Best Selling Books by Beverly Barton

A thrilling novel of romantic suspense from the New York Times bestselling author of As Good as Dead. “She kept me guessing to the very end.”—Linda Howard Twenty years ago, Jolie Royale was critically wounded during a shooting that left her mother, her aunt, and her aunt’s suspected lover dead. The case was ruled a double homicide and suicide and quickly closed, though rumors abounded as to the murderer’s real identity . . . Jolie would never forget that day—but she could never recall the killer’s face. And now she is coming home to Mississippi for her father’s funeral. Her mixed feelings turn into dread when the investigation into the triple murder is reopened—and it becomes clear as day that a killer is still on the loose . . . Determined to put the past to rest, Jolie turns to Max Devereaux for help. Years ago, he made no secret of his resentment toward her family, but it seems many things have changed—including Jolie’s feelings for her unlikely ally. Now, as she and Max work together to put back the lost pieces of her memories, the striking distance between her and the killer closes. Someone can’t wait for Jolie to remember his face, because by then it will be too late . . . “With its sultry Southern setting and well-drawn characters, this richly textured tale ranks among the best the genre has to offer.”—Publishers Weekly “Fans of authors such as Lisa Jackson, Janelle Taylor, and Heather Graham will enjoy the shivers Barton . . . so deftly delivers.”—Booklist

A young woman suspected of murder is also stalked by a serial killer in this sexy Smokey Mountain thriller by the New York Times bestselling author. Cherokee Pointe, Tennessee, has seen murder before, but nothing like the gruesome death of Jamie Upton, heir to the Upton fortune. The authorities believe the killer was someone Jamie knew…someone hiding a sadistic streak behind a friendly façade. Could that someone be his former lover, Jazzy Talbot? Jazzy has always been Cherokee Point’s favorite target for gossip. But now the girl from the wrong side of the tracks is being targeted for something much worse. Along with being suspected of murder, someone is stalking her like prey. As the killer continues to strike, Jazzy has no one to turn to except an enigmatic drifter named Caleb McCord. As she plunges into Cherokee Pointe’s long-buried secrets, Jazzy gets dangerously close to a killer determined to make her the last to die.

A minister’s young widow is targeted by a small-town serial killer in the New York Times bestselling author’s Southern romantic thriller. To most people, respected clergymen like Mark Cantrell are pillars of the community, and completely beyond reproach. But their killer knows better. They are sinners of the worst kind, and they must burn on earth before they burn in hell . . . Eighteen months after her husband's unsolved murder, Cathy Cantrell has returned to her Alabama home, eager to build a new life for herself and her son. But reminders of her past, like Deputy Sheriff Jackson Perdue, are everywhere. And a spate of recent deaths—each victim burned in the same horrifying manner as her husband—leave Jack and Cathy in no doubt that a serial killer is at work . . . Now as a twisted killer moves in for a final, brutal act of vengeance, buried crimes are coming to light once more. And this time, justice will be swift, merciless, and as silent as the grave . . .

A woman plays a game of cat and mouse with a copycat killer in this romantic suspense novel by the New York Times–bestselling author of Don’t Cry. He begins his work just before dawn, wielding a knife with the precision of a surgeon. Cunning and meticulous, he’s always in control. Mercy is not an option . . . Maleah Purdue is tough, outspoken, and completely dedicated to her work at the Powell Security Agency. But her fearless exterior shatters when a madman begins killing her colleagues one by one, mimicking a notorious serial killer already behind bars. Working alongside top profiler Derek Lawrence, Maleah will do anything to find the murderer, even if it means playing a psychopath’s twisted mind games. No one connected to the Agency is safe. No one is beyond suspicion. For as Maleah and Derek piece together the clues, they uncover a chilling legacy of lies and brutal vengeance—and a killer who has been hiding in plain sight all along . . . Praise for Dead by Morning “A great romantic suspense that grips the audience from the moment the protagonists begin to learn of the assault on Powell and never lets go as the climax diabolically leads to the next unpublished tale. The lead pair is a terrific coupling . . . However, what makes Dead by Morning super is the serial killer, who will be considered one of the vilest of the year.” —The Mystery Gazette “The popular and dependable Barton has again created an intricately plotted, thoroughly engrossing serial killer tale that satisfactorily resolves the current dilemmas but leaves a stunning cliff-hanger.” —Library Journal

TRUSTING HER… They all loved her. That was their mistake. Two husbands, her college fiancé, an influential boss—every man who gets close to Jordan Price is made to pay in blood. And the list is growing… COULD BE… Hired by the Powell Agency to investigate Senator Dan Price’s death, Rick Carson can see at once why people would believe Jordan Price incapable of cold-blooded murder. Slender, pale, and elegant, she stands by her late husband’s graveside exuding sweet vulnerability. Only Rick notices that she never sheds a tear. And the deeper he delves into the string of deaths from which Jordan has profited handsomely, the more convinced Rick becomes that he is dealing with a callous, cunning, unstoppable killer… THE LAST THING YOU EVER DO… The closer Rick gets to the chilling truth, the more dangerous this game of cat-and-mouse becomes. The targets are changing, and suddenly, nothing and no one is safe. If Jordan is as innocent as she claims, Rick may have placed her in a killer’s cross hairs. And if she’s guilty, he’ll never live to regret it…

A woman seeks justice for her murdered cousin—but can't resist a seductive suspect—in this romantic thriller by the New York Times bestselling author. In the courtroom, defense lawyer Quinn Cortez has a reputation as a ruthless predator who always gets what he wants. In the bedroom, it's no different. Quinn is an accomplished seducer with a long list of conquests. But now, someone has brutally slaughtered one of them, and Quinn has no memory of the night he was found in her home . . . Annabelle Vanderley wants justice for her murdered cousin. If Quinn Cortez swears he can find the true killer, she's willing to give him the benefit of a doubt. But then another body is discovered. Then another. And each victim is an ex-lover of Quinn's. Now, consumed by dread, Annabelle wonders just how close she may be to a twisted psychopath for whom her pain would be the ultimate pleasure . . .

A “Southern, sexy and sinful” romantic suspense thriller from the award-winning, New York Times–bestselling author (Lisa Jackson). Sleepy Southern Days As the pampered daughter of one of Spring Creek’s most prestigious southern families, Ella Porter has lived her entire life on the straight-and-narrow. And being “good” has kept Ella safe and sane—until now. Suggestive yet ominous letters have been arriving at her office with alarming frequency. Letters that remind her of the disturbing ones she used to get from Reed Conway—the hellraiser she knew from childhood—after her father prosecuted him for murder. Now Reed’s been released from prison, and though Ella finds herself wanting to believe his claims of innocence, she’s getting closer than a “good girl” ever should to a man with such a bad reputation . . . Dangerous Southern Nights Reed Conway is on a mission: to find out who really murdered his stepfather and put his past behind him. But someone wants to interfere—someone determined to send Reed right back to prison for a brand-new crime. They’ve made it look like he’s still a threat to Ella Porter and her family, when the truth is, the more he sees Ella, the more desperately he wants her. But his attempts to prove his innocence have put both their lives in jeopardy . . . because whoever is stalking Ella will stop at nothing—including murder . . . “Hot, steamy nights and dark family secrets abound . . . The novel’s sizzling sexual chemistry and high suspense will satisfy sunbathers longing for sultry poolside reading.” —Publishers Weekly

A beautiful sheriff tracks a serial killer through small town Alabama in the New York Times bestselling author’s “fun and satisfying” romantic thriller (Publishers Weekly). He’s their secret admirer, wooing them with phone calls, love letters, and special gifts. From a distance, he admires them. Desires them. Despises them. And when he gets close enough, he kills them all. Adams County, Alabama, is a friendly place where everyone knows each other—but not well enough, it seems. Someone among them is a serial killer who first romances, then stalks, kidnaps, and kills his victims. It’s the first big case for sheriff Bernie Granger, and a chance to prove herself to her new partner, Memphis police detective Jim Norton. But this killer is uncannily smart. It’s as if he knows what Bernie is thinking. And his next move is more than shocking—it’s chillingly personal.

A serial killer survivor is about to confront her attacker once again in this thriller by the New York Times bestselling author. The victims are all found face-down in the creek that runs through Cherokee Pointe, Tennessee. Each one is naked, except for the black satin ribbon tied around their necks. And they all share one unmistakable feature—they are all redheads. Socialite Reve Sorrell has come to Cherokee Pointe seeking answers about her shocking connection to Jazzy Talbot. With their good looks and shining red hair, they could be twins—abandoned at birth and raised in very different worlds. But whoever left them for dead thirty years ago isn’t about to let them uncover the truth now. As a serial killer leaves another calling card in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Reve turns to Sheriff Jacob Butler to help her unravel the secrets of her past. But as Reve gets closer to Jacob, a killer gets closer to her…a killer who won’t make the same mistake twice. “A powerful story that kept me up very late—with all the lights on. With a villain you won’t soon forget and nail-biting suspense, As Good as Dead is about as good as it gets.” —Kay Hooper

NINE MONTHS… Hank Bishop had given Susan Redman the greatest gift—the baby her husband hadn't been able to give her. But soon after Hank became the sperm donor and fulfilled her family dreams, Susan was suddenly widowed. Now the rugged lawman felt duty-bound to protect the pregnant beauty. OR FOREVER? He was the man she'd always loved—the man she'd thought would never settle down. But when fate made Hank the father and protector of her unborn child, Susan soon dreamed of forever with the sexy sheriff…. There's nothing like a secret baby to bring a brooding bachelor home again! 3 BABIES FOR 3 BROTHERS

A serial killer finds new hunting ground in the Smokey Mountains in this “smart, sexy and scary as hell” thriller by the New York Times bestselling author (Lisa Jackson, New York Times bestselling author). Just outside Cherokee Pointe, Tennessee, a victim is sacrificed on a makeshift altar—the gruesome handywork of a killer who has evaded authorities in state after state. FBI agent Dallas Sloan knows the scene all too well—just as he knows the killings won’t stop until there are four more bodies. Genny Madoc’s “sixth sense” has brought many of Cherokee Pointe’s residents to her isolated log cabin, looking for help. But now it’s Genny who needs help from disturbing visions that are getting stronger and more violent by the day. Thrown together by necessity, drawn to each other by desire, Dallas and Genny must band together, searching the darkest heart of a town’s hidden secrets before a twisted killer can complete a deadly ritual that will make one of them the fifth victim. “Fast . . . edgy . . . sexy . . . I loved The Fifth Victim!” —Linda Howard, New York Times bestselling author

To save his wife, a Southern detective is drawn into a final showdown with his sadistic nemesis in this romantic suspense series finale. Malcolm York is a sadistic murderer. And with his endless wealth he's funded a series of depraved human hunts. The few who survived can never forget. They can only be thankful the terror is over. Until rumors start swirling . . . Griffin Powell knows the twisted depths of York's madness. He's also sure that York is dead. But then Griff's wife, Nicole, disappears. And the phone calls begin—that familiar voice taunting him, promising to destroy everything Griff loves. Using all the resources of the Powell Agency, Griff searches for Nic, aware that every step propels him further into a madman's web. Because the only way to keep Nic safe is to join one last perverse game where winner kills all, and the loser is dead by nightfall . . .

Inferno by New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard Two hundred years after the Raintree clan defeated them, the Ansara wizards are rising up again to take on their bitterest foes. As king, it's up to Dante Raintree to protect his clan, but when Lorna Clay walks into his life, suddenly fire, always his to control, defeats him, leaving him wondering whether Lorna is to blame. Will Dante's strength be enough to win the fight of his life? Sanctuary by New York Times bestselling author Beverly Barton For Mercy Raintree, war with the evil Ansara clan means she must assume her position as guardian of the Sanctuary—the sacred Raintree home deep in the Smoky Mountains. But doing so threatens to disclose her most precious secret. Dranir Judah Ansara wants to kill Mercy, personally. Then he comes face-to-face with her—and with her daughter, Eve. Will Mercy's closely guarded secret change not only the outcome of the battle…but also Judah's own bitter heart? Haunted by RITA® Award winner Linda Winstead Jones Homicide detective Gideon Raintree can harness electricity and talk to ghosts. To solve his newest case—a relentless serial killer unleashed by the dark Ansara wizards—he will need to wield gifts he's kept hidden. With evil lurking at every turn, Gideon and his alluring new partner, Hope Mallory, are in a race against time to save their love, their family…and their newly conceived child.

Ten years ago, Black Ops commando Deke Bronson's bullet left up-and-coming journalist Lexie Murrough paralyzed It's taken years of painful physical therapy to bring Lexie back from the brink. And Deke is just grateful that she has no memory of his part in the incident that left her injured and him emotionally scarred. He's tried to put the past behind him, leaving the military and joining the Dundee Agency, but he's never been able to forgive himself…. When Lexie, now head of an international charity organization, begins receiving terrifying threats from the son of the dictator killed during that long-ago operation, it's Deke who's assigned to keep her safe from harm. Maybe it's fate's way of giving him another chance, but falling for Lexie isn't supposed to be part of the deal. And what if she finally discovers the truth?

When she begins receiving death threats, former actress Lorie Hammonds turns to her high school sweetheart Sheriff Mike Birkett for help and is stunned to discover that her case is linked to a series of recent murders--and that she is the last name on the killer's list. (Romantic suspense). Original.

Patty was the daughter of the prestigious Rand family’s housekeeper when she fell in love with their son, Spence. But the two were forced apart after his parents found out. Only after their separation did she realize she was pregnant. Fourteen years later, Spence suddenly shows up in front of Patty with his niece, whose parents died in an accident a month earlier. He says he and the little girl both need her help. Patty was rattled by their unexpected reunion. It took her a long time to forget about him. How can he say he needs her now?

Security agent Dante Moran can't afford the luxury of love—in his line of work, emotions can get you killed. Besides, he's never recovered from the pain of losing his high school sweetheart to a serial rapist and killer. As far as Dante is concerned, his heart died the day her body was discovered. But when he's hired to find Tessa Westbrook's missing daughter, Dante is shocked to feel his long-buried emotions rise to the surface. Tessa stirs something in him that he hasn't felt since he was a kid…something that makes him think she could become more than a client. But Tessa's past is full of secrets, and with a killer still on the loose, Dante must decide if she's worth dying for….

HE HAD THE ONE THING SHE WANTED…. Lori Lee Guy had always longed to be someone's mommy—and she had never imagined wild and wicked Rick Warrick as anyone's daddy. But here she was, childless. And here he was, still sinfully sexy…and single-handedly raising an adorable little girl. SHE WAS THE LAST THING HE NEEDED…. How could Rick have falled for Lori Lee—again? He'd learned the hard way that she was holding out for Mr. Perfect, and this bad boy had no intention of being tamed into becoming a model husband! But his daughter and Lori Lee had other ideas….

WAY OUT WEST THE BADDEST MAN IN TEXAS? A quarter-breed cowboy like Luke McClendon had no business wooing golden girl Deanna Atchley. So when Luke was sent to prison for the murder of Deanna's father, it came as no surprise. Everyone in Stone Creek, Texas, knew Luke was just no good. Now Deanna was back in Luke's life, determined to clear his name. But the hard-hearted loner wasn't looking for redemption—only revenge. And as soon as he seduced the sweet beauty, he'd have it. But once Deanna was in his arms again, Luke wondered if the time had finally come to claim the bride who was rightfully his…. Because there's nothing like a cowboy.

A serial killer lures a beautiful FBI agent into high stakes game of life and death in this romantic thriller by the New York Times bestselling author. The game is simple: he is the Hunter; they are the Prey. He gives them a chance to escape. To run. To hide. To outsmart him. But eventually, he catches them. And that's when the game gets really terrifying . . . Private investigator Griffin Powell and FBI agent Nicole Baxter know a lot about serial killers—they took one down together. But this new killer likes playing games with Nic and Griff. Every unsolvable clue, every posed victim, every taunting phone call—it's all part of his plan. But now the Hunter is changing the rules . . . The brutal psychopath needs a worthy adversary. To him, Nicole is the most precious prey of all. And he won’t stop until he gets his chance to hunt her down. Now, with his partner in a killer's sights, Griff is playing for the biggest stakes of his life.

A widow accused of her husband’s murder may be the next to die in the bestselling author’s “sexy and clever” Southern romantic thriller (New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard). As the blazing heat of summer gives way to sultry September, a shroud of suspicion settles over the sleepy Alabama town of Noble's Crossing. Lane Noble Graham stands accused of murdering her ex-husband. And the one man who can help, Johnny Mack Cahill, vowed never to return to the town that scorned him—or the woman whose love he knew he didn't deserve. From the rusted-out trailers on the wrong side of the river to the stately pillared mansions along Magnolia Avenue, everybody has something to hide. But one secret could make Lane and Johnny Mack the next targets of a twisted killer who's determined to striking again . . . "A sizzling, sexy tale that grabs the reader by the throat and doesn't let go." —New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson

PASSIONATE SECRETS One sultry night many years ago, Sheila Vance became a woman in Caleb Bishop's arms. And though he never knew it, Caleb became a father. Now the hard-hearted bachelor was back in town, and Sheila fought the fiery attraction between them. For this time, Caleb had the power to hurt not only her, but also her precious child. When Caleb saw Sheila again, he wanted her back in his life—and in his bed. But he suspected more than passion made her tremble beneath his touch—and Caleb was determined to discover the elusive beauty's every secret…. 3 Babies for 3 Brothers: There's nothing like a secret baby to bring a brooding bachelor home again!

The price for a passionate night is a loveless marriage? Paige had a one-night stand with a man she was stranded in an elevator with, the night the storm took out the power. She regrets doing something so out of character, only to find out that he is the president of her new job, Jared. He tells a flustered Paige to forget that night ever happened. Four months later he comes back to work to find out her secret. "If the baby you're carrying is mine, let's get married." She can't marry someone that doesn't believe in marriage...

THE AGENT: Burke Lonigan, weapons expert and world-class charmer THE MISSION: To destroy a dangerous traitor, while defending his woman and child! Facing off with a deadly menace was easy for Burke Lonigan—until a beguiling beauty stepped in danger's path. The only way Burke could protect Callie Severin was to make her his wife. Then Burke discovered his new bride was the beautiful stranger he had taken to his bed one passionate night long ago—and the mother of the child he'd never known! Now Burke was determined to defend his family—and damn the consequences to his heart! a year of loving dangerously Where passion rules and nothing is what it seems….

THE PROTECTORS THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN…? Gabriel Hawk was every mother's worst nightmare…and every daughter's secret fantasy. Unless that daughter was Rorie Dean! Unfortunately, the dark, brooding man with a heart of stone and a body that yelled sex was Rorie's only chance of finding her nephew…. And Rorie would face any danger to rescue the boy. But days trekking through the jungle, dodging bullets and chasing a trail of lies were nothing compared to the look in Gabriel's eyes…or the passion she found in his arms. Was it just the moment—or was it love? Ready to lay their lives on the line, but unprepared for the power of love.

A MAN OF HONOR And honor was the only reason well-muscled former mercenary Aloysius Murdock agreed to be Catherine Price's bodyguard. For Murdock owed Catherine's father his life. But once Murdock laid eyes on his best friend's beautiful daughter, he realized he would do anything for her…. A WOMAN IN LOVE Catherine knew better than to succumb to the passion Murdock clearly offered, for she believed in love—and Murdock had given up on love long ago. Still, something in his heated gaze made her believe that the battle-worn bachelor needed her. Maybe just as much as she needed him….

15th Anniversary Celebrating fifteen years of romance Silhouette INTIMATE MOMENTS HE WANTED TO GIVE HER A CHILD Powerfully built and ruggedly handsome, Mitch Hayden walked into Emily Jordan's life and took her senses by storm. The ache in his searing blue gaze matched the loneliness in her soul, and soon the pretty widow had fallen hopelessly in love with a man she barely knew. A man too dangerous to love… For Mitch hadn't come to Emily's home by chance. He'd come to ask forgiveness for the role he'd played in her tragic past—for the dreams of family he'd destroyed. Now he longed to give her the child she wanted, the happiness she deserved. But if Emily discovered who he really was, Mitch would be the last man she could ever love.

In Murder. . . The last sounds Dean Wilson hears are a clock striking twelve and a killer's taunting words. And his death is just the first. One by one, victims are stalked and shot at close range. Only the killer knows their sins, and who will be the next to die at midnight. . . And In Life. . . In the ten years since her Hollywood career imploded, Lorie Hammonds has built a good life in her Alabama hometown. When the first death threat arrives, she assumes it's a joke. Then she gets a second note. Sheriff Mike Birkett, her high-school sweetheart, has avoided Lorie since she returned to Dunmore, but when investigators uncover her connection to a string of recent murders, he's drawn into a case that's terrifyingly personal. Timing Is Everything The Darkest Sins He begins his work just before dawn, wielding a knife with the precision of a surgeon. Cunning and meticulous, he's always in control. Mercy is not an option. . . Will Always Maleah Purdue is tough, outspoken, and completely dedicated to her work at the Powell Security Agency. But her fearless exterior shatters when a madman begins killing her colleagues one by one, mimicking a notorious serial killer already behind bars. Working alongside top profiler Derek Lawrence, Maleah will do anything to find the murderer, even if it means playing a psychopath's twisted mind games. Come To Light No one connected to the Agency is safe. No one is beyond suspicion. For as Maleah and Derek piece together the clues, they uncover a chilling legacy of lies and brutal vengeance-and a killer who has been hiding in plain sight all along. . . The Fear. . . Malcolm York is a sadistic monster, guilty of unspeakable crimes. And with his endless wealth he's funded a series of depraved hunts. The few who survived can never forget. They can only be thankful the terror is over. Until rumors start swirling. . . Only Stops. . . Griffin Powell knows the twisted depths of York's madness. He's also sure that York is dead. But then Griff's wife, Nicole, disappears and the phone calls begin--that familiar voice taunting him, promising to destroy everything Griff loves. When You Die. . . Using all the resources of the Powell Agency, Griff searches for Nic, aware that every step propels him further into a madman's web. Because the only way to keep Nic safe is to join one last perverse game where winner kills all, and the loser is dead by nightfall. . .

JAKE BISHOP WAS A DADDY The thought shook the hard-hearted cowboy down to his boots. But once he took his tiny daughter in his strong arms, he knew he would to anything for her…. AND THAT MEANT MARRIAGE But blue-blooded beauty Donna Fields had some crazy notion that a rough-edged rancer wasn't the kind of daddy a little girl needed. Well, he'd show the stubborn new mom just what kind of man she needed—one slow kiss at a time. And soon he'd be sharing his ranch with the two sweet little ladies who'd captured his soul…. There's nothing like a secret baby to bring a brooding bachelor home again! 3 BABIES FOR 3 BROTHERS

Tis the season when anything can happen . . . when passion sparks brightest . . . and miracles and magic can turn any heart toward love . . . The Christmas Stocking, Fern Michaels Philadelphia businesswoman Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors' center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has come home from California with his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in . . . The Ghost of Christmas Past, Beverly Barton Wounded Special Ops officer Mack MacKinnon doesn't have any reason to look forward to the holidays--until he rescues pretty widow Katie Hadley from a raging blizzard. Now, in a season of miracles, he's falling as hard and fast as the Christmas Eve snow . . . The Twelve Desserts of Christmas, Joanne Fluke Take two lovestruck teachers. Add a dollop of conspiring kids. Place in a boarding school over Christmas break. And add a little help--and eight, great recipes--from amateur sleuth Hannah Swenson, and you've got a romantic holiday tale that's sweet, delicious, and definitely served warm . . . Twelve Days, Shirley Jump Of all the luck--Natalie Harris can't believe she drew Jake Lyons as her Secret Santa pal! The dreamy hunk leaves her completely tongue-tied. But with twelve days of secret gifts, sweet notes, and steamy emails to go, she just may conquer her fear and discover something surprising under the tree . . . Treat yourself to four unforgettable tales of holiday romance filled with sugar and spice and everything nice . . .

He was the hot-blooded cop who once stole her heart-right before he turned in his fellow cop: her own father! Now Navajo Joe Ornelas was back, playing the "good guy" once more. And-sweet mercy save her!-Andi Stephens was powerless to deny the passion that still beat within her proud heart.... She was the only woman he'd ever loved. The only one who'd mattered when his duty had torn their tender union apart. And now that Andi needed him, this powerful protector was determined to do all he could. For this time, Joe wouldn't walk away without his honor-or his woman!

The Protectors Married—for all the wrong reasons. A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE… Cleo McNamara desperately needed a husband…someone to father her child and protect her from a would-be murderer. Security expert Simon Roarke bravely took the job. But Cleo was more than he'd bargained for—every touch between them sizzled, every glance smoldered. Roarke took his husbandly duties seriously—all of them—and he would give Cleo the child she craved. But in her arms he found a peace he'd never felt before…and a threat. For not only was Cleo in danger of losing her life…Roarke was in danger of losing his heart! The Protectors. Ready to lay their lives on the line, but unprepared for the power of love.

She had always been the good girl, putting her family first, never thinking of herself. But now Elsa Leone was a woman on a mission, and her well-meaning attempt to put an end to crime in her town had earned her enemies. Deadly enemies. Enter Rafe Devlin, top-notch bodyguard and just about as bad as a man can be. Or so he said. But the moment Elsa saw the tender lover beneath the hard-bodied protector, she knew the stakes had just gotten higher. Because if letting Rafe into her lonely life was trouble, loving him was downright dangerous….

ONLY ONCE HAD HE LET DOWN HIS GUARD… Years ago, rock-solid mercenary Egan Cassidy had spent a night of sensual ecstacy with Maggie Douglas. Now, their son—a child he never knew existed—was being used as ammunition by a vendetta-seeking madman…and Egan was the target. But running to his son's rescue put him face-to-face with the one woman who'd tempted him into vulnerability. He would have to withstand Maggie's allure this time. He was a soldier of fortune—not a husband. But when Egan delivered mother and child to safety's embrace, could he let his newfound family leave his loving arms? THE PROTECTORS Ready to lay their lives on the line, but unprepared for the power of love.

All private security agent Lucie Evans wanted was a fresh start—and the chance to show Sawyer McNamara, her ex-boss, that she no longer craved his absolution for a crime she didn't commit. So when the offer of a trip to South America as the personal bodyguard to a billionaire heiress came up, Lucie jumped at the prospect of leaving the Dundee Agency behind. Then the nightmare began. Kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity, suddenly Lucie's only hope of survival rested with the one man she never wanted to see again…. Sawyer had spent years convincing himself that all he felt for Lucie was contempt—but with her life at stake, he was forced to face his true feelings. Though it may be a case of too little, too late. Because Lucie's captor wouldn't rest until she was silenced…once and for all.

The time has come for the battle to decide the raintrees' fate… War with their archrival, the evil Ansara clan, is unavoidable. For Mercy Raintree, a war means she must assume her position as guardian of the Sanctuary—the sacred Raintree home place deep in the Smoky Mountains. But doing so threatens to disclose her most prized secret—one Mercy has kept to herself for six years. As the solstice looms and the battle heats up, Dranir Judah Ansara gathers his forces, intending to wipe every Raintree from the face of the land. Including Mercy, whom he's claimed as his to kill. Then he comes face-to-face with a secret that could change not only the outcome of the battle—but also Judah's own bitter heart? Originally published in 2007

As their twenty-year high school reunion approaches, Lindsay, Kristen, and Rachel find themselves marked for death by the very same killer responsible for brutally murdering a fellow student.

When she has a one-night stand with her fiancé's brother after her disastrous engagement party, Mary Beth Caine, who has always been the good girl in her small Mississippi town, finds herself torn between two very different brothers. By a New York Times best-selling author. Original.

The countdown has begun. Three marriage-minded women have set their sights on becoming brides. And they're following Prominence magazine's surefire list of ways to meet the grooms of their dreams. How to hook a husband when time is of the essence? Prominence says… "Catch a Cowboy!" Bestselling author SHARON SALA takes her heroine way out West, where the men are plentiful…and more than willing to make some lucky lady "Miracle Bride." "Collide with a Single Daddy!" Award-winning author MARIE FERRARELLA tells the story of a single gal searching for any excuse to visit the playground and catch sight of "a member of 'The Single Daddy Club.'" "Get Personal!" Beloved author BEVERLY BARTON creates a heroine who discovers that personal ads are a bit like opening Door Number 3—the prize for "Getting Personal" may just be more than worth the risk!

Discover heart-racing intrigue in this Thriller Short of romantic suspense. Originally published in LOVE IS MURDER (2013), edited by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown. In this Thriller Short, New York Times bestselling author Beverly Barton releases a riveting read where little is as it first seems. Olivia Lynn Warren, an interior decorator, was just going to drop off some color swatches with a client. How could she have known she’d stumble upon an argument, a murder and a rushed escape? And then came the threats, attempts to make Olivia the next victim. Jed Merrill, a cop, was the one who saved her life the night of the murder and then relied on her to make his case. But now Olivia has been poisoned, and it appears Jed is responsible. Is he really trying to kill her? Don’t miss any of these Thriller Shorts from Love Is Murder: Diamond Drop by Roxanne St. Claire Cold Moonlight by Carla Neggers Poisoned by Beverly Barton Speechless by Robert Browne Lockdown by Andrea Kane Spider’s Tango by William Simon Night Heat by Laura Griffin B.A.D. Mission by Sherrilyn Kenyon Deadly Fixation by Dianna Love Hot Note by Patricia Rosemoor Last Shot by Jon Land & Jeff Ayers Grave Danger by Heather Graham Without Mercy by Mariah Stewart Even Steven by D.P. Lyle Dying to Score by Cindy Gerard The Number of Man by J.T. Ellison Hard Drive by Bill Floyd After Hours by William Bernhardt Blood In, Blood Out by Brenda Novak Wed to Death by Vicki Hinze The Honeymoon by Julie Kenner Execution Dock by James Macomber In Atlantis by Alexandra Sokoloff Break Even by Pamela Callow Dirty Down Low by Debra Webb Broken Hallelujah by Toni McGee Causey Holding Mercy by Lori Armstrong Vacation Interrupted by Allison Brennan I Heard a Romantic Story by Lee Child