Be prepared for an all-nighter… She watches the mob kill her twin and is too frozen with fear to stop them. How can she live with that cowardice eating away at her self-respect? Revenge claws at her sheltered existence until she can’t breathe. Though she’s naïve, she isn’t stupid. When she finds a stash of loot in her brother’s gym locker, she has the means. Now all she needs is the guts to make every one of those low-life gang members pay. People might think detectives are hard-assed cops with no home life, but Trace McGuire has a dying mom he loves fiercely. Already stressed over his personal problems, he takes a bullet for a virgin beauty hiding while mobsters shoot her brother. This chick draws out every protective instinct he thought had disintegrated over years on the job and he becomes invested – in her hot body, her plans for retaliation and her fighting spirit. Helpless, he watches her enter the seedy underworld that’ll eat her alive. Then he sees her fight. And wonders if they’ll survive her.

    He wants an uncomplicated assignment. As a celebrity stalker targets Aurora Meridian, the Rider team--Mason and Maxine--are drawn into the sinister underworld of the Russian mafia. Aurora and Mason fight for their lives and each other while Maxine Rider discovers the lines she must cross and the sacrifices to be made to keep her client and her team safe.

    Now it’s giving them a second chance.He walked away because he thought it was what she wanted. When FBI Agent Tom Drake arrives at the scene of a robbery, the last person he expects to see is his ex-wife. Seeing her again reminds him of everything he lost when they divorced, and the only way he's going to survive being around her again is to keep reminding himself this is just another job.She let him walk away because she thought it was what was best for him. Hannah Buffy is conflicted about seeing her ex-husband again, especially when he starts claiming he thinks the robbery at her store wasn’t random. Positive it is just another way for him to paint her as a victim, she ignores his warnings at her own peril.↝ Trigger warning - mature content, issues of sexual assault/abuse, violence ↜

    A rocking career in finance, a great group of friends and singing with the community chorus fill her calendar and provide her with total satisfaction. Until the phone rings. Until an upbeat familiar voice from the past reawakens her heart and reminds her of what she’s been missing.Playwright Doug Collins has never forgotten the girl he left behind. Even though it was Jennifer who’d made that final decision. “Go to New York and have a wonderful life,” she’d said before running back to her family, a family that still needed her. But that was five years ago. Five years of Jen in the back of his mind, nestled in his heart. Now memories are not enough! Doug packs up his car and heads to Boston in search of that “wonderful life.”Most reunions have bumpy beginnings and not all end well. Jennifer and Doug have a lot to figure out. But they’re smart, honest, and were once madly in love. Do they have a chance at finding the ending they so richly deserve?

    But now her uncle's heart is failing and she has to convince him that surgery will save his life. She never dreamed the first thing she'd see when she stepped off the plane would be her biggest nightmare...the one man she'd never stopped loving.Beau Gentry had the fever for two things: the rodeo and Mandy Morgan. But for Beau, loving Mandy was complicated by his father's vendetta against her uncle. This led him to make the hardest decision of his life and he can still see the bitterness and hurt on Mandy's face. All these years it has killed him to think Mandy had forgotten him and moved as far away as possible from him. But now they're back in Texas, and he's going to do all he can to win back her love.HIS HEART FOR THE TRUSTINGEver since Mitch Broader set foot in Texas, he dreamed of owning his own ranch. Now that he's bought a share in the Double T Ranch, he's one step closer to the dream. Then his past greets him in the form of a baby basket, complete with infant and birth certificate naming him as the father. He can't change diapers and work toward his dream at the same time.When Sara Lightfoot, "Miss Hollywood" in Mitch's eyes, rescues him with her particular knack for handling his precocious son, he hires her on the spot as a temporary nanny. No matter how much Sara's dark eyes and warm heart make this bachelor think of making their arrangement permanent, she's made it perfectly clear she has other plans that don't include him or his dreams.Sara Lightfoot never thought she'd return to her home on the reservation. Now she plans to reclaim the life she left by going back to the reservation as a Native American storyteller, teaching the Apache children stories of their culture. She didn't expect Mitch Broader's sexy smile or job offer as a live-in nanny to derail those plans. After all she's been through to come home, can she open up her heart once again to love?THE MORE I SEEAs a top-notch cutting horse trainer, Cody Gentry was riding high until he lost his eyesight after a freak chemical accident. Unable to see the hand in front of his face, never mind the horse or cattle he trained, he knows his life is over and slips deep into depression. His whole future hinges on the success of an eye surgery that could give him his old life back.When guide dog trainer, Lyssa McElhannon, arrives on his ranch like Florence Nightingale coming to save him, he wants no part of her or her guide dog. But something about Lyssa's musical laugh coupled with her tenacity digs under his skin and won't let go. Having been blind most of her life, Lyssa understands the paralyzing fear Cody feels after losing his vision. But she refuses to let the stubborn cowboy waste his life away sitting in a chair when she knows first-hand that a good guide dog can change his world. She just needs one month to prove it to him.Falling in love with Cody was not part of Lyssa's plan, nor was having him open her eyes to see that there was a whole lot of living she'd been missing.

    Since then, she has become a starlet of the Seattle theatre scene, and it looks like that kiss will be the only Ty ever gets. Then, after Shannon's first brush with the hassles of fame brings her relationship with her boyfriend to an abrupt end, she decides to take another trip to Northstar to let her brother and his family and the peace of their secluded home soothe her. It looks like Ty might have another chance to convince her to stay in Northstar… with him. Escape the holiday rush with the newest series of Suzie O'Connell's heartfelt Northstar Romances. The NORTHSTAR ROMANCES by series: NORTHSTAR ANGELS: Mountain Angel (Book 1) Summer Angel (Book 2) Wild Angel (Book 3) Forgotten Angel (Book 4) HAMMOND BROTHERS: First Instinct (Book 1) Twice Shy (Book 2) Once Burned (Book 3) Last Surrender (Book 4) - Coming late 2015 NORTHSTAR HOLIDAYS Mistletoe Kisses (Book 1) - Coming Nov. 1, 2015 A NOTE ON THE CONTENT: The NORTHSTAR ROMANCES are contemporary romances and contain sensual scenes and mild profanity that may be unsuitable for sensitive readers.

    But when Van Buren Enterprises announces plans to develop historic Cape Van Buren into a gold-plated playground for the wealthy, Larkin refuses to watch one more beautiful thing in her life be destroyed, so she sets out to preserve the historic cape—and with it, the memory of her son. Only it isn’t the company she needs to fear, it’s the dangerously irresistible CEO who has the power to derail her plans. Annoyingly arrogant one minute and beautifully wounded the next, he awakens something in her heart that had died with her son even as his actions promise to break it once again.Ryker Van Buren needs closure from his dark childhood and the best way to do that is to level his family home. As the rightful owner of the estate, he plans on developing it into a master community—what better way to secure his future than by selling off his past? Until he locks eyes with the passionate conservationist who fights him at every turn for the rights to his legacy. He can’t keep his hands off her, but worse, he can’t get her off his land or out of his dreams.Attraction sparks and two broken souls recognize each other through the pain. Against all odds, love blooms on the cape. But when their pasts collide, will they choose love in the moment, or will they lose their chance at forever?

    I wanted to build a home, grow my own food, and make a difference for cancer patients at St. Agnes Memorial Hospital. I had big hopes and lots of plans. That was before I met Deacon Girard.He’s arrogant and stubborn, arguing with me even when he knows I’m right. How can such a caring and dedicated doctor be so inflexible? And why can’t I seem to get him out of my head … or my dreams?DeaconI just can’t figure out Emma Carson. Our patients love her, and she’s making a huge difference in their recovery. So what’s my problem? Why do I go out of my way to fight with her constantly?Maybe it’s because she makes me question my intensity and second-guess my focus. Or maybe it’s because I’m not sure if I want to push her away . . . or make her mine.

    She wants isolation and tranquility. Instead, she finds Jack. After securing the perfect summer location to work on her book, Laura arrives at a small cottage on the North Sea in Scotland. There are no kids, no memories of the perfect life she once had, and no distractions…Until a chance meeting with the mysterious Jack Ross changes everything. No matter how hard she fights her desires for the sexy gardener with green eyes and a chiseled body, she can’t stay away from him. But Laura doesn’t know Jack is running from his past—and it’s about to catch up with him. Can the mysterious Jack mend Laura’s broken heart? Or will it crumble more as they strive to bring down a man who could destroy them both? Get set for a suspenseful read based on a summer fling that turns into something more.

    (Books 2.5 & 3.5) THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE A story of love, moving on, and a dog named Louie Veterinarian Holly Thompson accepts a temporary position in Comfort Crossing in an effort to escape all things Christmas. What she finds is a small town that embraces all things Christmas and a handsome neighbor with a small son who both capture her heart. Add to that their adorable pup, and she knows the holidays are not going to be what she planned. At all. Steve Bergeron is quite content being a single father. He’s not willing to risk his heart — or his son’s — on another woman who is sure to leave them. It’s quite clear Holly will be gone by the new year. But he finds himself willing to do anything to chase away the sadness that lurks in the depths of Holly’s eyes. This isn’t part of his carefully laid out plans. At all. When an accident on Christmas Eve forces them both to question their choices, can the magic of the season warm their hearts and bring love and joy back into their lives? THE CHRISTMAS SCARF Sometimes, Christmas wishes bring their own special magic… Missy Sherwood has always wished for one thing, to be a country singer. After trying to make it for years in Nashville, she returns to her hometown of Comfort Crossing, Mississippi, feeling like a misfit and a failure. But there’s no use in telling anyone the truth just yet—she’s here for longer than the holidays, she's home for good. Right? Dylan Rivers is glad to see his old friend return to town, not only to help him with the children’s Christmas pageant, but because her homecoming sparks long-forgotten but never acted upon feelings. But there is no use in acting on those feelings, she’s soon to head back to her fabulous career in Nashville. Right? Then a stranger comes to town and has Missy re-examining her dreams. She gets one final chance at stardom, and her life-long wish is within her grasp. Is there really magic in the stranger’s scarf, or is it in the power of knowing her heart’s true wish?

     Her Cowboy Billionaire Best Friend: A cowboy returning to his hometown—and the best friend he left a dozen years before. She's divorced with a child now...can Laney and Graham build a family and find their happily-ever-after? Her Cowboy Billionaire Boss: A man who's traded his power suits for cowboy boots has feelings for his nanny...can Eli and Meg find love this Christmas? Her Cowboy Billionaire Boyfriend: A public relations director who moonlights as a cowboy, the woman who dislikes him and his energy company, and the job that could bring Andrew and Becca together... Her Cowboy Billionaire Bodyguard: A cowboy lawyer turned bodyguard for his clients...including the celebrity looking for a quick and quiet resolution to her problems. Can opposites Beau and Lily really attract this holiday season?

    Single mom Anne Fraser has sacrificed plenty to get ahead in the world of corporate hotel management. Just ask her eight-year-old daughter, Zoey. When her stepfather asks Anne to fill her late mother’s shoes at the Silver Rose Guest Ranch, Anne can’t say no. Even if the job includes sharing the reins with the man whose kiss she’s never forgotten. Will Cavanaugh planned to be the top bull rider in the country. He’s come close in his fifteen-year career, but now an injury has him sidelined for the summer. He answers his grandfather’s plea for help but soon realizes he’s facing a new dilemma. Could one summer with Anne and her daughter possibly be enough? Or is it just the beginning? Battered and a bit disillusioned by life, Will and Anne return to the Silver Rose to repay old debts. To fall in love again. But, just for the summer. Or, maybe...for a lifetime.

    Only she has no idea he's a billionaire and he has no idea what to do with the sassy girl he needs to shelter until the storm ends.Snowed In with the Billionaire is book 1 of 4 in the Ashley's Billionaire Series. Cliffhanger ending.New college graduate Ashley Spencer has big plans. Now that she has her degree she's ready to conquer the world, but while driving to a new city she gets caught in a snowstorm. Not used to that kind of weather and on an unfamiliar road, she slides into a snowbank and gets stuck. Good thing Colton Drake comes along and rescues her.All billionaire Colton Drake wants is a quiet weekend at his cabin to work and relax, but when he comes across a woman who's about to freeze to death on the side of the road, his plans are thrown into disarray. Ashley is completely different from the women he's used to and he's not quite sure what to do with her.Snowed in together until the weather clears, will Drake and Ashley be able to resist their growing attraction, or will unexpected love blossom amidst a spring snowstorm?Snowed In with the Billionaire was originally titled Snowbound and was published under the pen name Noelle Stevens. A number of changes have been made.

    Due to adult themes, this book is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.Heat level: 3.5Tissue consumption level: 1 boxShe didn’t see this one coming.Samantha Holt had the perfect relationship—until one day, she didn’t. For a woman with psychic abilities, she definitely missed the important signs leading to her boyfriend’s tragic accident. One moment she’s blissfully happy; the next, her world is turned upside down.It takes Samantha two interminable years to rebuild her life, and despite a new love interest, she can’t rest until she learns the truth. Her persistent inner voice won’t stop until she takes a trip to the city where all her romantic dreams were so ruthlessly crushed.A stranger could be the key to discovering the answers she needs.A chance encounter makes Samantha question what really happened that day so long ago. Forced to delve into the mystery of her soulmate's disappearance or accept the new love that life has offered her, Samantha faces a difficult decision.

    See author's note, below Pulling Home (That Second Chance #1) It's taken nine years and a cross-country move, but Audra Valentine Wheyton has kept her secrets safe. She's created the perfect life: a husband who loves her, a daughter she adores, and a position as head writer for an award-winning daytime soap. When her husband dies suddenly, Audra returns to her hometown for the funeral and faces a community that has not forgotten her meager beginnings and the man who has never forgiven her for marrying his brother. Jack Wheyton is a successful pediatric neurosurgeon who is about to become engaged when Audra walks back into his life with her daughter. He forgave his brother long ago for taking something that had been his, something he hadn't even realized he wanted until it was gone. But forgiving Audra is another story...and forgetting her? Near impossible. When a shattering illness strikes Audra's daughter, she turns to Jack to save her child and risks exposing a secret that will change their lives forever. A Family Affair: The Promise (Truth in Lies #7) Grant Richot sprinted through life, a boy wonder with talent, intelligence, confidence, and charm. He never doubted the world awaited him, just as he never doubted the right woman would come into his life—but only when he was ready for her. Anyone before that was simply preparation for the one. How wrong he was. Years and a tragedy later, Grant arrives in Maggie Finnegan’s hometown of Magdalena, New York—broken, uncertain, and searching for that second chance with the woman he cast aside. But Maggie’s no longer naïve and impressionable; she’s a confident, competent widow with a child, who has more at risk than another broken heart… Note from Mary: I love secondary characters: writing them, reading about them, even watching them on the big screen. Secondary characters support the “stars”; make them more vibrant and compelling. But when the story ends, I’m often left wondering what they’d do if they were in the “spotlight”. That’s why I’ve created special boxed sets that were part of That Second Chance series and the Truth in Lies series. These boxed sets let the reader follow the before and after of select characters as they first appear in That Second Chance series and later in the fictional town of my bestselling Truth in Lies series. Boxed Set One contains Pulling Home and A Family Affair: The Promise. I invite you to follow their journey!