Life isn't always calm and serene as you'll find out from this fascinating collection of short stories written by some of the most well-known writers of the romantic suspense and paranormal genres.

J.D. Robb's Chaos in Death starts things off with a bang as Eve Dallas encounters one of her most puzzling and dangerous cases ever. The brutal murder of three young people in an unused building is particularly gruesome even for Eve. It should be a little easier to solve than most of her cases because she's got a few witnesses that actually saw the killer. However, this doesn't help her quite as much as one would think because the description of the murderer is that of a true monster!

Mary Blayney's Her Greatest Treasure isn't quite as hard hitting as the preceding story, but it definitely holds your interest. Lydia Chernov is a shopkeeper on her own now that her husband, Alexei Chernov has been killed at sea. She's well-respected in the city and has many clients that crave her many fabrics. Lydia is on her way to a business meeting one night when her carriage is ambushed by a large man whose intent is to take something from her. She has no idea what he wants but manages to escape right into the arms of one daring and dapper Mr. Chase. By the story's end, her greatest treasure will be revealed.

Patricia Gaffney's Dear One incorporates the wildly popular psychic hotlines into a romantic story like you've never experienced. Molly McDougal by day is also Madame Romanescu by night. She has her own psychic line to make some much needed extra money. While there are some definite psychic genes running through her family, Molly doubts seriously that she has inherited any of them. She just goes by her intuition and deep caring of people to guide her along. Then, she connects very strongly with an older man. They share a wonderful friendship that his grandson, Oliver, is trying to sever. Told with humor, this heartwarming tale of two people brought together by fate will have you smiling at the end.

Ruth Ryan Langan brings Unforgiven to the mix. Brianna Kerr has come to Scotland with a mission. She wants to see her late husband's mansion and decide whether or not she can put back together the shattered pieces of her life. As she passes her first night in the guest cottage, she meets Jamie Kerr, a ghost who's been dead for centuries. Jamie has a huge chip on his phantom shoulder and is intent on driving Bree from the premises, but she's not giving up that easily. This is a wonderful romantic ghost story with a lovely ending.

Last is Mary Kay McComas' His Brother's Keeper, and it's a very sweet and somewhat mysterious love story. Ivy writes and illustrates children's books, but she's been a bit blocked lately. This led her mother to call upon friends to let Ivy use their cabin while they were away. Actually much more than a cabin, this serene setting on a beautiful lake should be everything Ivy needs to get back on track. It's not helping, though, due to some very disturbing dreams she's been having. Her nearest neighbor, Craig, checks in on her and there's an instant attraction between them. Little do they know just how connected they'll be before it's over.

A very entertaining collection of short stories, THE UNQUIET is filled with tales of losing and then regaining your serenity, or your quiet. Choose a calm place to enjoy them.