An Autumn Embrace — Lia Davis

Second chances, friends to lovers, and forbidden romance spark in this collection of steamy short stories. Brimming with magic and mystery, these five forced-proximity romances range from sensual to spicy, the perfect companion to keep your heart toasty in sweater weather. Hunker down by the hearth, pour a glass of cider, and fall into Autumn's warm embrace by reading…     The Mating Hex, by Lia Davis: Kitchen witch Pepper meets her mate and hexes him at the same time. Talk about first impressions. While searching for a way to break the spell, she discovers a secret her mother took to her grave. And lucky her, secrets run in the family. The father she thought died long ago is back, and he's got dark plans of his own. Ghostly Intentions, by Melody Johnson: Nannette doesn't mind seeing dead people; it's the living people she can't trust. But when Colton invites her to a Halloween party in his family's cemetery, communing with the spirits of the oldest and darkest bloodline in their witches' coven is an opportunity for power that Nannette can't resist, no matter the risk to her person … or her heart.  A Barking Chance, by Leah Miles: Forced to work together to evaluate his late uncle's dog training center, Zane and Beth find more than memories in the office files. Whoever cooked the books is willing to destroy their lives as well as the paperwork to cover the evidence of their crimes. With the business and her dogs on the line, can Beth and Zane forgive the mistakes of their past to save their future together? Love in Three Parts, by M.J. Gates: Elizabeth loved Gabe, but any chance of them becoming more than friends is ruined when her roommate seduces him. A decade later, she's a successful doctor, and he's a decorated Army veteran. When unlikely circumstances force them back together, will she find the courage to bare her heart and give their relationship the chance it never had? The Essence of Cinnamon, by CS Bennett: In this whirlwind period tale set in the early 1900's in the Huntsville, Alabama, an artist's passion for his work collides with the love he discovers with an unlikely model. Their relationship defies convention, but when a jealous suitor threatens everything they hold dear, their carefree autumn becomes more like the Fourth of July, fireworks and all.  Proceeds benefit the First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization helping writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.