Pamela Howard can't believe what she let her friend Maisie talk her into - a charity costume contest where she's made to dress as King Louis XVI. Her partner, dressed as Queen Marie Antoinette, reminds her of a man she's spent five long years trying to forget. Hank Delacroix is ready to throttle his friend Jake. Hank is a great clown around his 49er teammates, but six-inch heels and a poodle on his head are a bit much. He has to be the tallest drag queen in the state. When he meets his Louis partner, he can't keep memories of the only woman he ever loved from waking in his mind. When Hank realizes Louis is his ex-fiance, he has to find a way to make her stop running away from him so he can finally apologize.

Short story available through Coffee Time Romance Anthology available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Carmel, California

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," exclaimed Pam. She watched Maisie applying the finishing touches to her costume.

It was bad enough that she was being forced to dress as a man, but that costume came complete with funny pants with hose and garters, a hideous powdered wig and a hat with so many feathers she felt like the ostrich they came from.

"Don't be such a stick in the mud," said Maisie. "Stand up straight and let's get this cape on you."

Pam suppressed a groan. "Really, Maisie. Why can't I dress as Marie Antoinette? I would rather have been dressed as her poodle than Louis XVI," she continued to grouse. Maisie just laughed. "Tell me again why you and Jake didn't sign up for this? Why me?"

"Because Jake doesn't have the legs for it. And I seriously doubt Louis ever carried a child other than in his arms." Maisie stepped back and waved both hands in the direction of her enormous belly.

"Okay, you have me there. But you could have at least introduced me to Marie Antoinette. Even the real Louis got to meet his bride before they wed."

"We would have, but Hank didn't arrive until late last night and there wasn't time this morning. When you're ready, we'll find him and I'll introduce him personally. You'll like him. He's a real sweetheart."

Pam wasn't convinced this was going to work. The charity costume contest was for couples and she'd never heard about Hank until last week. She didn't see how they could pull this off.

The contest itself was simple. The event was being staged in the gardens of La Playa Hotel and each contestant was given a room in which to prepare, which was where Pam and Maisie were now. Each couple dressed as a famous romantic couple in history and paraded up and down a catwalk. The twist was that each couple had to wear the other's costume. The audience would vote by donation for their favorite couple. All donations were going to each couple's chosen charity. The couple with the highest donations would win the contest.

Easy.

Yet, Pam was anything but at ease over the whole affair. She couldn't remember ever being so nervous. She would be in full costume; no one would recognize her. She hadn't met her "date" yet, but once this was over she'd never see him again. And the money was going to charity.

So why was she so nervous? She normally enjoyed crazy stunts like this.

But something didn't feel right. The last time she'd heard the name Hank was when she was kicking his sorry butt out of her apartment. She'd left San Francisco after that and never heard from him again. She knew nothing about this Hank, but was certain that there was more than one Hank D. Higgins in the world.

"Don't look so glum." Maisie's voice cut through the fog in Pam's mind, handing her the walking stick. "It'll be over in a couple hours."

"Says you."

Maisie just laughed again. "Yes, says me. Now, turn around and look in the mirror."

The image staring back at Pam was eerily male. Eerily overstuffed, froufroued and pompously male. She'd always thought her features were feminine, but now she wasn't so sure. She couldn't remember the last time she wore so much satin and lace…outside of her bed sheets that is.

REVIEWS

I picked up No Law Against Love becuase of a writer local to my home town of Carmel by-the-Sea, California. Kemberlee Shortland's story, "Tutti-Frutti Blues" and "Dude Looks Like a Lady", brought back memories of the small town I grew up in. Shortland's style of writing is both fun and creative; I look forward to reading more of this authors work in the future!

~ T.Zwagerman, reader

Here are twenty-four stories for your reading pleasure. Truly, they are all well-written and entertaining. Several are hilarious. I give NO LAW AGAINST LOVE Top Pick for fun-factor and Top Pick for HOT-factor. My only complaint is that the stories weren't longer. They are all great reads but Bad Cat, Single Girls Can't Jump, and Dude Looks Like a Lady were my favorites. But, you read it, and pick your own favorite. They're all fabulous.

~ Cynthia Whitten at Romance Reader at Heart

Dude Looks Like A Lady is a read where the characters and the settings are all quite believable. The storyline is great making it a fantastic read about romance that last throughout many years. Ms. Shortland has penned a story that touches the heart and leaves a wonderful sigh.

~ Linda at Romance at Heart Magazine

NO LAW AGAINST LOVE is like an assorted box of deluxe chocolate bonbons. There is something there worthy of every palate. Every devilishly naughty story is based upon a “silly law” still on the law books. Yet, because of these existing laws the heroes and heroines are brought together in undeniable love. I couldn’t read just one. Like chocolate melting in my mouth I had to open the box again and chose another delectable morsel. And you will too. You won’t be able to stop yourself.

~ JoEllen Conger, author

REMARKABLY MARVELOUS COLLECTION! ENJOY EACH AND EVERY STORY - LOVELY AND WELL-DONE!

~ Viviane Crystal at Crystal Reviews

I didn't read one story that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. There was an excellent mix among stories and authors...I laughed, I cried and I wanted more...I can't tell when I enjoyed an anthology more. I only had one complaint and that was I wished some of the stories were longer which can't be a bad thing...I look forward to more anthologies from these talented authors and from Highland Press.

~ Kathy Boswell at The Best Reviews

A stellar anthology that had me laughing, sighing in pleasure, believing in magic, and left me begging for more! Will there be a second anthology someday? I sure hope so! This is one novel that I will go directly to my "Keeper" shelf, to be read over and over again. Very highly recommended!

~ Detra Fitch at Huntress Reviews

...you are in for an unbelievably rollicking good time!...one unforgettable, funny and sensual delight. This book comes highly recommended!

~ Marilyn Rondeau at Amazon.com

A marvelous collection of romantic tales about how love conquers all, despite or because of a silly law.

~ Diane Davis White, author

Authors from around the world have taken silly laws and created wonderfully romantic, fun, and entertaining romance stories. Be well entertained while supporting a worthy cause. Trust me there are no other anthologies on the market today that cover such a wide range of genres and taste.

~ Kristi Ahlers at Romantic Times

Short story available through Coffee Time Romance
Anthology available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble

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