk in telling the truth, but it's one she has to take.

An inheritance he never wanted Indigo's opera house was a gift from Alexandre Valois to his wife long before the Civil War. Marjo Savoy, head of the opera house committee, is determined that the historic building will never be sold. Photojournalist and the current owner, Paul Clermont, has no interest in holding on to the property he's inherited–he values his freedom too much to be burdened by real estate. But something keeps drawing him back: the quiet beauty of the bayou, the stirring music of his Acadian ancestors or maybe Marjo herself. After years of wandering, he's beginning to wonder if this is where he truly belongs.

Some Like It Hot Lori Wilde If you can't take the heat The kitchen at the Hotel Marchand is hot and steamy. Head chef Robert LeSoeur and sous–chef Melanie Marchand have been battling each other since their first day together. Taking orders and curbing her creative instincts is tough for an ambitious professional like Melanie, and the attraction she feels for her boss makes it even harder. There's only one solution: get rid of the guy. But when she finds a way to do just that, the doubts begin. She'd have the kitchen to herself, but Melanie also knows she'd be giving up the one man she can't afford to lose.

If it could happen once... Anne Marchand is a successful, independent businesswoman who loved her late husband, Remy, with all her heart–and no one could ever take his place. William Armstrong knows that, but he'll do anything in his power to make Anne see that it's okay to love again. William's a patient man. It was discipline and a willingness to take risks that helped him build his hotel chain. And when he sees Anne's beloved Hotel Marchand being threatened by a takeover bid, he can't sit back and do nothing, so he counters with a secret offer himself. The only mistake he makes is not telling Anne the second time around!

It's never too late for the truth It's the craziest time of year in New Orleans, but Charlotte Marchand has never experienced a Mardi Gras quite like this. Someone on her staff is out to destroy her family's hotel, and as general manager, she can't let that happen. Even the unexpected return of her high school sweetheart, Jackson Bailey, can't completely distract her. But it's only when the two of them are kidnapped and their lives are at risk that Charlotte reaches the stunning realisation: Jackson is the only man she's ever loved.<