Most Popular Books by Cindy Dees

A Black Dragons Inc. Novel Former best friends put their differences aside to rescue a child—but the baby isn''t the only thing that needs saving. A preventable training accident that forced him out of the SEALs has left Gunner Vance bitter and angry. But all that changes when his childhood friend and onetime lover asks for his help. When a gunfight lands a baby on lonely teacher Chasten Reed''s front porch, he knows Gunner is their best chance for survival—assuming they don''t end up killing each other while on the run. Chas and Gunner have a simple mission: identify the baby and get her safely back to her real family. But with jeopardy around every corner of the desperate cross-country journey from New England to Hawaii, simple doesn''t mean easy. The attraction between them might be bulletproof, but their bodies are not. Will Chas and Gunner find what they''ve been craving? Or will the past, and the danger, push them over the top before they can fall in love?

More Than Words: Bestselling authors & Real-life heroines Each year, the Harlequin More Than Words award is given to three women who have worked hard to change people''s lives for the better. Inspired by their accomplishments, three bestselling authors have written stories to honor these real-life heroines. In Light This Candle, Major Mitch McConnell has arrived home after serving overseas for nearly two years. Now he can finally give his condolences to Cassidy Frazier, whose husband died under his command. But when he tracks down the single mother, he finds out that Cassidy is about to be evicted and her son, Cody, is in the hospital. At first, Cassidy tells Mitch she doesn''t want his help. The military wasn''t there for her when it mattered most, so she certainly doesn''t need them now. But Mitch is more than a soldier: he''s a caring, gentle man who''s determined to ease Cassidy''s burdens. And if she lets him into her family, perhaps she can give Mitch something worth fighting for... Look for all three ebooks inspired by real-life heroines: Good Neighbors by Sheila Roberts, Just Joe by Carla Cassidy and Light This Candle by Cindy Dees.

A Stud Games Novel In crime, like in love, there can be no half measures.... Fashion model Zane Stryker needs money—badly. At almost thirty, his glory days are behind him, and he needs capital to start over. When his luggage is switched with a bag containing contraband he''s forced to deliver, it''s either the worst thing that''s ever happened to him... or the best. Enter Sebastian Gigoni, formerly of the British Special Forces, who has to decide just where Zane''s loyalty lies and why. Sizzling attraction erupts between them, but that doesn''t mean they can trust each other. They double down in a race for their lives—and their love—but are their purposes at odds? As they struggle to reconcile their goals, their consciences, and the needs of their hearts, one thing is clear—they must go all in or give up altogether. Previously published by Dreamspinner Press as All In by Ava Drake, July 2017.

New York Times bestselling author Cindy Dees introduces a brave soldier...and the woman who is his toughest challenge Going undercover in a seedy New Orleans club to find her brother, Eve Hankova knows the dangers. But she isn''t prepared for the blazing heat arcing between her and the customer who "buys" her for his exclusive pleasure. Like wildfire, it burns hot and out of control. Navy SEAL Ashe Konig knows no other way to protect Eve from the Russian mob she''s infiltrated at the club. But for this disillusioned loner, is it a suicide mission? As heavily armed mobsters breathe down their necks, the stubborn woman refuses to quit. Ashe doesn''t know who poses the greater danger--the ruthless killers who threaten their lives or the sweet innocent who threatens his heart.

A Mission Medusa operative and a security specialist take on a terrorist cell poised to attack the Olympics in this high-powered thriller. Intense training has prepared Special Forces member Rebel McQueen for anything . . . that is, except sexy security specialist Avi Bronson. They are complete opposites, and yet only Rebel and Avi believe in an imminent terrorist attack. Together, they must protect thousands of innocent lives. But who will save Rebel from certain heartache if she dares to succumb to Avi—and their most dangerous attraction?

When helicopter pilot, Captain Annie O''Donnell, makes a split second decision that nearly kills Special Forces operative, Tom Foley, she feels obliged to stay behind in a war zone and nurse him back to health. As civil war erupts around them and the Blackjacks arrive, the situation goes from bad to worse. Separated by rank, responsibility, and duty, they desperately fight their sizzling attraction. But as time runs out on them and the enemy closes in, their lives and love are on the line.

NYT and USAT bestselling author and screenwriter, Cindy Dees, brings her formidable skills as a master storyteller and master writing teacher to this encyclopedic series analyzing the major tropes used in modern commercial fiction. In this volume, Cindy explores 33 iconic internal romance tropes, the stories of personal affliction, wounds, fears, and personality traits that form obstacles to love inside the hearts and minds of your characters. Written by a working writer for working writers, this is a comprehensive reference guide and brainstorming tool to help you quickly generate ideas, create characters and plot, revise and edit, brand and market your story. You’ll write faster, cleaner, and deliver your audience a story they’ll recognize and love. If you’re writing a novel, script, play, comic, graphic novel, video game script, or any other story format, this book is for you. If you’re writing a love story specifically, or you’re writing any genre of fiction in which you’d like to include a romantic relationship, this book is for you. Each trope entry includes: · a detailed definition and analysis · descriptions of all obligatory scenes necessary to structure this trope correctly · lists of additional key scenes important to this trope · an extensive list of questions to think about when writing this trope · an extensive list of traps to avoid when writing this trope · reasons why audiences love this trope · a list of similar tropes · a list of examples of each trope in action taken from television, film, and novels …every kind of writer in every genre of fiction is going to want these guides in their go-to reference books… …a tour de force how-to on creating stories audiences adore… …the books every writer has been waiting for—a comprehensive walk-through by an industry pro of everything to think about when building a story of pretty much any kind…

She’s a secretary…and she’s also the only person alive who can identify a wanted terrorist. Sophie Giovanni would rather read than run, rather knit than do anything that might make her sweat, and this hot stranger wants to train her to take down a dangerous terrorist…by herself? Brian Riley is a Special Forces operator…and they seriously want him to turn this secretary into a commando capable of infiltrating a terrorist’s compound? It doesn’t help either of them that they can’t be in the same room together without sparks flying like crazy. They can’t keep their hands of each other, and yet that’s exactly what they have to do. He will lose his career if he gives in to the incendiary attraction between them and she will lose her heart, and maybe even her life, if she gets distracted during training. As they fall hard for each other, he’s desperate to talk her out of doing this suicidal mission, and she’s desperate to do it prove she’s worthy of his love. Who will win and who will lose everything in this war of hearts and minds? Cindy Dees is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 100 novels and creator/executive producer of an upcoming thriller television series. She draws upon her experience as a U. S. Air Force pilot to create taut suspense and love on the edge of danger. Lovers of Dees’ high-stakes, fast-paced action will find exponentially increasing tension in each scene and pulse-pounding adventure that will keep readers enthralled. -- RT Book Club Reviews

New York Times Bestselling Author They’re about to live through every parent’s worst nightmare… Myles Colton’s marriage is in trouble the moment he takes on a case that puts him in harm’s way—yet again. This time, though, it’s his wife, Faith, and their son who become targets. When the little boy is kidnapped, Myles will stop at nothing to bring his child home safe. But is there anything he can do to repair his shattered family? From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama. Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the Colton 911: Chicago series: Book 1: Colton 911: The Secret Network by Marie Ferrarella Book 2: Colton 911: Unlikely Alibi by Lisa Childs Book 3: Colton 911: Undercover Heat by Anna J. Stewart Book 4: Colton 911: Soldier''s Return by Karen Whiddon Book 5: Colton 911: Hidden Target by Colleen Thompson Book 6: Colton 911: Guardian in the Storm by Carla Cassidy Book 7: Colton 911: Secret Defender by Marie Ferrarella Book 8: Colton 911: Temptation Undercover by Jennifer Morey Book 9: Colton 911: Forged in Fire by Linda Warren Book 10: Colton 911: Desperate Ransom by Cindy Dees Book 11: Colton 911: Secret Alibi by Beth Cornelison Book 12: Colton 911: Under Suspicion by Bonnie Vanak

"In Cindy Dees and Bill Flippin''s ''The Sleeping King'' our intrepid adventurers found the imprisoned echo of a long lost king on the Dream Plane. He told them how to wake him in the mortal realm: find his lost regalia--crown, ring, sword, shield, and bow--and rejoin them with his sleeping body. [Now], in ''The Dreaming Hunt, '' the heroes begin their quest. But they''ve caught the attention of powerful forces determined to stop them. Worse, their visit to the Dream Plane has unleashed chaos, and the fight is spilling over into the mortal realm. They frantically outrun old enemies and pick up new ones: imperial hunters, a secret cabal of mages, a criminal league, and a changeling army. Are they just pawns in larger political dramas, or are they crystallizing into the nucleus of a rebellion? Can they find the regalia necessary to wake the Sleeping King before they are utterly destroyed?"--Provided by publisher.

She’s a martial arts master and values self-control above all. He’s a good ole’ boy from Louisiana and values fun above all. When these two special operators are sent to a tropical paradise to catch an art thief, sparks are bound to fly. For Kat, it’s hate at first sight, for Jeff, it’s love at first sight—what could go wrong as these two feisty commandos have to work together? And then the mission gets complicated and all hell breaks loose. Can they stay alive long enough not to kill each other, or will the passion sizzling between them be the death of them? Cindy Dees is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 100 novels and creator/executive producer of an upcoming thriller television series. She draws upon her experience as a U. S. Air Force pilot to create taut suspense and love on the edge of danger. Lovers of Dees’ high-stakes, fast-paced action will find exponentially increasing tension in each scene and pulse-pounding adventure that will keep readers enthralled. -- RT Book Club Reviews

NYT and USAT bestselling author and screenwriter, Cindy Dees, brings her formidable skills as a master storyteller and veteran writing teacher to this encyclopedic series analyzing the major tropes used in commercial thriller fiction, film, television, and more. In this volume, Cindy does in-depth analysis of 40 iconic thriller tropes found across all sub-genres of thriller fiction. Written by a working writer for working writers, this is a comprehensive reference guide and brainstorming tool to help you quickly generate ideas, create characters and plot, revise and edit, brand and market your story. You’ll write faster, cleaner, and deliver your audience a story they’ll recognize and love. If you’re writing a novel, script, play, comic, graphic novel, video game script, or other story format that includes a thriller element, this book is for you. Each trope entry includes: · detailed definition and analysis · list of adjacent tropes · list of reasons why audiences love this trope · descriptions of all obligatory scenes necessary to structure this trope correctly · list of additional key scenes important to this trope · an extensive list of questions to think about when writing this trope · an extensive list of traps to avoid when writing this trope · examples of each trope in action taken from television, film, and novels …writers in every genre and format of fiction are going to want these guides in their shelf of go-to reference books… …a tour de force how-to on creating stories audiences adore… …the books every writer has been waiting for—a comprehensive walk-through by an industry pro of everything to think about when building a story of pretty much any kind…

"Nick Cass wakes up in a hospital room with a case of amnesia--and a beautiful woman at his bedside. He only remembers that he was held captive for five grueling years. Surely he wouldn''t forget someone as easy on the eyes as Laura Delaney. But Laura assures him that she and their son are very real. ... When Nick''s past catches up to him and their son is kidnapped, he and Laura must rescue their child"--Page 4 of cover

Keep the daughter of your enemy closer Kindergarten teacher Willa Merris has never wanted her father''s lavish lifestyle. But when he''s murdered, she becomes the executor of his estate. To add insult to injury, Gabe Dawson--her father''s nemesis--informs her that she''s on the brink of financial collapse. Willa doesn''t trust him--or herself...not to run her hands over his chiseled physique. Billionaire Gabe Dawson still remembers the gawky teenager Willa was. But that awkward girl is now a sultry, beautiful woman. Gabe knows he should keep his distance, but he can''t, especially when peril is in hot pursuit. Now he''ll risk his own life to protect the woman he''s dangerously falling for....

She is supposed to be in hiding But his eyes are on her… With her life in danger, operative Gia Rykhof plans to lie low in a small town. A different name, a slight disguise and her years of training should keep her safe. But she’s attracted the attention of Marcus Tate. The muscular stranger claims to be a navy SEAL. But can Gia trust that Marcus isn''t the man sent to kill her? From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama. Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the Runaway Ranch series: Book 1: Navy SEAL''s Deadly Secret Book 2: The Cowboy''s Deadly Reunion Book 3: Her SEAL Bodyguard

A Stud Games Novel Surveillance, seduction, and extra-dirty politics. Christian Chatsworth-Brandeis has a problem. A huge one. The US senator he works for has run away with his latest mistress on the eve of a make-or-break fundraising event, and it''s up to him to cover his irresponsible boss''s tracks. Stone Jackson, Senator Lacey''s new bodyguard, looks enough like him that, with some extensive grooming, he might pass for the senator. Christian and Stone hatch a plan to substitute Stone for the senator, but Miami madness and the incendiary heat between them are throwing obstacles in their way. It''s a race to find the senator and pull off the con of the century before the attraction between them spins completely out of control. Previously published by Dreamspinner Press as Ace in the Hole by Ava Drake, July 2016.

"I have no idea what I''m supposed to do with you." Since Grayson Pierce''s family was murdered, loyalty to Code X--and a death wish--is all that keeps him going. But now the hardened agent is facing his riskiest assignment yet. "Sam," a distractingly sexy operative with supersensitive vision, will need Gray''s nearness more than she''s willing to admit. But will their combustible chemistry compromise their mission? It will take all of Grayson''s training to stay focused as he and Sam uncover a dangerous high-tech conspiracy. Because he can''t risk the consequences to national security...or the woman who''s jump-started his will to live.

Be one of the first to read this sneak preview sample edition! A high-intensity thriller filled with authenticity and breathtaking action from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cindy Dees, with an unforgettable heroine—a retired CIA wet work specialist whose attempt to settle back into normal life meets with resistance from enemies old and new. Retirement isn’t easy for a former CIA assassin. For fifty-five-year-old Helen Warwick, it may be impossible. Even Helen’s family doesn’t know the true nature of the work she’s done for decades—the secret black ops, the sanctioned executions. But her plan to spend time reconnecting with her grown children has just been blown up—along with her son’s house—by hired killers. Why is she being targeted now—and by whom? Years of eliminating the nation’s enemies one sniper bullet at a time have earned Helen powerful adversaries. Then there are mysterious new foes, including a psychopath dubbed The DaVinci Killer, who wages a twisted war with a rival serial killer to turn murder into art. And when he sets his sights on Helen, she may very well become his next exhibit. From homegrown spies to Russian mafia hitmen, Helen’s ghosts don’t just haunt—they kill. And staying alive long enough to make up for the past, and protect those closest to her, will take every ounce of skill she possesses . . .

New York Times Bestselling Author Thrown together to solve a crime… Until she becomes the murderer’s prey. Dedicated forensic scientist Yvette Colton is hell-bent on solving a cold case double murder. So is overbearing detective Reese Carpenter. When Yvette’s brutally attacked, Reese springs to her aid…and she notices that the lawman is as intoxicating as he is infuriating. Sparks between them ignite just as they try to outwit a desperate killer who wants to bring down the Colton dynasty—and especially Yvette. From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama. The Coltons of Kansas Book 1: Exposing Colton Secrets by Marie Ferrarella Book 2: Colton’s Amnesia Target by Kimberly Van Meter Book 3: Colton’s Secret History by Jennifer D. Bokal Book 4: Colton Storm Warning by Justine Davis Book 5: Colton Christmas Conspiracy by Lisa Childs Book 6: Colton in the Line of Fire by Cindy Dees