Widely heard and read throughout the middle ages, romance literature has persisted for centuries and has lately re-emerged in the form of speculative fiction, inviting readers to step out of the actual world and experience the intriguing pleasure of possibility. Medieval Romance is the first study to focus on the deep philosophical underpinnings of the genre’s fictional worlds. James F. Knapp and Peggy A. Knapp uniquely utilize Leibniz’s “possible worlds” theory, Kant’s aesthetic reflections, and Gadamer’s writings on the apprehension of language over time, to bring the romance genre into critical dialogue with fundamental questions of philosophical aesthetics, modal logic, and the hermeneutics of literary transmission. The authors’ compelling and illuminating analysis of six instances of medieval secular writing, including that of Marie de France, the Gawain-poet, and Chaucer demonstrates how the extravagantly imagined worlds of romance invite reflection about the nature of the real. These stories, which have delighted readers for hundreds of years, do so because the impossible fictions of one era prefigure desired realities for later generations.

Reproduction of the original: Romance by Walter Raleigh

USA Today Best-selling paranormal romance author Felicity Heaton presents Runaway Hearts (Sons of Lyra Science Fiction Romance Series Book 2) Heir Prince Lyra I hates his life, and it’s only getting worse. Not only do Sebastian’s parents force him to remain on Lyra Prime with them and control his life, now they’ve gone and arranged his marriage. Unable to stand the thought of getting married before he’s seen the stars as his three younger brothers do and tasted adventure, he decides to run away. Only that’s not as easy as it sounds when you’re one of the infamously handsome sons of Lyra. Terea needs to get away. She’s had it with men and her family. When she spots a man who looks as though he has a little money, she sees her chance and pickpockets him. The only trouble is, he’s quicker than her. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s been caught and is agreeing to leave the planet with him. Anything to escape Lyra Prime and her future there. Terea’s plan to escape Sebastian when they’ve left the planet behind is shattered when he cleans himself up and changes on her, losing his naive air and becoming a confident and dangerously sexy man. A bottle of the strongest alcohol available is her last resort, but getting him drunk to the point of passing out means she’ll have to drink too, and before she knows what she’s doing, she’s sitting astride his lap feeding him the alcohol and kissing him. When the ship is forced to stop and boarded by Minervan military looking for him, will Sebastian hand himself over to protect Terea? Will Terea stand by and let the man she’s falling for get hurt or will she sacrifice herself and return to her family for the sake of saving him? Will two runaway hearts find the freedom they’re searching for in each other’s arms? Books in the Sons of Lyra Science Fiction Romance Series Book 1: Slave Princess Book 2: Runaway Hearts Book 3: Fight For Love Book 4: Stranded Also available as a boxed set

Romance—the Western way! Harlequin Western Romance brings you a collection of four new heartwarming contemporary romances of everyday women finding love. Available now! This box set includes: HER COLORADO SHERIFF Newly hired as interim sheriff of Hidden Springs, Colorado, Cullen Brannigan plans to move into a house on the family ranch…except he finds it’s already occupied by Shelby Townsend and her five-year-old nephew! A VALENTINE FOR THE COWBOY Sapphire Mountain Cowboys • by Marie Ferrarella Rancher Eli Clayton is raising his little fourteen-month-old daughter, Libby. When he sees her happily ensconced in the arms of a beautiful stranger, he begins to wonder if his daughter needs a mommy…and if he needs a wife! THE BULL RIDER'S COWGIRL Men of Raintree Ranch • by April Arrington When easy-living bull rider Colt Mead becomes his young sister’s guardian, he needs Jen Taylor’s help. But it will take more than friendship to convince the determined barrel racer to give up her race for glory. RODEO FATHER by Mary Sullivan Cowboy Travis Read has always been a loner. But when he meets Rachel McGuire, the pregnant widow and her daughter make him believe being part of a family might be possible after all!

Romance—the Western way! Harlequin® Western Romance brings you four new heartwarming contemporary romances of everyday women finding love in one collection! This box set includes: TO TRUST A RANCHER Made in Montana by Debbi Rawlins A vicious lie drove Becca Hartman from Blackfoot Falls, Montana. Now she’s home and facing a heartbreaking choice. Can Becca trust rancher Ryder Mitchell with the secret that could tear her life apart? HER COWBOY’S TRIPLETS The Boones of Texas by Sasha Summers India Boone is determined to build a new life for her and her son, independent of others. But Brody Wallace’s attentions are hard to resist…and then there are his adorable toddler triplet daughters! THE BULL RIDER’S BABY BOMBSHELL Saddle Ridge, Montana by Amanda Renee Champion bull rider and confirmed bachelor Wes Slade donated sperm so a friend could have a baby. Now she’s missing and her sister, Jade, is desperate to find her—while caring for his triplets! RODEO FAMILY Rodeo, Montana by Mary Sullivan An investigative journalist has finally uncovered the story sure to propel her out of her Montana hometown and back to her career in NYC. Trouble is, she’s falling for the cowboy she’s supposed to be reporting on! Look for 4 compelling new stories every month from Harlequin® Western Romance!

Harlequin Medical Romance – December ‘22 – Box Set 1 of 2 Harlequin Medical Romance brings you a collection of three new titles, available now! Enjoy these stories packed with pulse-racing romance and heart-racing medical drama. This Harlequin Medical Romance box set includes: CHRISTMAS MIRACLE ON THEIR DOORSTEP Carey Cove Midwives By Ann McIntosh Discovering a baby left on a doorstep ignites all Dr Theo’s and midwife Nya’s protective instincts! But caring for this infant together has Nya seeing her old friend in a different light. Are they prepared to put their bruised hearts on the line? SINGLE MOM’S MISTLETOE KISS Carey Cove Midwives By Rachel Dove Midwife Marnie knew a wish was granted when she held her newborn baby. Being a single parent is tough, so new midwife Ash’s support is invaluable – and his kiss is unexpectedly magical! But, as they countdown to Christmas, will Ash stay? SAVING CHRISTMAS FOR THE ER DOC By Kate Hardy Dr Rachel is putting her old life behind her, starting with a new job. Christmas is Rachel’s favorite time of year, unlike her boss, Dr Tim, who dreads it. Could this most festive season bring them a new chance at happiness, together?