Until commandos stormed the place and took a hostage. But they had the wrong woman…the very woman Aaron had started dating—under a different cover.Risa Peters couldn't convince the gunmen she was the wrong hostage, nor could she believe her so-called "tax attorney" boyfriend wrested her away. But as the threats against her escalated, Risa and Aaron found themselves trapped in the building in the midst of a deadly conspiracy. And only her sexy new protector—a man she hardly knew but already wanted—stood between her and a bullet.

    All she’s ever wanted is a place to call her own—a life that is wholly hers that no one can take away. She thought she finally had it, but with the strike of a single match, everything she worked so hard for is reduced to a pile of smoking ash. And she almost is too.Now she’s being stalked by someone who’s decided it’s her time to die. The only thing standing in the path of her blazing death is sexy firefighter Holt Arkain.Katie’s body might be safe with Holt… but her heart is another story.As the danger heats up, sparks fly and the only thing Katie knows for sure is that her whole life is about to go up in flames.

     Six years ago she escaped from prison and lived on the run every since. Now her conviction has been overturned and she's returned home to try to rebuild her life. When a storm washes a school van into a raging river, Kimberly and private investigator Cooper Washington jump in and save the kids and driver...but one child is missing. Was she ever even on the school bus? If not, who took her? Kimberly's chance at a "real life" is jeopardized by the ghosts of the past and the suspicions of the present.

    This beautifully written book will keep you up all night. There are plenty of clues and there are a lot of hints, but even when you put them all together, it will be close to impossible to puzzle your way to the ending. If you are looking for a book, you can't put down, then Governor's Road is just right for you. Excitement, frisky loving, a mystery of epic proportions and traditional southern pathos make this book a fun and rewarding read. The terrorized children of Governor’s Road grew up without resolution or closure to the most devastating event of their young lives. Their friend, a child their age, disappeared one afternoon and somehow, they never seem to learn what happened. Saddened parents decide to protect their children and the obvious fear recedes in the face of the calm that settles back over the neighborhood. But, fear never really disappears until it's confronted. As adults, JoBeth and Billy set out to discover what happened to little Petey Shiner. The answer brings them to conclusion that there is no perfect childhood, even in a perfect town in a perfect decade. Every town hides its secrets and puts on a good face, even at the expense of its residents. Along the way, JoBeth and Billy discover love and romance. Their kindling of love takes you to places you can only want to return to…and their future makes you happy. It’s their past that is so hard to reconcile. As well as a lot of fun, a dark mystery and hot southern romance, JoBeth and her friends also encounter the harsh reality of Alzheimer’s and aging. Sometimes, a loved one can be lost more than once. The malevolent specter of mental illness surfaces when the reader meets Lucius Sifer and begins to understand the unusual existence the boy leads. The ending is grim but satisfies that need everyone has for justice. The most humble people can achieve heroism without fanfare or acknowledgment. As always, enjoy your adventure into the south...and remember, thoughtful book reviews are welcomed with open arms. Please see Observations of a Transplanted Southern Belle for more of Laurie Byrne Smith's work.

    The only male role-model in Alfonzo's life is his beloved Uncle Al but even he can not curb the youth's rebellion or alter the course of Alfonzo's destiny. Alfonzo's fate was written the moment he emerged from the protection of his mother's womb. The blood of a faceless father runs deep in a son's veins and blue eyes are only part of a deadly legacy.When Uncle Al and his wife are brutally murdered the door to the past is sprung open. Lies, greed and a quest for power began on the shores of Italy reaches its bloody hand to New York's inner city to strike at a young man perched to inherit a mafia empire! A pulsating, adult drama packed with heat!Look for Volume II entitled: ASCENSION in this riveting series.

    But now she needs him more than ever...ABEKalista isn’t just another client, she’s the face that’s been haunting my dreams for the last three months. I can’t get the woman out of my head, not since we shared one of the hottest nights of my life. She’s under my skin, and I want her back underneath me. Keeping my head isn't going to be easy, she knows exactly how to push all my damn buttons. Stubborn doesn’t even begin to describe the woman. Infuriating, cold, and sexy as sin, they come close, it’s lucky I know how to warm her up. But I can’t think like that with her life on the line. I live to protect, as marine for over a decade and now as a bodyguard. No matter what it takes, I will keep Kalista safe. Whoever's behind the threat on her life had better be ready, because I'm coming for them.

     Charlotte police officer Jordan Monroe is used to being in control. Ever since his father died, he has provided for his mother and sisters and even hired his two brothers-in-law to help run his successful construction company. On a chance business trip, however, he meets the one person who throws his life into a whirlwind--Jaynee.Jaynee has lived a tragic life and has sworn off all men. That is until a rugged southern gentleman lands in her seating area, refusing to take no for an answer. From the moment they meet, Jordan sweeps her off her feet, assuring her that happiness exists. But can she really escape her past?Five years later, Jordan finds Jaynee on their back porch with a gunshot wound to the head. While Jaynee lies in a coma, Jordan has to go back to their beginning and figure out what went wrong. Did he push his wife to the edge, or has her past come back to haunt them? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "You'll be swept off your feet along with Jaynee as she discovers the man of her dreams. You'll be drawn into the drama. And you'll flip the pages fast as Jordan must desperately figure out the truth in time. I was and did!" -- New York Times bestselling author Jaime Rush⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "SHE BELONGS TO ME is definitely a good suspenseful read. Ms. DeSousa is a talented author and I had no problem in connecting with the characters. The story displayed a realistic relationship between Jordan and Jaynee." -- The Romance Reviews

    Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his e-mails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does...

    That had always been my rule. But that was before Race True.The moment I saw her, I wanted her. But there was a problem. She wasn’t just another pretty face—no, she was my first client at ALFA PI. My take-what-I-want attitude shouldn't include her, but how the hell can I be expected to keep my hands off?The danger that followed her had my protective instincts in overdrive. And as the clock ticked down, the choice was laid out before me: save her career or risk everything and have her in my bed. Could I put aside my wants for her needs? Or would my selfishness destroy everything in the process?Warning: If you can't handle a dirty-mouthed bad boy or a tough woman with an attitude, this might not be the book for you.

    Louis Registered Nurse Shannon Johnson desperately needs a break from her hectic job and an unsatisfying long-term love affair. The parcel of Texas land she recently inherited is just the refuge she craves--that is, until fellow landowner Matt Taggart challenges her to prove she has what it takes to work the sprawling ranch. Shannon's pride makes her accept his dare--so does her attraction to the arrogant and utterly irresistible rancher... Engineer Madelyn Taggert was accustomed to going after what she wanted. But she never expected that a chance encounter with family friend Daniel Falcon would lead to a passionate night together--and that after the special moments they'd shared, he would walk away without a single regret. Hurt and angry, Madelyn is making plans to get on with her life and fulfill new dreams, despite the newly awakened desire she denies, but can't resist. Beautiful and wealthy socialite Dominique Falcon appears to have it all. But behind the glamorous image, Dominque feels worthless. After falling for a suave charmer who was only after her money, she vow that her next lover will be richer, more handsome, and higher up on the social ladder. But when a rough-around-the-edges guy from the school of hard knocks, enters her world, she breaks her promise and embarks on a torrid love affair. But can true love flourish between an unlikely pair from opposite ends of the social register?

    In her dreams, however, the image of a child haunts her, and she feels she should know him. In the care of Dr. Brett Parker, an unscrupulous and shady physician she trusts, she thinks he has her best interests at heart. But does he? And what dark secrets may he be harboring? Will she ever remember her past, and her family?For three years, billionaire Granger Mortensen’s pride has kept him from pursuing the wife who suddenly and inexplicably abandoned him and his son. But his young son wants answers, answers to why his mother left, so he begins a search to find those answers and have closure, one way or the other. But unbeknownst to both Granger and Cassandra, there are people who will stop at nothing to keep them apart, and possess them for themselves, even if it means murder.

     Eden My first love, Roman, was the pride of Greycoast. I said goodbye to him long ago, and I've said goodbye to that part of my life now. I’m married to my job. And I’d punch him straight in his handsome face if he ever came around here again. But when I throw cuffs on a hot tattooed bad boy, turn him over and see Roman's eyes, I'm right back where I was in high school. I won't let him take my heart again. Roman Eden’s love couldn’t stop me from running away. I know I’ll never find another woman like her, But she’s found me now. The look of rage on her face says everything I need to know. My biggest mistake is becoming my biggest desire. I never thought I’d have a second chance at love, but I’m bound and determined to make her mine. Lost and Found is a steamy and romantic BWWM love story with a guaranteed HEA.

    In order to discover the truth, Violet insists she and Wyatt work together—but trusting him with her and her baby girl’s lives is a different matter. As their investigation heats up, they uncover a scandalous town secret, and a determined killer takes aim at Violet. Now, in a race against time, it’s not always obvious who is friend and who is foe…

    and sneaky. Should she marry him? Jessica Smith loves her work as a business lawyer -- except for her ill-tempered boss. Yes, he’s gorgeous, but Bastion Kosta’s temper is so bad his nickname is the Kraken. She’s looking forward to finding a new job -- until Bastion makes her an offer he can’t refuse. As a Greek national, Bastion needs a legal way to stay in the US -- and marrying Jessica looks like the perfect solution. She’s not only beautiful, she’s smart, ambitious, and not afraid to stand up to him. With all his billions, he can buy her anything she wants or needs to sweeten the deal. But to convince Immigration, their marriage has to look real -- and soon, it faces all-too-real opposition. Bastion’s mother wants to drive them apart, Immigration is still suspicious, Jessica’s family is devastated by her deception … and now she’s carrying Bastion’s child. Will she be left alone with a baby, or can she and Bastion salvage a real relationship from their ruse? **** This is a standalone full length BWWM romance novel with an HEA. ****